JP5721279B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a first effect and a second effect that is executed when the first effect is not executed.

  Conventionally, in gaming machines, it is known that a predetermined effect is executed as a game progresses in order to enhance the interest of the player in the game. In general, a plurality of types of effects are prepared, and the execution of the effects is started according to various triggers set in advance. For example, as a player's operation on operation means such as a stop switch, a start switch, and a chance button, the execution of the effect is started when a predetermined operation state is started. In addition, an opportunity to start the production is set in advance for each of the productions, and when an opportunity to start the production occurs, an effect corresponding to the type of the produced opportunity is selected and executed. Is done.

  In addition, some of the effects start to be performed when a predetermined operation state with respect to the operation unit is completed. In this case, while the predetermined operation state continues as the operation of the operation means, that is, until the predetermined operation state with respect to the operation means ends, the player increases the expectation for the effect by operating the operation means. It is known. According to such an effect, when the player's expectation for the effect is sufficiently increased, the execution of the effect is started by the player ending the predetermined operation state with respect to the operation means. Can be increased.

  For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, first, when a pressed state is started as an operation of a start switch, execution of an effect of displaying an image on a liquid crystal display is started, and each reel starts to rotate. Subsequently, when a pressing state is started as an operation of a stop switch for stopping the rotation of each reel, execution of an effect for displaying another image on the liquid crystal display is started. Thereafter, when the pressing state is ended as an operation of the stop switch, execution of an effect for displaying another image on the liquid crystal display is started.

JP-A-2004-24486 (paragraphs 0073, 0077, 0079, 0080, FIG. 11 (a) to FIG. 11 (e), etc.)

  By the way, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, when an effect is started when the pressing state ends as an operation of the stop switch, the pressing state is started as an operation of the stop switch. If the effect that has been started as an opportunity is still being executed, the effect that is being executed is terminated unconditionally. In other words, when the execution of the effect is started when the predetermined operation state for the operation means such as the stop switch is ended, another effect started to be executed due to the occurrence of another event is being executed. For example, the other effects are unconditionally terminated.

  For this reason, for example, as an effect that starts executing when the pressing state is started as an operation of the stop switch, an effect time that is at least a predetermined time or more in advance to convey the intention of the effect designer to the player The following problems may occur when the first effect requiring the preparation is prepared. That is, when the first effect started by pressing the stop switch is being executed and the stop switch is pressed, the first effect requiring a specified time to convey the intention of the effect. However, since the intention of the production designer is not transmitted to the player, the player's interest cannot be enhanced.

  As a method for solving the above-described problem, a predetermined operation state is set as an operation of the operation means while the first effect that requires at least a predetermined time for transmitting the intention of the effect is being executed. Even if it is finished, there can be considered a method in which the execution of the second effect is triggered not to start when the predetermined operation state is finished. However, in such a method, while the first effect that requires at least a prescribed time to transmit the intention of the effect is being executed, the second operation is triggered by the end of a predetermined operation state as an operation of the operation means. The execution of the production cannot be started. Therefore, even if the player finishes the predetermined operation state for the operation means when the expectation for the second effect is sufficiently increased by operating the operation means for a predetermined time or more, the fact that the predetermined operation state has ended. Since the execution of the second effect is not started, the player's interest cannot be enhanced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, at least a first presentation with a defined time or more of the effect time, execution start triggered by the end of the operation of the operating means by the player predetermined operation state has been completed It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of responding in a balanced manner to mutually conflicting requests included in the second performance.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes an operating means operated by a player in a state where a prescribed number of game media are inserted in order to execute one game, An effect means for executing the second effect, and an effect control means for causing the effect means to execute the first effect and the second effect, the effect control means being an effect for at least a predetermined time or more. Execution of the first production having time is triggered by the start of operation of the operation means by a player in which the operation means is in a predetermined operation state determined in advance or at a predetermined opportunity before the operation of the operation means is started. a first presentation execution start means for starting the presentation means, an operation continuation time counting means for counting the operation duration time during which the by operation of the operating unit by the player predetermined operation state continues, When the predetermined operation state is ended by the player's operation end of the operation means, the effect means starts execution of the second effect, and if the first effect is being executed, A second effect execution start means for causing the effect means to end the execution of the first effect and start the execution of the second effect; and when the predetermined operation state is ended by the operation end of the operation means by the player. When the first effect is being executed, if the elapsed time from the start of execution of the first effect by the effect means by the first effect execution starting means has not reached the specified time , the specified time the second demonstration execution restraining means for stopping or delaying the start of execution of the second effect by the representation section, the operation end of the operating means by the player in the second demonstration execution starting means to reach When the predetermined operation condition has ended, the if operation duration time the operation duration time measured by the time measuring means has reached the predetermined time set shorter than the specified time, the second demonstration execution inhibiting means It is characterized in that and a second demonstration execution derepression means causes the execution start of the second effect by the presentation unit to the second presentation execution start unit without operating the (claim 1).

