JP5245070B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using game balls.

  In a conventional gaming machine, such as a pachinko gaming machine, based on the fact that a gaming ball launched from a launching device by operating a launching operation unit won a winning prize opening in the process of flowing down a gaming area formed on a gaming board. Then, a predetermined auxiliary game (for example, a variable display game in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner on the display device) is executed. When the result of the auxiliary game becomes a predetermined special result, a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state in which the opening / closing member of the variable prize device provided in the game area is converted into an open state in a predetermined manner) ) Is generally generated.

  In recent years, an operating unit consisting of push buttons, joysticks, etc. has been provided in the gaming machine frame to generate an effective period for operating the operating unit during execution of the variable display game, and the operating unit has been operated during the effective period Based on the above, a device has been devised to actively participate in the game by performing an effect suggesting the result of the variable display game (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-202018 A

By the way, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the operation amount of the operation unit is not fed back to the player, so the player cannot grasp whether or not the operation of the operation unit was appropriate.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, an object of the Turkey actively to participate in the game the player.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a variable display device that executes a variable display game; and an external operation means that is operated by a player and can affect the effect of the variable display game. The external operation means includes an operation unit operated by a player and an operation detection unit capable of detecting an operation amount of the operation unit, wherein the operation detection unit is configured to operate the operation unit. When detected, the variation display device changes the effect of the variation display game in accordance with the operation amount of the operation unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided switching means that operates when an operation amount of the operation unit detected by the operation detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition and switches the operation unit to be inoperable. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the switching means is released so as to be operated in accordance with the progress of the variable display game, and switches the operation unit to be operable.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the switching means is a fixing member that can fix the operation portion so as not to be operated.

  5th invention is provided with the operation amount display means which displays the operation amount of the said operation part detected by the said operation detection part so that a player can visually recognize.

  In a sixth aspect of the invention, the operation detection unit is an optical sensor capable of detecting a light passing state in which light illuminates the light receiving unit and a light shielding state in which light shining on the light receiving unit is blocked, A light-shielding member that can be moved in accordance with an operation by a player to switch the optical sensor to a light-shielding state, and the light-shielding member can switch the optical sensor to a light-transmitting state corresponding to different operation amounts. A light passage hole is provided, and when the optical sensor detects light that has passed through the light passage hole, an operation speed that is a change rate of an operation amount of the operation unit is calculated.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the light shielding member is in a light receiving state when the operation amount of the operation portion is zero or when the operation amount is maximum, and is in a light shielding state when the other is the other. When the state when the operation amount is zero is detected continuously for a predetermined time, it is determined that the operation unit is not operated by the player.

  The eighth invention is characterized by comprising a press detection unit that is pressed when the operation amount of the operation unit is maximum.

According to the present invention, the operation amount of the operation unit detected by the operation detection means is displayed in a visually recognizable manner and is fed back to the operated player. Therefore, the player can check whether the operation of the external operation means is appropriate. I can grasp it.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the upper plate unit of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the effect button of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of a base part in a production button. It is a perspective view of the light-shielding member which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is a figure explaining the effect | action of the light-shielding part in a light-shielding member. (A) And (b) is a figure explaining the effect | action of the press part in a light shielding member. (A) is a top view which shows the state at the time of non-operation of a latching solenoid, (b) is the figure which showed the side surface in Fig.9 (a) in the cross section. (A) is a top view which shows the state at the time of the action | operation of a latching solenoid, (b) is the figure which showed the side surface in Fig.10 (a) by the cross section. It is a block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus of a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process in a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process in a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process in a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process in an effect control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption process in an effect control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process in an effect control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the evaluation stage of the operation speed of a main button. It is a figure which shows an example of the production of the 1st penalty performed with a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows the procedure which performs the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the procedure which performs the operation mode monitoring process at the time of hitting the main button repeatedly in the process of FIG. It is a perspective view of the light-shielding member which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the procedure which performs the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the case where the process of FIG. 24 is applied to the light shielding member which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the light-shielding member which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the light-shielding member which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is not pressed down, (b) is the state by which the light-shielding member was pressed in Fig.27 (a). It is a perspective view shown. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the light-shielding member is not pressed down in the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the light-shielding member pressed down in FIG. 28 (a). It is a perspective view which shows a state. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the production of the 1st penalty which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the production of the 1st penalty which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a gaming machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

  First, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2 fixed to the island facility, and an opening / closing frame 4 installed on the main body frame 2 via a hinge 3 so that the right side can be opened and closed.

  The open / close frame 4 includes a front frame 5 and a glass frame 6. A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) having a game area 31 is disposed on the front frame 5. A glass frame 6 having a cover glass 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame 5. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually.

  A decorative member 7 is disposed around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. The decoration member 7 accommodates a frame decoration device 18d (see FIG. 12) composed of a lamp, an LED, and the like, and the light emission state of the decoration member 7 is adjusted by controlling the frame decoration device 18d. The

  An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the glass frame 6, and a movable illumination 9 is disposed on the left and right sides of the illumination unit 8. The lighting unit 8 accommodates lighting members such as lamps and LEDs inside, and performs a light emission effect according to the gaming state. The movable illumination 9 includes an illumination member such as a lamp and an LED, and a frame effect device 18f (see FIG. 12) that includes an illumination drive motor that drives the illumination member. The frame effect device 18f of the movable illumination 9 drives (for example, rotates) the illumination member according to the gaming state.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b that emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like. The upper speaker 10 a is disposed on both upper side portions of the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10 b is disposed below the upper plate 11 a constituting the upper plate unit 11.

  In the vicinity of the movable illumination 9 disposed on the left side, a gaming state notification LED 12 for notifying an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 is provided. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state notification LED 12 lights up or blinks, and a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is output from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The illegal act includes an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet and an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch 39a (see FIG. 11) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch 39b (see FIG. 11). Further, the act of opening the open / close frame 4 illegally is also included in the illegal act. The open / close state of the front frame 5 is detected by the front frame open detection switch 3b (see FIG. 11), and the open / closed state of the glass frame 6 is detected by the glass frame open detection switch 18b (see FIG. 11).

  Below the cover glass 6a of the glass frame 6, an upper plate unit 11 including an upper plate 11a is installed. The upper plate 11a supplies a game ball to a ball launcher (not shown) provided on the front frame 5. The fixed panel 13 that is positioned below the glass frame 6 and fixed to the front frame 5 is provided with an operation unit 15 for driving the lower pan 14 and the ball launching device. When the player rotates the operation unit 15, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11 a to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 16 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 14.

  The upper plate unit 11 is provided with an effect button (external operation means) 100 for receiving an operation input from a player on the front side of the upper plate 11a. When the player operates the effect button 100, the player's operation can be influenced to the effect of the variable display game on the variable display device 35 (see FIG. 2), and a normal game state does not occur. The effect pattern can be changed even in the gaming state.

  A ball lending button 18 that is operated when a player borrows a game ball and a discharge button 19 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card from a card unit (not shown) are arranged at the lower center of the glass frame 6. Is done. Between the ball lending button 18 and the discharge button 19, a balance display unit 20 for displaying the balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided.

  Next, the gaming board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The game board 30 defines a substantially circular game area 31 by providing guide rails 33 as partition members on the front surface of a rectangular game board main body 32 made of plywood or plastic.

  A center case 34 having an opening 34 a is disposed in the game area 31. An opening having a shape along the outer periphery of the center case 34 is formed in the game board 30, and the center case 34 is fitted into the opening from the front of the game board 30. On the upper left side of the center case 34, an upper special winning opening (upper special variable winning device) 36 that can be converted into a state in which a game ball is not accepted or a state in which it is easy to accept according to the result of the variable display game is disposed. .

  On the back surface of the game board 30, a variable display device 35 having a display unit 35a capable of displaying a variable display game to be executed is disposed via a control base unit (not shown). The fluctuation display device 35 is arranged so that the display portion 35a faces the opening 34a of the center case 34. The variable display device 35 sets a plurality of display areas (for example, three display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) on the display unit 35a, and displays variable identification information in each display area. Run the game.

  In the lower center of the game area 31, there is provided a start winning opening 37 that can be given a start condition for a special symbol (special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball. The start winning opening 37 includes a first start winning opening 37a in which a first special figure variation display game is performed when a game ball is won, and a second special figure fluctuation display game in which a second special figure variation display game is performed when a game ball is won. And a start winning opening 37b.

  The second start winning port 37b is disposed directly below the first start winning port 37a and includes a pair of left and right opening / closing members 37c. In the normal gaming state, the opening / closing member 37c maintains a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. When a general-purpose fluctuation display game executed on a status display 42, which will be described later, is won, the open / close member 37c is rotated so that the front end is opened by the general-purpose solenoid 38b (see FIG. 11), and the second start The game ball easily enters the winning opening 37b (a state advantageous to the player).

  Below the second start winning opening 37b in the gaming area 31, a lower large winning opening (lower special variable winning apparatus) 38 that can be converted into a state that does not accept a game ball and a state that can easily be received depending on the gaming state is disposed. Is done. Also, on the left side of the center case 34 in the game area 31, there is disposed a normal diagram start gate 39 in which a normal symbol (normal diagram) variable display game is played when a game ball passes. Further, on both sides of the start winning opening 37 in the game area 31, a plurality of general winning openings 40 are provided which satisfy only a condition for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won. In addition to these, the game area 31 includes a direction changing member such as a windmill (not shown) or a nail (not shown) that changes the falling direction of the game ball, and an out port 41 for collecting the game ball that has flowed down without winning. Arranged.

  In the lower right part of the game board 30, a special figure fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game, a special figure winning memory number (starting memory number), a normal figure fluctuation display of the general figure fluctuation display game, a common figure winning memory number, And a status indicator 42 for displaying the number of determined rounds of the jackpot.

  In the gaming machine 1, a game ball launched by a ball launcher (not shown) is launched into the game area 31 through a launch ball guide passage 43 defined by a guide rail 33, and is directed by a direction changing member (not shown). The game area 31 flows down while changing the falling direction. The game ball that has flowed down in the game area 31 wins the start winning port 37, the general winning port 40, the upper large winning port 36 or the lower large winning port 38, or is discharged from the out port 41.

  When a game ball wins the start winning port 37, the general winning port 40, the upper major winning port 36, or the lower major winning port 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning port is discharged from the payout device (not shown). Is done.

  When a game ball wins the start winning opening 37, the variable display device 35 starts a special figure variable display game in which identification information composed of three numbers or the like is sequentially displayed in a variable manner. When a game ball is won at the start winning opening 37 at a predetermined timing, the result of the special figure changing display game becomes a special result (a big hit state), and the game stops with three display symbols aligned. In this case, at least one of the upper big winning opening 36 and the lower big winning opening 38 does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time (a disadvantageous state for the player), and is in an open state (for the player). Advantageous state). When the upper big prize opening 36 and the lower big prize opening 38 are opened for a predetermined time, the player is given a game value that can acquire many game balls. Opening and closing of the upper special winning opening 36 and the lower special winning opening 38 is performed via each large winning opening solenoid 42b (see FIG. 11).

  Further, when the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 39, the usual figure change display game is started by the state display 42. When the game ball passes through the normal start gate 39 at a predetermined timing, the normal symbol is hit, and the normal symbol displayed on the status indicator 42 stops in the hit state. In this case, the opening / closing member 37c provided at the second start winning opening 37b is driven by the general-purpose solenoid 38b (see FIG. 11) to expand for a predetermined time, and the game ball wins the second starting winning opening 37b. The possibility is increased.

  Note that game balls that have not won the start winning port 37, the general winning port 40, the upper major winning port 36, or the lower major winning port 38 are discharged from the out port 41 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 31.

  Next, the upper plate unit 11 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The upper plate unit 11 is provided on the lower front side of the glass frame 6 and includes an upper plate (member) 11a (see FIG. 1) capable of storing game balls. The upper plate unit 11 is a horizontally long unit attached to the front side of the glass frame 6.

  The upper plate unit 11 includes a speaker cover portion 10c that opens slightly upward on the front surface side in the lower left portion. The speaker cover portion 10c is disposed so that the output portion of the lower speaker 10b is fitted.

