JP5450719B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces an effect according to the game situation and accepts an operation of a player or the like in the effect.

  Many gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines are provided with rendering means such as an image display device such as a liquid crystal display and movable accessories, and perform various renderings depending on the gaming state and the like. Also, such gaming machines are often provided with operation means that can be operated by the player, such as effect buttons, and effects linked to operations on the operation means are also performed. One of these types of operation means is to detect the player's movement using an optical sensor (photo sensor, infrared sensor, etc.), grasp the detected player's movement as an input operation, and determine whether or not there is an input operation. There is what is reflected in the production (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  As an effect that reflects the input operation by the operation means, conventionally, there has been one in which a desired character is sequentially specified from a predetermined character group by using the operation means and a specific character string is input (for example, Patent Documents). 2).

JP 2009-226119 A JP 2009-160147 A

  Since the operation means using the optical sensor accepts the player's operation detected by the optical sensor as an input operation, the position and timing at which the operation is performed are appropriately (within the range required for the production) together with the content of the operation. Need to be done. Therefore, there are cases where the above-described information related to the operation accepted as an input operation is notified or suggested in the production. By performing this notification and suggestion with an effect imparting game characteristics, an effect of further enhancing the player's interest in the effect is expected.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention guides an operation that is accepted as an input operation by an effect that has a game character, and performs an effect that accepts a character input by this input operation, so that the player is more positive about the effect. An object is to provide a gaming machine that can promote participation and enhance the interest of the player.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine
A gaming machine capable of performing effects according to the player's actions,
Detecting means 171-173, 330, and 340 for dividing the front area of the gaming machine into a plurality of partial areas and detecting the position of the detection object with respect to the partial areas;
Display means 114 for displaying a plurality of characters or symbols at positions corresponding to the partial areas;
The partial area is specified based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection units 171 to 173, 330, and 340, so that designation of characters or symbols corresponding to the partial area is accepted and performed multiple times. Effect control means 310 for executing a predetermined effect on condition that a plurality of characters or symbols obtained by the designation match a specific character symbol string;
With
The production control means 310
Accepting designation of the character or symbol based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means 171-173, 330, 340 at a preset time;
When the preset time has elapsed, if at least some characters or symbols of the specific character / symbol string are not designated, the predetermined effect is executed. It is.
With such a configuration, it is possible to receive an input of characters or the like in an effect with game characteristics and to guide an input operation in the effect by displaying characters or the like for receiving an input of characters or the like. In addition, in the production, a game characteristic of specifying characters or symbols within a limited time is further added, and if the wrong characters or symbols are not specified, the operation is not treated as failed (relieved). It is possible to encourage the player to concentrate on the operation of designating characters or symbols, and to further increase the willingness to participate in the production.

More specifically, the display means 114 is
Displaying a plurality of characters or symbols including at least one character or symbol included in the specific character symbol string;
By specifying the character or symbol based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means 171 to 173, 330, or 340, one or more characters or symbols that are part of the specific character symbol string are specified. If so, the display of the plurality of characters or symbols is updated.
With such a configuration, in order to specify a character or symbol that matches a specific character / symbol string, it is necessary to perform an operation to specify the character or symbol for the display of the character or symbol that is performed multiple times. Therefore, the game performance of the production can be improved.

Preferably, the production control unit 310 is configured such that the character or symbol received by the designation of the character or symbol based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection units 171 to 173, 330, 340 is the specific character. When it does not match the character symbol string, an effect different from the predetermined effect is executed.
With such a configuration, when an operation for designating a character or symbol required in the production fails, it is possible to notify the player to that effect, so that the game performance of the production can be improved.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, while guiding the operation accepted as an input operation by the effect with game characteristics, and performing the effect of accepting the character input by this input operation, the player is encouraged to actively participate in the effect, The interest of the player can be enhanced.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a partial plane enlarged view of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect selection processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of a fluctuation production. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the production control unit of this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the sensor unit when the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1 is seen from the front, and the detection range by the sensor unit. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the sensor unit of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the operation means of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the position specific process by the position specific part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the coordinate detection process of FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the operation | movement table used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the operation | movement determination process by the operation | movement detection part of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect image displayed on an image display part in the control object effect by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of progress of the game effect using the effect image by this Embodiment, and is a figure which shows a mode that the 1st character of the authentication code was selected. It is a figure which shows the mode of progress of the game effect using the effect image by this Embodiment, and is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd character of the authentication code was selected. It is a figure which shows the mode of progress of the game effect using the effect image by this Embodiment, and is a figure which shows a mode that the 3rd character of the authentication code was selected. It is a figure which shows the mode of progress of the game effect using the effect image by this Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state by which the alerting | reporting image was displayed. It is a figure which shows the example of the preview image in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the control object effect by this Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 that surrounds the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) as the game progresses by the player, An effect image by the appearance of a character or an item is displayed. That is, the image display unit 114 is a display means for displaying decorative symbols and effect images.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) upon passing, is provided on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. In addition, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 referred to here are winning ports related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the jackpot probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition (from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30)) Variation). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include the special prize opening 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if the game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, there are a game control board that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game ball at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

Further, the frame member 150 is provided with sensor units 171 to 173 for detecting the movement of the player. These sensor units 171 to 173 are all provided on the upper part of the frame member 150, and are respectively located immediately in front of the game board 110 (transparent plate) at the position in the installed horizontal direction (X direction). The position in the vertical direction (Y direction) and the horizontal direction (X direction) of the object is specified.
In the present embodiment, the sensor units 171 to 173 are provided on the upper portion of the frame member 150. However, for example, the sensor units 171 to 173 may be provided on the lower portion, the left portion, and the right portion of the frame member 150. Furthermore, it may be provided other than the frame member 150. That is, in general terms, the sensor units 171 to 173 may be provided at any location where the presence of an object in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be detected. Further, the number of sensor units provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not limited to three, and may be an appropriate number (N) according to the size of the detection area or the setting of coordinates by the sensor unit.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball during the special symbol fluctuation display operation (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol is changing, so the symbol based on the later winning prize The variable display operation cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four), and the symbol variable display operation for the winning game ball is suspended until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball is completed. . The same applies to the normal symbol variation display operation. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs lights whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation gaming state that is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery fluctuates (probability variation). This is a notification. The other one is whether or not the game state is advantageous to the player who is likely to win the big winning opening 125 or the second starting port 122 by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). Is notified by lighting.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 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 player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and also instructed by operating the center key. It is possible to select an image. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. Control. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots when the game balls continuously win the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and the game balls continue. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the undrawn lots when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 keeps the open state until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round to be maintained is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning, a normal symbol display 223 for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery, and a status indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 , Is connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM that stores programs executed by the CPU, various data, and the like, a RAM that is used as a work memory of the CPU, and the like. A real-time clock (RTC) for measuring The circuit configuration of the effect control unit 300 will be described in detail later (FIG. 27).
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound representing the contents of the effect, a ROM that stores programs executed by the CPU, various data, and the like, and a work for the CPU. RAM used as a memory or the like. The circuit configuration of the image / sound control unit 310 will be described in detail later (FIG. 27).
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Therefore, the image / sound control unit 310 functions as an effect control unit that controls the display of various images on the image display unit 114 and a symbol control unit that controls the display of the decorative symbols.
The ROM of the image / sound control unit 310 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. Has been. The CPU of the image / sound control unit 310 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the operation of the movable accessory 115, and the operation of the sensor units 171 to 173 (denoted as the sensor unit 170 in FIG. 3). A CPU, a ROM that stores programs executed by the CPU, various data, and the like, and a RAM that is used as a working memory for the CPU and the like are provided. The circuit configuration of the lamp control unit 320 will be described in detail later (FIG. 27).
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the contents of the effect set by the effect control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU of the lamp control unit 320 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
Further, the ROM of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. The CPU of the lamp control unit 320 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.
Further, the ROM of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting timing data of the sensor units 171 to 173 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. The CPU of the lamp control unit 320 controls the operation of the sensor units 171 to 173 according to the read lighting timing data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Further, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to prize balls, etc., as a prize winning unit operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

  The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17 when the special symbol lottery is performed, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “ The type of jackpot "and" whether the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won "are determined. That is, the special symbol lottery unit 231 and the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 are special advantageous for the player when the passage of the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212. It functions as a special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a game (such as a big hit game). Details of the random number table will be described later.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of the presence / absence of a short-time gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the presence / absence of a probability-changing gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot varies with high probability. In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the “short win”, a round in which the big prize opening 125 is opened for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. Usually, a jackpot where a short-time gaming state occurs (with time saving) after the jackpot game ends is a long win, and a jackpot where no short-time gaming state occurs (no time saving) is a short win.

