JP5430984B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine provided with a non-contact type sensor (for example, an infrared sensor) that can be operated in accordance with a player's movement (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, an infrared sensor is provided on the game board surface of a gaming machine and projects infrared rays toward the front of the gaming machine. Then, through a glass plate that covers the front surface of the gaming board of the gaming machine, the content of the effects performed on the gaming machine, etc., by the player holding his hand in the space where the infrared light is projected The operation to change is possible. For example, when an object exists in a detection space that projects infrared rays, the infrared sensor detects the presence of the object by receiving infrared rays reflected by the object.

JP 2004-24583 A

  However, in the detection of a non-contact type sensor (infrared sensor) provided in the gaming machine, a phenomenon (chattering) in which the presence or absence of the detection is intermittently repeated even when no object exists in the detection space occurs. Misdetection occurs. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the infrared sensor intermittently repeats high output (Hi) and low output (Lo) by chattering in a short cycle, the control unit side that controls the production using the output As for the output voltage, the high output voltage Vh and the low output voltage Vl are repeated in a short cycle. And when the determination voltage Vt for the said control part to determine the presence or absence of the detection in an infrared sensor is lower than the high output voltage Vh and higher than the low output voltage Vl, the said control part will intermittently enter in the said detection space. It is recognized that an object has been detected. That is, the moment when the output voltage from the infrared sensor is lower than the determination voltage Vt (the moment when the edge is raised) is erroneously detected by recognizing that it is the moment when the object is detected. Such a chattering phenomenon is triggered by the presence of a person other than the player moving near the gaming machine provided with the infrared sensor and the presence of a wall provided near the gaming machine. In particular, the chattering phenomenon tends to occur for an object that exists near the maximum distance in the detection distance characteristics of the infrared sensor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing erroneous detection of a non-contact type sensor due to chattering in a gaming machine provided with a non-contact type sensor.

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

  A first invention is a gaming machine (1) played by a player. The gaming machine includes at least one non-contact sensor (60), an effect control unit (400), and a delay circuit (61). The non-contact sensor detects the presence / absence of another object in the front space (I) of the gaming machine, and outputs an output signal that distinguishes the presence / absence of the object based on the output level (Hi, Lo). The effect control unit compares the output level (Vh, Vl) of the output signal with a predetermined voltage (Vt) to determine the presence / absence of an object in the front space every predetermined period (t2), and continuously (Ct) When it is determined that an object is present in the front space, a predetermined effect in the gaming machine is performed based on the determination result. The delay circuit is provided between the non-contact sensor and the production control unit, and delays (T) the time until the output level of the output signal reaches a predetermined voltage when the non-contact sensor detects an object. The output signal is output to the effect control unit.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, the delay time (t) for which the delay circuit delays the time until the output level of the output signal reaches a predetermined voltage is determined by whether the effect control unit has an object in the front space. Is shorter than the period (t2) for determining.

  According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the non-contact sensor outputs an output signal having a relatively high output level (Hi) when no object is detected in the front space, and the front When an object is detected in space, an output signal having a relatively low output level (Lo) is output. When the output signal changes from a high output level to a low output level, the delay circuit delays a time for the output signal to change from the high output level to the low output level, and outputs the output signal to the effect control unit. .

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, when the output signal changes from a low output level to a high output level, the delay circuit sets a time for the output signal to change from the low output level to the high output level. The output signal is output to the effect control unit without being delayed.

  In a fifth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the non-contact sensor projects the infrared light to the front space and receives the reflected light reflected by the other object existing in the front space. This is an infrared sensor that detects the presence or absence of the other object in the front space.

  In a sixth aspect based on the second aspect, the non-contact type sensor projects visible light to the front space and receives reflected light that is reflected by the other object existing in the front space. Thus, the optical sensor detects the presence or absence of the other object in the front space.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the chattering phenomenon occurring in the non-contact type sensor is dealt with both by the delay operation by the delay circuit and the process to be determined by the continuous determination of the effect control unit, whereby the false detection of the non-contact type sensor. Can be prevented.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the chattering phenomenon in which the high output and the low output are intermittently repeated at a relatively short period is prevented by the delay operation by the delay circuit, and the detection is continued for a relatively long time. For the chattering phenomenon in which the output level is high or low, erroneous detection can be prevented by software processing of the effect control unit.

  According to the third aspect, the delay circuit can be easily realized by using, for example, an RC circuit.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the output signal changes from a low output level to a high output level, chattering that repeats high output and low output intermittently by instantaneously rising from a low output level to a high output level. Appropriate responses can be made to the phenomenon.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type sensor is constituted by an infrared sensor, so that an increase in the cost of the gaming machine can be suppressed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the non-contact type sensor is constituted by an optical sensor, whereby the visible light projected from the optical sensor can be used for the effect of the gaming machine.

Schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the gaming machine 1 of FIG. Front view for explaining an installation example of the infrared sensor 60 Top view for explaining an installation example of the infrared sensor 60 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. Circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the delay circuit 61 The figure which shows the output voltage example of the delay circuit 61 corresponding to the output from the infrared sensor 60 The figure which shows an example of the data and program which are memorize | stored in RAM403 of the production | presentation control part 400 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the process performed in the production control part 400 The figure for demonstrating the delay time T and the determination time t3 using the output voltage example of the delay circuit 61 corresponding to the output from the infrared sensor 60. The figure for explaining the output voltage example corresponding to the output from the conventional infrared sensor

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4A is a schematic front view showing an arrangement example of the infrared sensor 60 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4B is a schematic top view illustrating an arrangement example of the infrared sensor 60 provided in the gaming machine 1.