  An effect button 100 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate unit 11. The effect button 100 includes a main button (operation unit) 110 and a sub button 120 whose stroke (operation amount) is changed by a player's operation. An opening 111b for arranging the sub button 120 is provided on the outer periphery of the main button decoration (cover) 111 of the main button 110 (see FIG. 4). The main button 110 and the sub button 120 are urged by a spring (see FIG. 4) toward the upper side of the upper plate unit 11, and are operated by being pressed by the player.

  In the present embodiment, the main button 11 is provided as an operation unit. However, instead of the main button 11, an operation unit of another aspect such as a joystick may be provided.

  Next, the effect button 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect button 100 includes a main button 110 and a sub button 120 arranged on the button base 105. A switch board 130 is disposed on the opposite surface of the button base 105 on which the main button 110 and the sub button 120 are disposed.

  The main button 110 is directed to a main button decoration (cover) 111 that is a decorative member visually recognized by the player, a main button lens 112 that is formed to transmit light and pressed by the player, and the main button lens 112. A reflector 113 for diffusing light and a main button spring 114 that urges the reflector 113 to be in a non-depressed state are overlapped to be accommodated in the main button storage portion 105 a of the button base 105.

  The sub button 120 is formed by superposing a sub button main body 121 pressed by a player and a sub button spring 122 that urges the sub button main body 121 to be in a non-depressed state. It is stored in the storage unit 105b.

  The main button decoration 111 is formed with an opening 111a through which the main button lens 112 is inserted. The main button decoration 111 is formed with a fixing portion (not shown) for fixing to the button base 105. The main button decoration 111 is fixed so as to sandwich an opening (not shown) of the upper plate unit 11 with the button base 105. The main button decoration 111 is formed with a sub button opening 111b through which the sub button main body 121 is inserted.

  The main button lens 112 is disposed so that the operation portion 112a formed in a curved surface from the opening 111a of the main button decoration 111 faces upward. The player operates the main button by pressing the operation unit 112a. The main button lens 112 is a transparent or translucent lens. Inside the main button lens 112, four LEDs 109, which are light emitters described later, are arranged. Thereby, it is possible to perform control such as causing the main button lens 112 to emit light according to the effect.

  The reflector 113 has a cylindrical shape and includes a reflection portion 113a that reflects light on the inner side. The outer periphery of the reflector 113 is formed so as to be fitted to the main button lens 112. Four holes 113d (see FIG. 5) for guiding the light of the LED 109 are formed in the reflecting portion 113a. The reflector 113 includes a guide 113b on the side surface, and the guide 113b is slidably disposed in a groove portion 105c formed on the inner periphery of the main button storage portion 105a of the button base 105. Accordingly, the reflector 113 can slide in the axial direction with respect to the button base 105. The reflector 113 includes an engaging portion 113 c that extends in the axial direction and is formed on the outer periphery to engage with the button base 105.

  The main button spring 114 is disposed between the reflector 113 and the button base 105, and biases the operation unit 112 a of the main button lens 112 upward.

  The sub button main body 121 is inserted into the sub button opening 111 c of the main button decoration 111 and is urged upward by the sub button spring 122.

  As described above, the button base 105 stores the main button 110 in the main button storage portion 105a and the sub button 120 in the sub button storage portion 105b. At this time, the engaging portion 113c of the reflector 113 is engaged with the engaging groove 105d of the button base 105, and the reflector 113 is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the button base 105.

  The switch board 130 is fixed to the back side of the button base 105, and includes a photo sensor (operation detection unit) 106 that detects a change in stroke of the main button 110 and a push button (that detects that the main button 110 is in the maximum stroke state). A pressing detection unit) 131, a latching solenoid (fixing member) 107 serving as a switching unit capable of switching between a state where the main button 110 can be operated and a state where the main button 110 cannot be operated, and a sub button switch 108 which detects pressing of the sub button 120. And are arranged. In addition to providing the latching solenoid 107, means for electrically disabling the operation of the main button 110 may be provided.

  Since the push button 131 is used as the operation unit, a change in stroke is detected by the photo sensor 106. In addition to this, for example, when a joystick is used as the operation unit, the operation detection unit is the joystick. The operation angle will be detected.

  The photo sensor 106 is an optical sensor that detects that the operation unit 112a of the main button lens 112 is pressed (operated) downward. As shown in FIG. 7, the photo sensor 106 detects a light passing state that illuminates the light receiving portion 106a (see FIG. 7) and a light shielding state where the light that illuminates the light receiving portion 106a is blocked by the light shielding member 140. The operation of the button 110 is detected.

  The light shielding member 140 is inserted into the back surface of the reflector 113 as shown in FIG. When the player releases the effect button 100 after the main button 110 is operated, the main button lens 114 and the reflector 113 are urged upward by the main button spring 114 to a position before the player operates. Returned.

  The push button 131 (see FIG. 8) is provided on the switch board 130 along with the photosensor 106. The push button 131 is pressed and switched by the light shielding member 140 that contacts when the main button 110 is pressed down to the maximum stroke. Since the push button 131 is pressed when the stroke of the main button 110 is maximum, it is possible to reliably detect a state in which the main button 110 is operated to the maximum stroke.

  Instead of the push button 131, a pressure sensor that detects the pressing force of the main button 110 may be provided. When the pressure sensor is provided, not only can the main button 110 be pressed, but also the pressing force of the main button 110 at that time can be detected.

  The latching solenoid 107 is fixed to the switch board 130 so that the light shielding member 140 cannot move when operated, and releases the light shielding member 140 movably when the operation is released. The latching solenoid 107 includes a rod 107a that can be expanded and contracted in accordance with an input electric signal. The latching solenoid 107 is activated when the stroke change of the main button 110 satisfies a predetermined condition, and is deactivated in accordance with the progress of the variable display game. The conditions under which the latching solenoid 107 is activated and deactivated will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the light shielding member 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the light blocking member 140 is inserted into the center of the back surface of the reflector 113 and moves in the axial direction integrally with the reflector 113 as the stroke of the main button 110 is changed by the player's operation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the light shielding member 140 includes an insertion portion 141 that is inserted into the reflector 113, a plate-like main body portion 145 that protrudes in the axial direction from the insertion portion 141, and the photosensor 106 (FIG. 7). A light-blocking portion 142 that can block light (see FIG. 8), and a pressing portion 144 that can press the push button 131 (see FIG. 8).

  The insertion part 141 is formed in a D-shaped cross-section in which a part of the columnar shape is cut. The fitting insertion part 141 is fitted into the central hole of the reflector 113 formed in the same shape as the fitting insertion part 141 so as to be concentric with the reflector 113.

  The light shielding portion 142 is a plate-like portion that is formed integrally and continuously with the main body portion 145. The light shielding unit 142 can be inserted into the light receiving unit 106a of the photosensor 106 (see FIG. 7) to be in a light shielding state. The light shielding part 142 is formed with a light transmission hole 143 including three circular holes 143a to 143c.

  The light shielding unit 142 is formed so that the photo sensor 106 is in a light receiving state when the stroke of the main button 110 is zero, and the photo sensor 106 is in a light shielding state at the maximum stroke. As a result, when the photosensor 106 detects that it is in a light receiving state or in a light blocking state continuously for a predetermined time, the stroke of the main button 110 is zero or the stroke of the main button 110 is maximum. It is possible to determine. Details of this will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the contrary, the photo sensor 106 may be in a light shielding state when the stroke of the main button 110 is zero, and the photo sensor 106 may be in a light shielding state at the maximum stroke.

  In the light transmission hole 143, holes 143a to 143c are formed in a line at predetermined intervals in the same direction as the movement direction of the light blocking member 140. Accordingly, the holes 143a to 143c face the light receiving unit 106a corresponding to different strokes of the main button 110, and switch the photosensor 106 to the light-transmitting state.

  Between the holes 143a to 143c, the holes 143a to 143c are formed with a thickness capable of blocking light from the light receiving unit 106a. In the present embodiment, three holes 143a to 143c are formed, but the number is not limited to three.

  The pressing portion 144 is a plate-like portion that is formed at an end portion of the main body portion 145 opposite to the fitting insertion portion 141 and is formed perpendicular to the moving direction of the light shielding member 140. The pressing unit 144 can press the push button 131 (see FIG. 8) when the main button 110 is pressed down to the maximum stroke by the movement of the light blocking member 140.

  Next, the operation of the light shielding portion 142 in the light shielding member 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the state shown in FIG. 7A, the main button 110 is not operated, and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are urged away from the switch board 130 by the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4). It is in a state.

  When the main button 110 is not operated, the light shielding member 140 is not inserted into the photosensor 106, and thus the light that illuminates the light receiving unit 106 a of the photosensor 106 is not blocked by the light blocking unit 142.

  The state shown in FIG. 7B is a state in which the main button 110 is pressed by the player and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are moved in the direction approaching the switch board 130.

  When the main button 110 is pressed, the light blocking member 140 is inserted into the photosensor 106, and the light that illuminates the light receiving unit 106a is blocked by the light blocking unit 142. When the main button 110 starts to be pressed, first, the end of the light shielding portion 142 blocks light that illuminates the light receiving portion 106a (light shielding state), and then the hole 143a transmits light that illuminates the light receiving portion 106a (light passing state). Subsequently, 143b and 143c pass, so that the light that illuminates the light receiving unit 106a alternately repeats the light-transmitting state and the light-blocking state, and enters the light-blocking state when the main button 110 is completely pressed (FIG. 7 ( b)).

  A time from when the light receiving unit 106a of the photosensor 106 detects light passing through the hole 143a at one end to when detecting light passing through the hole 143c at the other end when the main button 110 is pressed; The moving speed of the light shielding member 140 can be obtained from the distance between the hole 143a and the hole 143c. The obtained speed is the operation speed of the main button 110. Details of how to obtain the operation speed of the main button 110 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  For example, when only the single hole 143a is formed in the light shielding portion 142, the distance from the end 142a of the light shielding portion 142 to the hole 143a and the end 142a switches the photosensor 106 to the light shielding state. The operating speed of the main button 110 can be obtained from the time until the hole 143a is switched to the light-transmitting state. Therefore, the number of holes 143a to 143c is preferably plural, but may be one or more.

  Further, the acceleration of the main button 110 can be obtained from the distance between the hole 143a and the hole 143b and the distance between the hole 143b and the hole 143c.

  Next, the operation of the pressing portion 144 in the light shielding member 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the state shown in FIG. 8A, the main button 110 is not operated, and the main button lens 114 and the reflector 113 are urged away from the switch board 130 by the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4). It is in a state.

  When the main button 110 is not operated, the push button 131 is not pressed because the light shielding member 140 is located away from the switch board 130.

  The state shown in FIG. 8B is a state in which the main button 110 is pressed by the player and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are moved in the direction approaching the switch board 130.

  When the main button 110 is pressed, the light shielding member 140 approaches the switch board 130 according to the stroke amount of the main button 110. Eventually, when the main button 110 is completely pressed, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 comes into contact with the push button 131, and the push button 131 is pressed by the pressing portion 144 (see FIG. 8B). State shown). When the main button 110 is pressed faster than a predetermined speed and the push button 131 is pressed, the latching solenoid 107 is operated to fix the light shielding member 140.

  Therefore, by providing the push button 131, it is possible to reliably detect that the main button 110 has been pressed down to the maximum stroke, and it is possible to reliably fix the light shielding member 140 by the latching solenoid 107. .

  Next, the operation of the latching solenoid 107 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The state shown in FIG. 9 is a state in which the main button 110 is not operated and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are urged away from the switch board 130 by the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4). is there.

  When the main button 110 is not operated, the light shielding member 140 is located away from the switch board 130, so that the latching solenoid 107 is not operated and the rod 107a is retracted.

  The state shown in FIG. 10 is a state in which the main button 110 is completely pressed by the player, the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are moved, and are in contact with the push button 131 of the switch board 130.

  When the main button 110 is completely pressed, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 contacts the push button 131, and the push button 131 is pressed by the pressing portion 144 (the state shown in FIG. 10B). At this time, the rod 107a of the latching solenoid 107 advances under a predetermined condition, and holds the pressing portion 144 with the push button 131.