  Note that a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state occurs (with probability change) after the jackpot game ends is also referred to as a “probability change jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also referred to as a “normal jackpot”. In addition, depending on the mode of the game, the jackpot that occurs only after the jackpot game is finished, only the probability variation gaming state occurs and the time-short gaming state does not occur (there is probability variation + no time shortening) is also referred to as “latency probability variation jackpot”. In addition, “probability jackpot” may be distinguished as “15 round (15R) probability jackpot”, “2 round (2R) probability jackpot” or the like based on the number of rounds in which the winning prize opening 125 is open. is there.

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game in which the opening and closing of the big winning opening 125 is performed a predetermined number of times is performed, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning is continued even after the winning. It is a hit. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “out of game”, neither “big hit” nor “small win” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol variation control unit 233 control the display of the special symbols by the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. It functions as a special symbol control means.
Further, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines whether or not to perform a reach effect. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is the case where there is no winning support when there is a winning support (so-called electric Chu support) to the second starting port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123 which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state. Higher than (when not in short-time gaming state).
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. In the above-described winning support (electricity chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time are increased as compared with the case where there is no winning support. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 4, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3 and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (step 505), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. The random value here is a jackpot random value that determines jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (presence / absence of short-time gaming state after jackpot game, presence / absence of probabilistic gaming state, jackpot / short hit) A design random number value to be determined (a jackpot symbol random number value), a variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in symbol variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in gaming machines that do not perform the notice effect of the lottery result.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random number value is acquired in step 704, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a command for increasing the number of held G to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). Then, the process for winning in the gate 124 is finished.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command including the information of the symbol when the change of the special symbol is stopped is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (any of probability variation + time reduction, probability variation + no time shortage, no probability variation + time shortage, no probability variation + no time shortness) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 17B). )reference).

  After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  When the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next displays a symbol indicating a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). ) As setting information in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (FIG. 17C). reference).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 ( Step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the probability variation gaming state. If both the probability change flag and the previous time reduction flag are ON, the game state has a probability change and a time reduction. If the probability change flag is ON and the time reduction flag is OFF, the probability change has occurred. It is a gaming state with no time savings.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not the type of big hit is a long win (Step 1110).

  Here, it can be determined based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B described later is set, “Yes” is determined in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the gaming state setting process (FIG. 15) in the special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish the presence or absence of probability fluctuation.

  After the winning game flag is turned ON in step 1111 or step 1112, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). That is, since the special symbol lottery was a big win (step 1109), the lottery times J and X are reset to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big win (No in step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (step). 1115). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the small hit game flag (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113 and turning on the small hit game flag in step 1116, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111, 1112, and 1116 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game, the short winning game, and the small winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and it is easy to win (assistant) the second starting port 122.

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the holding number G (see FIG. 7) for the undrawn of the normal symbol is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the winner is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. Determined by.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the normal symbol in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 based on the setting contents of Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. Opening for 9 seconds is performed once, and one round (1R) is operated for small hits, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of long hit game, short hit game, and small hit game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs the game state setting process by the game progress control unit 236 (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Thus, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) performed by the game progress control unit 236, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game progress control unit 236 first determines the type of winning (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a jackpot with no probability change and a short time (No in step 1501, Yes in steps 1502 and 1503), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game progress control unit 236 performs processing without turning on both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a positive hit with a certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (Step 1507), and the lottery number J is initial. A value is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery is performed 10,000 times in the time-varying probability variation game state, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with a probability change + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number (random number table) used in the present embodiment.
17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change, a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). In other words, in the example shown in the figure, if the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the start ports 121 and 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17B, there are five types of jackpot symbols: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Among them, the normal symbol A has a long hit (with a short time), and the normal symbol B has a short hit (without a short time). Represent. The probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Of these symbols, the probability variation symbol A represents a long winning (with time reduction), and the probability variation symbol B represents a short winning (without time shortening). The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a jackpot with certainty + short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol B in order to make it a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the normal symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A (no change in probability + short time) is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the normal symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B (no probability change + no time reduction) is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the probability variation symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 25/250 (= 1 / 10).
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 175/250 (= 7 / 10).

In the probability variation symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3 / 10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the probability variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1 / 10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol (with certainty + no time) is 100/250 (= 2 /) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121. 5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 is highly likely to be a jackpot (probability variation symbol B, latent probability symbol) with probability variation + no time reduction, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 will be a jackpot with probability variation + short time (probability variation symbol A). In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the reach random number will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

Next, the winning random numbers used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

Random numbers used for various types of lotteries start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 1009 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed. In addition, the player's operation is also detected by the sensor units 171 to 173.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is an increase command for the number of holds (Yes in step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM (step 1902), and shows the value of the number of hold after the addition. A number command is set in the RAM (step 1903).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in Step 1901 and Step 1904), or when a command is received after execution of the effect selection process in Step 1905, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the execution effect selection process in step 1909, The control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (step 1413), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command, or ending command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, step 1908, and step 1910), or after the end of the ending effect selection process in step 1911 Next, the effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (step 1912). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the operation mode set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. This operation mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM of the effect control unit 300. In the example shown in FIG. 20, five types of modes from A mode to E mode are set, and mode flag values 0 to 4 are assigned to each mode. The B mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol A, the C mode is a bonus symbol of normal symbol A, the D mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol B and normal symbol B, and the E mode is a jackpot of small probability probability symbol Each win is assigned. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No hit is assigned to the A mode. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the variation start command and the operation mode determined by the mode flag. Then, a design variation effect pattern (variation effect pattern) is selected based on the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the operation mode (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM, and sets a change effect start command for instructing the execution start of the selected effect together with these data in the RAM. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the RAM setting (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the hit type (Step 2204).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in Step 2203), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (Step 2205). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in Step 2205), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (Step 2206), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (Step 2207). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in Step 2207), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (Step 2208).

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 20, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is an operation mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is the A mode. On the other hand, if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in step 2207, the operation mode so far is continued.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In this winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301), and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the opening operation obtained from the analysis result. (Step 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM, and sets a hit effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2303). This winning effect is also called an opening effect.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the RAM setting (step 2402). Next, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the content of the ending operation obtained from the analysis result of the ending command (step 2403). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect together with these data in the RAM. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2404).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in Step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (Step 2502) and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM (Step 2503). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in Step 2501), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM is ON (Step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in step 2504 or after being turned ON in step 2503), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time ( Step 2505). If the time is not up (No in step 2505), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in Step 2505), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM (Step 2506), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM. Then, the customer waiting command reception process ends (step 2507).

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, any one of the change effect start command, the change effect end command, the hit effect start command, the ending effect start command, and the customer waiting effect command is set in the RAM of the effect control unit 300. Has been.

[Production button processing by production control unit]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (step 2601). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM, and ends the effect button process. (Step 2602).

[Processing based on detection signal from sensor unit]
Next, the processing based on the detection signals output from the sensor units 171 to 173 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The detection range of ˜173 and its hardware configuration will be described.