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

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 5) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 21 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) by displaying, for example, a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or notices by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Display the production. The image display unit 21 is described as a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot display device, and a 7-segment display (hereinafter referred to as a 7-segment display device). However, any other display device may be used. Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 22 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and performs various effects by moving it with a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game by the player. The board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, a first starting port 25a, a second starting port 25b, a gate 27, a big winning port 28, and a normal winning port 29 are arranged on the game board 2. It is installed. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 for discharging out of the game area 20 a game ball that has not been won in the winning area among the game balls launched into the game area 20.

  The first start opening 25a and the second start opening 25b each receive a prize when a game ball enters, and a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started. The first start opening 25a operates a predetermined special electric accessory (big prize opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a first special symbol display 31a described later). This is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. In addition, the second start opening 25b operates the special electric accessory (big prize opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a second special symbol display 31b described later). This is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. When the game ball passes through the gate 27, a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is started.

  The 2nd starting opening 25b is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting opening 25a, and is provided with the electric tulip 26 near the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 26 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid), which will be described later. Lights up or blinks together. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 26 is in a state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting port 25b because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 26 is configured such that when the pair of blade portions are opened to the left and right, the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b increases, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 25b. Has been. When the electric tulip 26 wins the normal symbol lottery by passing a game ball through the gate 27, the pair of blades open for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds or 1.80 seconds) while lighting or flashing. Open and close a specified number of times (for example, once or three times).

  The special winning opening 28 is located below the second start opening 25b and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 28 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the grand prize winning opening 28 is a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or until 10 game balls have been won or the accumulated cumulative time is within 1.8 seconds). , 15 times or once). Further, the lottery does not start at the normal winning opening 29 even if a game ball wins.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the above-described special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery and the number of holds. Details of the display 3 will be described later.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has two first start openings 25a and second start openings 25b in the game area 20, but when a game ball enters, a special symbol lottery is started. Only one starting port may be provided. Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with one big winning opening 28 in the gaming area 20, but a plurality of big winning openings having the same function as the big winning opening 28 may be provided.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 may vary the jackpot probability that the jackpot will be lottered during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, the gaming machine 1 has a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively low (low probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 1/300) to a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively high (high probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 30 May fluctuate to 1). In addition, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning at the time of the normal symbol lottery, or reduce the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is extended, or the number of times the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened and closed increases (electric chew support).

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29 (winning), a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. Prize balls are paid out. For example, when a game ball wins the first start port 25a and the second start port 25b, four prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 28, thirteen prize balls are awarded, and the game ball wins the normal prize opening 29. Then, 10 prize balls are each paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a take-out button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, a lock part 43, and the like. Is provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the launching device 211 (at 100 hits per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). FIG. 5) electrically fires a game ball. The tray 59 (see FIG. 2) is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 52. In addition, the plate 59 may be configured by integrating the upper and lower plates, or may be configured by separating the upper plate and the lower plate. The handle 51 may emit light under predetermined conditions.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing, a difference in emission color, or the like. Note that the frame lamp 56 may change the light irradiation direction and produce an effect by changing the irradiation direction.

  Next, the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 3 includes a first special symbol display 31a, a second special symbol display 31b, a first special symbol hold indicator 32a, a second special symbol hold indicator 32b, a normal symbol indicator 33, and a normal symbol indicator 33. A symbol hold display 34 and a game status display 35 are provided.

  In the first special symbol display 31a, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 25a. For example, the first special symbol display 31a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the first start opening 25a, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In addition, the second special symbol display 31b is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 25b. For example, the second special symbol display 31b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the second starting port 25b, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In the normal symbol display 33, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 27. For example, the normal symbol display 33 is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 32a displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball is won in the first starting port 25a. The second special symbol hold indicator 32b displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball is won in the second starting port 25b. The normal symbol hold display 34 displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, during the period in which the display symbols are variably displayed by the first special symbol display 31a, the second special symbol display 31b, or the normal symbol display 33 (while the variation display for one winning is being performed) When another game ball wins, the display change of the display pattern for the winning game ball is held for a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) until the change display for the previously won game ball ends. The The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (number of undrawn times) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34 are each constituted by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. .

  The game status indicator 35 displays the game status at the time when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. A plurality of gaming states (for example, a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, a time-saving gaming state, and a latent gaming state) are set in the gaming machine 1. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming state is notified by the gaming state indicator 35. For example, the gaming status indicator 35 is composed of a plurality of LED display devices, and the gaming status is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 as an example of an input device. Note that the gaming machine 1 is provided with a non-contact sensor as another example of the input device, which will be described in detail later.

  The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 57 is provided on the upper side of the dish 59 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 58 has a center key and a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the production button 57. For example, the production key 58 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can select any of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 21 by operating four surrounding keys of the effect key 58. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 58.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the infrared sensor 60 which is an example of the non-contact type sensor provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. 4A is a front view for explaining an installation example of the infrared sensor 60. FIG. FIG. 4B is a top view for explaining an installation example of the infrared sensor 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the game board 2 is provided with an infrared sensor 60. The infrared sensor 60 is configured by integrating a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The light projecting unit projects infrared light onto the predetermined detection space I. When an object is present in the detection space I, the infrared light projected from the light projecting unit is reflected by the object, and the reflected infrared light is received by the light receiving unit. That is, when there is an object in the detection space I that projects infrared rays, the infrared sensor 60 can detect the presence of the object by receiving infrared rays reflected by the object.

