JP5588821B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with operation means such as an effect button operated by a player.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, when the player rotates the handle, the game ball is launched from the launching device to the game area, and with the winning of the game ball, a lottery drawing and a change display of the symbols are performed. Then, the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by the combination of symbols stopped and displayed after the variable display. This type of pachinko gaming machine includes an effect button that is pressed by the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The effect button described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be movable between an initial position and a pressed position, and is held at the initial position by a biasing force of a spring. The effect button moves from the initial position toward the pressed position when pressed by the player. A photo sensor in which a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval is provided below the effect button. When the effect button is pressed, the light shielding plate interlocked with the effect button blocks light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit, and the signal level of the sensor signal output from the photosensor changes. In the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is determined that the effect button has been operated based on the change in the signal level of the sensor signal from the photosensor, and the effect switching performed on the liquid crystal screen is performed.

JP 2010-82179 A

  By the way, in a gaming machine equipped with a production button such as the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, as a result of frequent slamming of the production button by a player, peeling of solder on the substrate on which the photosensor is mounted, The production button may become unusable due to loose screws. Such a problem can also occur in a gaming machine having operation means other than an effect button operated by a player.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which can contribute to malfunctions of the operation means.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention at all. .

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine (1) that executes a notification effect that prompts the player to operate the operating means (37), and detects an impact caused by the operation of the operating means (37). Impact detection means (508, 131), first determination means (131) for determining whether or not the impact detected by the impact detection means (508, 131) satisfies a predetermined condition, and effect lottery A lottery means (131) for determining whether or not to execute the notification effect, and a first winning probability for winning the effect lottery when the first determination means (131) determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. However, when the first determination means (131) determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the winning probability of the effect lottery is set to be lower than the second winning probability of winning the effect lottery. Probability setting hand (131) and a.

  As the predetermined condition, the first determination means (131) determines the number of operations of the operation means (37) in which an impact of a set strength or more is detected by the impact detection means (508, 131) during the notification effect. It is determined whether or not the number of times has been set, and the probability setting means (131) determines the winning probability of the effect lottery when the first determination means (131) determines that the number of times has been exceeded. The second winning probability may be changed to the first winning probability.

  It is provided with the 2nd determination means (131) which determines whether it changed to the customer waiting state, and the said probability setting means (131) was determined by the said 2nd determination means (131) that it changed to the customer waiting state. In this case, it is preferable that the winning probability of the effect lottery is returned from the first winning probability to the second winning probability.

  The impact detection means includes an acceleration sensor (508) that outputs an electric signal proportional to acceleration given from the outside, and the acceleration sensor (508) is a light emitting element (501) that illuminates the operation means (37). ) And the electric circuit board (500), and the electric circuit board (500) is fixed to the frame member (3) so that an impact caused by the operation of the operation means (37) is transmitted. Also good.

  The notification effect may be performed by causing the image display unit (5) to display an effect image (50) that prompts an operation of the operation means (37).

According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to malfunctions of the operation means.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 Schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the button operation preview image 50 External perspective view of the button unit 40 The perspective view which shows the surface side of the button unit 40 The perspective view which shows the surface side of the electrical decoration board | substrate 500 The perspective view which shows the back surface side of the button unit 40 Explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the light-shielding plate 374 moves with operation of the production button 37. Partial sectional view of the button unit 40 The block diagram which shows the structural example of the control apparatus of the pachinko gaming machine 1 The flowchart which shows an example of main operations performed by game control part 100 Detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S4 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the presentation control process performed by the presentation control part 130 The figure which shows an example of the production | presentation random number used for production lottery for determining whether button operation advance notice is performed.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 is a member that supports a transparent glass plate (not shown) arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval on the front side of the game board 2 (the front side in FIG. 1).

  A game area 20 in which a game ball moves is formed between the glass plate supported by the frame member 3 and the game board 2. When the player holds the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, a game ball is launched from a launching device (not shown) with a hitting force corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 31. The launched game ball is guided to an upper position of the game area 20 by a guide member (not shown), and changes its moving direction by contacting a game nail or windmill (not shown) arranged in the game area 20. While falling along the surface of the game board 2.

  The game area 20 is provided with a first start port 21, a second start port 22, a large winning port 23, a normal winning port 24, and a gate 25, as winning items related to winning and lottery. In addition, a discharge port 26 for discharging game balls that have not entered the start ports 21 and 22 or the winning ports 23 and 24 to the outside of the gaming region 20 is provided below the big winning port 23 in the gaming region 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval with the first start port 21 as the upper side of the second start port 22. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins at the first start port 21 or the second start port 22, the prize ball is paid out and a big win lottery is executed. In the following description, the jackpot lottery executed when the game ball is won at the first start port 21 is referred to as “first special symbol lottery”, and the game ball wins at the second start port 22 as an opportunity. The jackpot lottery executed as is called “second special symbol lottery”, and these lotteries are collectively called “special symbol lottery”.

  Between the 1st starting port 21 and the 2nd starting port 22, the electric tulip 27 which has a pair of blade member imitating a tulip flower is arrange | positioned. The electric tulip 27 is configured to change its posture between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) in which the pair of blade members are closed and an open posture (not shown) in which the pair of blade members are open. When the electric solenoid operates, the posture changes from the closed posture to the open posture.

  In a state where the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 is in the closed position, the entry path of the game ball to the second start port 22 is blocked by the member constituting the first start port 21 and the electric tulip 27, and the game ball Does not enter the second starting port 22. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (opening / closing lottery of the electric tulip 27) is executed. The operation of returning to the closed posture after maintaining the posture is performed a prescribed number of times. Thus, by winning the normal symbol lottery, the approach path of the game ball to the second start port 22 is released, and the game ball can win the second start port 22. That is, the second special symbol lottery can be executed. Incidentally, when a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24, the lottery is not executed, but more prize balls are paid out than when the game ball wins the first start opening 21 and the second start opening 22.

  The special winning opening 23 is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. A plate for opening and closing the big prize opening 23 is arranged at the opening of the big prize opening 23. In a state where the special symbol lottery is not won, since the plate is in the same plane as the surface of the game board 2, the game ball does not enter the big winning opening 23. On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery is won, the upper end side of the plate tilts forward of the game board 2 with the lower end side of the plate as an axis, and the special winning opening 23 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display 5 (an example of an image display unit of the present invention) for displaying images for various effects is provided at a position on the surface of the game board 2 that is easily visible by the player. Yes. The liquid crystal display 5 includes various display objects such as a decorative symbol for informing the result of the special symbol lottery, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold display image indicating that the special symbol lottery is put on hold. Is displayed.

  A panel lamp 8 is provided above the liquid crystal display 5. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light. A movable accessory 7 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal display 5. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and performs various effects by rotating, for example, a built-in light emitting element.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame member 3 includes a stop button 33, an eject button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37 (the operation of the present invention) in addition to the handle 31 and the lever 32. An example of means), an effect key 38 and a dish 39 are provided.

  The tray 39 is provided so as to protrude from the frame member 3 to the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and collects game balls supplied to the above-described launching device and paid-out prize balls. When the player grasps the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device and are launched into the game area 20 at predetermined time intervals. The launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 33.