  Thus, even if the player stops the operation of the main button 110 and the urging force of the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4) acts on the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113, the main button 110 is separated from the switch board 130. Instead, it is fixed in a fully depressed state. Therefore, the player cannot operate the main button 110. The condition for the rod 107a of the latching solenoid 107 to advance will be described in detail later.

  Next, a control system centered on the game control device 500 of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The game control device 500 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games. A power supply device 300, a payout control device 580, and an effect control device 550 are connected to the game control device 500. The game control device 500 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550 (see FIG. 13) to instruct execution of various processes. The game control device 500 is further connected to various switches and solenoids to be controlled.

  The game control device 500 includes a CPU unit 510 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 520 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 530 that outputs various signals and commands. The CPU unit 510, the input unit 520, and the output unit 530 are connected to each other by a data bus 540. Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

  The input unit 520 accepts signals input from various switches provided in the game board 30 and the like and signals input from the payout control device 580. A signal input to the input unit 520 is transmitted to the CPU unit 510 via the data bus 540.

  The input unit 520 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 521 and ports 522 (522a and 522b).

  The proximity I / F 521 is an interface that receives input signals from various switches, converts the received input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the port 522a. The various switches for inputting signals to the proximity I / F 521 include, for example, a start port SW (first start port SW37d, second start port SW38d), a normal start gate SW34b, winning ports SW44a to 44m, and a count SW42d. It is. Hereinafter, these switches will be described.

  The first start port SW37d is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 37a. The second start port SW38d is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the second start winning port 37b. The normal start gate SW34b is a switch for detecting that a game ball has passed through the normal start gate 39.

  In addition, the detection signal from the start port SW (the first start port SW37d and the second start port SW38d) is input to the gaming microcomputer 511 through the inversion circuit 512 described later in addition to the port 522a. This is because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 511 is designed to detect the low level as an effective level.

  The count SW 42d is a switch that detects a game ball that has won a prize winning opening 36, 38. When a winning game ball is detected, the number of winning game balls is counted, and the counted number of gaming balls is stored in a memory provided in the game control device 500. The winning opening SWs 44 a to 44 m are switches for detecting that a game ball has won the general winning opening 44.

  In addition, since the voltage of the signal input to the proximity I / F 521 is within a predetermined range, the IC included in the proximity I / F 521 detects disconnection of the lead wire of the proximity switch, short circuit, voltage value abnormality, etc. It is possible to do. When the proximity I / F 521 detects an abnormality by these functions, a signal indicating the abnormality is output from the abnormality detection output terminal.

  Further, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 521 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the connected switch, the proximity I / F 521 is a case where the switch is not connected. Also, the output can be kept constant.

  The port 522 receives a signal input via the proximity I / F 521 or directly receives a signal input from the outside. The port 522 is connected to the data bus 540, and information input to the port 522 is supplied to the CPU unit 510 and the like via the data bus 540.

  The switches that directly input signals to the port 522 include, for example, a magnetic sensor SW39a, a vibration sensor SW39b, a front frame opening detection SW3b, and a glass frame opening detection SW18b. Hereinafter, these switches will be described.

  The glass frame open detection SW 18b is provided on the back surface of the glass frame 6, for example, and detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The glass frame open detection SW 18b is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  Similarly, the front frame opening detection SW 3b detects that the front frame 5 has been opened. The front frame opening detection SW 3 b is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed to the main body frame 2.

  The magnetic sensor SW39a detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The vibration sensor SW39b detects the vibration of the gaming machine 1 in order to detect an illegal act that vibrates the gaming machine 1.

  Similarly, a signal output from the payout control device 580 is also directly input to the port 522.

  The CPU unit 510 includes a game microcomputer (game arithmetic processing device) 511, an inversion circuit 512, and a crystal oscillator 513.

  The gaming microcomputer 511 includes a CPU 5111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 5112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 5113.

  The gaming microcomputer 511 executes various processes such as a big win lottery by executing a program stored in the ROM 5112 based on a signal input via the input unit 520.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 511 transmits a command signal (command) to the status indicator 42, the main power solenoid 38 b, the special prize opening solenoid 42 b, the effect control device 550, the payout control device 580, and the like via the output unit 530. The overall game is controlled by this. Note that the gaming microcomputer 511 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip select.

  The ROM 5112 is a non-volatile storage medium and stores invariant information (program, data, etc.) for game control. The RAM 5113 is a volatile storage medium, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inverting circuit 512 inverts the logical value of the signal (start winning detection signal) input via the proximity I / F 521 and inputs the inverted logic value to the gaming microcomputer 511. The crystal oscillator 513 is a hard random number operating clock source for performing timer interrupts, system clock signals, jackpot lottery, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the frequency is 20.0000 MHz. Note that another crystal oscillator may be connected as a hard random number operation clock source.

  The output unit 530 includes a port 531, a buffer 532, a driver 533, and a photocoupler (external communication terminal) 534.

  The port 531 receives information input via the data bus 540. The buffer 532 temporarily holds information input via the data bus 540. The driver 533 generates various drive signals from the control signal input via the port 531 and outputs them to each display.

  The photocoupler 534 is connected to the inspection apparatus 592, removes noise from each input / output signal, and shapes the waveform of the signal. Information is transmitted to and received from the inspection device 592 by serial communication.

  Here, the signal output from the output unit 530 will be further described.

  Information output from the CPU unit 510 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 580 via the port 531a. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication to the payout control device 580, information (payout command) is directly transmitted from the port 531a to the payout control board of the payout control device 580.

  The effect control device 550 outputs a 1-bit data strobe signal (SSTB) indicating the validity / invalidity of data to the buffer 532a via the port 531a, and outputs an 8-bit data signal to the buffer 532a via the port 531b. . Then, an 8 + 1 bit signal (subcommand) is output from the buffer 532a by parallel communication. The buffer 532a is provided to secure one-way communication so that a signal cannot be transmitted from the effect control device 550 to the game control device 500.

  The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 550 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command (main command). The effect control device 550 executes an effect instructed based on the input effect control command signal.

  The signal output from the CPU unit 510 is input to the special winning opening solenoid 42b and the general electric solenoid 38b via the port 531c and the driver 533a. The general electric solenoid 38b operates so as to expand the opening / closing member 37c of the second start winning prize opening 37b for a predetermined time. The big prize opening solenoid 42b is in an open state (a state advantageous to the player) from a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) in which the big prize openings 36 and 38 do not accept the game ball for a predetermined time. To.

  The status indicator 42 includes a status indicator 42 and a gaming status LED 12. The game control device 500 transmits a signal for controlling the status indicator 42. On / off data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal of the LED is output to the status indicator 42 via the port 531c and the driver 533b, and the digit line connected to the cathode terminal of the LED is turned on / off. Data is output via the port 531d and the driver 533c.

  The status indicator 42 includes a first special figure indicator, a second special figure indicator, and a universal figure indicator. The first special figure display and the second special figure display correspond to the first start winning opening 37a and the second starting winning opening 37b. In addition, the first special figure display and the second special figure display display the fluctuation display of the identification information (special symbol) of the special figure fluctuation display game and the special figure start memory number (start memory number). The universal map display displays a variation display of identification information (ordinary symbol) of the universal map variation display game and a display of the universal diagram start memory number.

  The gaming state LED 29 receives a signal and notifies the gaming state when the internal state (probability) of the gaming machine changes or when an abnormality or the like is detected.

  The external information terminal 508 outputs gaming machine data (for example, a start signal indicating the start of a variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of a special game state (big hit)) from the game control device 500 to the information collecting terminal device. It is a terminal for. The gaming machine data is output via the port 531e and the driver 533d.

  Some game control devices 500 include a connector (not shown) to which a test firing test device 591 for performing a type test of a gaming machine in a predetermined engine is connected. The test firing test apparatus 591 outputs signals input from the start port SW (37d, 38d), the normal start gate SW34b, the winning port SWs 44a to 44m, and the count SW 42d, and is output to the large winning port solenoid 42b and the general electric solenoid 38b. Information necessary for the test, such as a signal to be transmitted, is input via the relay board 590. Note that a buffer 532b and a connector for outputting a signal to the test firing test device 591 are not mounted on a mass-produced sales machine that is not for inspection.

  The game control device 500 is connected to the power supply device 300 via the Schmitt circuit 541. The Schmitt circuit 541 removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The signals input to the Schmitt circuit 541 include a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal. Hereinafter, the power supply device 300 and signals transmitted from the power supply device 300 to the game control device 500 will be described.

  The power supply apparatus 300 includes a normal power supply 310 such as a power supply circuit and a backup power supply 320. The power supply apparatus 300 further includes a power failure monitoring circuit (not shown).

  The normal power supply 310 includes DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V power supplies. DC32V is a power source for driving various solenoids. DC12V is a power source supplied to a driver IC for driving the IC of the proximity I / F 521, the photocoupler 534, and the LED of the status indicator 42. DC5V is used as a power source for various ICs and a power source monitor LED.

  The backup power source (DC5VBB1) 320 is used as a power source for backing up game data (game information, game control information (including information related to a variable display game, etc.)) stored in the RAM 5113 of the game microcomputer 511. The game control device 500 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 5113 after the power failure is restored. Note that the backup power source 320 can hold game data for two to three days or more.

  With respect to the normal power supplies DC12V and DC5V, and the backup power supply (DC5VBB1) 320, the line noise between the game control device 500 is removed by the filter circuit.

  A power failure monitoring circuit (not shown) monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32 V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12 V and DC 5 V on the power supply board. When the detected voltage is DC17.2V to DC20.0V, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure monitoring signal is input to the game control device 500. At this time, the signal is input to the port 522 of the input unit 520 via the Schmitt circuit 541.

  After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal to the game control device 500 via the Schmitt circuit 541. Specifically, it is input to each port 531 of the gaming microcomputer 511 and the output unit 530. Further, it is output to the test firing test device 591.

  When the game control device 500 receives a power failure detection signal, the game control device 500 performs a predetermined power failure process, and after receiving a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU unit 510.

  The power supply device 300 also includes an initialization switch (not shown). When the initialization switch is in the ON state (operated state) when the power is turned on, the initialization switch signal is transmitted via the Schmitt circuit 541. Is output to the port 522 of the input unit 520.

  Next, the payout control device 580 will be described. The payout control device 580 inputs and outputs signals to and from the game control device 500 in both directions. The payout control device 580 controls a payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal input by the game control device 500 to discharge the prize ball. Further, based on a ball rental request signal from a card unit (not shown), the operation of the payout unit is controlled to discharge the ball.

  Further, the payout control device 580 outputs a signal to the game control device 500 when a failure such as a broken ball or a failure occurs. Specifically, a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball cut SW signal, an overflow SW signal, and the like.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal that is output when the payout of the game medium (game ball) is not performed normally. The payout chute ball cut SW signal is a signal that is output when the number of game balls before payout is insufficient. The overflow SW signal is a signal output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 14.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a control system centering on the effect control device 550 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  The production control device 550 is a subordinate control device that controls the production based on the production control command signal transmitted from the game control device 500, and each device that produces the game (controlled) based on the production control command signal. Device). The production of the game by each device (controlled device) includes display of the variable display device 35, emission of decoration light by the decoration / production device, driving of the production motor, output of sound effects by the speaker 10, and the like. In addition, when an abnormality is detected, for example, when the front frame 5 or the glass frame 6 is opened, a notification sound (frame opening sound) is output from the speaker 10 by the effect control device 550.

  The decoration / production device includes a board decoration device 10d, a frame decoration device 18d, a board production device 10f, and a frame production device 18f. The speaker 10 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b.

  The effect control device 550 further includes an effect button SW60a (operation detection means) that detects that the effect button 100 has been operated, and an effect motor SW59a that detects an initial position of an effect member that operates using the effect motor as a drive source. Is connected. When signals are input from these switches, various effects are executed based on the input signals.