In addition, the second effect execution suppression unit includes an elapsed time storage unit that stores a value corresponding to the elapsed time, and a process of setting an initial value in the elapsed time storage unit when the execution of the first effect is started. The time initial setting means and the value stored in the elapsed time storage means after execution of the first effect reaches a specified value that is a value corresponding to the elapsed time reaching the specified time. Thus, the elapsed time update means for updating each fixed value at a constant time interval and the elapsed time storage means when the predetermined operation state is ended by the end of the operation of the operation means by the player . Elapse time determination means for determining whether or not the elapsed time has reached the specified time by determining whether or not a value has reached the specified value, the second effect execution suppression release means is, game Wherein the operation end of the operation means when the predetermined operation condition has ended, the if operation duration time the operation duration time measured by the time measuring means has reached the predetermined time, the elapsed time the specified value by It is preferable to provide an elapsed time changing means set in the storage means.

The operation control unit further includes an operation continuation time notifying unit for executing an operation continuation time notification effect for notifying whether or not the operation continuation time has reached the predetermined time . It is good to provide the operation continuation time notification production | presentation execution means which makes the said operation continuation time notification effect to perform the said operation continuation time notification means on condition that the said predetermined operation state was started by operation start (Claim 3).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined operation state is ended by the player 's operation end of the operation means, the game in which the operation means is set in a predetermined operation state determined in advance by the first effect execution start means. If the first effect having an effect time of at least the specified time started at the start of the operation of the operation means by the user or at a predetermined trigger before the operation of the operation means is being executed by the effect means, the second The first production is ended by the production execution start means, and the second production by the production means is started. However, on the other hand, when the predetermined operation state is ended due to the end of the operation of the operation means by the player, the elapsed time after the start of the first effect by the effect means has not reached the specified time. , if not reach the predetermined short time than operation duration time of the operating means by timed player prescribed time by the operation continuation time measuring means, the second demonstration execution inhibiting means, second by second presentation execution start means The execution start of the production is canceled or delayed.

Therefore, as described above, unless the operation duration time counted by the operation duration time measuring means has reached the predetermined time, the player's sense of expectation for the second effect is not so high. For this reason, in such a case, the first effect is continuously executed by the effect means when the predetermined operation state is ended by the end of the operation of the operation means by the player . Therefore, if operation duration time a predetermined operation state of the operation means by the player continues has not reached the predetermined time, even after the predetermined operation state is terminated by the operation end of the operation means by the player, the first By continuously performing the production, it is possible to convey the intention of the production designer to the player.

In addition, when the predetermined operation state is ended by the player 's operation of the operation means being ended, and the elapsed time after the start of execution of the first effect by the effect means has not reached the specified time, the operation continuation time is counted. If the operation continuation time counted by the means has reached a predetermined time shorter than the specified time, the second effect execution is started by the second effect execution suppression canceling means without operating the second effect execution suppressing means. Therefore, if the operation continuation time counted by the operation continuation time measuring means has reached a predetermined time, it is considered that the player's sense of expectation for the second effect of operating the operation means is increased. Even if the first effect is being executed when the predetermined operation state is ended due to the end of the operation of the operation means, execution of the second effect by the effect means is started instead of the first effect.

Therefore, when the operation duration time during which the predetermined operation state continues as the operation of the operation means by the player has reached the predetermined time, it is considered that the player has increased expectation due to such action, Since the execution of the second effect is started when the player's expectation is sufficiently increased, the player's expectation can be met.

As described above, a predetermined operation state has been terminated by a request to convey to the player the design intent provided by the first rendering having a rendering time of at least a prescribed time, and the operation of the operation means by the player being terminated. In response to the request to execute the second effect when the player's sense of expectation provided by the second effect that triggers the execution start is sufficiently increased, respond appropriately to these conflicting requests. Can be provided, and as a result, the interest of the player can be enhanced.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the elapsed time initial setting means is stored in the elapsed time storage means for storing the value corresponding to the elapsed time after the execution of the first effect when the first effect is started. The initial value is set by. In addition, the value stored in the elapsed time storage means after the start of the first effect is constant at regular time intervals so as to reach a specified value corresponding to the elapsed time reaching the specified time. Is updated by the elapsed time updating means.

In addition, when a predetermined operation state is ended by the player 's operation of the operation unit being ended, the elapsed time is defined by determining whether or not the value stored in the elapsed time storage unit has reached a specified value. Whether or not the time has been reached is determined by the elapsed time determination means. If the elapsed time determination means determines that the elapsed time has reached the specified time, the second effect execution start means by the second effect execution start means is not suppressed by the second effect execution suppression means. Execution of the second effect is started by the second effect execution start means.

In addition, when the predetermined operation state is ended by the player 's operation end of the operation means , if the operation continuation time counted by the operation continuation time counting means has reached the predetermined time, a specified value is stored in the elapsed time storage means. It is set by the elapsed time changing means. For this reason, since the elapsed time has been determined to have reached the specified time by the elapsed time determination means of the second effect execution suppression means, the second effect execution start means causes the second effect execution start means to start execution of the second effect. Not suppressed.