[Hardware configuration of production control unit]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the effect control unit of the present embodiment.
The effect control unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 27 corresponds to the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, and the lamp control unit 320 illustrated in FIG. In the illustrated example, the effect control unit 10 is configured by connecting an effect control board 10a and a lamp control board 10b. The effect control board 10a realizes the functions of the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310 shown in FIG. The lamp control board 10b realizes the function of the lamp control unit 320 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 27, the effect control board 10 a includes, as control means corresponding to the effect control unit 300, a system controller (noted as syscon CPU in FIG. 27, hereinafter referred to as syscon) 11 and a control ROM 12 for the syscon 11. . In addition, the effect control board 10a is an effect control CPU 13, a control ROM 14 for the effect control CPU 13, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 15, a CGROM 16, and a sound IC 17 as control means corresponding to the image / sound control unit 310. A sound data RAM 18 and a sound data ROM 19 are provided. Further, the effect control board 10a includes a lamp control board I / F 20 (connector 20a), a main control board I / F 21, an LCD I / F 22, and an audio drive board I / F 23 as external interfaces.

  The lamp control board 10b includes a lamp control CPU 24 and a control ROM 25 for the lamp control CPU 24 as control means corresponding to the lamp control unit 320. The lamp control board 10b includes a lamp control board I / F 20 (connector 20b), an electrical decoration I / F 26, and a power supply I / F 27 as external interfaces.

  In the effect control unit 10, the effect control board 10a is connected to a main control board (not shown) that realizes the functions of the game control unit 200 shown in FIG. The lamp control board 10 b is connected to the electrical decoration board 30 and the sensor board 31. Here, the LCD 28 constitutes the image display unit 114 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The sound driving board 29 constitutes the speaker 156 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The voice driving board 29 relays the frame lamp control signal and the frame effect signal. The frame lamp control signal is a signal for controlling the light emission of the frame lamp 157 provided outside the game board 110 (frame member 150). The frame effect signal is a signal exchanged between the effect control board 10a and the effect button 161 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. The illumination board 30 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 under the control of the lamp control board 10b. The sensor substrate 31 constitutes the sensor units 171 to 173 shown in FIGS. However, the sensor substrate 31 does not need to be physically one substrate, and may physically include a plurality of substrates.

  The lamp control board I / F 20 is an interface that connects the effect control board 10a and the lamp control board 10b, and includes a connector 20a on the effect control board 10a side and a connector 20b on the lamp control board 10b side. The main control board I / F 21 is an interface (connector) for connecting the effect control board 10a and the main control board. The LCD I / F 22 is an interface (connector) that connects the effect control board 10 a and the LCD 28. The audio drive board I / F 23 is an interface (connector) that connects the effect control board 10 a and the audio drive board 29. The electrical decoration I / F 26 is an interface (connector) that connects the lamp control board 10b, the electrical decoration board 30, and the sensor board 31.

  The lamp control board 10b is connected to a power source via a power source I / F 27. And while receiving supply of electric power from a power supply, electric power is supplied to the production | presentation control board 10a via lamp control board I / F20.

  In FIG. 27, a program executed by the system controller 11 is stored in the control ROM 12 of the effect control board 10a. The control ROM 14 stores a program executed by the effect control CPU 13. The CGROM 16 stores image data displayed on the LCD 28. The sound data ROM 19 stores sound data output via the sound driving board 29. It should be noted that when outputting sound during an actual game, in order to improve the data reading speed, for example, sound data necessary for each effect to be executed is read into the sound data RAM 18, and the sound IC 17 is read from the sound data RAM 18. Read out desired sound data. A program executed by the lamp control CPU 24 is stored in the control ROM 25 of the lamp control board 10b.

  The syscon 11 implements the function of the effect control unit 300 by executing a program stored in the control ROM 12. The effect control CPU 13 implements the function of the image / sound control unit 310 by executing a program stored in the control ROM 14. The lamp control CPU 24 implements the function of the lamp control unit 320 by executing a program stored in the control ROM 25.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 10 will be described.
When a game is played in the pachinko gaming machine 100, a command indicating a gaming state is periodically transmitted from the main control board (game control unit 200) to the effect control board 10a of the effect control unit 10. When the production control board 10a receives this command, the syscon 11 first acquires information on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the received command, and responds to the gaming state such as the jackpot gaming state, the short-time gaming state, the probability variation gaming state, etc. To set the performance to be executed. Then, the syscon 11 (effect control unit 300) sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect to the effect control CPU 13 (image / sound control unit 310) and the lamp control CPU 24 (lamp control unit 320) of the lamp control board 10b. .

  Further, in the setting of effects by the syscon 11, there is a case where an effect corresponding to the operation input is set in response to an operation input from the user using an effect button or the like. Operation input information such as effect buttons is received as a frame effect signal from the voice drive board I / F 23 via the voice drive board 29 to the effect control board 10a and input to the port of the syscon 11. The frame effect signal is also transmitted in the direction from the port of the syscon 11 to the effect button and the like via the audio drive board I / F 23 and the audio drive board 29. Thereby, production control such as blinking a lamp built in the production button or the like in a predetermined pattern is performed.

The effect control CPU 13 determines the image to be displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound to be output in the effect based on the command received from the system controller 11. Then, the image is output to the VDP 15 and the sound is output to the sound IC 17.
The VDP 15 reads image data used for the effect from the CGROM 16 based on the instruction of the effect control CPU 13. Then, image data such as a bitmap image is generated from the read data and output to the LCD 28 via the LCD I / F 22.
The sound IC 17 reads the sound data used for the effect from the sound data ROM 19 into the sound data RAM 18 based on the instruction of the effect control CPU 13. Then, the data is read from the sound data RAM 18 and output to the sound driving board 29 via the sound driving board I / F 23. The audio drive board 29 converts the data received from the effect control board 10a into an analog signal and transmits the analog signal to the speaker 156 to output music, sound effects, audio, and the like.

  Based on the command received from the system controller 11, the lamp control CPU 24 of the lamp control board 10b determines the lighting pattern of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 in the production. And the control signal of the panel lamp 116 is transmitted to the electrical decoration board | substrate 30 via electrical decoration I / F26. The illumination board 30 is provided on the game board 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and turns on the board lamp 116 in accordance with the control signal received from the lamp control board 10b. The lamp control CPU 24 outputs a control signal for the frame lamp 157 via the lamp control board I / F 20, the voice drive board I / F 23, and the voice drive board 29, and turns on the frame lamp 157.

  Further, the lamp control CPU 24 determines the lighting timing of the sensor units 171 to 173 based on the command received from the system controller 11. And the control signal of the sensor units 171-173 is transmitted to the sensor board | substrate 31 via the electrical decoration I / F26. The sensor board 31 lights the sensor units 171 to 173 according to the control signal received from the lamp control board 10b, and transmits the detection signals from the sensor units 171 to 173 to the lamp control CPU 24 via the electrical I / F 26. . The lamp control CPU 24 calculates a coordinate signal indicating the coordinates where the hand is held over the game board 110 from this detection signal, and transmits the coordinate signal to the effect control CPU 13 via the system controller 11.

[Sensor unit]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the sensor units 171 to 173 and the detection ranges by the sensor units 171 to 173 when the pachinko gaming machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is viewed from the front.
As shown in FIG. 28 (a), the sensor units 171 to 173 are provided in the upper part in the lateral direction (X direction), and “sensor unit S ₁ ”, “sensor unit S ₂ ”, “sensor unit” Also referred to as “S ₃ ”.
Further, as the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173, nine partial areas of 3 rows and 3 columns are virtually set on the game board 110 as shown in the figure. Then, of the nine regions, K-th column from the left, a Y _K row region from the top, will be denoted as an area (K, Y _K) using the coordinates (K, Y _K) ( _{K = 1,2,3, Y K = 1,2,3} ). Then, the detection range of the sensor unit _{S 1} region (1,1), a region (1,2) becomes a range of from the region (1, 3), the detection range of the sensor unit _{S 2} region (2,1), It is in the range consisting of regions (2, 2), region (2, 3), the detection range of the sensor unit _{S 3} region (3,1), a region (3,2), a range of from the area (3,3) Become.