  The take-out button 34 is provided at a position close to the plate 39. When the player operates the take-out button 34, a part of the lower surface of the tray 39 is opened, and the game balls accumulated on the tray 39 fall into a box (not shown) arranged below the tray 39. The dish 39 may be constituted by one dish, or by two dishes, an upper dish for collecting game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device, and a lower dish for collecting only prize balls. May be.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided side by side at a position close to the plate 39. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are used for the player to input operation information. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, an effect image (hereinafter referred to as “button operation advance notice image”) 50 (see FIG. 4) that prompts the operation of the effect button 37 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, thereby allowing the player to A notification effect (hereinafter referred to as “button operation advance notice”) for prompting the operation of the effect button 37 is performed. On the other hand, when the player repeatedly taps the effect button 37, for example, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is switched.

  The effect key 38 has a center key 380 and four peripheral keys 381 to 384 arranged around the center key 380, and is arranged adjacent to the effect button 37. When the player presses one of the peripheral keys 381 to 384, one of the up, down, left and right directions is selected. When the player operates the peripheral keys 381 to 384 and then operates the center key 380, for example, one of the options displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 can be selected. The internal structure of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 will be described in detail later.

  The speaker 35 outputs music, sound, sound effects, etc., and performs effects by sound. The frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern, changing a light emission color, and changing a light irradiation direction.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display 4 displays information on the result of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved lotteries. As shown in FIG. 3, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a first special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, and a normal symbol display. A device 45, a normal symbol holding display 46, and a game state display 47 are provided.

  The first special symbol display 41 variably displays the special symbol in response to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21, and then stops and displays the special symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol lottery. The first special symbol hold indicator 43 displays the number of holds in the first special symbol lottery. The second special symbol display 42 variably displays the special symbol in response to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22, and then stops and displays the special symbol indicating the result of the second special symbol lottery. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery. The normal symbol display 45 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started when the game ball has passed through the gate 25. The normal symbol hold indicator 46 displays the number of normal symbol lottery holds. The game state display 47 displays the game state at the time when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on.

[Example of button operation notice]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the special symbol lottery is performed, the display of the special symbol on the display 4 is started, and at the same time, for example, 3 consisting of a numerical sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. The decorative pattern of the column is displayed in a variable manner on the liquid crystal display 5 so that it scrolls from top to bottom. First, any two decorative symbols are stopped and displayed. Then, a reach effect is given to give the player a sense of expectation that the last row will gradually slow down the scrolling speed and three identical numbers will be aligned on a straight line. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when such a reach effect is performed, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a button operation preview image 50 that prompts the player to continuously operate (repeatedly) the effect button 37. May be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. For example, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is switched in response to a plurality of operations of the effect button 37.

  By the way, if the player frequently hits the production button 37 during the button operation advance notice accompanying the reach production etc., the production button 37 is caused by breakage of components around the production button 37 or poor electrical contact. May become unusable. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of reducing the appearance frequency of subsequent button operation notices when the effect button 37 is frequently struck. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing such functions will be described in detail.

[Configuration and Operation of Button Unit 40]
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the button unit 40 having the effect buttons 37 and the effect keys 38 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the button unit 40 and shows a state where the button unit 40 is detached from the frame member 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the front side of the button unit 40 and shows a state where the cover 402 is removed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the surface side of the electrical decoration substrate 500. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing the back side of the button unit 40. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how the light shielding plate 374 moves in accordance with the operation of the effect button 37. FIG. 9A shows a state where the light shielding plate 374 is arranged on the optical path of the photo interrupter 510. ) Shows a state where the light shielding plate 374 is arranged at a position where the light path of the photo interrupter 510 is opened. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the button unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are integrally configured as a button unit 40. The button unit 40 is roughly configured to include a unit main body 401, a cover 402, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, and an electric decoration board 500.

  The unit main body 401 accommodates various components for causing the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 to function in addition to the effect button 37 and the effect key 38. For example, a container whose upper surface is opened using synthetic resin as a material. It is formed into a shape. The unit main body 401 has screw holes for screwing a cover 402 to be described later on the unit main body 401, bolt insertion holes for assembling the button unit 40 to the frame member 3, and the like. Since is not directly related to the present invention, its detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where the cover 402 is removed from the unit main body 401. Button lamps 501 </ b> A to 501 </ b> K (an example of a light emitting element of the present invention) that illuminate the production buttons 37 and the production keys 38 are mounted on an electrical decoration substrate 500 (see FIG. 7) described later. The unit body 401 is assembled on the back side (see FIG. 8). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the unit main body 401 is formed with openings for transmitting light from the button lamps 501 </ b> A to 501 </ b> K upward. Since the button lamp 501A is covered with the effect button 37, it does not appear in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the unit main body 401, pressing portions 390 to 394 are formed at positions corresponding to the peripheral keys 381 to 384 and the center key 380. Each of the pressing portions 390 to 394 is configured to be elastically deformable with respect to the unit main body 401. By pressing the center key 380, the pressing portion 390 is pressed down, and the push switch 502A (see FIG. 7) is activated. Further, when the peripheral key 381 is pressed, the pressing portion 391 is pressed down, and the push switch 502B (see FIG. 7) is activated. Further, when the peripheral key 382 is pressed, the pressing portion 392 is pressed down, and the push switch 502C (see FIG. 7) is activated. Further, when the peripheral key 383 is pressed, the pressing portion 393 is pressed down, and the push switch 502D (see FIG. 7) is activated. Further, when the peripheral key 384 is pressed, the pressing portion 394 is pressed down, and the push switch 502E (see FIG. 7) is activated.

  The cover 402 is fixed to the unit main body 401 so as to cover an area where the effect buttons 37 and the effect keys 38 are not arranged on the upper surface of the unit main body 401. Below the cover 402, the above-described button lamps 501B to 501K (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided. For this reason, the cover 402 is formed of a translucent resin so that the player can visually recognize that these button lamps 501B to 501K emit light. The effect button 37 is supported by the cover 402 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

  The effect button 37 is pressed by the player. Inside the button unit 40, a button lamp 501A (see FIG. 7) for decorating the effect button 37 is provided. Therefore, the effect button 37 is formed of a translucent resin so that the player can visually recognize that the button lamp 501A has emitted light. A substantially cylindrical movable body 371 is fixed under the effect button 37 (see FIG. 9). The movable body 371 is supported by the unit main body 401 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. For this reason, the production button 37 and the movable body 371 can be integrally slid in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a spring 372 is disposed between the movable body 371 and the unit main body 401. The effect button 37 and the movable body 371 are always urged by the spring 372 in a direction away from the unit main body 401 (that is, upward). When the effect button 37 is pressed by the player, the effect button 37 and the movable body 371 move downward against the spring force of the spring 372. As a result, the spring 372 further accumulates a spring force that pushes the movable body 371 and the effect button 37 upward, and the effect button 37 and the movable body 371 return to their original positions when the effect button 37 is released.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, a connecting portion 373 is formed on the movable body 371 so as to protrude outward in the radial direction of the movable body 371. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a light shielding member 375 having a light shielding plate 374 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion 373 by, for example, screwing. For this reason, the light shielding plate 374 slides in the vertical direction together with the effect button 37 and the movable body 371. In addition, since this light-shielding plate 374 is arrange | positioned between the light emission part and light reception part which the photo interrupter 510 (refer FIG. 8) mounted in the back surface 506 of the electrical decoration board | substrate 500 has, light emission part and light reception It is formed to be slightly thinner than the distance from the part.