  As an example, the infrared sensor 60 is provided on the game board 2 on the side of the image display unit 21. The infrared sensor 60 forms a detection space I in front of the image display unit 21 (that is, the player side as viewed from the image display unit 21). Specifically, the infrared sensor 60 projects infrared rays from the side of the image display unit 21 toward the front space of the image display unit 21 in the horizontal direction. Thus, the infrared sensor 60 forms a detection space I in the space in front of the image display unit 21. The detection space I is formed at an angle θ from the light projecting portion of the infrared sensor 60 and passes through the transparent plate 50 provided in front of the game board 2 to separate the game board 2 from the player. To the front (that is, the player side of the transparent plate 50).

  Note that the gaming machine 1 may be provided with a plurality of infrared sensors 60. For example, three infrared sensors 60 may be juxtaposed in the vertical direction of the gaming machine 1 on the game board 2 that is the side of the image display unit 21. In this case, the infrared sensor 60 installed on the uppermost side forms a detection space in the front space with respect to the upper display area of the image display unit 21. Further, the infrared sensor 60 installed at the intermediate position forms a detection space in the front space with respect to the central display area of the image display unit 21. The infrared sensor 60 installed at the lowermost position forms a detection space in the front space with respect to the lower display area of the image display unit 21. Each detection space is formed at an angle θ from the light projecting portion of the infrared sensor 60 so as not to overlap each other, and a transparent plate 50 provided in front of the game board 2 to separate the game board 2 from the player. And is formed up to the front of the transparent plate 50. A plurality of infrared sensors 60 may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction along the game board 2 of the gaming machine 1 or in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the game board 2.

  In addition, on the back side of the inner frame body, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out game balls to the tray 59 are provided, and various substrates are attached. It has been. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. More specifically, the main board includes a main control board configured with a main control unit 100 that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, etc., and a launch control that controls a launch device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20. A launch control board in which the unit 200 is configured, a payout control board in which a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of prize balls, and the like are disposed. The main board is sealed by a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened. In addition, the sub-board includes an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 that controls the effects in an integrated manner, an image control board configured with an image sound control section 500 configured to control effects with images and sounds, and various types A lamp control board or the like on which a lamp control unit 600 that controls the effects of the lamp (frame lamp 56, panel lamp 23) and the movable accessory 22 is provided. Further, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, a switching power source is provided that converts 100V AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 to DC power and outputs the DC power to the various boards described above.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 5, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, and a lamp control unit 600.

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

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins a prize in the first start port 25a or the second start port 25b, and sends determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won to the effect control unit 400. . In addition, the main control unit 100 includes data indicating a variation setting of the winning probability determined according to the special symbol lottery (for example, a variation setting from 1/300 to 1/30) and a special symbol variation time reduction setting, Data indicating the setting for shortening the normal symbol variation time determined according to the normal symbol lottery is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. In addition, the main control unit 100 determines the number of times when the game ball has won the first start port 25a, the number of times when the game ball has won the second start port 25b, and when the game ball has passed the gate 27. Manage the number of holds for each.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 28 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 opens the special winning opening 28 so as to project and incline until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, 29.5 seconds have elapsed or 10 game balls have been won or the accumulated cumulative release time is within 1.8 seconds). Control is performed so that the round in which the state is reached is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or once). In addition, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 28 opens and closes.

  When a game ball wins in the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out the number of prize balls. For example, the main control unit 100 may have four prize balls when a game ball wins the first start opening 25a or the second start opening 25b, and 13 prize balls when a game ball wins the big prize opening 28, a normal prize opening. When a game ball wins in 29, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 300 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  The main control unit 100 controls the launching device 211 that launches the game ball via the launch control unit 200. For example, the main control unit 100 transmits a signal permitting the operation of the launching device 211 to launch a game ball to the launch control unit 200 via the payout control unit 300 based on a predetermined condition.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. Unit 115, normal winning opening switch 116, first special symbol display 31a, second special symbol display 31b, first special symbol hold indicator 32a, second special symbol hold indicator 32b, normal symbol indicator 33, and A normal symbol hold indicator 34 is connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 25 a and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 25b and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 28 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 28 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 29 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  Further, the main control unit 100 displays on the first special symbol display 31a the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the first starting port 25a. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol display 31b. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 25a on the first special symbol holding display 32a. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold according to the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol holding display 32b. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol display 33. Then, the main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings on which the lottery is put on hold according to the passing of the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol holding display 34.

  Further, the main control unit 100 transmits various types of information to a host computer provided in a store (hall) in which the gaming machine 1 is installed. Then, the main control unit 100 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 300, information indicating the state of the main control unit 100, and the like to the host computer.

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

  When the position of the lever 52 is in the neutral position, the lever 52 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the lever 52 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the lever 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the launch control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 such that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 52 increases. Further, the launch control unit 200 can perform the launch operation of the launch device 211 by receiving a signal permitting launch from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the stop button 53 is pressed is output or the control signal for stopping the emission is output from the main control unit 100, the launch control unit 200 performs the operation of launching the game ball by the launch device 211. Stop.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and the RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and the like. Then, the payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100.