In the example shown in FIG. 28A, nine partial areas of 3 rows and 3 columns are set in the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173. Here, vertical K rows (three rows in the illustrated example) in the detection range are fixed divisions depending on the number of sensor units 171 to 173. In contrast, lateral Y _K rows (three rows in the illustrated example), as described below, a virtual partition is set based on the detection output of the sensor units 171-173 (the output voltage). Therefore, it can be set to an arbitrary number depending on the setting method, and can be varied according to the type of effect or during the effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), the number of rows is 1, and three partial areas of 1 row and 3 columns can be set as the detection range. As shown in FIG. 28 (c), It is also possible to set the number of rows to 2 and set 6 partial areas of 2 rows and 3 columns as the detection range.

  Moreover, if the resolution of the sensor units 171 to 173 is sufficient, the number of rows can be increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 28 (d), the number of rows may be 4, and 12 partial regions of 4 rows and 3 columns may be set as the detection range. In general, the number of sensor units 171 to 173 is a, and the detection range of each sensor unit 171 to 173 is divided into n according to the distance from each sensor unit 171 to 173, whereby the sensor units 171 to 171 The detection range of the entire 173 can be divided into a × n partial areas. Here, n is an integer of 1 or more and not more than the maximum value N that can be divided based on the resolution of the sensor.

  Furthermore, the setting of the partial area may be switched according to the type of effect, or the setting of the partial area may be changed during the effect. Further, as shown in FIG. 28 (e), a different number of rows may be set for each column corresponding to each sensor unit 171-173. In the following description, as a specific configuration example, a case where nine partial areas of 3 rows and 3 columns are set as detection ranges as illustrated in FIG. 28A will be described as an example.

[Hardware configuration of sensor unit]
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the sensor unit 171 according to the present embodiment.
A sensor unit 171 shown in FIG. 29 includes a distance measuring sensor 181 and a comparator 191.

  Here, the distance measuring sensor 181 is a sensor that measures the distance to an object when the light emitting unit emits light and the light receiving unit receives reflected light of the light from the object. As such a sensor, a sensor that measures the distance to an object based on the amount of reflected light is also conceivable, but the detection accuracy is not good due to the difference in reflectance due to the color of the object. In the embodiment, a sensor that measures the distance to the object based on the incident angle of the reflected light in the light receiving unit is used. Specifically, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) as an example of a light emitting unit emits infrared light, and a position detection element (PSD; Position Sensitive) as an example of a light receiving unit at a position slightly shifted from the light emitting unit. Detect) receives the reflected light. At this time, since the position where the reflected light on the position detection element is incident changes depending on the distance to the object, the distance to the object can be measured based on the incident position on the position detection element. . Then, the distance measuring sensor 181 outputs an analog voltage corresponding to the incident position on the position detection element as a voltage indicating the distance to the object. In the following description, it is assumed that a higher voltage is output as the distance to the object is shorter.

As described above, the distance measuring sensor 181 outputs a voltage indicating the distance to the object, which is an analog signal.
On the other hand, the sensor unit 171 detects whether the object exists in the region (1, 1), the region (1, 2), or the region (1, 3).
Therefore, in the sensor unit 171, as shown in FIG. 29, a comparator 191 is provided at the subsequent stage of the distance measuring sensor 181, and the comparator 191 receives an analog signal from the distance measuring sensor 181 and the object is in the region (1, 1). , Region (1, 2) or region (1, 3).

  Specifically, the comparator 191 includes a reference voltage generation circuit 2011 and a comparison circuit 2111, a reference voltage generation circuit 2021 and a comparison circuit 2121, and a reference voltage generation circuit 2031 and a comparison circuit 2131.

The reference voltage generation circuit 2011 is a circuit that generates a voltage output from the distance measuring sensor 181 as a reference voltage when an object exists on the boundary line between the region (1, 1) and the region (1, 2). The comparison circuit 2111 compares the output voltage from the distance measuring sensor 181 with the reference voltage from the reference voltage generation circuit 2011. If the output voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the comparison circuit 2111 outputs an ON signal and the output voltage is the reference voltage. If it is lower than the voltage, an OFF signal is output.
The reference voltage generation circuit 2021 is a circuit that generates, as a reference voltage, a voltage output from the distance measuring sensor 181 when an object exists on the boundary line between the region (1, 2) and the region (1, 3). . The comparison circuit 2121 compares the output voltage from the distance measuring sensor 181 with the reference voltage from the reference voltage generation circuit 2021, and outputs an ON signal if the output voltage is higher than the reference voltage. If it is lower than the voltage, an OFF signal is output.
Further, the reference voltage generation circuit 2031 is a circuit that generates a voltage output from the distance measuring sensor 181 as a reference voltage when an object is present on the lower end line of the region (1, 3). The comparison circuit 2131 compares the output voltage from the distance measuring sensor 181 with the reference voltage from the reference voltage generation circuit 2031. If the output voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the comparison circuit 2131 outputs an ON signal, and the output voltage is the reference voltage. If it is lower than the voltage, an OFF signal is output.

  Since the comparator 191 has such a configuration, when an object exists in the region (1, 1) in the order of the comparison circuit 2111, the comparison circuit 2121, and the comparison circuit 2131, an ON, ON, ON signal ( (Hereinafter referred to as “111 signal”), when the object is present in the region (1, 2), the OFF, ON, ON signal (hereinafter referred to as “011 signal”) and the object as the region (1, 3). If the object is in the area (1, 1), the area (1, 2), the area (1, 3) If not, an OFF, OFF, OFF signal (hereinafter referred to as “000 signal”) is output.

  29 shows only the configuration of the sensor unit 171 among the sensor units 171 to 173, the sensor units 172 and 173 have the same configuration. That is, the sensor unit 172 includes a distance measuring sensor 182 having the same function as the distance measuring sensor 181 and a comparator 192 having the same function as the comparator 191, and the sensor unit 173 has the same function as the distance measuring sensor 181. And a comparator 193 having the same function as the comparator 191.

[Functional configuration of operation means using sensor unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the operation means of the present embodiment using the sensor unit will be described.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the operation unit according to the present embodiment.
The operation means of the present embodiment using the sensor units 171 to 173 functions as a detection means for detecting the player's operation based on the detection signals of the sensor units 171 to 173. As shown in FIG. 30, the operating means of the present embodiment using sensor units 171 to 173 includes sensor units 171 to 173, a position specifying unit 330, and an operation detecting unit 340. Hereinafter, the operation means using the sensor units 171 to 173 will be simply referred to as “operation means”, and if the effect button 161 and the like are included, it will be clearly stated.

  The position specifying unit 330 receives detection signals (111 signals, 011 signals, 001 signals, or 000 signals) from the sensor units 171 to 173, and the positions of the objects detected by the sensor units 171 to 173 based on the received signals. Specify (coordinates). The position specifying unit 330 is realized by the lamp control CPU 24 of the lamp control board 10b, for example. In addition, the position specifying unit 330 performs necessary processing such as chattering removal processing and filtering processing in order to determine the detection position of the object according to the type of operation detected by the operation means, which is required in the production. Do.

  The motion detection unit 340 acquires information on the detected position specified by the position specifying unit 330 (hereinafter referred to as position information), and detects the movement of the object based on a change in the detected position indicated by the position information. Then, it is determined whether or not the detected movement matches the action requested in the production. The motion detection unit 340 is realized by, for example, the effect control CPU 13 of the effect control board 10a. In addition, when an effect of accepting the player's operation is performed by the operation means, the effect control CPU 13 detects an operation requested in the effect by the action detection unit 340 (or by the effect control CPU 13 itself functioning as the action detection unit 340). Depending on whether or not it has been done, effects such as image display, audio output, lamp lighting, and the like are controlled.