  The electric circuit board 500 is fixed to the frame member 3 together with the unit main body 401 in a state assembled to the back surface of the unit main body 401 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 7, button lamps 501 </ b> A to 501 </ b> K, push switches 502 </ b> A to 502 </ b> E, and a shock sensor 508 are mounted on the surface 505 of the electrical decoration substrate 500. In this embodiment, LEDs are used as the button lamps 501A to 501K. Among the button lamps 501 </ b> A to 501 </ b> K, the button lamp 501 </ b> A is disposed below the effect button 37, and the button lamps 501 </ b> B to 501 </ b> K are disposed below the cover 402. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, of the push switches 502A to 502E, the push switch 502A is disposed immediately below the pressing portion 390, the push switch 502B is disposed immediately below the pressing portion 391, and the push switch 502C is positioned below the pressing portion. The push switch 502D is disposed directly below the pressing portion 393, and the push switch 502E is disposed directly below the pressing portion 394.

  In the present embodiment, the shock sensor 508 is an acceleration sensor that outputs an electric signal proportional to the acceleration given from the outside due to the piezoelectric effect. As this shock sensor 508, for example, a PKGS series shock sensor manufactured by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is preferably used. However, other shock sensors may be used as long as they are of the board mounting type and small.

  As shown in FIG. 8, on the back surface 506 of the electrical decoration board 500, a board (not shown) that functions as an effect control unit 130 (see FIG. 11) described later and the electrical decoration board 500 are electrically connected via signal lines. Connectors 512 and 513 for connecting to are fixed. Each electronic component mounted on the electric circuit board 500 and the board functioning as the effect control unit 130 are electrically connected via the connectors 512 and 513 and the signal lines.

  In addition, a photo interrupter 510 is mounted on the back surface 506 of the illumination board 500. The photo interrupter 510 is for detecting that the effect button 37 has been operated by the player. In this photo interrupter 510, a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged to face each other with an interval for arranging the light shielding plate 374. In the photo interrupter 510, a sensor signal (electric signal) having a signal level corresponding to the luminance received by the light receiving unit is generated. The sensor signal generated by the photo interrupter 510 is output to the effect control unit 130. Thus, the signal level of the sensor signal output to the effect control unit 130 changes according to the brightness received by the light receiving unit of the photo interrupter 510. In a state where the effect button 37 is not pressed by the player, as shown in FIG. 9A, a light shielding plate 374 is disposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the photo interrupter 510, and the light emitting portion The light to the light receiving unit is blocked. On the other hand, when the effect button 37 is pressed by the player, the light shielding plate 374 fixed to the effect button 37 is pushed downward via the movable body 371 as shown in FIG. Thus, the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is opened. For this reason, the signal level of the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510 differs between the state where the effect button 37 is not operated and the state where the effect button 37 is operated. Therefore, the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 can detect that the effect button 37 has been operated based on the change in the signal level of the sensor signal output from the photo interrupter 510. In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the movable body 371, the light shielding member 375, and the constituent members around the photo interrupter 510 are not shown.

  By the way, when the effect button 37 is pressed, the contact portion 377 (see FIG. 10) of the movable body 371 contacts the contact surface 404 (see FIG. 10) of the unit body 401. On the back surface of the unit main body 401, an electric decoration board 500 is fixed by, for example, screwing. For this reason, the impact accompanying the operation of the effect button 37 is transmitted to the electrical decoration board 500 via the unit main body 401. For this reason, it is possible to detect an impact associated with the operation (pressing) of the effect button 37 by using the shock sensor 508 mounted on the illumination board 500 that does not move up and down with the operation of the effect button 37. is there.

  The electrical signal from the shock sensor 508 is output to the effect control unit 130 in the same manner as the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510. Although not shown in the figure, an analog electrical signal from the shock sensor 508 is A / D converted and output as a digital electrical signal between the electrical decoration substrate 500 and the substrate functioning as the effect control unit 130. An input circuit is provided. For this reason, the electrical signal from the shock sensor 508 is input to the effect control unit 130 as a digital signal (for example, impact data of 4 bits (0 to 15)). Therefore, the CPU 131 (see FIG. 11) of the effect control unit 130 can detect an impact associated with the operation of the effect button 37 based on the impact data. As described above, in this embodiment, the shock sensor 508 and the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 function as the impact detection unit of the present invention.

  The position at which the shock sensor 508 is mounted is not particularly limited as long as the shock accompanying the operation of the effect button 37 is easily transmitted, and the shock sensor 508 is mounted on the back surface 506 of the illumination board 500, for example. May be.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
On the back side of the game board 2 (the back side in FIG. 1), a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls to be paid out as prize balls. .

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a game control unit 100, a payout control unit 120, an effect control unit 130, an image sound control unit 140, and a lamp control unit 150.

[Configuration of Game Control Unit 100]
The game control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. Based on the program stored in the ROM 102, the CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to the number of payout prize balls such as internal lottery and determination of winning. In addition to the above programs, the ROM 102 stores the maximum number of holdings Umax1 for the first special symbol lottery, the maximum number of holdings Umax2 for the second special symbol lottery, and the like. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 101 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The main functions of the game control unit 100 are as follows.

  The game control unit 100 transmits data necessary for various effects to the effect control unit 130. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 21 or the second start port 22, a special symbol lottery is executed, and data indicating the lottery result is transmitted to the effect control unit 130.

  The game control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade member of the electric tulip 27 is in the open posture, the number of times the blade member is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval between the closing of the blade member and the opening thereof. In addition, the game control unit 100 holds the number of special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 and the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 25. Manage numbers.

  The game control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds after the grand prize opening 23 is opened, ten game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 23, or the cumulative opening time of the big prize opening 23 is within 1.8 seconds) Until the condition is satisfied, the round in which the plate of the big prize opening 23 protrudes and tilts and the open state of the big prize opening 23 is maintained is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

  The game control unit 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game is won when a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24. The controller 120 is instructed. When the payout control unit 120 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out is sent from the payout control unit 120 to the game control unit 100. The game control unit 100 manages the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 120.

  In order to realize these functions, the game control unit 100 includes a first start port switch (SW) 111, a second start port switch (SW) 112, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 113, a gate switch (SW) 114, a large A winning port switch (SW) 115, a large winning port control unit 116, a normal winning port switch (SW) 117, and the display 4 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and outputs a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and outputs a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing part 113 has an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 so as to be capable of driving transmission. The electric solenoid is activated in accordance with a control signal from the game control unit 100, and the posture of the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 27 changes. The gate switch 114 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and outputs a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 115 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and outputs a detection signal to the game control unit 100. The special winning opening control unit 116 has an electric solenoid coupled to the plate of the special winning opening 23 so as to be able to transmit drive. The electric solenoid is activated in response to a control signal from the game control unit 100, and the special winning opening 23 is opened and closed. The normal winning port switch 117 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and outputs a detection signal to the game control unit 100.

  The game control unit 100 displays the result of the first special symbol lottery on the first special symbol display unit 41 and displays the number of holdings on which the first special symbol lottery is held on the first special symbol hold display unit 43. The game control unit 100 causes the second special symbol lottery result to be displayed on the second special symbol lottery display 42, and causes the second special symbol lottery hold number to be displayed on the second special symbol lottery indicator 44. The game control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 45, and displays the number of holdings of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display unit 46. The game control unit 100 causes the game state display 47 to display the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[Configuration of Payout Control Unit 120]
The payout control unit 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, and a RAM 123. Based on the program stored in the ROM 122, the CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the payout of prize balls. The RAM 123 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 121 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing.