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

  The payout controller 300 transmits various information to the host computer. For example, the payout control unit 300 transmits information on the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out to the payout driving unit 311, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out, and the like to the host computer. Also, the payout control unit 300 transmits similar information to the main control unit 100.

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The effect control unit 400 is connected with an effect button 57, an effect key 58, and an infrared sensor 60. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and the RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time. In addition, although the delay circuit 61 is provided between the infrared sensor 60 and the production | presentation control part 400, detailed description is mentioned later.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. At that time, when the player presses down the effect button 57 or the effect key 58, or when the infrared sensor 60 detects the presence of an object in the detection space I, the effect control unit 400 displays the operation input or the detection result. The production contents may be set accordingly. In addition, when the game for the gaming machine 1 is interrupted for a predetermined period or longer, the effect control unit 400 sets an effect for waiting for a customer as one of the effects. Furthermore, when the main control unit 100 outputs data indicating that the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery is changed, or when outputting data indicating that the special symbol change time at the time of the special symbol lottery is shortened, When the data indicating that the normal symbol variation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery is shortened is output, the effect control unit 400 sets the effect contents corresponding to the contents indicated by the output data. Then, the effect control unit 400 sends commands for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600, respectively.

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

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 21 and the sound output from the speaker 55 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 21, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player. Image data such as characters and items to be displayed is stored. Further, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 synchronizes with the image displayed on the image display unit 21 or independently of the displayed image, such as music and sound output from the speaker 55, and further, a jingle or the like. Various acoustic data such as sound effects are stored. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like using the read image data. Further, the CPU 501 performs voice processing using the read acoustic data. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 21. Further, the CPU 501 outputs the sound indicated by the sound data subjected to the sound processing from the speaker 55.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the operation of the movable accessory 22. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data, and the RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. Data) is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the read operation pattern data.

  Next, the delay circuit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the delay circuit 61. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an output voltage example of the delay circuit 61 corresponding to the output from the infrared sensor 60.

  6 and 7, a delay circuit 61 is provided between the infrared sensor 60 and the effect control unit 400. Therefore, the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60 is output to the effect control unit 400 via the delay circuit 61.

  The delay circuit 61 includes a diode 611 and resistors 613 and 615 on the first line connected from the infrared sensor 60 to the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the anode side of the diode 611 is connected to the output terminal of the infrared sensor 60. The cathode side of the diode 611 is connected to the input terminal of the effect control unit 400 via resistors 613 and 615 connected in series.

  The delay circuit 61 has a second line provided in parallel with a part of the first line. In the second line, a diode 612 and a resistor 614 are provided in parallel with the diode 611 and the resistor 613 on the first line. Specifically, the output terminal of the infrared sensor 60 is connected to the cathode side of the diode 612. The anode side of the diode 612 is connected between the resistor 613 and the resistor 615 provided on the first line via the resistor 614.

  The delay circuit 61 includes a capacitor 616. The first line between the resistor 613 and the resistor 615 is grounded via the capacitor 616. That is, the second line between the resistor 614 and the resistor 615 is also grounded via the capacitor 616.

  When no object is detected in the detection space I, the infrared sensor 60 outputs an output signal (high output Hi) having a relatively high voltage. On the other hand, when detecting an object in the detection space I, the infrared sensor 60 outputs an output signal (low output Lo) having a relatively low voltage. The output voltage to the effect control unit 400 is the low output voltage Vl when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 is low output Lo, and the high output voltage Vh when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 is high output Hi. . Then, the presence or absence of an object in the detection space I is determined using a determination voltage Vt that is higher than the low output voltage Vl and lower than the high output voltage Vh.

  The delay circuit 61 is adjusted so that when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the low output Lo to the high output Hi, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 instantaneously rises from the low output voltage Vl to the high output voltage Vh. RC circuit. Further, when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the high output Hi to the low output Lo, the delay circuit 61 causes the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 to gradually decrease from the high output voltage Vh to the low output voltage Vl. RC circuit adjusted to Specifically, when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the high output Hi to the low output Lo, the delay circuit 61 changes the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 from the high output voltage Vh to a delay time T (for example, 10 It is adjusted so that it gradually decreases to the determination voltage Vt after lapse of .about.20 ms (milliseconds). For example, the delay time T is adjusted by setting the resistor 613 to 110Ω (ohms), the resistor 614 to 2.7 kΩ (kiloohms), and the capacitance of the capacitor 616 to 10 μF (microfarads).

  When the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the low output Lo to the high output Hi, the output signal is output to the effect control unit 400 via the first line of the delay circuit 61. Specifically, when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the low output Lo to the high output Hi, the output signal is stored in the capacitor 616 through the diode 611 and the resistor 613, and then is output through the resistor 615. An output signal of the output voltage Vh is output to the effect control unit 400.