For this reason, when the elapsed time has reached the specified time, the specified value determined by the elapsed time determining means is set in the elapsed time storage means by the elapsed time changing means, so that the second effect execution suppression canceling means releases the second effect. The operation of the execution suppression unit is reliably released, and the second production by the production unit is started to be executed by the second production execution start unit. Therefore, with the simple configuration of changing the value stored in the elapsed time storage means included in the second effect execution suppression means using the elapsed time changing means included in the second effect execution suppression release means, the second effect execution suppression cancellation is performed. The means can be controlled so as not to operate the second performance execution suppression means.

According to the invention of claim 3, operation duration time notification effect that operation duration time a predetermined operation state of the operation means by the player continues to notify whether it has reached the predetermined time, the operation by the player on condition that the predetermined operation state is started by the operation start means, executed by the operation duration time informing means by operation duration time notification effect execution means effect control means comprises. Therefore, the player can operate the operating means after recognizing whether or not the operation duration has reached the predetermined time by the operation duration notification effect, and thus the player continues the predetermined operation state more than necessary. There is nothing. Therefore, the player can execute the second effect more smoothly and enjoy the executed second effect.

It is a front view of the slot machine which is one embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a functional block diagram of production control means. It is a flowchart which shows a main control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel rotation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a sub control process. It is a flowchart which shows an operation time determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect command control process. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the gaming machine when the operation continuation time of the stop switch has not reached a predetermined time. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a game machine when the operation continuation time of a stop switch has reached predetermined time.

  A slot machine as an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overview of slot machine)
An outline of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine as an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

  The slot machine 1 (corresponding to the “gaming machine” of the present invention) in the present embodiment is a player's start switch 9 and stop switches 10L, 10M, on condition that a prescribed number of game media such as medals are inserted. One game is executed based on the operation of 10R, and is configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. That is, in this slot machine 1, the front surface of the box-shaped housing whose front surface is opened is closed by the front panel 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and the operation plate 3 is disposed at a substantially central height position of the front panel 2. In addition, a front plate 4 is disposed above the operation plate 3.

  The front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally-long rectangular display window 5. Inside the display window 5, left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R that variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order are disposed.

  A predetermined number of symbols are provided in a predetermined arrangement on the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle and right reels 6L, 6M, 6R. The plurality of symbols provided on the peripheral surfaces of the left, middle, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R include a plurality of different types of symbols. Each reel 6L, 6M, 6R is formed by affixing a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the peripheral surface of the reel. When the reels 6L, 6M, 6R rotate, a plurality of types of symbols provided on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are variably displayed on the display window 5 in a predetermined order. When the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop rotating, a total of three symbols are displayed for each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, one on each of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display window 5. Is set to That is, when all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R are stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed on the display window 5.

  In addition, each reel 6L, 6M, 6R is connected to a reel motor composed of a stepping motor so that each reel 6L, 6M, 6R can be driven to rotate independently.

  Further, the operation panel 3 has a bet switch 7 for instructing to insert one medal from each of the credit medals stored inside as owned by the player, and the maximum insertion per game (game) from the credit medals. Maximum bet switch 8 for instructing the insertion of the number of medals (set to 3), lever-shaped start switch 9 for rotating each reel 6L, 6M, 6R to start variable display of each symbol, left Left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R for stopping the variable display of each symbol by stopping the rotation of the middle / right reels 6L, 6M, 6R, for example, a settlement switch 11 for paying out credit medals, for example A chance switch 12 and a medal slot 13 used when the player participates in the production are provided. In the present embodiment, the number of medals inserted (specified number) required for one game (one game) is set to one of three types. Each reel 6L, 6M, 6R forms a variable display row for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R corresponds to each reel 6L, 6M, 6R. Is provided. When the chance switch 12 is operated by the player, for example, an effect of informing the result of the role lottery is executed.

  Each of the bet switch 7, the maximum bet switch 8, the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, the settlement switch 11, and the chance switch 12 is arranged inside a button-like operation unit and an operation unit for operation of the operation unit by the player. And a sensor for detecting a detection piece that moves with the sensor piece. That is, the bet switch 7 includes a bet switch sensor 7a, the maximum bet switch 8 includes a maximum bet switch sensor 8a, and the left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are for left / middle / right stop switches, respectively. Sensors 10La, 10Ma, and 10Ra are provided, the payment switch 11 is provided with a payment switch sensor 11a, and the Chang switch 12 is provided with a chance switch sensor 12a.