  Based on an instruction from the game control unit 100, the payout control unit 120 sends out the game ball from the ball tank to the plate 39 so that a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the place where the game ball has won is paid out to the plate 39. The dispensing motor 125 is controlled.

  In addition to the payout motor 125, a payout ball detection unit 126, a ball presence detection unit 127, and a full tank detection unit 128 are connected to the payout control unit 120. The payout ball detection unit 126 detects the number of prize balls paid out from the ball tank to the tray 39 by the payout motor 125. The ball presence detection unit 127 detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball tank. The full tank detection unit 128 detects that the tray 39 is full of game balls. The payout control unit 120 executes predetermined processing according to the detection results of the payout ball detection unit 126, the ball presence detection unit 127, and the full tank detection unit 128.

[Configuration of Production Control Unit 130]
The effect control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. Based on the program stored in the ROM 132, the CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. In addition to the program, the ROM 132 stores a first effect random number 201 and a second effect random number 202 used for effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute a button operation advance notice (see FIG. 16). . The first effect random number 201 and the second effect random number 202 will be described later. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 130 sets production contents based on data indicating the result of the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 37 or the production | generation key 38 is received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. The effect control unit 130 transmits a command for instructing execution of the effect of the set effect contents to the image sound control unit 140 and the lamp control unit 150.

  The effect control unit 130 is connected to the above-described photo interrupter 510, push switches 502 (502A to 502E), and a shock sensor 508.

  The effect control unit 130 detects that the effect button 37 has been operated based on the change in the signal level of the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510. Further, the effect control unit 130 determines which one of the peripheral keys 381 to 384 and the center key 380 is operated based on the electrical signals from the push switches 502A to 502E, and assigns it in advance to the operated key. The processing for realizing the specified function is performed. For example, when the peripheral key 382 is operated in a state where a plurality of options are displayed side by side on the liquid crystal display 5, the effect control unit 130 moves the cursor indicating the selectable options to the next lower option. The image sound control unit 140 is caused to execute the moving process.

  The effect control unit 130 detects an impact associated with the operation of the effect button 37 based on the impact data from the shock sensor 508. Then, the effect control unit 130 determines whether or not the detected impact satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the predetermined impact is satisfied, an effect for determining whether or not to execute a button operation advance notice. A process for reducing the winning probability of the lottery is executed. The process for reducing the winning probability of this effect lottery will be described in detail later.

[Configuration of Image Sound Control Unit 140]
The image sound control unit 140 includes a CPU 141, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. Based on the program stored in the ROM 142, the CPU 141 performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image expressing the content of the effect. Although not shown in the figure, the image sound control unit 140 is a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates a display image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 and an sound DSP that generates sound data output from the speaker 35. (Digital Signal Processor). The CPU 141 controls the operation of the VDP and the sound DSP by generating a control signal based on the command from the effect control unit 130 and the program stored in the ROM 142 and outputting the control signal to the VDP and the sound DSP.

  Connected to the acoustic DSP are an acoustic ROM for storing various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, etc., and an SDRAM used as a work area for data processing by the acoustic DSP. The acoustic DSP reads the acoustic data corresponding to the control signal from the CPU 141 from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 35.

  The VDP is an image ROM for storing material data necessary for generating a display image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, a drawing engine for executing a display image drawing process, and a display image drawn by the drawing engine on a liquid crystal display. An output circuit for outputting to the device 5 is provided. The drawing engine executes drawing processing using material data stored in the image ROM based on a control signal from the CPU 141. Specifically, a rendering process is performed in which the color of each pixel is calculated and the calculated color value is written in the frame buffer. The display image drawn in the frame buffer is composed of a plurality of pixel data corresponding to the display image for one frame, and each pixel data indicates R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). It includes color information and an alpha value that indicates the transparency of the pixel. The output circuit outputs the display image drawn in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal display 5 at a predetermined display timing.

[Configuration of Lamp Controller 150]
The lamp control unit 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153. The CPU 151 performs calculation processing when controlling the panel lamp 8, the frame lamp 36, the movable accessory 7, the light emission of the button lamps 501 (501 </ b> A to 501 </ b> K), and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 152 stores programs executed by the CPU 151 and various data. The RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 151 executes the program, or a work area for data processing or the like.

  The ROM 152 stores light emission pattern data and operation pattern data. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating the light emission patterns of the frame lamp 36, the panel lamp 8, the accessory lamps provided on the movable accessory 7, and the button lamps 501A to 501K. The motion pattern data is data indicating the motion pattern of the movable accessory 7.

  The CPU 151 of the lamp control unit 150 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control unit 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 152, and the panel lamp 8, the frame lamp 36, and the accessory lamp. And the light emission of the button lamps 501A to 501K. Further, the CPU 151 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control unit 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 152, and operates the accessory motor that rotates the movable accessory 7. Control.

[Main operations by game control unit 100]
Next, main operations executed in the game control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of main operations executed by the game control unit 100. The game control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 12 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the game control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and subsequent figures is performed in accordance with an instruction issued by the CPU 101 based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  In the random number update process (step S1), the CPU 101 of the game control unit 100 updates various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and normal symbol random numbers. Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining whether the special symbol lottery is won (big hit) or lost (losing). The symbol random number is a random number for determining a winning type (long hit, short hit, presence / absence of transition to a high probability state, presence / absence of transition to a short-time gaming state) when a special symbol lottery is won. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when the special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The normal symbol random number is a random number for determining whether the normal symbol lottery is won or lost. The jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the normal design random number are incremented by “1” every time the process of step S1 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start switch (SW) process in step S2 or the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and in the special symbol process in step S4 or the normal symbol process in step S5. used. Note that a loop counter is used as the counter for performing the processing of step S1, and returns to “0” after reaching the maximum value of the set random number.

  In the start port switch (SW) process (step S2), the CPU 101 monitors the states of the first start port switch 111 and the second start port switch 112, and when a detection signal is output from either switch, A process related to the number U1 of the special symbol lottery U1 and the number U2 of the special symbol lottery reserved U2 and a process of acquiring random numbers (a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number) are executed. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the gate switch (SW) process (step S3), the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 114. When the game ball passes through the gate 25 and a detection signal is output from the gate switch 114, the normal symbol lottery is performed. It is determined whether the number of holds is less than the upper limit value. Then, when it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit value, a normal symbol random number used for the normal symbol processing in step S5 is acquired.

  In the special symbol process (step S4), the CPU 101 executes a special symbol lottery, displays the special symbol on the display 4 in a variable manner, and then executes a process for stopping and displaying the special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol lottery. . Details of this special symbol process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the normal symbol process (step S5), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches the winning value. Then, after the normal symbols are variably displayed on the normal symbol display 45 (see FIG. 3) of the display device 4, the normal symbols indicating the lottery result are stopped and displayed.

  In the special prize opening process (step S6), the CPU 101 controls the opening / closing of the special prize opening 23 via the special prize opening control unit 116 when the special symbol lottery is won.

  In the electric tulip processing (step S7), the CPU 101 determines that the normal symbol random number matches the winning value in the normal symbol processing in step S5, and the pair of blades of the electric tulip 27 via the electric tulip opening / closing unit 113. Actuate the member. When the electric tulip 27 is operated, a game ball can be awarded to the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins the second start port 22, the second special symbol lottery is started.