  On the other hand, when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the high output Hi to the low output Lo, the power stored in the capacitor 616 flows to the infrared sensor 60 side through the second line of the delay circuit 61. That is, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 gradually decreases from the high output voltage Vh to the low output voltage Vl according to the amount of power stored in the capacitor 616. Here, the resistance value of the resistor 613 provided on the first line is extremely smaller than the resistance value of the resistor 614 provided on the second line. The time for discharging from the capacitor 616 is relatively longer than the time for storing electricity. Therefore, the delay circuit 61 instantaneously raises the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 from the low output voltage Vl to the high output voltage Vh when the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the low output Lo to the high output Hi. When the output signal of the infrared sensor 60 changes from the high output Hi to the low output Lo, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 can be gradually decreased from the high output voltage Vh to the low output voltage Vl. Therefore, even if the output of the infrared sensor 60 becomes low output Lo due to the chattering phenomenon, if the period of low output Lo is less than the delay time T, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 becomes equal to or higher than the determination voltage Vt. As will become clear later, it is determined that there is no object in the detection space I. That is, even if a chattering phenomenon that results in a low output Lo occurs in a period shorter than the delay time T, erroneous detection due to the chattering phenomenon can be prevented.

  Next, details of the processing performed in the effect control unit 400 will be described. First, main data and programs used in the processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data and programs stored in the RAM 403 of the effect control unit 400.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 403 has a data storage area 403D and a program storage area 403P. The data storage area 403D stores infrared detection data D1, detection counter data D2, reception command data D3, transmission command data D4, random number data D5, and the like. The program storage area 403P stores various programs P1 for operating the effect control unit 400.

  The infrared detection data D1 stores data generated in response to a player's operation performed on the gaming machine 1. In the present embodiment, data indicating whether or not an object exists in the detection space I is stored based on the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60. The production control unit 400 may acquire data indicating an output signal transmitted from the infrared sensor 60 at predetermined intervals and store the data in a predetermined recording medium (not shown). In this case, the data stored in the recording medium is read and used every processing cycle to be described later. In the processing operation to be described later, it is assumed that the cycle for acquiring the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60 and the processing cycle for determining whether or not an object exists in the detection space I are the same. In addition, although the period which acquires the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60 and the process period which judges whether an object exists in the detection space I may differ, in this case, the output acquired in several time points It is only necessary to always use only the latest data among the data indicating the signal.

  The detection counter data D2 stores data indicating a count value C that indicates the number of times it is determined that an object is present when the object is present in the detection space I.

  The received command data D3 stores data indicating various commands received from the main control unit 100.

  The transmission command data D4 stores data indicating various commands to be transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. For example, the transmission command data D4 includes pending number command data D41, variation effect start command data D42, variation effect end command data D43, opening effect start command data D44, ending effect start command data D45, infrared detection command data D46, and the like. Contains. The number-of-holds command data D41 is data for transmitting information indicating the effect of adding the number of holds to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The variation effect start command data D42 is data for transmitting information indicating that the effect is started with the selected variation effect pattern to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The change effect end command data D43 is data for transmitting information indicating that the change effect during the effect is ended to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The opening effect start command data D44 is data for transmitting to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 information indicating that the opening effect is started with the selected winning effect pattern. The ending effect start command data D45 transmits information indicating that the ending effect for ending the winning effect during the effect is started with the selected ending effect pattern to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. It is data to do. The infrared detection command data D46 transmits information indicating that an operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed according to the object detection status in the infrared sensor 60 to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. It is data for.

  The random number data D5 is data indicating a random number updated by the effect control unit 400.

  Next, the operation of the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the effect control unit 400. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executing the effect control program stored in the ROM 402. Specifically, the effect control program is appropriately read from the ROM 402 onto the RAM 403. And executed by the CPU 401. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, detailed description of other processes not directly related to the present invention is omitted. In FIG. 9 and the following description, each step executed by the effect control unit 400 is abbreviated as “S”.

  In FIG. 9, the effect control unit 400 performs initial settings related to effect control (S701), sets a period t1 of interrupt processing and a period t2 for processing an output signal from the infrared sensor 60 (S702), and Proceed with the step. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes various parameters used in the subsequent processing in the initial setting in S701. In addition, in the period setting process of S702, the effect control unit 400 sets, for example, the interruption process period t1 to 4 ms (milliseconds), and sets the period t2 for processing the output signal to 33 ms. The period t2 for processing the output signal is set to a time longer than the delay time T described above.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 updates the random number used in the command reception process (S703), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 updates 1 by adding 1 to the random number stored in the random number data D5, and updates the random number data D1 using the updated random number. When the random number is the maximum value, the main control unit 100 returns the random number to 0 and updates it.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 determines whether it is time to perform an interrupt process (S704). Here, the effect control unit 400 sets the interrupt processing cycle t1 in S702, and determines whether or not the current time corresponds to the interrupt processing cycle t1. Then, when it is time to perform the interrupt process, the effect control unit 400 advances the process to the next S705. On the other hand, when it is not time to perform the interrupt process, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S707.

  In S705, the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100, performs processing according to the command, and proceeds to the next step.