  In addition, the effect control device 550 is supplied with power from the power supply device 300 in the same manner as the game control device 500. The power supplied from the normal power supply 310 to the effect control device 550 includes DC 18V and NDC 24V in addition to those supplied from the game control device 500. “NDC” represents a pulsating current (voltage after rectification and before smoothing). In addition, a reset signal is input from the power supply device 300 when a power failure is detected. The effect control device 550 is configured not to be supplied with a backup power for holding the stored contents because information that affects the game result (giving game value) is not stored.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the effect control device 550 will be specifically described.

  The production control device 550 includes a CPU 551, a command interface (I / F) 552, a PROM 553, a CPU / VDP 554, a PROM / image ROM 555, a VRAM 556, a signal conversion circuit 557, a sound source LSI 560, an audio ROM 561, an amplifier circuit 562, and a decoration / production device. A control circuit (board decoration LED control circuit 10c, frame decoration LED control circuit 18c, board effect motor control circuit 10e, frame effect motor control circuit 18e, fixing member control circuit 107c) to be controlled, and an SW input circuit 570 are provided.

  The CPU 551 transmits instructions to the CPU / VDP 554 that performs visual effects, the sound source LSI 560 that performs sound effects, and the control circuit that controls the decoration / effect device disposed on the game board 30 or the front frame 5. Perform various effects.

  The command I / F 552 is an interface for receiving an input of an effect command transmitted from the game control device 500. The received effect command is notified to the CPU 551.

  The CPU 551 controls various effects based on the command input from the game control device 500 via the command I / F 552. The PROM 553 stores invariant information (program, data, etc.) for game control. The CPU 551 controls various effects based on information stored in the PROM 553.

  The CPU 551 is provided with a RAM 5511 that is used as a work area for temporarily storing information necessary for effect control in the game. The RAM 5511 may be provided outside the CPU 551.

  The CPU / VDP 554 is an arithmetic device that mainly performs processing related to visual effects such as outputting an image of identification information or a character to the variable display device 35 in response to a request from the CPU 551.

  The CPU / VDP 554 includes a RAM 5541 and a scaler 5542. The RAM 5541 is used as a work area for temporarily storing information necessary for effect control. The scaler 5542 enlarges the display data by using the display data for one pixel generated by the CPU / VDP 554 in common for a plurality of pixels, and displays an image on a large-screen liquid crystal panel.

  The CPU / VDP 554 is connected to a PROM / image ROM 555 (effect data storage means) that stores image data and the like. The PROM / image ROM 555 stores common image information for each model and image information for each series of the corresponding model. The CPU / VDP 554 is connected to a VRAM 556 that temporarily stores information necessary for image processing.

  Further, the CPU / VDP 554 outputs a synchronization signal (VSYNC, HSYNC) to the CPU 551. With this synchronization signal, it is possible to synchronize the production by sound or the like and the production by the image output to the fluctuation display device 35.

  The CPU / VDP 554 outputs an image signal to the variable display device 35 via the signal conversion circuit 557. The signal conversion circuit 557 converts the signal in accordance with the specification of the fluctuation display device 35. In addition, by outputting a synchronization signal (VSYNC, HSYNC), the timing at which an image is displayed is synchronized with other effects processing.

  The sound source LSI 560 outputs sound signals such as sound effects and notification sounds based on the sound data stored in the sound ROM 561 in response to a request from the CPU 551. Audio data is stored in the audio ROM 561. The audio signal output from the sound source LSI 560 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 562 and output from the speaker 10.

  The speaker 10 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b. The amplifier circuit 562 includes an upper speaker amplifier circuit 562a and a lower speaker amplifier circuit 562b corresponding to each speaker.

  The CPU 551 is connected to a control circuit that controls various decoration / production devices via an address bus / data bus 559. The CPU 551 outputs a control signal to a control circuit that controls the various decoration / effect devices, and controls the various decoration / effect devices.

  Next, with reference to FIG.13 and FIG.14, the procedure of the main process in the game control apparatus 500 is demonstrated.

  The main process is executed by the gaming microcomputer 511 of the gaming control device 500 when the gaming machine is powered on or restored from a power failure. The main process includes a process for initialization that is executed only once when the power is turned on, a main loop process (a process in a state where the gaming machine is normally operating), and a process when a power failure occurs.

  When the main process is started, the game control device 500 first executes an initialization process. Specifically, in the initialization process, the game control device 500 first prohibits an external interrupt (S1301), and sets an interrupt vector (S1302) and a stack pointer (S1303). Further, an interrupt mode is set (S1304), a delay time (for example, 4 milliseconds) until the start-up of the payout board is waited (S1305), and the access to the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 is permitted (S1306). . Thereafter, all output ports are set to OFF (S1307), and serial ports are set (S1308).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a power failure recovery process. In the power failure recovery process, first, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch signal is on (S1309). If the initialization switch signal is not on, the power failure inspection area is checked (S1310). With these processes, it is determined whether the cause of the previous power interruption is a normal power interruption or a power interruption due to a power failure (S1311). If the power is interrupted due to a power failure, a power failure recovery process is executed. In the case of a normal power shutdown, the stored contents of the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 are cleared (S1332), a predefined initial value is set (S1333), and a command at power-on is transmitted. A normal power-on process such as (S1334) is executed, and then the process proceeds to S1320.

  In the power failure recovery process, a process for restarting the game in the state before the power failure is executed. When a power failure occurs, the storage content of the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 is backed up by the backup power source 320 of the power supply device 300, and further the checksum calculated based on the storage content is stored (S1312). In the power failure recovery process, based on the stored checksum, it is determined whether or not the stored content of the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 is correct (S1313). If the stored content is correct, based on the backed up stored content, The state before the occurrence of the power failure is restored (S1314), and the area related to error and fraud monitoring is reset (S1315).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the probability that the result of the variable display game is “winning” at the time of a power failure is a high probability (S1316). If the power failure occurred at a high probability, a flag for informing the high probability is set (S1317), and the LED for leaving the high probability is set to “ON” (S1318). Then, it progresses to S1319. If the power failure is not at a high probability, the process proceeds to S1319.

  Next, the game control device 500 transmits a power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number (S1319).

  After completing the power failure recovery process, the game control apparatus 500 activates a counter IC that is a timer that generates an interrupt for executing a timer interrupt process at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) (S1320). Then, activation of the random number circuit is set (S1321), the value of the soft random number register at the time of power-on is saved as an initial value random number (S1322), and interruption is permitted (S1323).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 updates initial value random numbers that are initial values of various random numbers (S1324). These random numbers include a random number for determining the big hit of the special figure variation display game (big hit random number), a random number for determining the big hit symbol of the special figure fluctuation display game (big hit symbol random number), An initial value random number corresponding to a random number for determining the winning (per random number) and a random number for determining the winning symbol of the normal game display game is included.

  In the process of updating the various initial value random numbers, first, interrupts are prohibited and the initial value random number update process is executed to update the various initial value random numbers. Allow interrupts after updating the initial random number. As described above, when setting the initial value random number, the interrupt is prohibited, and the game control device 500 performs control so that the timer interrupt process is executed after various initial value random numbers are updated.

  Then, the game control device 500 determines whether or not a power failure has occurred (S1325). If the occurrence of a power failure is not detected (the result of S1325 is “N”), the process returns to S1324, and the subsequent processes are sequentially executed.

  When the occurrence of a power failure is detected (result of S1325 is “Y”), the game control device 500 executes a power failure process. When a power failure occurs, the backup power supply 320 supplies power necessary for executing the power failure process described below.

  In the power failure process, the game control device 500 first prohibits interruption (S1326) and sets all output ports to OFF (S1327). Subsequently, the power failure inspection area is cleared, and the power failure inspection area check data (power failure flag) is stored in the power failure inspection area (S1328). Further, a checksum is calculated and recorded based on the stored contents of the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 at the time of power-off (S1329, S1330). Finally, access to the RAM 5113 of the gaming microcomputer 511 is prohibited (S1331), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the procedure of the timer interruption process in the game control apparatus 500 is demonstrated.

  In the game control apparatus 500, a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) by the interrupt timer activated in the process of S1320 of the main process. When a timer interrupt occurs, the game control device 500 executes a timer interrupt process shown below. However, the timer interrupt processing (S1501 to S1515) does not necessarily have to be completed every time a timer interrupt occurs.

  The game control device 500 first saves the register of the game microcomputer 511 (S1501) and executes input / output processing (S1502, S1503). In the input / output process, information related to game control is output to the effect control device 550 and the payout control device 580 via the output unit 530, and the game is sent to an information collection terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine. Output processing for outputting data and input processing for performing processing such as chattering removal on signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 520 to determine input information are included.

  Next, the game control device 500 performs command transmission processing for transmitting various commands to the effect control device 550 and the payout control device 580 (S1504). Specifically, the effect control device 550 includes a change pattern designation command for specifying the change pattern of the identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 550 to execute the power failure recovery process when the power failure is recovered. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 580.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a random number update process for adding one to the big hit random number counter and the value of the big hit random number counter in order to add randomness to the big hit random number and the random number (S1505). In addition, in the random number update process, one is added to the value of the big hit symbol random number counter or the hit symbol random number counter that determines the stop symbol.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes an initial value random number update process which is a process for updating the initial value random numbers such as the big hit random numbers and the hit random numbers. Then, the game control device 500 adds one by one the value of the effect determination random number counter for imparting randomness to the effect or decoration (variation pattern, stop symbol, etc.) when the special figure variation display game is advanced. Update processing is executed (S1506).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a winning opening switch monitoring process for monitoring the detection signal input from the first starting opening SW37d, the second starting opening SW38d, or the winning openings SW44a to 44m, and further the abnormality in the gaming machine 1 An error monitoring process for monitoring occurrence of the error is executed (S1507). The abnormality in this case is an illegal act or a failure of the gaming machine 1. The cheating includes, for example, a magnet fraud that changes the course of the game ball by allowing the player to bring the magnet close to the gaming machine in order to win the game ball in the second start winning opening 37b or the like. The magnet fraud is detected by the magnetic sensor SW39a shown in FIG. When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 10 or the gaming state LED 29 is turned on to notify the user.

  Furthermore, the fraud detected in the error monitoring process of S1507 includes an open fraud in which the glass frame 6 and the front frame 5 are opened by the player. As described above, the opening fraud is detected by the glass frame opening detection SW 18b, the front frame opening detection SW 3b, or the like.

  The game control device 500 executes a special figure game process (S1508) for controlling the progress of the special figure variation display game and a general figure game process (S1509) for controlling the progression of the common figure variation display game.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes a segment editing process for editing the parameters for outputting the results of the special figure fluctuation display game and the normal figure fluctuation display game to the segment LED of the status indicator 42 (S1510).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes a magnetic error monitoring process for monitoring a magnetic error (S1511).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 508 (S1512).

  Then, the game control device 500 clears the request for timer interrupt processing (S1513). After that, the temporarily saved register is restored (S1514), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (S1515), and the process returns to the main process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the procedure of the main process in the production control device 550 will be described.

  This process is a process executed by the CPU 551 of the effect control device 550 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  First, the effect control device 550 executes an initialization process for setting initial values necessary for executing various processes in the RAM 5511 (S1601). Subsequently, an interrupt timer for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) is started (S1602). Interrupt processing is executed at the timing of interrupt generation. Details of the interrupt processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The effect control device 550 executes main command analysis processing for analyzing the main command received from the game control device 500 (S1603).

  Subsequently, the effect control device 550 executes an operation mode monitoring process of the effect button 100 (S1604). Specifically, the speed at which the main button 110 of the effect button 100 is pressed by the player is monitored, and the effect of the variable display game is changed according to the detected speed. Details of the operation mode monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the effect control device 550 executes prefetch effect control processing for controlling the prefetch effect that is executed by operating the effect button 100 or the like (S1605). For the operation of the effect button 100, in addition to the operation by directly pressing the effect button 100, when a part of the player's body approaches the effect button 100 detected using a human body detection sensor or the like ( For example, the player's hand may touch the effect button 100).

  Subsequently, a game management process for managing the execution status of the special figure variation display game is executed (S1606).

  Further, the effect control device 550 executes display control processing for controlling the display screen of the variable display device 35 (S1607). Subsequently, a sound control process for controlling the sound output from the speaker 10 is executed (S1608), and a decoration control process for controlling the light emission mode and the like of the decoration member 7 is executed (S1609).