  In the prize ball process (step S8), as described above, the CPU 101 controls the number of game balls received and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  In the output process (step S9), the CPU 101 sends various commands set in the RAM 103 and information necessary for the effect to the effect control unit 130 in the start port switch process in step S2 and the special symbol process in step S4. In addition, a command instructing the payout of the winning ball set in the RAM 103 in the winning ball processing in step S8 is sent to the payout control unit 120.

[Start-up switch processing by game control unit 100]
FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 101 of the game control unit 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111, and the first start port switch 111. It is determined whether or not is turned on (step S21). When it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is turned on (step S21: YES), the CPU 101 reads the maximum holding number Umax1 of the first special symbol lottery from the ROM 102, and stores the first special symbol lottery stored in the RAM 103. It is determined whether or not the hold number U1 is less than Umax1 (step S22).

  When the CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S22: YES), the CPU 101 rewrites the value of the hold number U1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S23). Then, the CPU 101 obtains random numbers (big hit random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers) used for the first special symbol lottery etc. reserved by the processing of step S23 and stores them in a predetermined area of the RAM 103. (Step S24).

  When it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is OFF (step S21: NO), when it is determined that the hold number U1 is equal to the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S22: NO), or the process of step S24 is performed. In this case, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 112 is turned on based on the presence or absence of the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 ( Step S25). If it is determined that the second start port switch 112 has been turned on (step S25: YES), the CPU 101 reads the maximum number Umax2 of the second special symbol lottery from the ROM 102 and stores the second special symbol lottery stored in the RAM 103. It is determined whether or not the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S26).

  When the CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S26: YES), the CPU 101 rewrites the value of the hold number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S27). Then, the CPU 101 obtains random numbers (big hit random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers) used for the second special symbol lottery suspended by the processing of step S27 and stores them in a predetermined area of the RAM 103. (Step S28).

  When it is determined that the second start port switch 112 is OFF (step S25: NO), when it is determined that the hold number U2 is equal to the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S26: NO), or the process of step S28 is performed. If it has been performed, a series of processes are completed, and the process proceeds to the gate switch process in step S3 of FIG.

[Special symbol processing by game control unit 100]
FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 101 of the game control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a big hit based on the information stored in the RAM 103 (step S41). . If it is determined by the CPU 101 that the jackpot is being hit (step S41: YES), a special symbol representing some jackpot has already been selected and displayed in a stopped state. The symbol process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG.

  If the CPU 101 determines that the jackpot is not being hit (step S41: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display by the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is being displayed (step S41). S42). When the CPU 101 determines that the special symbol variation display is not being performed (step S42: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is "1" or more (step S43). When the CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is “1” or more (step S43: YES), the CPU 101 rewrites the hold number U2 stored in the RAM 103 with a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S44).

  When the CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is not “1” or more (the second special symbol lottery is not held) (step S43: NO), the hold number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is “1” or more. It is determined whether or not (step S45). When the CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is “1” or more (step S45: YES), the CPU 101 rewrites the hold number U1 stored in the RAM 103 with a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S46).

  After performing the process of step S44 or step S46, the CPU 101 executes a jackpot determination process (step S47). Specifically, when the process of step S47 is executed following the process of step S44, the CPU 101 reads the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103, and wins a game ball to the second starting port 22. The result of the second special symbol lottery is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S28 (see FIG. 13) and stored in the RAM 103 matches the winning value of the jackpot. Or whether it is lost. On the other hand, when the process of step S47 is executed subsequent to the process of step S46, the CPU 101 reads the winning value stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and triggered by the winning of the game ball at the first start port 21. Whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S24 (see FIG. 13) and stored in the RAM 103 matches the winning value of the jackpot. Determine if there is.

  When the result of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the CPU 101 reads the symbol random number assigned to each of the plurality of types of jackpots from the ROM 102. Then, depending on whether the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used for determining whether or not it matches the winning value described above matches the symbol random number assigned to which of the jackpots of a plurality of types of jackpots Determine the type of jackpot. The jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot type is set (stored) in the RAM 103 as setting information. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot is lost, a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery is lost is set in the RAM 103 as setting information.

  The CPU 101 executes the variation pattern selection process after setting the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery as the setting information by the process of step S47 (step S48). Specifically, when it is determined that the big hit is determined in the big hit determination processing in step S47, the big hit variation pattern table is read from the ROM 102 and set in the RAM 103. On the other hand, if it is determined to be lost, the reach random number stored in the ROM 102 is read out to the RAM 103, and the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number and the symbol random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S47 is read from the ROM 102. Based on whether or not the reach random number matches, it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect for causing the player to expect a big hit. When it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed, the reach variation pattern table is read from the ROM 102 and set in the RAM 103. When it is determined that the reach effect is not performed, the loss variation pattern table is read from the ROM 102. Set in the RAM 103. 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 random numbers of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the CPU 101 refers to the set variation pattern table and selects a variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number and the symbol random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S47. The pattern variation pattern (variation time) is determined. The variation pattern selected in this way is set in the RAM 103 as setting information.

  After performing the jackpot determination process in step S47 and the variation pattern selection process in step S48, the CPU 101 sets the pattern setting information set by performing the jackpot determination process, the variation pattern setting information set by performing the variation pattern selection process, A change start command including game state information indicating the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is generated and set in the RAM 103 (step S49). This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the variation display of the decorative symbol performed on the liquid crystal display 5 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol performed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. And it is transmitted to the effect control part 130 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S49, the CPU 101 starts the variation display of the special symbol based on the setting information included in the variation start command set in the process of step S49 (step S50), and measures the variation time. Is started (step S51). Information indicating this variation time is temporarily stored in the RAM 103. Note that the special symbol variation display in step S50 is performed using the second special symbol display 42 when it is performed after the processing of step S44, and the first special symbol display when it is performed after the processing of step S46. This is performed using the symbol display 41.

  When the CPU 101 starts measuring the variation time by the process of step S51 or determines that the variation of the special symbol is being displayed (step S42: YES), the CPU 101 performs the variation of step S48 from the measurement start of the variation time in step S51. It is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern set in the pattern selection process has elapsed (step S52). If the CPU 101 determines that the variation time has not elapsed (step S52: NO), the special symbol process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the variation time has elapsed (step S52: YES), the CPU 101 sets a variation stop command for instructing the liquid crystal display 5 to end the variation display of the decorative symbol in the RAM 103 (step S53). The special symbol variation display started in the process of S50 is terminated (step S54), and the measured variation time is reset (step S55). Note that the change stop command set in the process of step S53 is transmitted to the effect control unit 130 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  After resetting the variation time, the CPU 101 executes a stop process such as causing the special winning opening control unit 116 to start the opening / closing control of the special winning opening 23 when it is determined that it is a big win (step S56).

  On the other hand, in step S45, if the CPU 101 determines that the holding number U1 is not "1" or more (the first special symbol lottery is not held) (step S45: NO), it indicates that the game is not in progress. A customer waiting command is set in the RAM 133 (step S58). The customer waiting command set in the process of step S58 is transmitted to the effect control unit 130 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit 130]
Hereinafter, the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Here, FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 130. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect random number used in an effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute a button operation advance notice. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 130 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 15 is performed according to a command issued by the CPU 131 based on a program stored in the ROM 132.

  By the way, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 sets a CTC cycle that is a cycle for performing an effect control process described later. And CPU131 repeats the random number update process which updates various random numbers, such as an effect random number used for the effect lottery for determining whether button operation advance notice is performed with a predetermined period shorter than a CTC period. That is, the effect control unit 130 repeats the effect control process described below in the CTC cycle while repeating the random number update process in a predetermined cycle while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is activated.