  In addition, the operation unit is always biased by a spring in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the operation unit by the player so that the sensor does not detect the detection piece when the operation unit is not operated by the player. Then, when an operation part of each button-like switch such as a “stop switch” provided with a button-like operation part is pushed in by the player, the operation state of each button-like switch such as “stop switch” becomes a pressed state. Further, the detection piece moves as the player pushes the operation unit, and the detected detection piece is detected by the sensor. After that, when the player releases the hand and the pressing state for each button-like switch such as the “stop switch” is finished, the button-like operation unit is moved back to the initial position by the urging force of the spring, so that the detection piece is Since it is no longer detected by the sensor, the detection state of the detection piece by the sensor ends.

  The start switch 9 includes a lever-like operation unit and a start switch sensor 9a that detects a detection piece that moves in accordance with the operation of the operation unit by the player. The start switch 9 is substantially the same as the button switch such as the “stop switch” described above except for the relationship between the operation state of the lever-like operation unit by the player and the detection state of the detection piece by the start switch sensor 9a. It has the composition of.

  That is, in the present embodiment, when the lever-like operation portion of the start switch 9 is pushed downward by the player, the operation state with respect to the start switch 9 becomes a pressed state. Then, the detection piece moves as the player pushes the lever-shaped operation unit, and the detected detection piece is no longer detected by the start switch sensor 9a, and the detection state of the detection piece by the start switch sensor 9a ends. . After that, when the player releases his / her hand and the pressing state on the start switch 9 is finished, the lever-like operation part is moved back to the initial position by the biasing force of the spring, so that the detection piece is detected by the start switch sensor 9a. Is done.

  The relationship between each sensor and the detection piece is not limited to the above example. That is, the relationship between each sensor and the detection piece is such that when the operation unit provided in each switch is operated by the player, the detection state of the detection piece by the sensor is different from that when the operation unit is in the initial position. I just need it. If it does in this way, it can detect that the operation part of each switch was operated by the player. Therefore, the relationship between the sensor and the detection piece can be changed as appropriate.

  In addition, a video or the like is displayed in the approximate center above the front plate 4 to notify the player of winning or winning, or to provide an effect of notifying the operation mode of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. A liquid crystal display 14 is provided. The liquid crystal display 14 includes a liquid crystal control board 14a provided with a liquid crystal display (LCD) drive circuit, and various images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 by being driven by the liquid crystal control board 14a. In addition, upper and lower speakers 15 are provided on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 14 for performing effects such as music and voice.

  Further, a lower panel 18 on which a decorative image or the like is displayed is provided below the operation panel 3, and a medal payout opening 20 and a medal paid out from the payout opening 20 are received below the lower panel 18. A saucer 21 is provided. In addition, on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 are provided lower speakers 16 for performing effects such as music and voice.

  In addition, a support frame that supports each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is fixed to a rear wall in the casing, and each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R is supported by the support frame and disposed in the casing. Has been. A hopper unit 40 for discharging medals to the payout opening 20 is disposed below the support frame in the housing. Further, on the back side near the medal insertion slot 13, a medal selector for selecting whether or not the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 13 is genuine and guiding only the regular medal to the hopper unit 40 is disposed. Yes.

  In addition, a medal passage is provided on the back surface of the front panel 2. The medals excluded as non-regular medals in the medal selector and medals paid out from the hopper unit 40 are discharged to the payout outlet 20 through the medal passage. In FIG. 2, the insertion sensor 31 is provided in a medal selector disposed in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 13 inside the casing, and detects the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 13 one by one. . The payout sensor 32 is provided at the exit of the hopper unit 40 and detects medals paid out to the payout outlet 20 one by one.

  Further, an upper lamp portion 22 is provided on the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp portions 23 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp units 22 and 23 includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or an organic EL, or a general light bulb, and performs effects such as notifying a player of winning or winning.

  In the slot machine 1, a main control board 52 on which a main CPU 51 that controls at least the progress of the game is mounted, and an effect control according to the progress of the game is performed based on information transmitted from the main control board 52. A sub control board 62 on which the sub CPU 61 is mounted is provided separately, and various data are transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62 in one-way in a command format.

  The RAM 53 of the main control board 52 temporarily stores data related to the game of the slot machine 1, and various storage areas for storing various data are formed in the RAM 53. The ROM 54 of the main control board 52 stores various data in advance, and stores a game machine program (a program for the slot machine 1) including preset data such as a lottery table.

  The main CPU 51 of the main control board 52 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a game machine program stored in the ROM 54 to perform processing related to the progress of the game. The main CPU 51 also includes data related to the lottery result in the role lottery process by the lottery means (not shown), data related to the operation of the operation tool operated by the player such as the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, and the like. Various data indicating information relating to the progress of the game on the main control board 52 and the operation status of the switches and sensors are transmitted to the sub CPU 61 of the sub control board 62 in a command format.

  Various data are transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62 through the I / O port in the command format at the timing of the timer interrupt process executed in the main CPU 51 about every 1.8 milliseconds. The

  The RAM 63 of the sub control board 62 temporarily stores various data, and various storage areas for storing various data are formed in the RAM 63. The ROM 64 of the sub control board 62 stores various data for production, various programs, and the like. Further, the sub CPU 61 of the sub control board 62 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and various data related to the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 51 (the lottery result in the lottery process by the lottery means, each stop switch) 10L, 10M, 10R, data related to whether operating devices such as the start switch 9 have been operated, etc.) by executing the program stored in the ROM 64, the effects related to the game executed for the player Determine the contents.