  The effect control device 550 executes an error monitoring process for monitoring the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (S1610). In addition to the abnormality related to the effect control device 550, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 500, a predetermined process such as alarm sound notification is executed.

  Finally, the effect control device 550 executes a random number update process for updating the random number for determining the variation pattern and the stop symbol (S1611), and returns to the process of S1803. Thereafter, the processing from S1803 to S1810 is repeated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the procedure of interrupt processing in the effect control device 550 will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first executes a timer update process for updating the values of various timers (S1701).

  Subsequently, the effect control device 550 monitors an external signal input and executes an input process for receiving the input (S1702). For example, a signal input by operating the effect button 100 is detected, and the input of the signal is accepted.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 550 outputs the image instructed by the display control process (S1607 in FIG. 16) from the variable display device 35, or the sound effect or notification sound instructed by the sound control process (S1608 in FIG. 16). Are output to the speaker 10 (S1703).

  Finally, the effect control device 550 monitors the input of the main command transmitted from the game control device 500, executes a main command reception process for receiving the main command (S1704), and ends the interrupt process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process in the effect control device 550 will be described.

  The operation mode monitoring process measures the operation speed of the main button 110 in the effect button 100, and imposes a penalty such as making the player invisible the effect suggesting the result of the variable display game when the operation speed is fast. is there.

  First, a penalty executed in the operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  When the main button 110 is pressed at a first predetermined speed or higher, a first penalty is imposed on the player who pressed the main button 110. Specifically, in the first penalty, in the variable display game in the variable display device 35, an effect suggesting the result of the variable display game is not displayed. By penalizing this penalty, the player cannot see an effect that suggests the result even though the variable display game is being executed.

  When the main button 110 is pressed at the second speed or higher, a second penalty is imposed on the player who pressed the main button 110. This second speed is set to a speed higher than the first speed. Specifically, in the second penalty, the main button 110 is fixed in a pressed state until the operation means effective period, which is a period during which the operation of the main button 110 is effective, is made inoperable. By penalizing this penalty, the player cannot operate the effect button 100 and participate in the effect of the variable display game, even though the variable display game is being executed.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  The production control device 550 first determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration is being executed (S1801). If it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is being executed (the determination in S1802 is “Y”), the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released (S1803), and whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period. Is determined (S1804).

  The customer waiting demonstration is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the player finished the game. Therefore, the fact that the customer waiting demonstration is being executed may indicate that the player has already been replaced. Therefore, there is a possibility that the penalty imposed on the player who is playing the game is passed on to another player who is not the player who received the penalty. Therefore, when it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is being executed, the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is canceled to prevent the new player from taking over the penalty imposed on the previous player.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is not being executed (the determination in S1802 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S1804).

  Next, the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period. When it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (determination of S1805 is “Y”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, and the measurement result is displayed on the fluctuation display device 35. The effect of the variable display game displayed on the display unit 35a is affected (S1806 to S1813).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within the effective period (determination of S1805 is “N”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, but the measurement result is a variable display game. The production is not affected (S1814 to S1820). Each case will be specifically described below.

  First, the case where it is determined in step S1805 that the operation of the effect button 100 is valid will be described.

  The production control device 550 first determines whether or not the fixing member, that is, the latching solenoid 107 is operating (S1806).

  If it is determined that the latching solenoid 107 is not operating (the determination in S1807 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the operation determination of the main button 110 is to be performed (S1808). If it is determined that the operation determination of the main button 110 is to be performed (the determination of S1809 is “Y”), then the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S1810).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1806 that the latching solenoid 107 is in operation (the determination in S1807 is “Y”), the second penalty has already been executed, and the latching solenoid 107 has been activated. After it is determined that the operation effective period of the next effect button 100 has ended (S1821), the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released, and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19, the measured operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated in 10 stages of speed 1 to speed 10. When the operation speed of the main button 110 is a relatively slow speed of 1-3, it is evaluated as “good”, and when the operation speed is 4-6, which is faster than 1-3, it is evaluated as “normal”. Is done.

  When the operation speed of the main button 110 is 7 or 8 faster than the speeds 1 to 6, it is evaluated as “warning zone” as being equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed. The warning zone is evaluated in the case of an operation mode in which the player operates by hitting the main button 110. If it is evaluated as a warning zone, a first penalty will be imposed on the player.

  When the operation speed of the main button 110 is the speeds 9 and 10 faster than the speeds 1 to 8, it is evaluated as the “NG zone” as being the second predetermined speed or more. The NG zone is evaluated in the case of an operation mode in which the player strikes with a strong force that may destroy the main button 110. If it is evaluated as an NG zone, the first and second penalties will be imposed on the player together.

  When it is determined in the process of S1811 in FIG. 18 that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 6 or less (in the case of speeds 1 to 6), the evaluation of the operation of the main button 110 is “good” or “normal” Therefore, the button effect that the operation of the main button 110 affects the effect of the variable display game is executed. That is, it is detected that the stroke of the main button 110 has changed during a period in which the operation of the effect button 100 is valid, and the effect of the variable display game according to the stroke change is executed. Thereby, the player can participate in the effect of the variable display game executed by the variable display device 35.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1811 that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 6 or less (when the operation speed is 7 to 10), is the operation speed of the main button 110 continuously 9 or more? It is determined whether or not (S1823).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 9 or more (in the case of speeds 7 and 8), the button operation warning effect (first penalty) is executed as it is (S1825). Details of the first penalty will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of speeds 9 and 10), the latching solenoid 107 is activated to fix the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140, and the main button 110 is The operation is disabled (S1824). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S1825). That is, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more, the first penalty and the second penalty are imposed twice.

  After the second penalty that disables the operation of the main button 110 by the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is executed, the latching solenoid 107 is released in accordance with the progress of the variable display game. Specifically, the latching solenoid 107 is deactivated after it is determined that the next operation valid period of the effect button 100 when the latching solenoid 107 is activated has ended. Thereby, the player cannot operate the main button 110 in the pressed state during the next operation effective period of the effect button 100. Therefore, the player can be prompted to operate the main button 110 so that the second penalty is not imposed, and the main button 110 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Then, the effect control device 550 displays the operation speed of the main button 110 on the fluctuation display device 35 and executes an operation speed notification effect that informs the player (S1813), and then returns to the caller process (main process). .

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S1805 that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not to determine the operation of the effect button 100 (S1814). If it is determined that the operation button 100 is to be operated (S1815 is “Y”), then the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S1816). If it is determined not to perform the operation determination of the effect button 100 (the determination in S1815 is “N”), the process directly returns to the caller process (main process).

  In the processing of S1817, when it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of 9 or 10), the latching solenoid 107 is activated to fix the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140. The main button 110 is disabled (S1818). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S1819), and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  Therefore, even if the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period, if the player operates the main button 110 at a speed of 9 or more, a second penalty will be imposed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1817 that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 9 or more (in the case of speeds 1 to 8), the process directly returns to the caller process (main process).

  In the present embodiment, if it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within the effective period, the operation of the effect button 100 does not affect the effect of the variable display game, but is the effective period of the effect button 100. Regardless of whether or not, the effect of the variable display game may be affected.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, an example of the first penalty effect executed by the variable display device 35 will be described.

  First, display items on the screen will be described.

  An operation speed meter (operation amount display means) that displays the evaluation stage of the operation speed of the main button 110 so as to be visible to the player by characters and graphs is displayed at the lower right part of each screen 2001-2004. In the upper right part of the screen, three-digit identification information that varies depending on the execution of the variation display game is displayed. In the vicinity of the center of the screen, a symbol corresponding to the evaluation stage of the operation speed of the main button 110 is displayed, and a character corresponding to the symbol is also displayed. Here, what is displayed in the vicinity of the center of the screen is a fish pattern on the fishing rod, and an effect that suggests the result of the variable display game is executed depending on the size of the fish caught.

  The screen transition will be described below.

  A screen 2001 is a screen indicating that the variable display game in S1804 is being executed and the operation of the effect button 100 is valid. Here, since the main button 110 is not yet operated, the operation speed notification effect is not executed. Therefore, the operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 2001 does not display the operation speed, and displays only the characters “PUSH” for prompting the operation of the main button 110.

  A screen 2002 is a screen that is transitioned to when the operation speed of the main button 110 is determined to be 6 or less in the process of S1811 of FIG.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 2002 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 4 (S1813). Since the speed 4 is an operation speed evaluated as “normal” (see FIG. 19), a button effect (S1812) is executed on the screen 2002.

  In the button effect, the screen 2002 displays a “design with a fish on a fishing rod” and a letter “Looks like a big fish” that can expect the result of the variable display game. Therefore, an effect that suggests the result of the variable display game is executed according to the size of the hung fish. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was an appropriate speed.

  As described above, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is an appropriate speed, an effect suggesting the result of the variable display game is executed. Therefore, by slowly pressing the main button 110, the player can play a new game characteristic. Can enjoy. Therefore, the feeling that the player is participating in the game can be enhanced, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  The screen 2003 is a screen that is transitioned to when the operation speed of the main button 110 is determined not to be 6 or less in the process of S1811 in FIG. 18 and is determined to be not 9 or more in the process of S1823.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 2003 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 7 (S1813). Since the speed 7 is an operation speed evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), a button operation warning effect (S1825) is executed on the screen 2003.

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 2003 is displayed with a symbol “a fish has escaped from a fishing rod” and a letter “more easily”. Therefore, in this case, since no fish is caught, an effect that suggests the result of the variable display game depending on the size of the fish caught is not executed. Therefore, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was high.

  Thereby, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated as the “warning zone”, an effect suggesting the result of the variable display game executed by the variable display device 35 is not displayed to the player. The penalty is executed. When the first penalty is executed, the player considers that the operation speed is such that an effect suggesting the result of the variable display game is displayed in the next operation of the main button 110.

  Therefore, since the first and second penalties are imposed according to the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player's operation, it is possible to prompt the player to slow down the operation speed of the main button 110, and the effect button 100 damage can be prevented.

  A screen 2004 is a screen that is transitioned to when the operation speed of the main button 110 is determined to be 9 or more in the processing of S1823 in FIG.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 2004 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 10 (S1813). Since the speed 10 is an operation speed evaluated as “NG zone”, a button operation warning effect (S1825) is executed on the screen 2004, and the latching solenoid 107 is operated to disable the operation of the main button 110. The state is fixed (second penalty).

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 2004 is displayed with a combination of “a fish has escaped from a fishing rod and baited” and a character “too strong !!”. Therefore, also in this case, since no fish is hooked, an effect that suggests the result of the variable display game is not executed depending on the size of the hooked fish. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was extremely high.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process will be described along with the passage of time.

  First, the variable display game is started on the variable display device 35, and the effective period of the operation of the effect button 100 is set to “ON” (time T1). Thereby, the operation of the main button 110 by the player has an effect on the effect of the variable display game.

  Thereafter, when the player starts to press the main button 110, the movement of the light shielding member 140 first causes the end 142a of the light shielding portion 142 to block the light of the light receiving portion 106a of the photosensor 106, and the light reception is changed from “ON” to “OFF”. "(Time T2).

  If the main button 110 continues to be pressed by the player as it is, the light blocking member 140 moves further, and the holes 143a to 143c sequentially pass the light of the light receiving unit 106a. When the main button 110 is completely pressed by the player, the light blocking member 140 is in a state of blocking the light of the light receiving unit 106a, and the push button 131 is pressed by the pressing unit 144 to be switched to “ON” (time T3). ).

  When the push button 131 is switched to “ON”, the period in which the operation of the effect button 100 is valid is ended, assuming that the main button 110 is operated by the player. Further, when the push button 131 is switched to “ON”, the light receiving state of the photo sensor 106 immediately before is detected retroactively, and the operation speed that is the stroke change rate of the main button 110 is calculated. Here, the light receiving states of the three holes 143a to 143c through which light has passed immediately before are detected.

  Specifically, the time from when light begins to pass through the hole 143a to when light has passed through the hole 143c is measured. Then, the operation speed of the main button 110 to which the light shielding member 140 is fixed is calculated from the distance between the hole 143a and the hole 143c and the measured time.