  The CPU 131 of the effect control unit 130 determines, for example, whether or not an effect accompanied by a variable display of decorative symbols on the liquid crystal display 5 is being executed based on information related to the effect acquired from the image sound control unit 140 (step). S101). When the CPU 131 determines that the effect with the variation display of the decorative symbol is not being executed (step S101: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether or not the variation start command set in the process of step S49 in FIG. 14 has been received. (Step S102). If the CPU 131 determines that a variation start command has been received (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S112, which will be described later, and a variation effect with a variation display of decorative symbols is started. On the other hand, if it is determined by the CPU 131 that the change start command has not been received (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S123 described later, and a process for shifting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the customer waiting state is performed. Done.

  In step S101, when the CPU 131 determines that an effect accompanied by a variation display of the decorative symbol is being executed (step S101: YES), the CPU 131 determines whether or not a button operation is being announced (step S103). In this embodiment, since the button operation advance notice is realized by displaying the button operation advance notice image 50 (see FIG. 4), the CPU 131 performs the effect pattern determined in the process of step S119 described later and the process of step S120 described later. Whether or not the button operation advance notice image 50 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is determined based on the elapsed time since the transmission of the change effect start command. Here, if the effect pattern determined in the process of step S119 is not accompanied by a button operation advance notice, it is determined that the button operation advance notice is not being made regardless of the elapsed time. On the other hand, when the effect pattern determined in the process of step S119 is accompanied by a button operation advance notice, the CPU 131 acquires the elapsed time from the transmission of the change effect start command from the RTC 134, and sets the elapsed time. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a button operation is being predicted. If the CPU 131 determines that the button operation is not being announced (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S108 described later.

  If the CPU 131 determines that the button operation is being announced (step S103: YES), it determines whether or not the effect button 37 has been operated based on the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510 (see FIG. 9) (step S103). S104). Here, when the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510 indicates that the light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion of the photo interrupter 510 is blocked by the light blocking plate 374 as shown in FIG. 9A. It is determined that the button operation of the effect button 37 has not been performed, and the process proceeds to step S108 described later. On the other hand, when the sensor signal from the photo interrupter 510 indicates that the light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part of the photo interrupter 510 is not shielded by the light shielding plate 374 as shown in FIG. It is determined that the effect button 37 has been operated, and the process proceeds to the following step S105.

  When the CPU 131 determines that the effect button 37 has been operated (step S104: YES), the CPU 131 acquires the impact data input from the shock sensor 508 via the input circuit (step S105). The impact data is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 133. The impact data is 4-bit digital data in this embodiment, and the impact data indicates the impact associated with the operation of the effect button 37 as a numerical value in 16 steps from “0” to “15”. Therefore, the CPU 131 functioning as the impact detection means can detect the impact associated with the operation of the effect button 37 in a numerical form based on the impact data input from the shock sensor 508 via the input circuit.

  Following the process of step S105, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the impact indicated by the impact data acquired in the process of step S105 is greater than or equal to the set strength (step S106). In the present embodiment, a numerical value “10” is stored in advance in the ROM 132 as the set strength value. In this step S106, the CPU 131 stores the impact value indicated by the impact data stored in the RAM 133 in the process of step S105 in the ROM 132. It is determined whether or not the set strength value is greater than or equal to the stored value. For example, if the impact value indicated by the impact data is “11”, it is determined that the impact is greater than or equal to the set strength value, and the process proceeds to step S107 described later. If the impact value indicated by the impact data is “7”, it is determined that the impact is not greater than or equal to the set strength value, and the process proceeds to step S108 described later.

  If the CPU 131 determines that the impact is greater than or equal to the set strength (step S106: YES), the CPU 131 increases the number of operations N of the effect button 37 indicating that the impact is greater than or equal to the set strength (step S107). Specifically, the number of operations N stored in the RAM 133 is rewritten to a value increased by “1”.

  By repeating the series of processing from step S103 to step S107, the number of operations N of the effect button 37 in which an impact greater than the set intensity is detected by the shock sensor 508 is counted from the start to the end of the button operation advance notice. Will be. As will be described in detail later, based on the number of operations N, the winning probability of the effect lottery for determining whether or not to perform the button operation advance notice is determined.

  When the CPU 131 performs the process of step S107, determines that the button operation is not being announced (step S103: NO), determines that the button operation has not been performed (step S104: NO), or has the impact data stored. When it is determined that the indicated impact is not equal to or greater than the set strength (step S106: NO), it is determined whether or not the change stop command set in the process of step S53 of FIG. 14 has been received (step S108). If the CPU 131 determines that the change stop command has been received (step S108: YES), the CPU 131 causes the liquid crystal display 5 to stop display the decorative symbol indicating the result of the special symbol lottery and is started in accordance with the processing of step S120. The effect is ended by the image sound control unit 140 and the lamp control unit 150 (step S109). When the process of step S109 is performed, or when the CPU 131 determines that the change stop command has not been received (step S108: NO), the series of effect control processes ends, and the process returns to step S101. It is.

  When the CPU 131 determines that the change start command has been received (step S102: YES), the CPU 131 analyzes the change start command (step S112). By performing the process of step S112, the variation time during which the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is acquired. In the effect pattern determination process in step S119, which will be described later, an effect pattern having the same reproduction time as the variation time is determined. As a result, the decorative symbol is variably displayed / stopped on the liquid crystal display 5 with the special symbol variability display / stop display.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S112, the CPU 131 acquires an effect random number used for effect lottery or the like for determining whether or not to execute the button operation advance notice and stores it in the RAM 133 (step S113). The effect random number is incremented by “1” every time the random number update process is performed as described above, and the count value at the time when the CPU 131 receives the change start command is acquired as the effect random number.

  CPU131 which acquired production | presentation random number performs the following processes in order to determine whether button operation advance notice is performed with the change display of a decoration symbol. That is, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the probability flag stored in the RAM 133 is set to ON (step S114). Here, the probability flag is a flag for determining the winning probability of the effect lottery for determining whether or not to perform the button operation advance notice. When the probability flag is set to ON, the number of operations N described above is set. Regardless, the winning probability of the effect lottery is set to a low probability, and as a result, the appearance frequency of the button operation notice is reduced. On the other hand, when the probability flag is set to OFF, whether or not to reduce the winning probability of the effect lottery is determined based on the number of operations N.

For this reason, when the CPU 131 functioning as the first determination unit determines that the probability flag is set to OFF (step S114: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether the number of operations N is equal to or greater than the set number N _A. (Step S115). In the present embodiment, the set number N _A is stored in advance in the ROM 132, and in step S115, the CPU 131 reads the set number N _A from the ROM 132, and the shock sensor 508 exceeds the set intensity during one button operation advance notice. It is determined whether or not the operation number N of the effect button 37 in which the impact is detected is equal to or greater than the set number N _A.

If the CPU 131 determines that the number of operations N is less than the set number N _A (step S116: NO), it is stored in the ROM 132 as an effect random number that is compared with the effect random number acquired in the process of step S113. Second effect random number 202 (see FIG. 16) is read into RAM 133 (step S116).

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the number of operations N is equal to or greater than the set number N _A (step S115: YES), the winning probability of the effect lottery is changed from a high probability (second winning probability) to a low probability (first winning probability). In order to change to, the probability flag stored in the RAM 133 is set to ON (step S117). By performing the process of step S117, until the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to the customer waiting state, it is always determined “YES” in step S114 described above, and the process proceeds to the following step S118. The winning probability of the production lottery is always set to a low probability.