  In addition, various effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 14, the speakers 15 and 16, and the lamp units 22 and 23 are connected to the sub control board 62 through an I / O port included in the sub control board 62. Then, a control signal (effect command) based on the content of the effect determined in the sub CPU 61 is output to each effect device. Then, according to the effect command output from the sub control board 62, effects based on the contents determined by the sub CPU 61 are executed in each effect device.

  It should be noted that the effect command set in the output buffer of the sub control board 62 based on the content determined in the sub CPU 61 at the timing of the timer interrupt process executed in the sub CPU 61 approximately every 1.2 milliseconds. The signal is output from the control board 62 to each effect device via the I / O port.

  In the slot machine 1 configured as described above, for example, the following game is executed.

  First, when the insertion sensor 31 detects the insertion of a medal from the medal insertion slot 13, or when the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated to instruct the insertion of a credit medal, the bet number is set. Then, when the start switch 9 is operated after the prescribed number of bets has been set, first, a random number lottery for determining whether or not to win is performed by lottery means provided in the main control board 52. All reels 6L, 6M, 6R start to rotate.

  Thereafter, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is operated, the rotation of any one of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. . Then, when the operation on all the three stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is completed, the rotation of all the three reels 6L, 6M, 6R is stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position, a winning is won, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player by the hopper unit 40, or the next game is played without consuming the medal owned by the player. A predetermined benefit such as an executable replay is given to the player. Instead of paying out medals, credit medals may be stored inside.

  Further, information related to the game such as a lottery result by the lottery means of the main control board 52 is transmitted to the sub control board 62 in a command format. In the sub control board 62, based on the received command from the main control board 52, it is determined by each effect device in an effect mode set in advance corresponding to the game situation such as the progress of the game or the lottery result of the lottery means. Production is performed. That is, the sub-control board 62 performs effects such as displaying moving images on the liquid crystal display 14, generating music from the speakers 15 and 16, and blinking the lamp units 22 and 23 simultaneously or individually. The

(Production control means)
The effect control means 65 configured on the sub control board 62 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the effect control means. The effect control means 65 is configured such that various programs stored in the ROM 64 included in the sub-control board 62 are executed by the sub CPU 61, or that the RAM 63 forms storage means for temporarily storing various data. Composed.

  The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is executed when the stop state of the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is started. An effect A (first effect) and an effect B (second effect) executed when the stop switch is pressed are ended. The effect A has an effect time that is at least a predetermined time, and when the effect A is started, an image corresponding to the effect A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. In addition, the effect A is configured such that a predetermined video is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 for a specified time (for example, 12 seconds), so that some intention of the designer can be transmitted to the player. ing. When the production B is started, an image corresponding to the production B is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14.

  Further, the slot machine 1 has the operation duration time during which the pressing state of the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R continues as described above. An operation duration notification effect for notifying whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) set to be shorter than the specified time has been reached is further provided. When the operation duration notification effect is started, for example, the remaining time until the operation duration reaches a predetermined time is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. In this embodiment, since it is a criterion for determining the length of the operation continuation time described above, the predetermined time is set to be shorter than the specified time that is the effect time that the effect A has at least as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the production command is output to the liquid crystal display 14 by the production control means 65, whereby the production A and the production B and the operation duration notification production are executed on the liquid crystal display 14. The effect control means 65 has the following functions.

(1) First Effect Execution Start Unit The first effect execution start unit 651 causes the liquid crystal display 14 to start the execution of the effect A at a predetermined opportunity. In the present embodiment, two left / middle / right reels 6L, 6M, 6R are operated by operating two stop switches among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. When two of the reels have already stopped rotating, the stop switch that was last operated by the player to stop the rotation of the remaining one reel is started. In addition, the execution of the effect A by the liquid crystal display 14 is started by the first effect execution start means 651.

  Of the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, when the stop switch that was last operated by the player was started, the stop switch was started. A “stop operation start command” to notify this is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62. Then, when the “stop operation start command” is received by the sub control board 62, the effect command for starting the execution of the effect A on the liquid crystal control board 14a of the liquid crystal display 14 by the first effect execution start means 651 is sub. By transmitting from the control board 62, execution of the effect A is started in the liquid crystal display 14.

(2) Operation continuation time measuring means The operation continuation time measuring means 652 is a predetermined operation as an operation to the stop switch operated last by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. The operation continuation time during which the state continues is counted. In the present embodiment, the time during which the stop switch is pressed when the first effect execution start means 651 starts executing the effect A is counted by the operation duration time measuring means 652 as the operation duration time.

  The operation duration measuring means 652 has the following functions.