  The operation means can control the sensor units 171 to 173 in various scenes in various effects, specify the detection position and detect the operation based on the detection result, and accept the player's operation. For example, in a scene where a specific effect is performed, such as when a symbol changes due to a special symbol lottery or when a jackpot game is executed, the player's operation can be accepted as an input operation for the effect.

[Operation of position identification part]
Next, the operation of the position specifying unit 330 will be described.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the position specifying process by the position specifying unit 330.
The position specifying unit 330 periodically executes a position specifying process according to a preset operation cycle, and specifies the positions of objects detected by the sensor units 171 to 173 based on detection signals of the sensor units 171 to 173. To do. The object whose position is to be detected is mainly the player's hand.

  In this position specifying process, the position specifying unit 330 first determines whether or not an effect (hereinafter referred to as a control target effect) that is received and controlled by the operation means has been started (step 3101). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the control target effect start command transmitted by the system controller 11 is received in step 1813 of FIG. For example, if the variation effect is the control target effect, it is determined whether or not a variation effect start command has been received. When the control target effect is started (Yes in Step 3101), the position specifying unit 330 starts a timer (Step 3102).

  After the timer is started in step 3102 or when the controlled effect is not started (No in step 3101), the position specifying unit 330 determines whether the timer value of the timer started in step 3102 is greater than zero. Is determined (step 3103). If the timer value is not greater than 0 (No in step 3103), the timer is not started and the control target effect is not being performed, so the processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the timer value is greater than 0 (Yes in step 3103), the timer has started and the control target effect is being executed. Therefore, the position specifying unit 330 receives the detection signals from the sensor units 171 to 173. Based on this, a coordinate detection process for detecting the coordinates where the player's hand is present is executed (step 3104). Details of the coordinate detection process will be described later.

  Thereafter, the position specifying unit 330 determines whether or not the timer value of the timer started in Step 3102 is greater than T (Step 3105). Note that T is larger than the operation cycle of the position specifying unit 330. For example, the operation cycle of the position specifying unit 330 may be 10 milliseconds and T may be 100 milliseconds.

  When the timer value is larger than T (Yes in Step 3105), the position specifying unit 330 selects a coordinate signal to be transmitted from the coordinate signals detected by the coordinate detection process in Step 3104 (Step 3106). ). Since T is longer than the operation cycle of the position specifying unit 330, normally, when selecting a coordinate signal in step 3106, a plurality of coordinate signals detected in step 3104 are kept waiting without being transmitted. is there. Accordingly, in step 3106, a coordinate signal to be transmitted is selected based on an appropriate reference from the plurality of coordinate signals detected in step 3104. For example, the most detected one of the plurality of coordinate signals can be selected as the coordinate signal to be transmitted. When the coordinate signal to be transmitted is selected, the position specifying unit 330 transmits the selected coordinate signal to the effect control CPU 13 via the system controller 11 (step 3107), and restarts the timer (step). 3108).

After restarting the timer in step 3108, or when the timer value is not greater than T (No in step 3105), the position specifying unit 330 determines whether or not the control target effect has ended (step 3109). . Specifically, it is determined whether or not a command for terminating the control target effect transmitted by the syscon 11 is received in step 1813 of FIG. In addition, when the other production is started and the current production is ended, it may be determined whether a start command for the other production is received. When the control target effect ends (Yes in Step 3109), the position specifying unit 330 stops the timer (Step 3110) and ends the process.
On the other hand, if the control target effect has not ended (No in step 3109), the process ends without stopping the timer.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the coordinate detection process (step 3104) of FIG.
In this coordinate detection process, the position specifying unit 330 first substitutes 1 for a variable K for counting the X coordinate (step 3201). Then, the following processing is performed for each K, that is, for K = 1, 2, 3 while increasing K by 1 until it is determined in step 3212 that K is greater than 3.

First, the lamp control CPU24 is caused to emit light ranging sensor of the sensor unit _{S K} (step 3202), receives a detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} (step 3203). The position specifying unit 330, the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} determines whether or not the 000 signal (step 3204).

If the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is not 000 signal (No in step 3204), the position specifying unit 330 then whether or not the detected signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 001 signal Judgment is made (step 3205).
If the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 001 signal (Yes in step 3205), the position specifying unit 330 substitutes 3 to Y-coordinate _{Y K} of the detection area (step 3206).

On the other hand, if the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is not 001 signal (No in step 3205), the position specifying unit 330, then whether the detected signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 011 signals not Is determined (step 3207).
If the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 011 signal (Yes in step 3207), the position specifying unit 330 substitutes 2 to Y-coordinate _{Y K} of the detection area (step 3208).
On the other hand, if the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is not 011 signal (at step 3207 No), since the signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 111 signal, the position specifying unit 330, the detected areas of substitutes 1 for the Y-coordinate _{Y K} (step 3209).

After substituting 3 in the Y-coordinate _{Y K} in step 3206, or after substituting 2 in the Y-coordinate _{Y K} in step 3208, or after substituting 1 to Y coordinate _{Y K} in step 3209, the position specifying unit 330, The coordinates (K, Y _K ) of the detected area are stored in the RAM as coordinate signals (step 3210).
In step 3210 the coordinates (K, _{Y K)} after storing the in the RAM, or if the detection signal outputted from the sensor unit _{S K} is 000 signal (Yes in step 3204), the position specifying unit 330, the K 1 Addition is performed (step 3211), and it is determined whether K is greater than 3 (step 3212). If K is not greater than 3 (No in step 3212), the process returns to step 3202, and if K is greater than 3 (Yes in step 3212), the process is terminated.

Thereafter, the position specifying unit 330 determines a predetermined coordinate signal (for example, the most frequently stored coordinate signal) from the coordinate signal (K, Y _K ) stored in the RAM in step 3210 until the timer value reaches T. And the selected coordinate signal is transmitted to the motion detection unit 340. Then, the motion detection unit 340 performs a motion determination process for determining whether or not the motion specified based on the transmitted coordinate signal matches the motion requested in the control target effect.

[Operation of motion detector]
Next, the operation of the operation detection unit 340 will be described.
The motion detection unit 340 is based on the position information based on the detection by the sensor units 171 to 173 specified as described above, and when a motion required in the control target effect (hereinafter, operation target motion) is performed. This is detected. Here, the information (position, route, direction, etc.) of the operation target motion to be detected can be set by various methods. For example, it may be described in a program that executes an operation determination process, or definition information may be stored in a memory. In this embodiment, the operation table is stored in the memory.

FIG. 33 shows an example of such an operation table.
Here, an operation in which the player moves his / her hand is assumed as the operation target operation required in the control target effect. Specifically, the player detects an operation in which the player moves his / her hand over the front surface of the game board 110 (in the detection range of the sensor units 171 to 173 in front of the transparent plate). In the operation table illustrated in FIG. 33, the coordinates of the region where the hand should be moved are held as defined coordinates. In the illustrated example, it is defined that the hand should be moved in the order of the region (3, 1), the region (2, 2), and the region (1, 3).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the content of the motion determination process by the motion detection unit 340. Here, the description is based on the assumption that the coordinates of the three regions are defined in the operation table of FIG. 33, but the present invention is not limited to this.
In this motion determination process, the motion detection unit 340 first determines whether or not the controlled object effect transmitted by the system controller 11 in step 1813 of FIG. 18B has been started (step 3401). Specifically, as in the case of the position specifying process described with reference to FIG. 31, it is determined whether or not the control target effect start command transmitted by the system controller 11 is received in step 1813 of FIG. To do. When the control target effect start command is received (Yes in step 3401), the motion detection unit 340 records a record number R (No. in the motion table in FIG. 33) that designates the currently focused record among the motion table records. ) Is set to 1 (step 3402). Then, the effect to be controlled is started (step 3403), and the effect flag is turned on in the RAM (step 3404). Although not shown, at this time, processing for clearing the contents of the RAM that stores the coordinate signals is also performed.