  When the calculated operation speed of the main button 110 is a speed 9 or 10 (see FIG. 19) evaluated as “NG zone”, the main button 110 is fixed to be inoperable as a second penalty. The latching solenoid 107 is switched to “ON” (time T4). Accordingly, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 is fixed while the push button 131 is pressed and turned “ON”, and the main button 110 becomes inoperable.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process when the main button 110 is repeatedly hit will be described along with the passage of time.

  When the main button 110 is repeatedly hit by the player, the main button 110 is pressed by the player and pressed again by the player before the player's hand is released and cannot be returned by the restoring force of the main button spring 114. Sometimes. A procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process in such a case will be described. In FIG. 22, the time indicated by (D) is the time when the main button 110 is pressed by the player (Down), and the time indicated by (U) is the time when the main button 110 is not pressed by the player (Up). ).

  The processing from time T1 to time T3 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  Next, when the player's hand leaves the main button 110, the main button 110 attempts to return to the non-pressed state, and the push button 131 is switched to “OFF” (time T4). Thereafter, the hole 143c passes through the light receiving portion 106a of the photosensor 106, and then the hole 143b reaches the light receiving portion 106a and allows light to pass therethrough.

  When the main button 110 is pressed again from this state by the player, the light of the light receiving unit 106a that has passed through the hole 143b is blocked again. Subsequently, when the hole 143a allows the light of the photosensor 106 to pass therethrough and is further pressed, the push button 131 is switched to “ON” (time T5).

  In this case as well, the operation speed is calculated for the three holes 143a to 143c that have passed continuously immediately before the push button 131 is switched to “ON”, as in the case where the main button 110 is pressed only once. To do. Then, according to the evaluation of the operation speed of the main button 110 (see FIG. 19), the player is given a first penalty and a second penalty.

  Here, there may be a case where three holes 143a to 143c are not passed before the push button 131 is pressed. For example, when the main button 110 is repeatedly hit by the player, the player presses the main button 110 completely, and the player presses the main button 110 again immediately after releasing the hand and the main button 110 starts to return. This is the case.

  When the player's hand leaves the main button 110 in the state shown at time T5, the push button 131 is switched to “OFF” (time T6). Thereafter, the hole 143c reaches the light receiving portion 106a of the photosensor 106 and allows light to pass therethrough.

  When the main button 110 is pressed again from this state by the player, the hole 143c allows the light of the photosensor 106 to pass through. When the main button 110 is further pressed, the push button 131 is switched to “ON” (time T7).

  In this case, the number of the holes 143a to 143c that have passed just before the push button 131 is switched to “ON” is two, because it has only passed the hole 143c twice. Therefore, the three holes 143a to 143c do not pass continuously. In such a case, depending on the timing when the main button 110 is pressed again, there is a possibility that the “NG zone” may be detected even though the operation speed is not so fast. Do not do. In other words, when the light receiving mode of the immediately preceding photosensor 106 has not detected the passage of the predetermined number of holes 143a to 143c, the operation speed of the main button 110 is not calculated.

  According to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

  When the operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated as the “warning zone”, a first penalty is imposed on the player. In the first penalty, the effect of the variable display game executed by the variable display device 35 is not displayed. When the first penalty is executed, the player considers that the operation speed is such that the effect of the variable display game is displayed in the next operation of the main button 110.

  Further, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated as “NG zone” that is faster than the “warning zone”, a second penalty is imposed on the player. When the second penalty is executed, the operation of the latching solenoid 107 disables the main button 110.

  The latching solenoid 107 is released from the operation after it is determined that the next operation valid period of the effect button 100 when the latching solenoid 107 is activated has ended. As a result, the player cannot operate the main button 110 during the operation effective period of the effect button 100 associated with the next variable display game because the main button 110 is fixed in the pressed state. Therefore, the player considers the operation speed so that the latching solenoid 107 does not operate in the next operation of the main button 110.

  Therefore, since the first and second penalties are imposed according to the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player's operation, it is possible to prompt the player to slow down the operation speed of the main button 110, and the effect button 100 damage can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above-described embodiments, and the overlapping description will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the second embodiment, the shape of the light shielding member 240 and the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process are different from those of the light shielding member 140 in the first embodiment.

  First, the light shielding member 240 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light-shielding member 240 is a light-shielding member that can block light from an insertion portion 141 that is inserted into the reflector 113, a plate-like main body portion 145 that protrudes from the insertion portion 141, and the photosensor 106 (see FIG. 7). Part 142.

  The light shielding member 240 is not formed with a pressing portion that presses the push button 131 of the switch substrate 130. In this case, as will be described later, the push button 131 is applied to the switch board 130 in order to detect that the main button 110 is completely pressed because the photosensor 106 detects light passing through the holes 143a to 143c a predetermined number of times. Need not be provided.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process will be described along with the passage of time.

  First, the variable display game is started on the variable display device 35, and the effective period of the operation of the effect button 100 is set to “ON” (time T1). Thereby, the operation of the main button 110 by the player has an effect on the effect of the variable display game.

  Thereafter, when the player starts to press the main button 110, the movement of the light shielding member 140 first causes the end 142a of the light shielding portion 142 to block the light of the light receiving portion 106a of the photosensor 106, and the light reception is changed from “ON” to “OFF”. "(Time T2).

  If the main button 110 continues to be pressed by the player as it is, the light blocking member 240 further moves, and the holes 143a to 143c sequentially pass the light of the light receiving unit 106a. When the main button 110 is completely pressed by the player, the light blocking member 240 blocks the light from the light receiving unit 106a (time T3).

  As described above, when the passage of the holes 143a to 143c a predetermined number of times (here, three times) is detected, it is determined that the main button 110 has been operated by the player, and the period in which the operation of the effect button 100 is valid is ended. Further, when the passage of the predetermined number of holes 143a to 143c is detected, the light receiving state of the photosensor 106 immediately before is detected retroactively. Here, the light receiving states of the three holes 143a to 143c through which light has passed immediately before are detected.

  Specifically, the time from when the end 142a of the light shielding portion 142 of the light shielding member 240 starts to block light to when the light has passed through the third hole 143c is measured. Then, the operation speed of the main button 110 to which the light shielding member 240 is fixed is calculated from the distance between the end of the light shielding portion 142 and the hole 143c and the measured time.

  Accordingly, the first and second penalties can be imposed according to the operation speed of the main button 110, and the effect button 100 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Here, when the light shielding member 240 that does not include the pressing portion is used and the push button 131 is not provided on the switch board 130, it is not possible to mechanically detect that the main button 110 is completely pressed.

  In the present embodiment, when the photosensor 106 detects that the three holes 143a to 143c have passed, it is determined that the main button 110 has been completely pressed. Thereby, the push button 131 can be omitted, and the pressing portion is not formed on the light shielding member 240, so that the installation space and cost can be reduced.

  Here, when the main button 110 is fully pressed, the photo sensor 106 is “OFF”, and the light between the hole 143a and the hole 143b of the light shielding unit 142 blocks the light of the light receiving unit 106a of the photo sensor 106, for example. Even in this state, the photosensor 106 is “OFF”. In this embodiment, since the push button is not provided, it is difficult to distinguish these by the instantaneous detection state of the photosensor 106.

  However, when the light of the light receiving unit 106a is blocked at a position other than the position where the main button 110 is completely pressed, the stroke that can be blocked is extremely small, for example, between the holes 143a and 143b. . Therefore, even with slight vibrations of the player's hand pressing the main button 110, the light of the light receiving unit 106a is removed from the portion where the light can be blocked, and the photo sensor 106 is switched to “ON”. Thus, since the main button 110 is pressed by the player's hand, it is difficult to stop the main button 110 while it is being pressed by the player's hand and maintain the state. Therefore, it is determined that the main button 110 is not stopped while being pressed, that is, the main button 110 is not operated, because the light blocking state is detected continuously for a predetermined time.

  In addition, when the main button 110 is stopped in the middle of pressing, the diameters of the holes 143a to 143c and the holes 143a to 143c are switched so that the light of the light receiving unit 106a is switched between the light blocking state and the light receiving state even by slight vibration. It is better that the distance between each other is made smaller.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 25, the case where the operation mode monitoring process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is applied to the light shielding member 140 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

  In this case, the light shielding member 140 is formed with the pressing portion 144, but the push button 131 is not provided on the switch board 130 because the photosensor 106 detects that the main button 110 is completely pressed. On the other hand, in order to cause the pressing portion 144 to function as a fixing portion for fixing the pressing portion 144 to the switch substrate 130, the switching substrate 130 is provided with a latching solenoid 107 that fixes the pressing portion 144 and makes the main button 110 immovable.

  The process from time T1 to time T3 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

  In the state of time T3, when the calculated operation speed of the main button 110 is the speeds 9 and 10 (refer to FIG. 19) evaluated as “NG zone”, the photosensor 106 remains “OFF” and is predetermined. After the time elapses, the latching solenoid 107 is switched to “ON” in order to fix the main button 110 to be inoperable as a second penalty (time T4).

  Here, the waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time when the photosensor 106 is in the “OFF” state is between the end 142a of the light shielding portion 142 and the hole 143a, between the hole 143a and the light passage hole 144b, or through the passage. This is to eliminate the state where the light of the light receiving unit 106a is blocked between the light hole 144b and the light passage hole 144c.

  As described above, when the light of the light receiving unit 106a is blocked at a position other than the position where the main button 110 is completely pressed down, the stroke that can be blocked is extremely small, and therefore the light receiving unit 106a is caused by even a slight vibration. The light is removed from the blockable portion, and the photo sensor 106 is switched to “ON”.

  As described above, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated as “NG zone”, the main button 110 is completely pressed after waiting for a predetermined period of time with the photo sensor 106 in the “OFF” state. After that, the latching solenoid 107 is switched to “ON”. As a result, the main button 110 can be fixed in the pressed state to be inoperable without providing the push button 131 for detecting that the light blocking member 140 is completely pressed.

  When the photosensor 106 is switched to “ON” when the latching solenoid 107 is switched to “ON”, that is, the rod 107 a (see FIG. 10) is advanced, the latching solenoid 107 is connected to the light shielding member 140. The pressing part 144 cannot be fixed.

  In such a case, the latching solenoid 107 is switched to “OFF” with a trigger that the photosensor 106 is switched to “ON” after the latching solenoid 107 is switched to “ON”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rod 107a from being damaged by the main button 110 being pressed after the rod 107a of the latching solenoid 107 has advanced.

  According to the above embodiment, when the photosensor 106 detects that the three holes 143a to 143c have been passed, it is determined that the main button 110 has been completely pressed down, so that the light shielding member that does not include a pressing portion. Even when the switch board 130 is not provided with the push button 131, it is possible to detect a state in which the main button 110 is completely pressed. Thereby, the push button 131 can be omitted, and the pressing portion is not formed on the light shielding member 240, so that the installation space and cost can be reduced.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the third embodiment, the shape of the light shielding member 240 is different from the light shielding members 140 and 240 in the first and second embodiments.

  First, the light shielding member 340 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light blocking member 340 is a light blocking member that can block light from the insertion portion 141 inserted into the reflector 113, the plate-like main body portion 145 protruding from the insertion portion 141, and the photosensor 106 (see FIG. 27). A pressing portion 144 capable of pressing the push button 131 (see FIG. 28), and a fixing portion 346 for fixing the light shielding member 340 to the switch substrate 130.

  The fixing portion 346 is a plate-like portion protruding from the main body portion 145 on the opposite side of the pressing portion 144. The fixing portion 346 is fixed to the switch board 130 when the latching solenoid 107 is operated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the operation of the pressing portion 144 and the fixing portion 346 in the light shielding member 140 will be described.

  In the state shown in FIG. 27A, the main button 110 is not operated, and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are urged away from the switch board 130 by the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4). It is in a state.

  When the main button 110 is not operated, the push button 131 is not pressed because the light shielding member 140 is located away from the switch board 130. When the main button 110 is not operated, the latching solenoid 107 is not operating and the rod 107a is retracted.