  The main control unit 100 outputs various commands related to the effects of the gaming machine 1 to the effect control unit 400. In S705, for example, when the production control unit 400 receives a hold number increase command indicating that the hold number has increased from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 adds 1 to the hold number of the type indicated by the command, and A hold number command indicating the effect of adding the hold number is set in the hold number command data D41. When the effect control unit 400 receives from the main control unit 100 a change start command indicating that a change effect for starting a special symbol lottery is started, the effect control unit 400 changes according to the command and the random number stored in the random number data D5. An effect pattern is selected, and a change effect start command indicating that an effect is started with the selected change effect pattern is set in the change effect start command data D42. When the production control unit 400 receives from the main control unit 100 a variation stop command indicating that the variation production during the production is to be ended, the production control unit 400 sets the production mode and the like according to the command, and ends the production of the production during the production. The change effect end command indicating that the change effect is to be performed is set in the change effect end command data D43. When the effect control unit 400 receives an opening command indicating that the hit effect starts from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 selects and selects the hit effect pattern according to the command and the random number stored in the random number data D5. An opening effect start command indicating that the opening effect is started with the hit effect pattern is set in the opening effect start command data D44. Then, when the effect control unit 400 receives an ending command indicating that the hit effect ends from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 selects an ending effect pattern according to the command and the random number stored in the random number data D5, An ending effect start command indicating that the ending effect is started with the selected ending effect pattern and the winning effect is ended is set in the ending effect start command data D45.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 outputs a control command to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 (S706), and the process proceeds to the next S707. For example, the effect control unit 400 has a command related to effects set in the hold number command data D41, the change effect start command data D42, the change effect end command data D43, the opening effect start command data D44, and the ending effect start command data D45. Is output to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, thereby causing the game machine 1 to execute an effect.

  In S707, the effect control unit 400 determines whether it is time to process the output signal from the infrared sensor 60. Here, the effect control unit 400 sets a cycle t2 for processing the output signal from the infrared sensor 60 in S702, and determines whether or not the present time is a timing corresponding to the cycle t2. Then, when it is time to process the output signal from the infrared sensor 60, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S708. On the other hand, if it is not time to process the output signal from the infrared sensor 60, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S713.

  In S708, the effect control unit 400 determines whether the infrared sensor 60 has detected the presence of an object in the detection space I. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the presence or absence of an object in the detection space I is determined based on the determination voltage Vt that is higher than the low output voltage Vl and lower than the high output voltage Vh. Specifically, when the voltage of the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60 is equal to or lower than the determination voltage Vt via the delay circuit 61, the effect control unit 400 indicates that the infrared sensor 60 has an object in the detection space I. The infrared detection data D1 is updated to data indicating that an object is present in the detection space I by determining that it is detected. In addition, when the voltage of the output signal is higher than the determination voltage Vt, the effect control unit 400 determines that the infrared sensor 60 has not detected the presence of the object in the detection space I, and the object exists in the detection space I. Infrared detection data D1 is updated to data indicating that it is not. Then, when the infrared sensor 60 detects the presence of an object in the detection space I, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S709. On the other hand, if the infrared sensor 60 has not detected the presence of an object in the detection space I, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S710.

  In step S709, the effect control unit 400 updates the count value C by adding 1, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 adds 1 to the count value C indicated by the detection counter data D2, and updates the detection counter data D2 using the count value C after the addition.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 refers to the detection counter data D2 and determines whether or not the current count value C is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold Ct (Ct ≧ 2; for example, Ct = 3). . Then, when the current count value C is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ct, the effect control unit 400 determines that an operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed, and proceeds to the next step S712. On the other hand, when the current count value C is less than the threshold value Ct, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step S712.

  In S712, the effect control unit 400 outputs an infrared detection command to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, and proceeds to the next S713. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets an infrared detection command indicating that an operation of turning on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed in the infrared detection command data D46. Then, the effect control unit 400 outputs the infrared detection command set in the infrared detection command data D46 to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, thereby performing an operation of turning on the infrared sensor 60. The production according to the situation is executed.

  On the other hand, when the infrared sensor 60 has not detected the presence of an object in the detection space I (No in S708), the effect control unit 400 updates the count value C to 0 and advances the process to the next S713. For example, the effect control unit 400 updates the count value C indicated by the detection counter data D2 to 0, and updates the detection counter data D2 using the updated count value C.

  Here, S712 is a process executed when the count value C is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ct. Further, the count value C is initialized to 0 when the infrared sensor 60 does not detect the presence of an object in the detection space I (S710). Therefore, S712 is a process executed when it is continuously determined that the infrared sensor 60 is detecting an object in the detection space I above the threshold Ct. That is, in order to determine that the operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed, the voltage of the output signal output from the infrared sensor 60 via the delay circuit 61 processes the output signal from the infrared sensor 60. The determination voltage Vt is continuously equal to or lower than the determination voltage Vt for at least a time longer than the determination time t3 (for example, 66 ms + 10 to 20 ms) obtained by adding the delay time T to the time obtained by multiplying the period t2 (for example, 33 ms) by the threshold Ct−1 (for example, 2) There is a need. In this way, by performing the process of determining that the operation of turning on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed on condition that the detection of the object is continuously performed a plurality of times, the infrared sensor 60 is caused by the chattering phenomenon. Even if the output becomes low output Lo, it is not determined that the operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60 is performed if the period during which the low output Lo is continuously low is equal to or shorter than the determination time t3. Therefore, even if a chattering phenomenon that results in a low output Lo occurs in the period equal to or shorter than the determination time t3, erroneous detection due to the chattering phenomenon can be prevented.

  In S713, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not to end the process started in S701. For example, the conditions for ending the process include that the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off, or that the administrator of the gaming machine 1 has performed an operation for ending the process in the effect control unit 400. The effect control unit 400 returns to step S703 when the process is not ended, repeats the process, and ends the process according to the flowchart when the process is ended.