(2-1) Operation continuation timer The operation continuation timer 652a keeps pressing the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. A value corresponding to the operation duration time is stored. The operation continuation timer 652a is formed using a predetermined storage area of the RAM 63 of the sub control board 62.

(2-2) Operation continuation time initial setting means The operation continuation time initial setting means 652b is one of the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R that is pressed by the player lastly operated. When the state is started, an initial value is set in the operation continuation timer 652a. A “stop operation start command” notifying that the pressing state of the stop switch has been started is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62. When the “stop operation start command” is received by the sub control board 62, the operation continuation time initial setting means 652b sets an initial value in the operation continuation timer 652a.

(2-3) Operation continuation time update means The operation continuation time update means 652c indicates that the stop switch operated last by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R is After an initial value is set in the operation continuation timer 652a by the operation continuation time initial setting means 652b, the value stored in the operation continuation timer 652a is updated by a constant value at a constant time interval. is there.

  In the present embodiment, among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, the operation duration initial setting means 652b is set when the pressing state of the stop switch last operated by the player is started. As a result, “0” is set as the initial value in the operation continuation timer 652a. Then, for each timing of the timer interrupt process executed in the sub CPU 61, a value corresponding to, for example, 1.2 milliseconds, which is the execution interval of the timer interrupt process, is stored in the operation continuation timer 652a. The value is added by the operation duration update means 652c.

  In the present embodiment, the initial value set by the operation duration initial setting means 652b is added to the operation continuation timer 652a by a constant value at fixed time intervals by the operation duration update means 652c. Although the operation continuation time is measured, the initial value set by the operation continuation time initial setting means 652b in the operation continuation timer 652a is subtracted by a constant value at fixed time intervals by the operation continuation time updating means 652c. Thus, the operation continuation time may be timed. That is, of the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, if the operation continuation time from the start of the pressing state of the stop switch last operated by the player can be measured, The duration may be timed in any way.

(3) Second effect execution start means The second effect execution start means 653 is predetermined as an operation for the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. When the operation state is finished, the liquid crystal display 14 starts to execute the effect B. In the present embodiment, when the stop switch is pressed when the first effect execution start unit 651 starts the execution of the effect A, the second effect execution start unit 653 performs the effect B by the liquid crystal display 14. Execution starts.

  In the present embodiment, if the effect A is being executed by the liquid crystal display 14, the second effect execution start means 653 causes the liquid crystal display 14 to end the execution of the effect A and start the execution of the effect B. Let That is, when the stop state of the stop switch when the execution of the effect A is started by the first effect execution start unit 651 is finished, a “stop operation end command” for notifying that the stop state of the stop switch has ended is issued. And transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub-control board 62. When the “stop operation end command” is received by the sub control board 62, the effect command for starting the execution of the effect B on the liquid crystal control board 14a of the liquid crystal display 14 by the second effect execution start means 653 is sub. By transmitting from the control board 62, execution of effect B is started in the liquid crystal display 14. At this time, if the effect A is being executed on the liquid crystal display 14, the effect command instructing the execution of the effect B is received from the sub-control board 62 by the liquid crystal control board 14a. The effect A being executed on the display unit 14 is terminated. Then, instead of the effect A being executed, the effect B is executed on the liquid crystal display 14.

(4) Second effect execution suppression means The second effect execution suppression means 654 is predetermined as an operation for the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. When the operation state is finished, when the effect A is being executed, the elapsed time after the effect A by the liquid crystal display 14 is started to be executed by the first effect execution start means 651 depends on the design of the effect A. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time required to convey the intention to the player has been reached. In the present embodiment, when the stop switch is pressed when the production A starts to be executed by the first production execution start means 651, the elapsed time from the start of the production A reaches the specified time. It is determined by the second performance execution suppression means 654 whether or not it is.

  Then, if the elapsed time after the execution of the production A has not reached the specified time, that is, the elapsed time after the execution of the production A has been started, If the prescribed time necessary for recognizing the design intent is not reached, the second effect execution start means 653 stops or delays the start of the effect B by the liquid crystal display 14. Therefore, if the elapsed time since the start of the production A has not reached the specified time, even if the stop state of the stop switch when the production A is started to be executed by the first production execution start means 651, The execution of effect B by the liquid crystal display 14 is not started by the second effect execution opening means 653.

  The second effect execution suppression means 654 has the following functions.

(4-1) Effect continuation timer The effect continuation timer 654a (corresponding to the “elapsed time storage means” of the present invention) has been executed after the effect A by the liquid crystal display 14 is started by the first effect execution start means 651. A value corresponding to the elapsed time is stored. The effect continuation timer 654a is formed using a predetermined storage area of the RAM 63 of the sub-control board 62.

(4-2) Elapsed Time Initial Setting Unit The elapsed time initial setting unit 654b sets an initial value to the effect continuation timer 654a when the first effect execution start unit 651 starts executing the effect A by the liquid crystal display 14. It is to set.