  The state shown in FIG. 27B is a state in which the main button 110 is pressed by the player and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are moved in the direction approaching the switch board 130.

  When the main button 110 starts to be pressed, the light shielding member 140 approaches the switch board 130 according to the stroke amount of the main button 110. Eventually, when the main button 110 is completely pressed, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 comes into contact with the push button 131, and the push button 131 is pressed by the pressing portion 144 (see FIG. 27B). State shown).

  At this time, the rod 107a of the latching solenoid 107 advances under a predetermined condition and holds the fixing portion 346 with the push button 131.

  Thus, even if the player stops the operation of the main button 110 and the urging force of the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4) acts on the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113, the main button 110 is separated from the switch board 130. Instead, it is fixed in the fully depressed state. Therefore, it becomes impossible for the player to operate the main button 110.

  Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this modification, the configuration of the fixing member is different from the above-described embodiments.

  The switch board 130 is fixed to the back side of the button base 105, and includes a photo sensor 106, a push button 131, and an electromagnet (fixing member) 307.

  The electromagnet 307 is arranged side by side with the push button 131 that detects that the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 has come into contact. The electromagnet 307 is fixed to the switch board 130 so that the light shielding member 140 cannot be moved under a predetermined condition.

  In this modification, the fixing portion 346 of the light shielding member 340 is formed of a magnetic material in response to the electromagnet 307 provided on the switch substrate 130. Only the fixing portion 346 may be a magnetic body, and the other portions of the light shielding member 340 need not be a magnetic body.

  In the state shown in FIG. 28A, the main button 110 is not operated, and the main button lens 114 and the reflector 113 are urged away from the switch board 130 by the main button spring 114 (see FIG. 4). It is in a state.

  When the main button 110 is not operated, the push button 131 is not pressed because the light shielding member 340 is located away from the switch substrate 130. Further, when the main button 110 is not operated, the electromagnet 307 is not operating.

  The state shown in FIG. 28B is a state in which the main button 110 is pressed by the player and the main button lens 112 and the reflector 113 are moved in the direction approaching the switch board 130.

  When the main button 110 is pressed, the light shielding member 340 approaches the switch board 130 according to the stroke amount of the main button 110. Eventually, when the main button 110 is completely pressed, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 340 comes into contact with the push button 131, and the push button 131 is pressed by the pressing portion 144 (see FIG. 28B). State shown).

  At this time, the electromagnet 307 is switched to “ON” under a predetermined condition, and the fixing portion 346 that is a magnetic body is attracted by a magnetic force.

  In this way, by providing the fixing portion 346 separately from the pressing portion 144, the light shielding member 340 can be fixed by the electromagnet 307 instead of the latching solenoid 107. Thereby, a space for arranging the latching solenoid 107 on the switch board 130 can be reduced.

  Moreover, since the fixing | fixed part 346 is adsorbed and fixed by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 307, there is no moving member like the rod 107a, and the durability of the effect button 100 can be improved.

  Even when the light shielding member 240 (see FIG. 23) according to the second embodiment is used in place of the light shielding member 340, the tip 145a of the main body 145 is formed of a magnetic material, so that the electromagnet 307 It can be adsorbed and fixed by magnetic force.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the fourth embodiment, the procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process is different from the above-described embodiments. In the present embodiment, a case where the light shielding member 140 including the pressing portion 144 is used and the latching solenoid 107 is used as the fixing member will be described as an example.

  The procedure of the operation mode monitoring process according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

  First, the penalty executed in this operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  When the main button 110 is pressed a predetermined number of times at or above the first predetermined speed, a first penalty is imposed on the player who pressed the main button 110. Specifically, at the first penalty, each time the key is pressed at a speed equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed, one warning card is displayed on the variable display device 35, and this warning card is set to a predetermined number (here, three). When it reaches, the display which makes it difficult to see the effect of the variable display game on the variable display device 35 is executed. The second penalty is the same as that of each embodiment described above.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  The production control device 550 first determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration is being executed (S2901). If it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is being executed (the determination in S2902 is “Y”), the number of warning cards is reset (S2903), and the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released (S2904). This allows the number of warning cards displayed for the previous player and the second penalty charged to other players to be changed when the player has already been replaced and the customer waiting demo has been executed. It is prevented from being taken over as it is. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S2905).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is not being executed (the determination in S2902 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S2905).

  Next, the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S2905). When it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (the determination in S2906 is “Y”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, and the measurement result is displayed on the variation display device 35. It affects the effect of the variable display game displayed on the part 35a.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within the effective period (the determination in S2906 is “N”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, but the measurement result is that of the variable display game. It does not affect the production. Each case will be specifically described below.

  First, the case where it is determined in step S2906 that the operation of the effect button 100 is valid will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not the fixing member, that is, the latching solenoid 107 is operating (S2907).

  If it is determined that the latching solenoid 107 is not in operation (S2908), it is determined whether or not to perform an operation determination on the effect button 100 (S2909). When it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is determined (S2910), the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S2911).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the latching solenoid 107 is in operation (the determination in S2908 is “Y”), the second penalty has already been executed, so the next effect button when the latching solenoid 107 is operated After it is determined that the operation valid period of 100 has ended (S2924), the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released, and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  In S2912, when it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S2911 is 6 or less (in the case of speeds 1 to 6), the evaluation of the operation of the main button 110 is “good” or “ Since “normal”, the button effect that the operation of the main button 110 affects the effect of the variable display game is executed (S 2913), and the operation speed of the main button 110 is displayed on the variable display device 35. (S2914). Thereby, the player can participate in the effect of the variable display game executed by the variable display device 35.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S2911 is 3 or less (S2915). When the operation speed is evaluated as “good” (see FIG. 19), when it is determined that the operation speed is 3 or less (in the case of speeds 1 to 3), the warning card displayed on the variable display device 35 is decreased by one. And return to the caller process (main process).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation speed is not 3 or less (speed 4 to 6), the operation speed is evaluated as “normal” (see FIG. 19), and the number of warning cards is not changed. Return to the calling process (main process). Similarly, when no warning card is displayed, the process returns to the calling process (main process).

  In S2912, when it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S2911 is not 6 or less (when the speed is 7 to 10), the operation speed of the main button 110 is continuously 9 or more. It is determined whether or not (S2926).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 9 or more (in the case of speeds 7 and 8), the operation speed is evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), and the button operation warning effect is executed as it is. (S2928).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of speeds 9 and 10), the operation speed is evaluated as “NG zone” (see FIG. 19), and the latching solenoid 107 is activated. Then, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 is fixed, and the main button 110 is disabled (S2928). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S2928). That is, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more, the number of warning cards increases by one and a second penalty is imposed.

  Then, the effect control device 550 displays the operation speed of the main button 110 on the fluctuation display device 35 and executes the operation speed notification effect that informs the player (S2929), and then displays a warning card displayed on the fluctuation display device 35. The number is increased by 1 (S2930).

  Subsequently, the effect control device 550 checks whether or not three warning cards have been accumulated (S2931). If it is determined that three warning cards have been accumulated (S2932), a penalty effect is executed (S2933). When the penalty effect ends, the number of warning cards is reset, and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  In this way, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is fast, a warning card is displayed, and when the number of warning cards reaches a predetermined number, a first penalty is imposed so that the player does not display the warning card. The user tries to press the main button 110 at the operation speed. Therefore, damage to the main button 110 can be prevented, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  Even when the penalty effect is being executed, if the operation speed of the main button 110 is 6 or more, the warning card increases even if the penalty effect is being executed. As a result, even if the penalty effect is finished and the number of warning cards at the time of executing the penalty effect is reset, the increased number of warning cards is displayed during the penalty effect, so the number of warning cards does not become zero.

  If it is determined in step S2926 that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more, the penalty effect is executed with three warning cards regardless of the number of warning cards (S2933). It may be. This prevents the player from operating the main button 110 at an extremely high speed, and thus can prevent the main button 110 from being damaged.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S2906 that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not to determine the operation of the effect button 100 (S2917). If it is determined that the operation button 100 is to be operated (the determination in S2918 is “Y”), then the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S2919).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of speeds 9 and 10), the latching solenoid 107 is activated to fix the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140, and the main button 110 is The operation is disabled (S2921). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S2922), the operation speed is notified (S2923), and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  Therefore, even if the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period, if the player operates the main button 110 at a speed of 9 or more, a second penalty will be imposed.

  When this operation mode monitoring process is applied to the light shielding member 340 according to the third embodiment, an electromagnet 307 may be used instead of the latching solenoid 107.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 31, an example of the first penalty effect executed by the variable display device 35 will be described.

  The display items on each of the screens 3101 to 3110 are the same as the screen of FIG. 20 except that a maximum of three warning cards are displayed at the upper left portion of the screen. The screen transition will be described below.

  A screen 3101 is a screen indicating that the operation of the effect button 100 is valid in S2905 (see FIG. 29). Here, since the main button 110 is not yet operated, the operation speed notification effect is not executed. Therefore, the operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3101 has no display of the operation speed, and only the characters “PUSH” for prompting the operation of the main button 110 are displayed.

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 6 or less in the process of S2912 (see FIG. 30), and the screen 3102 is determined to be not 9 or more in the process of S2926 (see FIG. 30) It is a screen that changes to.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3102 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 8 (S2929). Since the speed 8 is an operation speed evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), a button operation warning effect (S2928) is executed on the screen 3102.

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 3102 displays “a symbol with a warning card on a fishing rod” and a character “more easily”. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was fast.

  Further, the screen 3102 shows a design in which a warning card is hung on the fishing rod, and the number of warning cards is increased by one (S2930).

  A screen 3103 is a screen showing the result of the variable display game that has been performed on the upper right side of the screen. Here, a three-digit number “275” is shown, and since the numbers are not aligned, the player is notified that the result of the variable display game was not “winning”.

  Also, a warning card for a fishing rod on the screen 3102 is displayed on the upper left side of the screen 3103. Thereby, the player is notified that the cumulative number of warning cards is one.

  A screen 3104 is a screen indicating that the variable display game is started again and the operation of the effect button 100 is in a valid period. On the screen 3104, the same display as the screen 3101 is displayed, but one warning card accumulated by the operation of the effect button 100 in the previous variable display game is further displayed. In other words, the accumulated number of warning cards is carried over even when the game moves to the next variation display game.

  Similar to the screen 3102, the screen 3105 determines that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not lower than 6 in the process of S 2912 (see FIG. 30), and the speed of 9 or higher in the process of S 2926 (see FIG. 30). It is a screen that transitions when it is determined that it is not.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3105 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 7 (S2929). Since the speed 7 is an operation speed evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), a button operation warning effect (S2928) is executed on the screen 3102.

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 3105 displays a combination of “a symbol with a warning card on a fishing rod” and a character “more easily”. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was fast.

  Further, the screen 3105 shows a design in which a warning card is hung on the fishing rod, and the number of warning cards is increased by one (S2930).

  A screen 3106 is a screen showing the result of the variable display game performed at the upper right part of the screen. Here, a three-digit number “813” is shown, and since the numbers are not aligned, the player is notified that the result of the variable display game was not “winning”.

  A warning card for a fishing rod on the screen 3105 is displayed on the upper left portion of the screen 3106. This notifies the player that the cumulative number of warning cards has reached two.

  A screen 3107 is a screen indicating that the variable display game is started again and the operation of the effect button 100 is in a valid period. On the screen 3107, the same display as the screen 3104 is displayed, but two warning cards accumulated by the operation of the effect button 100 in the variable display game so far are further displayed.

  The screen 3108 determines that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not lower than 6 in the process of S2912 (see FIG. 29), and is determined to be 9 or higher in the process of S2926 (see FIG. 29). This is a screen that transitions to the case.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3108 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 10 (S2929). Since the speed 10 is an operation speed evaluated as “NG zone” (see FIG. 19), a button operation warning effect (S2928) is executed on the screen 3108. Further, since the operation speed of the main button 110 is evaluated as “NG zone”, the latching solenoid 107 is operated (S2927), and the main button 110 is fixed in the pressed state (second penalty).

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 3108 displays a combination of “a symbol with a warning card on a fishing rod” and a character “too strong !!”. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was extremely high.