  Next, the relationship between the delay time T and the determination time t3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the delay time T and the determination time t3 using an output voltage example of the delay circuit 61 corresponding to the output from the infrared sensor 60. The white circles in FIG. 10 indicate the timing at which it is determined in S708 that the infrared sensor 60 has not detected the presence of an object in the detection space I. The filled circles in FIG. 10 indicate the timing when it is determined in S708 that the infrared sensor 60 has detected the presence of an object in the detection space I. Then, the filled square mark in FIG. 10 confirms that the operation of turning on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed in S711 (that is, the infrared sensor 60 indicates the presence of an object in the detection space I continuously for the threshold Ct times or more). The timing at which it was determined that it was detected) is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when a chattering phenomenon in which the output of the infrared sensor 60 repeats high output Hi and low output Lo intermittently occurs in a cycle shorter than the delay time T (period A shown), the delay operation by the delay circuit 61 is performed. Therefore, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 does not become the determination voltage Vt or less. Therefore, during the period A, the effect control unit 400 always determines that the infrared sensor 60 has not detected the presence of an object in the detection space I.

  If a chattering phenomenon occurs in which the output of the infrared sensor 60 becomes low output Lo for a period of time longer than the delay time T and less than the determination time t3 (period B in the figure), the delay circuit 61 performs a delay operation. In addition, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 decreases to the determination voltage Vt or less. Due to the decrease in the output voltage, the effect control unit 400 may determine that the infrared sensor 60 detects the presence of an object in the detection space I. However, when the period during which the output of the infrared sensor 60 is low output Lo is less than the determination time t3, the effect control unit 400 continuously detects the presence of an object in the detection space I by the threshold Ct times or more. It is not determined that you are doing. Therefore, in period B, the effect control unit 400 temporarily determines that the infrared sensor 60 has detected the presence of an object in the detection space I, but an operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60 is performed. There is no confirmation that it has been broken.

  On the other hand, the period during which the infrared sensor 60 is continuously turned on is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (specifically, the delay time T (for example, 10 to 10) is obtained by multiplying the period t2 (for example, 33 ms) by the threshold Ct (for example, 3). 20 ms) is added to the time t4 (for example, 99 ms + 10 to 20 ms) or more) (when the player of the gaming machine 1 performs an operation (ON operation period in the figure)), the effect control unit 400 always continues for the threshold Ct times or more. Thus, it is determined that the infrared sensor 60 detects the presence of an object in the detection space I. Therefore, when the player of the gaming machine 1 performs an operation in which the period during which the infrared sensor 60 is continuously turned on is equal to or longer than the time t4, the effect control unit 400 always performs an operation to turn on the infrared sensor 60. Determine. Even if the operation period during which the infrared sensor 60 is continuously turned on is less than the time t4 due to the time difference between the timing when the infrared sensor 60 is turned on and the timing when the output signal from the infrared sensor 60 is processed, the operation is performed. If the period is longer than the determination time t3, the effect control unit 400 may determine that an operation for turning on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed.

  Here, it is conceivable to prevent the erroneous determination due to the chattering phenomenon only by the determination processing (S707 to S712) of the effect control unit 400 without providing the delay circuit 61. However, when the chattering phenomenon in which the output of the infrared sensor 60 repeats the high output Hi and the low output Lo intermittently in a short cycle occurs, the infrared sensor 60 is in the detection space I during the chattering phenomenon. The production control unit 400 may determine that the presence of an object is detected. Therefore, when the chattering phenomenon occurs for the determination time t3 or more, the effect control unit 400 may mistakenly recognize that an operation for turning on the infrared sensor 60 has been performed. Further, it is conceivable that the period t2 is shortened (for example, equivalent to the delay time T) and the threshold value Ct is increased. However, this correspondence not only greatly increases the processing load of the production control unit 400, but it is needless to say that it is not a complete measure against the chattering phenomenon in which the high output Hi and the low output Lo are repeated intermittently in a short cycle. Yes. In addition, if the determination time t3 is lengthened, there is a situation where it is not determined that the player has turned on the infrared sensor 60 even if the player turns on the infrared sensor 60. Therefore, the determination time t3 is set to a time that does not cause a player's stress. There is a need to. As described above, a delay operation by the delay circuit 61 is required in order to prevent erroneous determination with respect to the chattering phenomenon in which the high output Hi and the low output Lo are repeated intermittently in a short cycle.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable to prevent erroneous determination due to the chattering phenomenon only by the delay operation by the delay circuit 61. However, it goes without saying that the chattering phenomenon in which the low output Lo continues for the delay time T or longer cannot be dealt with only by the delay operation by the delay circuit 61. Note that it is possible to make the delay time T longer (for example, equivalent to the determination time t3) by adjusting the resistance value in the delay circuit 61 and the capacitance of the capacitor. However, when the delay time T is increased, if a certain limit is exceeded, the time for the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 to rise from the low output voltage Vl to the high output voltage Vh is also increased and delayed. As a result, when the output of the infrared sensor 60 is a chattering phenomenon in which the high output Hi and the low output Lo are intermittently repeated, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 returns to the low output voltage Vl before returning to the high output voltage Vh. As a result, even if the chattering phenomenon in which the low output Lo continues for a period shorter than the delay time T, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 may decrease to the determination voltage Vt.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment takes both measures against the chattering phenomenon that is incomplete with only one of the delay operation by the delay circuit 61 and the determination process of the effect control unit 400 (S707 to S712). By efficiently combining the advantages of the non-contact type sensor, erroneous detection of the non-contact type sensor is prevented. Specifically, by setting the cycle t2 to a time longer than the delay time T and setting the threshold Ct to a numerical value of 2 or more, the chattering that repeats the high output Hi and the low output Lo intermittently in a relatively short cycle For the phenomenon, the erroneous detection is prevented by the delay operation by the delay circuit 61, and for the chattering phenomenon in which the output is low for a relatively long time, the erroneous control is performed by the software processing of the effect control unit 400. Detection is prevented. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment can determine that the player has been turned on at an appropriate timing when the player turns on the infrared sensor 60 while preventing erroneous detection due to the chattering phenomenon. Therefore, the player's stress does not increase by implementing the present invention.