(4-3) Elapsed Time Update Unit The elapsed time update unit 654c calculates the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a after the first effect execution start unit 651 starts executing the effect A by the liquid crystal display 14. In order to reach a specified value which is a corresponding value when the elapsed time from the start of the production A reaches the specified time, it is updated by a fixed value at fixed time intervals.

(4-4) Elapsed Time Determination Unit The elapsed time determination unit 654d is a predetermined operation as an operation for the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R. When the state is finished, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a has reached the specified value, so that the elapsed time since the start of the effect A has reached the specified time. Whether or not. In the present embodiment, the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a reaches the specified value when the stop switch is pressed when the effect A is started by the first effect execution start means 651. It is determined by the elapsed time determination means 654d whether or not it has been performed.

  A “stop operation end command” for notifying that the stop switch has been pressed is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62. Then, when the “stop operation end command” is received by the sub control board 62, the elapsed time determination unit 654d determines whether or not the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a has reached the specified value.

  In the present embodiment, when the execution of the effect A is started, the elapsed time initial setting means 654b sets a value corresponding to the specified time as the initial value in the effect continuation timer 654a. Then, at each timing of the timer interrupt process executed in the sub CPU 61, a value corresponding to, for example, 1.2 milliseconds, which is the execution interval of the timer interrupt process, is stored in the effect continuation timer 654a. The value is subtracted by the elapsed time update means 654c. Therefore, when the elapsed time from the start of execution of the effect A reaches the specified time, the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a becomes “0” which is the specified value. Therefore, the elapsed time determining means 654d determines whether or not the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a has reached “0”, so that the elapsed time from the start of the execution of the effect A is the specified time. It is determined whether or not

  Further, in the present embodiment, the elapsed time is obtained by subtracting the initial value set by the elapsed time initial setting means 654b in the effect continuation timer 654a by a constant value at fixed time intervals by the elapsed time update means 654c. The elapsed time is obtained by adding the initial value set by the elapsed time initial setting means 654b to the production continuation timer 654a by a constant value by the elapsed time update means 654c at fixed time intervals. It may be timed. That is, the elapsed time may be measured in any way as long as the elapsed time since the execution of the effect A can be measured. The initial value set in the effect continuation timer 654a by the elapsed time initial setting means 654b is set based on the execution interval of the timer interrupt process executed in the sub CPU 61 and the size of the specified time.

(5) Second effect execution suppression canceling means The second effect execution suppression canceling means 655 is an operation on the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. When the predetermined operation state ends, the operation duration time counted by the operation duration time measuring means 652 is set to be shorter than the prescribed time necessary for causing the player to recognize the design intention of the production A. It is determined whether or not the predetermined time has been reached. In the present embodiment, the operation duration time counted by the operation duration time counting means 652 when the stop switch is pressed when the first effect execution start means 651 starts the execution of the effect A is a predetermined time. Is determined by the second effect execution suppression canceling means 655.

Then, the second effect execution suppression releasing unit 655 does not operate the second effect execution suppressing unit 654 if the operation duration time counted by the operation duration measuring unit 652 has reached a predetermined time. Therefore, when the stop state of the stop switch when the execution of the effect A is started by the first effect execution start unit 651 is finished, the operation continuation time during which the stop state of the stop switch continues has reached a predetermined time. Then, even if the elapsed time from the start of the execution of the effect A has not reached the specified time, the second effect execution suppression unit 654 does not stop or delay the execution start of the effect B by the second effect execution start unit 653. Therefore, if the operation continuation time during which the stop switch is pressed has reached a predetermined time, the second effect is executed even if the elapsed time from the start of the effect A has not reached the specified time. The effect B by the liquid crystal display 14 is started to be executed by the start means 653.

  The second effect execution suppression canceling means 655 has the following functions.

(5-1) Operation continuation time determining means The operation continuation time determining means 655a measures the operation continuation time when the first switch execution start means 651 finishes pressing the stop switch when the effect A is started. It is determined whether or not the operation continuation time in which the pressing state of the stop switch timed by the means 652 continues has reached a predetermined time. A “stop operation end command” notifying that the pressing state of the stop switch has ended is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62, and the “stop operation end command” is sent to the sub control board 62. When received, the operation duration determination unit 655a determines whether or not the value stored in the operation continuation timer 652a of the operation duration measurement unit 652 has reached a value corresponding to a predetermined time. The value corresponding to the predetermined time stored in the operation continuation timer 652a is determined based on the execution interval of the timer interrupt process executed in the sub CPU 61.

(5-2) Elapsed Time Changing Means The elapsed time changing means 655b is an operation continuation time measuring means 652 when the first switch execution start means 651 finishes pressing the stop switch when the effect A is started. If the operation continuation time determination means 655a determines that the operation continuation time counted by the operation time has reached a predetermined time, the prescribed value “0” is set in the effect continuation timer 654a of the second effect execution suppression means 654. To do. Therefore, if “0” that is the specified value is set in the effect continuation timer 654a, the elapsed time from the start of the execution of the effect A reaches the specified time by the elapsed time determination unit 654d of the second effect execution suppression unit 654. Therefore, the second effect execution suppression unit 654 does not stop or delay the execution start of the effect B by the second effect execution start unit 653.