  Further, the screen 3105 shows a design in which a warning card is hung on the fishing rod, and the number of warning cards is increased by one (S2930).

  On the screen 3109, it is determined that three warning cards are accumulated (S2932), and a penalty effect is executed (S2933). In this penalty effect, although the display of the variable display game is “2_2” and the reach state, a large fish appears in the center of the screen, and the reach state effect becomes difficult to see (first penalty).

  A screen 3110 is a screen showing a result of the variable display game performed at the upper right portion of the screen. Here, a three-digit number “292” is shown, and since the numbers are not aligned, the player is notified that the result of the variable display game was not “winning”.

  Further, since three warning cards are accumulated and the first penalty is executed, the number of warning cards is reset (S2934). On the screen 3110, the three warning cards displayed on the upper left portion of the screen 3109 are gone. This notifies the player that the cumulative number of warning cards has been reset to zero.

  When this operation mode monitoring process is applied to the light shielding member 340 according to the third embodiment, an electromagnet 307 may be used instead of the latching solenoid 107.

  According to the above embodiment, a warning card is displayed when the operation speed of the main button 110 is fast, and the player is warned by giving a first penalty when the number of warning cards reaches a predetermined number. Attempts to press the main button 110 at an operation speed such that is not displayed. Therefore, damage to the main button 110 can be prevented, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

(Fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the fifth embodiment, the procedure for executing the operation mode monitoring process is different from the above-described embodiments. In the present embodiment, a case where the light shielding member 140 including the pressing portion 144 is used and the latching solenoid 107 is used as the fixing member will be described as an example.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.

  First, the penalty executed in this operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  When the main button 110 is pressed a predetermined number of times at or above the first predetermined speed, a first penalty is imposed on the player who pressed the main button 110. Specifically, in the first penalty, each time the button is pressed at a speed equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed, a region (hidden region) in which a part of the effect in the variable display device 35 is concealed increases and the variable display is displayed. A display that makes it difficult to see the effect of the game is executed. The second penalty is the same as that of each embodiment described above.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the operation mode monitoring process will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration is being executed (S3201). If it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is being executed (the determination in S3202 is “Y”), the number of concealment areas is reset (S3203), and the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released (S3204). As a result, when the player has already been replaced and the customer waiting demonstration is being executed, the number of concealment areas set for the previous player and the second penalty imposed on the other player It is prevented from being taken over as it is. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S3205).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration is not being executed (the determination in S3202 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S3205).

  Next, the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the operation of the effect button 100 is within a valid period (S3205). When it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is within the effective period (determination of S3206 is “Y”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, and the measurement result is displayed on the variation display device 35. It affects the effect of the variable display game displayed on the part 35a.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within the effective period (the determination in S3206 is “N”), the operation speed of the main button 110 by the player is measured, but the measurement result is that of the variable display game. It does not affect the production. Each case will be specifically described below.

  First, the case where it is determined in step S3206 that the operation of the effect button 100 is valid will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not the fixing member, that is, the latching solenoid 107 is operating (S3207).

  If it is determined that the latching solenoid 107 is not in operation (the determination in S3208 is “N”), it is determined whether or not to perform an operation determination on the effect button 100 (S3209). If it is determined that operation of the effect button 100 is to be performed (S3210), then the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S3211).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the latching solenoid 107 is in operation (the determination in S3208 is “Y”), the second penalty has already been executed. After it is determined that the operation valid period of 100 has ended (S3226), the operation of the latching solenoid 107 is released, and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  If it is determined in S3212 that the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S3211 is 6 or less (in the case of speeds 1 to 6), the evaluation of the operation of the main button 110 is “good” or “ Since “normal”, the button effect that the operation of the main button 110 affects the effect of the variable display game is executed (S3213), and the operation speed of the main button 110 is displayed on the variable display device 35, and the player is displayed. (S3214). Thereby, the player can participate in the effect of the variable display game executed by the variable display device 35.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S3211 is 3 or less (S3215). If the operation speed is evaluated as “good” (see FIG. 19) and it is determined that the operation speed is 3 or less (in the case of speeds 1 to 3), then it is checked whether or not a concealment area is set. (S3216).

  When one or more concealment areas are set (S3217), the concealment area displayed on the variable display device 35 is decreased by one (S3218), and the areas corresponding to the set number are concealed and displayed. After executing the penalty effect (S3235), the process returns to the caller process (main process). If the concealment area is not set (S3217), the penalty effect is executed as it is (S3225), and the process returns to the caller process (main process). Details of the penalty effect will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation speed is not 3 or less (in the case of speeds 4 to 6) (S3215), the operation speed is evaluated as “normal” (see FIG. 19), and the number of concealment areas is changed. Instead, the penalty effect is executed as it is (S3225), and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  If it is determined in S3212 that the operation speed of the main button 110 measured in the process of S3211 is not 6 or less (in the case of 7 to 10), the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more. It is determined whether or not there is (S3228).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is not 9 or more (in the case of speeds 7 and 8), the operation speed is evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), and the button operation warning effect is executed as it is. (S3230).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of speeds 9 and 10), the operation speed is evaluated as “NG zone” (see FIG. 19), and the latching solenoid 107 is activated. Then, the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140 is fixed, and the main button 110 is disabled (S3229). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S3230). That is, when the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more, the concealment area is increased by one and a second penalty is imposed.

  Then, the effect control device 550 displays the operation speed of the main button 110 on the fluctuation display device 35 and executes the operation speed notification effect that informs the player (S3231), and then the concealment area displayed on the fluctuation display device 35 is displayed. The number of remaining areas is checked (S3232).

  If the concealment area is set to the maximum and there is no remaining area (S3233), the concealment area cannot be increased any more. It is executed (S3235). If the hidden area is not set to the maximum and there is a remaining area (S3233), the hidden area is increased by one (S3234). Thereafter, a penalty effect is executed to hide and display the area corresponding to the set number (S3235), and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  In this way, the concealment area is increased when the operation speed of the main button 110 is fast, and each time the concealment area increases, it becomes difficult to see the effect of the variable display game, so that the player does not increase the concealment area. The user tries to press the main button 110 at the operation speed. Therefore, damage to the main button 110 can be prevented, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  If it is determined in step S3228 that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more, a penalty effect is executed with the number of hidden areas maximized regardless of the number of hidden areas (S3235). You may do it. This prevents the player from operating the main button 110 at an extremely high speed, and thus can prevent the main button 110 from being damaged.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S3206 that the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period will be described.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not to determine the operation of the effect button 100 (S3219). If it is determined that the operation button 100 is to be operated (S3220), then the operation speed of the main button 110 is measured (S3221).

  When it is determined that the operation speed of the main button 110 is 9 or more (in the case of speeds 9 and 10), the latching solenoid 107 is activated to fix the pressing portion 144 of the light shielding member 140, and the main button 110 is The operation is disabled (S3223). Then, a button operation warning effect is executed (S3224), the operation speed is notified (S3225), and the process returns to the caller process (main process).

  Therefore, even if the operation of the effect button 100 is not within a valid period, if the player operates the main button 110 at a speed of 9 or more, a second penalty will be imposed.

  When this operation mode monitoring process is applied to the light shielding member 340 according to the third embodiment, an electromagnet 307 may be used instead of the latching solenoid 107.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 34, an example of the first penalty effect executed by the variable display device 35 will be described.

  The display items on the screens 3401 to 3108 are the same as those on the screen of FIG. Each of the screens 3401 to 3408 is divided into a plurality of areas (here, 16 areas of 4 rows and 4 columns). It is the hidden area that is set so as to hide the effect of the variable display game by hiding these areas. However, among these areas, the uppermost area on the rightmost side is an area where a three-digit number change in the change display game is displayed, and thus concealment is not executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of concealment areas is 15.

  The screen transition will be described below.

  A screen 3401 is a screen indicating that the operation of the effect button 100 is a valid period in S3205 (see FIG. 32). Here, since the main button 110 is not yet operated, the operation speed notification effect is not executed. Therefore, the operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3401 has no display of the operation speed, and only the characters “PUSH” for prompting the operation of the main button 110 are displayed. In the screen 3401, no hidden area is set.

  The screen 3402 is displayed when the operation speed of the main button 110 is determined not to be speed 6 or lower in the process of S3212 (see FIG. 33) and is not higher than 9 in the process of S3228 (see FIG. 33). It is a screen that changes to.

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3402 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 8 (S3231). Since the speed 8 is an operation speed evaluated as a “warning zone” (see FIG. 19), a button operation warning effect (S3230) is executed on the screen 3402.

  In the button operation warning effect here, the screen 3102 displays “a symbol indicating that the fish on the fishing rod has escaped” and the letters “more easily”. Thereby, the player can grasp that the operation speed of the main button 110 was fast.

  On the screen 3402, the concealment area is set to be increased by one (S3234), and concealment areas corresponding to the set number are displayed on the variable display device 35 (S3235). In the variable display device 35, the place where the increased concealment area is set is set at random.

  A screen 3403 is a screen in which the variable display game is being executed. The three-digit number displayed on the upper right side is displayed in a fluctuating manner, and the concealment area set on the screen 3402 is concealed as it is so that a part of the effect of the variable display game cannot be seen.

  A screen 3404 is a screen showing the result of the variable display game that has been performed on the upper right side of the screen. Here, a three-digit number “193” is shown, and since the numbers are not aligned, the player is notified that the result of the variable display game was not “winning”. At this time, even if the concealment area is set, the result of the variable display game is not concealed and is also displayed on the concealment area.

  A screen 3405 is a screen showing that the variable display game is started after the number of concealment areas has increased to 6, and that the operation of the effect button 100 is in a valid period. The screen 3405 displays the same as the screen 3101, but the effect is difficult to see due to the concealment area set by the operation of the effect button 100 in the conventional variable display game. That is, even if the next variation display game is entered, the set portion of the concealment area is carried over.

  A screen 3406 is a screen that is transitioned to when the operation speed of the main button 110 is determined to be 6 or less in the process of S3212 (see FIG. 33).

  The operation speed meter at the lower right side of the screen 3406 indicates that the operation speed of the main button 110 is speed 2 (S3231). Since the speed 2 is an operation speed evaluated as “good” (see FIG. 19), the concealment area is set to be reduced by one on the screen 3406 (S3218) and displayed on the variation display device 35 ( S3235).

  A screen 3407 is a screen in which the variable display game is being executed. The three-digit number displayed on the upper right side is displayed in a fluctuating manner, and the concealment area set on the screen 3406 is concealed as it is so that the effect of the variable display game cannot be seen.

  A screen 3408 is a screen showing a result of the variable display game that has been performed on the upper right side of the screen. Here, a three-digit number “512” is shown, and since the numbers are not aligned, the player is notified that the result of the variable display game was not “winning”.

  According to the above embodiment, the concealment area is increased when the operation speed of the main button 110 is fast, and the player can make the concealment area more difficult to see each time the concealment area increases. Attempts to depress the main button 110 at an operation speed such that is not increased. Therefore, damage to the main button 110 can be prevented, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment, and uses, for example, gaming balls such as other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, and sparrow ball gaming machines. Applicable to all gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 11 Top plate unit 30 Game board 31 Game area 34 Center case 35 Fluctuation display apparatus 100 Effect button 106 Photo sensor 106a Light-receiving part 107 Latching solenoid 108 Sub button switch 110 Main button 111 Main button decoration 112 Main button lens 113 Reflector 120 Sub button 130 Switch board 131 Push button 140 Light blocking member 142 Light blocking portion 143 Light passage hole 144 Pressing portion 500 Game control device 550 Effect control device

Claims (1)

A variable display device in which a variable display game is executed;
An external operating means operated by a player and capable of affecting the effect of the variable display game,
An operation detecting means provided in the external operation means and capable of detecting an operation amount of an operation unit operated by a player;
The operation detecting means, when detecting that said operation unit is operated, changing the effect of the variable display games in the variable display device in accordance with the operation amount of the front SL operating unit,
A gaming machine characterized in that the amount of operation of the operation unit detected by the operation detecting means is displayed so as to be visible to a player.