  When the control target effect start command is not received in step 1813 of FIG. 18B (No in step 3401), or after the effect flag is turned ON in step 3404, the motion detection unit 340 is stored in the RAM. It is determined whether or not the performing flag is ON (step 3405). If the effect flag is not ON (No in step 3405), the control target effect is not being executed, and no coordinate signal is sent from the lamp control CPU 24, so the process ends.

On the other hand, when the effect flag is ON (Yes in step 3405), the motion detection unit 340 determines whether a coordinate signal is received from the position specifying unit 330 (step 3406).
When the coordinate signal is received (Yes in Step 3406), the motion detection unit 340 next determines whether or not the currently received coordinate signal has changed from the previously received coordinate signal (Step 3407). The previously received coordinate signal is the coordinate signal stored in the RAM in step 3411 described later at the previous execution of this operation determination process. When the coordinate signal is received from the position specifying unit 330 for the first time during execution of the control target effect, the coordinate signal received this time has changed from the previously received coordinate signal because the coordinate signal is not stored in the RAM. Judged to be. If the coordinate signal received this time has changed from the previously received coordinate signal (Yes in step 3407), an area different from the previous one has been detected, so that the motion detection unit 340 uses the coordinate signal received this time. It is determined whether or not the indicated coordinates match the coordinates in the record number R of the operation table (step 3408).

  When the coordinate indicated by the coordinate signal received this time coincides with the coordinate at the record number R in the operation table (Yes in step 3408), the operation detection unit 340 adds 1 to the record number R (step 3409), and the record number It is determined whether R is greater than 3 (step 3410).

  If the coordinate signal received this time has not changed from the previously received coordinate signal (No in step 3407), or if the record number R is not greater than 3 (No in step 3410), the received coordinate signal continues. Therefore, the motion detection unit 340 stores the coordinate signal received this time in the RAM (step 3411).

  When it is determined in step 3406 that the coordinate signal has not been received (No in step 3406), or after the coordinate signal is stored in the RAM in step 3411, the motion detection unit 340 determines whether the control target effect has ended. Is determined (step 3413). Specifically, it is determined here whether or not the control target effect end command transmitted by the system controller 11 at step 1813 in FIG. 18B has been received. If the control target effect has not ended (No in step 3413), it is necessary to continue processing based on the received coordinate signal, so the processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the record number R exceeds 3 in step 3410 (Yes in step 3410), it means that the coordinates indicated by the received coordinate signal have continued to match up to the last coordinate in the operation table, so that the operation is detected. The unit 340 determines that the coordinate signal sent from the lamp control CPU 24 represents the operation target operation of the player, and the effect performed when the player's operation is accepted in the control target effect (hereinafter referred to as an operation effect). Is started (step 3412).

  If it is determined in step 3413 that the control target effect has ended (Yes in step 3413), or after starting the operation effect in step 3412, or the coordinates indicated by the coordinate signal received this time are records in the operation table. If the coordinates do not match the coordinates in the number R (No in step 3408), no further processing based on the received coordinate signals is performed, so the motion detection unit 340 turns off the effect flag (step 3414), The process ends.

[Production control using operation means]
Next, production control using the operation means according to the present embodiment will be described.
The effect control according to the present embodiment is realized by combining the display of the effect image by the effect control unit and the reception of the input operation by the operation unit. That is, in the control target effect, an effect image prepared for this effect is displayed on the image display unit 114 under the control of the effect control means, and the player's action (especially the hand) is determined by the operation means configured as described above. Motion) is accepted as an input operation. Then, based on the received operation, an effect image is displayed as an operation effect by the control of the effect control means. As described above, the function of the effect control means is mainly realized by the effect control CPU 13 of the effect control board 10a, and the functions of the operation means are the sensor units 171 to 173, the lamp control CPU 24 of the lamp control board 10b, and the effect. This is realized by the effect control CPU 13 of the control board 10a. The effect control using the operating means according to the present embodiment can be applied in various effect scenes such as an effect when the special symbol fluctuates and an effect at the time of jackpot game.

  The control target effect in the present embodiment is a game effect in which an array image (hereinafter referred to as a character matrix) in which a plurality of characters are arranged is displayed on the display screen 114a of the image display unit 114, and a specific word (password) is input. is there. Specifically, a character matrix is displayed a plurality of times on the display screen 114a, and an operation in which a player selects (designates) a specific character from each character matrix is accepted as an input operation. When the character is correctly selected from each character matrix, the character string corresponding to a specific word (authentication code) is obtained, and the authentication code input is completed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detection ranges of the sensor units 171 to 173 described with reference to FIG. 28 are set so as to cover the display screen 114a of the image display unit 114.

  The operation target operation for selecting a character from the character matrix is, for example, an operation of holding or touching a character arranged in the character matrix (that is, placing a hand at a location corresponding to the character arranged in the character matrix) Operation). Each character matrix has a timing at which characters can be selected. Therefore, for each character matrix, when the player performs an operation target operation such as holding a hand over any character at an appropriate timing, the operation is recognized as an input operation. If an input operation for character selection is recognized, a display indicating that the character has been selected (displaying the selected character in a separate frame, etc.) is performed. That is, in this control target effect, the character matrix is displayed one after another in the normal effect, and when the player selects a character by the operation target operation, the input operation is accepted and the display by the operation time effect is executed.

Here, in this embodiment, since the operation of positioning the hand at a predetermined location at a predetermined timing is set as the operation target operation, the operation determination process by the operation detection unit 340 described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 is performed. It becomes unnecessary. That is, if the position specifying process of the position specifying unit 330 detects that a hand is present in the specific region (K, Y _K ) corresponding to the display position of the face object 40 at the operation timing, the detection result is based on the detection result. Then, it is determined by the motion detection unit 340 whether or not the operation target motion.

[Example structure of production image]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the control target effect according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 35, the effect image 40 used in the present embodiment is to be selected in the game, the matrix display unit 41 that displays the character matrix, the time display unit 42 that displays the remaining game time in the effect, and the game. And a selected character display unit 43 that displays a character string (authentication code). In the example shown in the figure, the matrix display section 41 is composed of nine character display areas of 3 × 3 in length and width, and a character matrix in which nine characters are arranged by assigning one character to each character display area. It is displayed. In addition, the detail of each display part 41-43 is mentioned later.

In the present embodiment, nine partial areas of the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173 are set on the display screen 114a. Specifically, the nine character display areas of the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 of the effect image 40 shown in FIG. 35 are set so that each partial area of the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173 corresponds. Is done. In the example shown in FIG. 35, the partial area (K, Y _K ) ((K, Y _K ) = ( 1, 1) to (3, 3)). In other words, the nine character display areas in the matrix display unit 41 are displays that indicate the positions of the partial areas set in the detection ranges by the sensor units 171 to 173.

  In this example, each character display area of the matrix display unit 41 is described as being configured to overlap each partial area of the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173, but the relationship between the areas is not limited to this configuration. That is, in the actual pachinko gaming machine 100, when the operation target operation is performed on each character display area of the matrix display unit 41, the character displayed in the character display area that is the target of the operation is selected. Just do it. Therefore, in consideration of the movement of the player's hand during operation, the positions of the character display areas and the partial areas may not be completely overlapped and may be set slightly shifted.