  When the CPU 131 sets the probability flag to ON in the process of step S117 or determines “YES” in the process of step S114, as the effect random number compared with the effect random number acquired in the process of step S113, First rendering random number 201 (see FIG. 16) stored in ROM 132 is read out to RAM 133 (step S118).

  When the second effect random number 202 is read out in the process of step S116, or when the first effect random number 201 is read out in the process of step S118, the CPU 131 acquires the information included in the change start command, the process of step S113. An effect pattern is determined based on the effect random number (step S104).

  Although not shown in the drawing, the ROM 132 of the effect control unit 130 stores a long hit effect table, a short hit effect table, a small hit effect table, an effect table with lose reach, and an effect table without lose reach. Each of these effect tables is provided with a plurality of tables corresponding to the variation pattern (variation time) determined by the game control unit 100. For example, there is a table for 4 seconds, 8 seconds, and 12 seconds in the effect table without los-reach, and a table for 1 minute, 1 minute 30 seconds, and 2 minutes is provided in the long hit effect table. It has been. The CPU 131 selects one table from the plurality of tables based on the setting information (design, variation pattern, etc.) of the variation pattern included in the variation start command. For example, when the setting information includes information indicating “losing”, information indicating that “reaching-free production” is performed, and information indicating that the “variation time” of the special symbol is 4 seconds, the CPU 131 Select the loss-less reach production table for 4 seconds.

  In the effect table, effect random numbers and effect patterns are associated with each other. CPU131 reads the production pattern corresponding to the production random number acquired by processing of Step S113 from many production patterns stored in the selected production table. As a result, the decorative pattern variation pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, the operation pattern and light emission pattern of the movable accessory 7, the panel lamp 8, the frame lamp 36, and the button lamp 501 when the movable accessory 7 is operated. The contents of the game effects such as the light emission pattern and the sound output pattern output from the speaker 35 are determined.

  When determining the production pattern in this way, the CPU 131 functioning as the lottery means performs the production lottery and executes the production including the button operation advance notice, or executes the production not including the button operation advance notice. decide. Specifically, when the process of step S119 is performed following the process of step S116, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect random number acquired in the process of step S113 matches the second effect random number 202 read from the ROM 132. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the button operation advance notice is executed. On the other hand, when the process of step S119 is performed subsequent to the process of step S118, the CPU 131 is based on whether or not the effect random number acquired by the process of step S113 matches the first effect random number 201 read from the ROM 132. To determine whether or not to execute the button operation advance notice. Here, it is determined that the button operation advance notice is executed when the effect random number acquired in the process of step S113 matches the effect random number read from the ROM 132, and conversely, when it does not match, the button operation advance notice is not executed. Is done.

  As described above, after determining the effect pattern including whether or not to perform the button operation advance notice in step S119, the CPU 131 transmits a change effect start command for instructing the start of the effect corresponding to this effect pattern to the image sound control unit 140. And it transmits to the lamp | ramp control part 150 (step S120). Thereby, the production corresponding to the production pattern determined in the process of step S119 is started by the image sound control unit 140 and the lamp control unit 150.

  By the way, after the winning lottery of the effect lottery is set according to the probability flag and the number of operations N, the operation time N becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the CPU 131 resets the number of operations N when the process of step S120 is performed (step S121).

  Here, the winning probability of the effect lottery performed in step S119 will be described. As described above, the first effect random number 201 or the second effect random number 202 is used to determine whether or not the effect lottery is won. As shown in FIG. 16, the range of values that the first effect random number 201 and the second effect random number 202 can take are both “0” to “99”. In this embodiment, 15 second effect random numbers 202 (“3”, “8”, “12”... “72”, “82”, “93”) are set, and the second effect random numbers are set. When the effect lottery is performed using 202, the probability of winning the effect lottery is 15% (15/100). On the other hand, five winning values (“12”, “24”, “41”, “64”, “82”) are set in the first effect random number 201, and the first effect random number 201 is used. When the effect lottery is performed, the probability of winning the effect lottery is 5% (5/100).

Since the second effect random number 202 and the first effect random number 201 are set in this way, the number of operations N of the effect button 37 in which an impact greater than the set intensity is detected by the shock sensor 508 during the button operation advance notice is the set number N. _{When it is} less than _A (when determined as “NO” in the process of step S115), the probability of winning the effect lottery (second winning probability) is 15%. On the other hand, when the number of operations N of the effect button 37 for which the shock sensor 508 detects an impact greater than or equal to the set intensity during the button operation advance notice is equal to or greater than the set number N _A ("YES" is determined in the process of step S115). ), And when the probability flag is already set to “ON” (when determined as “YES” in the process of step S114), the probability of winning the effect lottery (first winning probability) is 5%. .

  As is clear from the above description, the effect lottery when the winning probability (5%) of the effect lottery when the predetermined condition (the determination condition of step S115 in the present embodiment) is satisfied does not satisfy the predetermined condition. The winning probability of the effect lottery is set by the CPU 131 functioning as the probability setting means so as to be lower than the winning probability (15%). As a result, when an operation that places an excessive load on the effect button 37 is performed, the probability of winning the effect lottery for determining whether or not to perform the button operation advance notice is lowered, and the appearance frequency of the button operation advance notice is reduced. The opportunity that the effect button 37 is operated by the player can be reduced.

  By the way, while there are players who strike the effect button 37, there are also players who operate the effect button 37 so that an excessive load is not applied. The process of lowering is not necessary. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the waiting state for the winning probability of the effect lottery in which the probability flag is set to ON and the first winning probability (5%) is lowered by performing the following processing. When shifting to, the second winning probability (15%) is returned.

  After resetting the number of operations N in the process of step S121, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the customer waiting command set in the process of step S58 of FIG. 14 has been received from the game control unit 100 (step S123). When it is determined that the customer waiting command from the game control unit 100 has been received (step S123: YES), the CPU 131 uses the RTC 134 to start measuring the elapsed time after receiving the customer waiting command (step S124). ). If the process of step S124 is performed, the process returns to step S101.

  When determining that the customer waiting command has not been received (step S123: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the customer waiting command has been received is being measured (step S125). Here, when the process of step S124 is not performed, the CPU 131 determines that the elapsed time is not being measured (step S125: NO), and the process returns to step S101.

  If the CPU 131 functioning as the second determination means has already executed the process of step S124 and determines that the elapsed time since the reception of the customer waiting command is being measured (step S125: YES), the customer It is determined whether or not a set time has elapsed after receiving the wait command (step S126). Specifically, a set time (for example, 60 seconds) for determining whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 has shifted to the customer waiting state is stored in the ROM 132, and the CPU 131 starts measurement in the process of step S124. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time exceeds the set time. As described above, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 has shifted to the customer waiting state based on the elapsed time since the reception of the customer waiting command.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to the customer waiting state, it is necessary to display on the liquid crystal display 5 a customer waiting image for notifying the player that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the customer waiting state. Therefore, when the CPU 131 determines that the set time has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting command (step S126: YES), the CPU 131 starts a customer waiting effect (step S127). Specifically, the image sound control unit 140 is caused to start displaying the customer waiting image on the liquid crystal display 5. Then, following the process of step S127, the CPU 131 sets the probability flag stored in the RAM 133 to OFF (step S128).