  In the above description, the infrared sensor 60 outputs a high-output Hi output signal when no object is detected in the detection space I, and has a low output Lo when an object is detected in the detection space I. Although an example of outputting an output signal has been used, an infrared sensor that outputs the opposite output may be used. That is, by using an infrared sensor that outputs an output signal of low output Lo when no object is detected in the detection space I, and outputs an output signal of high output Hi when an object is detected in the detection space I. It doesn't matter. In this case, when the output signal of the infrared sensor changes from the high output Hi to the low output Lo, the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 instantaneously falls from the high output voltage Vh to the low output voltage Vl, and the output of the infrared sensor When the signal changes from the low output Lo to the high output Hi, a delay circuit that is adjusted so that the output voltage to the effect control unit 400 gradually increases from the low output voltage Vl to the high output voltage Vh is used. Then, the effect control unit 400 uses the determination voltage Vt to perform the object detection determination (S708) in which the height determination is reversed in the above-described processing, whereby the same processing can be performed and the same effect can be obtained. .

  In the above description, the infrared sensor 60 is used as an example of a non-contact type sensor that detects a player's hand inserted in the front space of the image display unit 21, but other types of non-contact type sensors are used. You can use it. For example, as a non-contact type sensor used in the gaming machine 1, when visible light having a wavelength region different from that of infrared rays is projected onto the detection space, and an object exists in the detection space, the projected visible light is An optical sensor that detects the presence of an object by reflecting the reflected visible light and receiving the reflected visible light may be used. When using an optical sensor, in addition to the effects described above, visible light itself projected from the optical sensor can also be used for the effects of the gaming machine 1. Further, as a non-contact type sensor used in the gaming machine 1, in addition to the infrared sensor and the optical sensor described above, a laser sensor that emits laser light and detects its reflected light, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitance sensor, a magnetic sensor The player's hand put out in the front space of the image display unit 21 may be detected using another detection device such as a sensor.

  In addition, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. Needless to say. Moreover, it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized even if the coefficients, determination values, mathematical formulas, processing order, and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and other values, mathematical formulas, and processing orders are used.

  In addition, the program used in the present invention is not only recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the gaming machine 1, but also supplied to the gaming machine 1 through an external storage medium such as an optical disk, or a wired or wireless communication line. It may be supplied to the gaming machine 1 through.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 20 ... Game area 21 ... Image display part 22 ... Movable accessory 23 ... Board lamp 24 ... Discharge port 25a ... 1st start port 25b ... 2nd start port 26 ... Electric tulip 27 ... Gate 28 ... Big winning opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Display 31a ... First special symbol display 31b ... Second special symbol display 32a ... First special symbol hold indicator 32b ... Second special symbol hold indicator 33 ... Normal Symbol display 34 ... Normal symbol hold indicator 35 ... Game status indicator 43 ... Lock portion 5 ... Frame member 50 ... Transparent plate 51 ... Handle 52 ... Lever 53 ... Stop button 54 ... Eject button 55 ... Speaker 56 ... Frame lamp 57 ... production button 58 ... production key 59 ... pan 60 ... infrared sensor 61 ... delay circuit 611, 612 ... diode 613, 614, 615 ... resistor 616 ... capacitor 100 ... main control unit 101 201,301,401,501,601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (6)

A gaming machine played by a player,
At least one non-contact sensor that detects the presence or absence of another object in the front space of the gaming machine and outputs an output signal that distinguishes the presence or absence of the object according to an output level;
When the output level of the output signal is compared with a predetermined voltage to determine the presence or absence of an object in the front space every predetermined period, and when it is determined that an object exists in the front space more than once in succession An effect control unit that performs a predetermined effect in the gaming machine based on the determination result;
Provided between the non-contact type sensor and the effect control unit, and delays the time until the output level of the output signal reaches the predetermined voltage when the non-contact type sensor detects the object. A gaming machine comprising: a delay circuit that outputs the output signal to the effect control unit.   The delay time in which the delay circuit delays the time until the output level of the output signal reaches the predetermined voltage is shorter than the cycle in which the effect control unit determines the presence or absence of an object in the front space. The gaming machine described in 1. The non-contact sensor outputs a relatively high output level output signal when no object is detected in the front space, and a relatively low output level when an object is detected in the front space. Output signal,
When the output signal changes from the high output level to the low output level, the delay circuit delays the time during which the output signal changes from the high output level to the low output level, The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, which is output to the control unit.   The delay circuit, when the output signal changes from the low output level to the high output level, delays the time for the output signal to change from the low output level to the high output level without delaying the output signal The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is output to an effect control unit.   The non-contact type sensor projects infrared light to the front space and receives reflected light that is reflected by the other object existing in the front space, so that the other object in the front space is reflected. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is an infrared sensor that detects presence or absence.   The non-contact sensor projects the other light in the front space by projecting visible light to the front space and receiving reflected light reflected by the other object existing in the front space. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object.

Images