Here, based on the effect image 40 shown in FIG. 35, the content of the control target effect in this Embodiment is further demonstrated.
The control target effect in the present embodiment is a game in which a player sequentially selects a plurality of characters using a character matrix within a certain time and completes input of a specific character string (authentication code) by the selected characters. Configure. The time required for the game (game time) is displayed on the time display unit 42 of the effect image 40. In the example shown in FIG. 35, the game time is set to 7 seconds, and the remaining game time is displayed in a countdown from 7 seconds to 0 seconds. The elapsed game time is measured using, for example, a timer mounted on the effect control board 10a. In addition, in the control target effect in the present embodiment, the player's operation target motion is detected during this game time, so this game time is a time condition for receiving an input operation in the control target effect.

  In this game, one character is selected from one character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41. That is, when one character is selected from the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41, another character matrix is displayed again, and the next one character is selected therefrom. This is repeated, and characters constituting the authentication code are sequentially selected. Note that all characters arranged in the character matrix are to be selected by the operation target operation. Therefore, in the control target effect according to the present embodiment, all of the partial areas of the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173 corresponding to the character display areas of the character matrix satisfy the positional condition for accepting the input operation. However, among the characters selected by the accepted input operation, the characters recognized as correct characters are only the characters constituting the authentication code.

  The selected character display unit 43 displays a character string (authentication code) to be selected in the production game. In the example shown in FIG. 35, a three-character authentication code “Motoko” is set. When a character is selected correctly using the character matrix, the display mode of the selected character changes (the display color changes, a shining display effect, etc.) is selected correctly. Is notified. In the selected character display unit 43, the character string constituting the authentication code may be hidden before the character is selected, and the corresponding character may be displayed after the character is correctly selected.

[Progress example of production]
36 to 39 are diagrams showing the progress of the game effect using the effect image 40 configured as described above.
FIG. 36 shows a state where the first character “M” of the authentication code is selected in the effect image 40 displayed as shown in FIG. In the character matrix shown in FIG. 36, when an operation target operation (motion of holding or touching a hand) is performed on the character “MO” by the player, the sensor units 171 to 173 cause the region (1, 1). It is detected as the operation target operation at. Then, it is recognized that the character “MO” displayed in the character display area corresponding to the area (1, 1) has been selected.

  When the operation to be operated is detected and the selected character is recognized, the display mode of the recognized character or the character display area in which the character is displayed changes (the display color changes, or the display is shining brightly). That the display effect is applied) and that the character selection operation is accepted. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the display mode of the character display area that displays the selected character “MO” is changed. In FIG. 36, the display of the selected character display unit 43 indicates that the display mode of the first character “M” has changed and the character of the authentication code has been selected correctly. Further, the remaining game time displayed on the time display unit 42 is 5 seconds.

  When the first character of the authentication code is correctly selected, the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 is updated to become a character matrix for selecting the second character. FIG. 37 shows a state where the second character “G” of the authentication code is selected in the updated character matrix. In the character matrix shown in FIG. 37, when the player performs an operation target operation (an operation of holding or touching a hand) on the character “G”, the sensor units 171 to 173 cause a region (2, 2). It is detected as the operation target operation at. Then, it is recognized that the character “G” displayed in the character display area corresponding to the area (2, 2) has been selected. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the display state of the character display area for displaying the selected character “g” is changed in the matrix display unit 41, and the second character is displayed in the selected character display unit 43. The display mode of “G” is changed to indicate that the character of the authentication code is correctly selected. Further, the remaining game time displayed on the time display unit 42 is 3 seconds.

  When the second character of the authentication code is correctly selected, the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 is updated to become a character matrix for selecting the third character. FIG. 38 shows a state where the third character “ko” of the authentication code is selected in the updated character matrix. In the character matrix shown in FIG. 38, when an operation target operation (operation of holding or touching the character) is performed on the character “K”, the sensor units 171 to 173 cause the region (2, 3). It is detected as the operation target operation at. Then, it is recognized that the character “ko” displayed in the character display area corresponding to the area (2, 3) has been selected. In the example shown in FIG. 38, a state in which the display mode of the character display area for displaying the selected character “ko” is changed in the matrix display unit 41 is shown. In the selected character display unit 43, the third character is displayed. The display mode of “ko” changes to indicate that the character of the authentication code has been correctly selected. The remaining game time displayed on the time display unit 42 is 0 seconds.

  FIG. 39 shows a notification image that is displayed when the character string of the authentication code (three character strings in the above example) is correctly selected within the game time (7 seconds in the above example). Here, since the game is for inputting an authentication code, the message text “Authenticated CLEAR” is displayed as the notification image. In addition, a display effect such that the entire character matrix of the matrix display unit 41 shines is applied. With these displays, the player is notified that the purpose of the game performed in the performance has been achieved.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview image for notifying that the control target effect is performed in the present embodiment.
As described above, the control target effect requires an input operation by the player in the process of progressing the effect. Therefore, when starting the control target effect, first, a notice image for notifying that the control target effect is to be performed may be displayed on the image display unit 114. In the notice image shown in FIG. 40, a message text indicating a character string of the authentication code is displayed together with an instruction “touch the screen and input the authentication code” in accordance with the content of the game.

  Further, in the above-described progress example of the control target effect, the progress in the case where the three characters constituting the authentication code are each correctly selected has been described. However, if the wrong character is selected, If the input is not completed, the process proceeds differently. Specifically, the control target effect can be ended by displaying an error, or the control target effect can be ended simply after the game time has elapsed. After completion of the control target effect, the player proceeds in the same way as when the goal of the game is achieved (in the above example, when the input of the authentication code is completed) or different from the case where the goal of the game is achieved. Can go. These are appropriately set according to the contents of the production, the scene where the production is performed, and the like.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, when an operation of positioning a hand at a place corresponding to the characters arranged in the character matrix is performed during the game time, this operation is detected as an operation target operation. For this reason, if the player moves his / her hand within the detection range of the sensor units 171 to 173 during the game time, the player's hand may be detected at a plurality of positions (partial regions). In this case, in order to accept the operation target operation as a character selection operation, it is desirable to recognize only one detection result as the operation target operation. As a specific realization method, for example, the position (partial region) where the player's hand is first detected is recognized as the place where the operation target operation is performed. However, in the process of moving the hand to the display position of the character to be selected by the player, there is a possibility of passing through another partial area (for example, when trying to touch the area (3, 1) with the left hand) , May pass through region (1, 2), region (2, 2), etc.). Therefore, it may be determined that the operation target operation has been performed when the hand is stopped for a certain period of time in any partial region.

  In the above example, the characters constituting the character string “Motoko” of the authentication code are selected in the order of the character strings. However, in this embodiment, if characters are selected one by one from one character matrix. The order of selection is not necessarily limited to the above order.

[Flow of processing in controlled object effect]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the control target effect according to the present embodiment.
In this example, as described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 39, it is assumed that a game effect in which a three-character authentication code is input is performed. When the control target effect is started, the preview image shown in FIG. 40 is initially displayed on the image display unit 114 to notify the player that the control target effect is started. Then, after the preview image is displayed, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the effect image 40 including the character matrix (first character matrix) for selecting the first character of the authentication code is displayed on the image display unit 114 (step). 4101). At this time, a game time (for example, 7 seconds) is set and time counting is started.

  When it is detected by the operation means that a character has been selected from the first character matrix by the end of the game time (Yes in steps 4102 and 4103), the effect control CPU 13 of the effect control board 10a It is determined whether the correct character has been selected (step 4104). Here, in this embodiment, when a player's hand is detected in any partial area in the detection range by the sensor units 171 to 173, the character display area of the first character matrix corresponding to the partial area is displayed. It is determined that the displayed character is selected. Then, when the selected character matches the first character of the authentication code (the character “MO” in the examples shown in FIGS. 35 to 39), it is determined that the correct character has been selected.

  If the game time ends without selecting a character (No in step 4102), if a character is selected within the game time, but it is determined that an incorrect character is selected (No in step 4104) The error process is performed (step 4114), and the control target effect ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a correct character has been selected within the game time (Yes in step 4104), a character matrix (second character) for selecting the second character of the authentication code is used instead of the first character matrix. 2 character matrix) is displayed on the image display unit 114 (step 4105).