  By performing the process of step S128, it is always determined as “YES” in the process of step S114, and the winning probability of the effect lottery is set to the first winning probability (5% in this embodiment). From this state, it is determined as “NO” in the process of step S114, and it becomes a state where the winning probability of the effect lottery can be set to the second winning probability (15% in this embodiment). That is, when the CPU 131 determines that the state has shifted to the customer waiting state and the processing of step S128 is performed, the winning probability of the effect lottery is returned from the first winning probability to the second winning probability.

  If the CPU 131 determines that the set time has not elapsed since the customer waiting command was received (step S126: NO), the process returns to step S101 until the set time has elapsed.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CPU 131 determines that the impact detected by the shock sensor 508 satisfies a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, the number of operations N is equal to or greater than the set number N _A ). In this case, the probability of winning the effect lottery for determining whether or not to perform a button operation advance notice varies from the second winning probability (15% in this embodiment) to the first winning probability (5% in this embodiment). ). As a result, the frequency of the button operation advance notice is reduced and the opportunity for the player to operate the effect button 37 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to contribute to preventing the effect button 37 from being broken.

In the present embodiment, as a predetermined condition, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the operation number N of the effect button 37 for which an impact greater than or equal to the set strength is detected by the shock sensor 508 during the button operation advance notice is greater than or equal to the set number N _A. The winning probability of the effect lottery is set according to the determination result. For this reason, by setting the setting strength and the setting number N _A to appropriate values, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an operation that places an excessive load on the effect button 37 has been performed by the player.

  In the present embodiment, the winning probability of the production lottery that has decreased to the first winning probability (5% in the present embodiment) when shifting to the customer waiting state is the second winning probability (15% in the present embodiment). ), It is possible to prevent unnecessary and inappropriate processing such as reducing the appearance frequency of the button operation notice even for a player who does not give an excessive load to the effect button 37.

  In this embodiment, since the shock sensor 508 constituting the impact detection means of the present invention is mounted on the electric decoration board 500, the effect button 37 can be operated without adding a board for providing the shock sensor 508. The accompanying impact can be detected. For example, when the shock sensor 508 is provided on the movable body 371, it is necessary to draw a signal line from the shock sensor 508. However, in this embodiment, the shock sensor 508 is attached to the electric decoration board 500 fixed to the frame member 3. Since it is mounted, there is an advantage that there is no problem that the signal line is disconnected by repeating the operation of the effect button 37 and the impact cannot be detected due to the disconnection.

[Modification]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following forms may be sufficient. That is, in the above embodiment, the case where the operation means of the present invention is the effect button 37 pressed by the player has been described, but the operation means in the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the frame member 3 A joystick provided may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the first winning probability is 5% and the second winning probability is 15% has been described as an example. However, the first winning probability and the second winning probability are the second winning probabilities. Other values may be used as long as they are lower than the winning probability. That is, the possible range of the first winning value 201 and the second winning value 202 and the number of winning values are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and the first winning probability and the second winning probability are appropriately set. In order to set a proper value, it should be changed as appropriate.

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the winning probability of the effect lottery after the effect button 37 was struck is changed to the 1st winning probability which is a fixed value, even if the 1st winning probability is variable. Good. For example, even if the number of operations N of the effect button 37 in which an impact greater than the set strength is detected is greater than or equal to the set number N _A , the smaller the number of operations N, the higher the first winning probability is set. As the number N increases, the first winning probability may be set lower (closer to “0”).

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the button operation advance notice as a notification production | presentation of this invention was performed by displaying the button operation advance notice image 50 on the liquid crystal display 5, the notification production | presentation is performed by another method. It doesn't matter. That is, the notification effect of the present invention may be performed, for example, by outputting a sound prompting the operation of the effect button 37 from the speaker 35 or by causing the button lamp 501 to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.

In the above-described embodiment, as a predetermined condition of the present invention, a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not the operation number N of the effect button 37 in which an impact greater than or equal to the set strength is detected has reached the set number N _A or more. The predetermined condition that serves as a criterion for reducing the winning probability of the effect lottery is not limited to this. For example, when the number of operations of the production button 37 during the button operation advance notice is counted, and the operation of a predetermined% (for example, 60%) of the counted number of operations is accompanied by an impact exceeding the set strength, the winning probability of the production lottery May be reduced from the second winning probability to the first winning probability.

Further, in the above embodiment, the winning probability of effect random if the number of operations N of performance button 37 once any set number N _A above has described the case to be lowered from the second winning probability in the first winning probability, e.g. The number of times that the number of operations N is determined to be equal to or greater than the set number N _A is counted, and the winning probability of the production lottery is lowered from the second winning probability to the first winning probability on condition that the counted number has reached the predetermined number. You may do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the shock during the button operation advance notice is detected using the shock sensor 508, and determination processing is performed to determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the detection result. It is also possible to detect the impact when the operation advance notice is not performed using the shock sensor 508, and perform the determination process in consideration of the detection result. This is because there is a possibility that the effect button 37 is operated by the player even when the button operation advance notice is not performed.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the state where the winning probability of the production | presentation lottery fell to the 1st winning probability was maintained until the pachinko machine 1 changed to a customer waiting state, the winning probability of the production | presentation lottery was demonstrated. The process of returning to the second winning probability may be performed not at the time of shifting to the customer waiting state, but at the timing when, for example, the button operation advance notice is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times).

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the acceleration sensor of this invention was the shock sensor 508 of a board | substrate mounting type, you may use the other acceleration sensor which is not a board | substrate mounting type. A sensor other than the acceleration sensor (for example, a pressure sensor) may be used as the impact detection means.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applicable to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

1 Pachinko gaming machine (an example of the gaming machine of the present invention)
3 Frame member 5 Liquid crystal display (an example of the image display unit of the present invention)
37 Production button (an example of the operation means of the present invention)
50 button operation preview image (example of effect image of the present invention)
130 Production control unit 131 CPU (an example of a part of the impact detection means of the present invention, first determination means, lottery means, second determination means, probability setting means)
500 Illuminated board 501 Button lamp (an example of the light emitting device of the present invention)
508 Shock sensor (part of the shock detection means of the present invention, an example of an acceleration sensor)

Claims (3)

A gaming machine that executes a notification effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means,
An impact detection means for detecting an impact associated with an operation of the operation means;
An operation count storage control means for storing, in a storage means, the number of operations of the operation means in which an impact greater than a set intensity is detected by the impact detection means during the notification effect
First determination means for determining whether or not the number of operations of the operation means stored by the operation number storage control means is a set number or more ;
Lottery means for determining whether or not to execute the notification effect by performing an effect lottery;
Second to win before Symbol first probability of winning the effect random if it is the determination of the positive by the first judging means, the effect random if it is the negative determination by the previous SL first judging means Probability setting means for setting the winning probability of the production lottery so as to be lower than the winning probability ,
The probability setting unit, the larger the number of operations stored the operation means by the operation count storage control means, to set lower the first winning probability, the gaming machine. Provided with a second determination means for determining whether or not the state has shifted to a customer waiting state;
The probability setting unit, when it is determined that the transition to the customer waiting state by said second judging means returns the winning probability of the effect random from the first winning probability to the second winning probability, to claim 1 The gaming machine described. The impact detection means includes an acceleration sensor that outputs an electrical signal proportional to the acceleration given from the outside,
The acceleration sensor is mounted on an electrical decoration board together with a light emitting element that decorates the operation means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the electrical decoration board is fixed to a frame member so that an impact accompanying the operation of the operation means is transmitted.

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