  That is, in the control target effect according to the present embodiment, a state where the effect image 40 is displayed and a character selection operation (input operation) can be accepted by the player is a normal effect, and any character matrix is used. The process shifts to an effect during operation on the condition that the selection of the character is accepted. In the operation effect, different effects are performed when a correct character is selected and when an incorrect character is selected. In the former case, at this stage of the control target effect, the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 is updated, and the display mode of the selected character display unit 43 indicates that the first character has been correctly selected. To change. And it transfers to normal production again. In the latter case, predetermined error processing is performed.

  When it is detected by the operating means that a character has been selected from the second character matrix by the end of the game time (Yes in steps 4106 and 4107), the effect control CPU 13 of the effect control board 10a It is determined whether a correct character has been selected (step 4108). Here, when the selected character matches the second character of the authentication code (in the example shown in FIGS. 35 to 39, the character “G”), it is determined that the correct character has been selected.

  If the game time ends without selecting a character (No in step 4106), if a character is selected within the game time, but it is determined that an incorrect character is selected (No in step 4108) The error process is performed (step 4114), and the control target effect ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the correct character has been selected within the game time (Yes in step 4108), the character matrix for selecting the third character of the authentication code (the first character) is used instead of the second character matrix. 3 character matrix) is displayed on the image display unit 114 (step 4109).

  That is, at this stage of the control target effect, in the operation effect when the correct character is selected, the character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 is updated, and the display mode of the selected character display unit 43 is the first. The display mode changes to indicate that the second character has been correctly selected. And it transfers to normal production again. In the operation effect when the wrong character is selected, predetermined error processing is performed.

  When it is detected by the operating means that a character has been selected from the third character matrix before the game time ends (Yes in steps 4110 and 4111), the effect control CPU 13 of the effect control board 10a It is determined whether a correct character has been selected (step 4112). Here, if the selected character matches the third character of the authentication code (in the example shown in FIGS. 35 to 39, the character “K”), it is determined that the correct character has been selected.

  When the game time ends without selecting a character (No in step 4110), when a character is selected within the game time, but it is determined that an incorrect character is selected (No in step 4112). The error process is performed (step 4114), and the control target effect ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the correct character has been selected within the game time (Yes in step 4112), all the characters constituting the authentication code have been correctly selected. A notification image for notifying the achievement is displayed (step 4113), and the control target effect ends.

  That is, at this stage of the control target effect, in the operation effect when the correct character is selected, the notification image is displayed, and the display mode of the selected character display unit 43 is that all characters are correctly selected. It changes to the display mode showing that. In the operation effect when the wrong character is selected, predetermined error processing is performed.

  In the above operation example, if an incorrect character is selected in the character selection using the character matrix at each stage of the control target effect (No in steps 4104, 4108, 4112), and the character is not selected. When the game time is over (No in steps 4102, 4106, 4110), error processing is performed (step 4114). Here, the specific contents of the error processing may all be the same, or processing with different contents may be performed depending on the status of the error processing. For example, when an incorrect character is selected, an effect may be notified, and when the game time is over, an effect may be provided to notify that the time is up. Also, different effects may be performed depending on at which stage of the control target effect (when the selection of the number of characters is accepted) the process shifts to error processing. Furthermore, as an example of error processing when the game time ends without selecting a character, the control target effect may be ended as if the correct character was selected without accepting subsequent character selection. good.

[Granting benefits through controlled effects]
The control target effect according to the present embodiment is provided as a game in which a character is selected from a character matrix and a specific character string is input. Therefore, as an embodiment of this control target effect, it is conceivable to give a privilege to the player according to the success or failure of the game (whether or not the input of the correct character string has been completed). For example, if the input of a character string by a controlled object effect is positioned as an input of an authentication code or a password, and if the input is successful (entering a correct character string), then this can be used as a trigger for a special effect, It is possible to perform an effect of notifying information on the progress of the game and the game state.

  When notifying predetermined information as a privilege, the information to be notified is appropriately set according to the scene where the control target effect is performed. For example, when the controlled object effect of the present embodiment is applied as an effect at the time of symbol fluctuation accompanying the special symbol lottery, the lottery result obtained by the preliminary determination (see FIG. 6) made for the special symbol lottery is pre-read Information can be notified as a privilege. In addition, when the control target effect of the present embodiment is applied as an effect during the jackpot game, information indicating whether or not the jackpot type, that is, whether or not the game state after the jackpot game is a probability change game state is notified as a privilege. be able to.

[Modification of production control using operation means]

  In the operation example described with reference to FIG. 41, for each character matrix displayed on the matrix display unit 41 in the normal effect, the player selects a character selection operation, performs the operation effect, and returns to the normal effect. The production was advanced by repeating the process. On the other hand, it is also possible to perform effect control such that a plurality of character selections using a plurality of character matrices are accepted as one operation target operation. As an example, a series of character matrices are displayed one after another at regular intervals (for example, 2 seconds), and a series of character selection operations (operations for placing a hand at a desired character location) for each character matrix are connected. It is conceivable to accept an operation as an operation target operation. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 35 to 39, the hand has moved in the order of region (1,1) → region (2,2) → region (2,3) in accordance with the display timing of each character matrix. Is detected as an operation target operation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, with the nine partial areas of 3 rows and 3 columns set in the detection ranges of the sensor units 171 to 173, 9 characters of 3 rows and 3 columns are arranged in the character matrix. The configuration. On the other hand, the detection range of the sensor units 171 to 173 explained that the divided areas of various configurations can be set according to the number of the sensor units 171 to 173 and the resolution of the sensor units 171 to 173 ( (See FIG. 28). Therefore, the character matrix can have another configuration depending on the configuration of the partial area set in the detection range of the sensor units 171 to 173.

  In this embodiment, the case where a character selection operation is received using a character matrix in which a plurality of characters are arranged has been described. However, instead of or together with characters, display elements such as symbols and drawings other than characters It is good also as the effect which receives operation which selects these display elements using the matrix which arranged.

  In this embodiment, one character is selected from one character matrix. However, the character selected from one character matrix is not limited to one character. In other words, it is sufficient that the operation of selecting a character from the character matrix in the control target effect is performed a plurality of times (by using a plurality of character matrices), and two or more characters (however, input from one character matrix) The number of characters less than the number of characters in the character string may be selected.

114: Image display unit, 114a: Display screen, 171, 172, 173 ... Sensor unit, 181, 182, 183 ... Distance sensor, 191, 192, 193 ... Comparator, 200 ... Game control unit, 203 ... RAM, 300 ... Production control unit 310 ... Image / sound control unit 320 ... Lamp control unit 330 ... Position specifying unit 340 ... Motion detection unit

Claims (3)

A gaming machine capable of performing effects according to the player's actions,
Detecting means for dividing the front area of the gaming machine into a plurality of partial areas and detecting the position of the detection object with respect to the partial areas;
Display means for displaying a plurality of characters or symbols at positions corresponding to the partial areas;
A plurality of areas obtained by specifying the character or symbol corresponding to the partial area by specifying the partial area based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means on condition that the letters or symbols to match a particular character symbol string, comprising: a presentation control means for executing effect predetermined, and
The production control means includes
Accepting designation of the character or symbol based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means at a preset time;
When at least a part of characters or symbols of the specific character / symbol string is not designated when the preset time has elapsed, executing the predetermined effect,
A gaming machine characterized by The display means includes
Displaying a plurality of characters or symbols including at least one character or symbol included in the specific character symbol string;
When one or more characters or symbols that are part of the specific character symbol string are designated by designation of the characters or symbols based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means, the plurality of characters Updating the display of characters or symbols in the
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The production control means is determined in advance when a character or symbol received by designation of the character or symbol based on the position of the detection object detected by the detection means does not match the specific character symbol string. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an effect different from the produced effect is executed.

Images