(6) Operation duration notification effect execution means The operation duration notification effect execution means 656 is an operation for the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R. As described above, the liquid crystal display 14 is caused to execute the operation duration notification effect described above on condition that a predetermined operation state is started. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 14 is operated by the operation duration notification effect executing means 656 on the condition that the pressing state of the stop switch when the effect A is started by the first effect execution starting means 651 is started. The execution of the operation duration notification effect is started.

  A “stop operation start command” notifying that the pressing state of the stop switch has been started is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62. Then, on the condition that the “stop operation start command” is received in the sub-control board 62, the operation duration notification effect execution means 656 starts the execution of the operation duration notification effect by the liquid crystal display 14.

  As described above, of the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, the stop switch that is last operated by the player functions as the “operation means” of the present invention. Further, the liquid crystal display 14 functions as the “production unit” and the “operation duration notification unit” of the present invention.

(Operation)
Next, an example of the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The operations described below are the various functions and means described above, and the description is omitted, but other operations are realized by the main CPU 51 of the main control board 52 and the sub CPU 61 of the sub control board 62 executing various programs. It is a process executed by the function. In addition, various processes executed in the following processes are set to ON (ON) or OFF (OFF), values are set to various flags, and processes for updating counter values are well-known techniques. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

1. Main Control Process The main control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main control process. The main control process is a process executed on the main control board 52.

  When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the state of the RAM 53 provided in the main control board 52 is checked, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the memory, and various initial settings are performed.

  Next, each memory check is completed, and if there is no abnormality, it is determined whether or not a prescribed number (three) of medals has been set as the bet number (step S100), and waits until the prescribed number of medals are inserted. (NO in step S100). If a prescribed number of medals are set (YES in step S100), the process waits until the start switch 9 is operated (NO in step S101). If the start switch 9 is operated (YES in step S101), the main control is performed. A role lottery process is performed by a lottery means (not shown) configured on the substrate 52 (step S102).

  Then, rotation of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R is started (step S103), and each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R corresponding to each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, 6R is operated. A reel rotation stop process described later is executed (step S104).

  When the rotation of all the reels 6L, 6M, 6R is stopped, the stop symbol determination process is executed by the symbol determination means (not shown) provided on the main control board 52 (step S105). Subsequently, post-determination processing such as a medal being paid out from the hopper unit 40 is executed as necessary (step S106), and the processing ends.

2. Reel rotation stop processing The reel rotation stop processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation stop process.

  First, it waits until there is a stop operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R for each reel 6L, 6M, 6R that is rotating (NO in step S200), and stops to any one of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R. If there is an operation (YES in step S200), it is determined whether or not there is only one reel currently rotating, that is, whether or not the operated stop switch has been operated last (step S201).

  If there is not only one reel currently rotating (NO in step S201), a process of stopping the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch that has been stopped is executed (step S205). On the other hand, if only one reel is currently rotating (YES in step S201), a stop operation for the last stop switch among the left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is started, that is, A “stop operation start command” notifying that the pressing state of the stop switch has been started is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62 (step S202).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the pressing state of the stop switch has been completed (step S203), and the process waits until the pressing state ends (NO in step S203). If the pressing state ends (in step S203). YES), a “stop operation end command” notifying that the pressing state of the stop switch has ended is transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62 (step S204). Next, a process of stopping the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch that has been operated to stop is executed (step S205).

  Then, the processes from step S200 to step S205 are repeatedly executed until all reels 6L, 6M, 6R stop (NO in step S206), and if the rotation of all reels 6L, 6M, 6R stops (YES in step S206). ), The process returns to the main control process of FIG.

3. Sub Control Process The sub control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the sub-control processing. The sub control process is executed on the sub control board 62. Further, various data are transmitted from the main control board 52 to the sub control board 62 in a command format. In the sub control process described with reference to FIG. 6, “stop operation start command” and “stop operation end” are performed. The case where the “command” is received by the sub control board 62 will be described as an example, and the description of the processing when the other command transmitted from the main control board 52 is received by the sub control board 62 will be omitted. To do.

  First, it is determined whether or not a command from the main control board 52 has been received (step S300). If not received (NO in step S300), an effect command control process described later is executed (step S308) and again. Then, it is determined whether or not a command from the main control board 52 has been received (step S300). If a command from the main control board 52 is received (YES in step S300), it is determined whether or not the received command is a “stop operation start command” (step S301).

  If the received command is a “stop operation start command” (YES in step S301), the operation continuation time measurement by the operation continuation time measuring means 652 is started (step S302). An effect command for causing the liquid crystal display 14 to execute effect A is stored in the temporary memory by the first effect execution start means 651 (step S303), and an initial value is set in the effect continuation timer 654a by the elapsed time initial setting means 654b. (Step S304). Subsequently, an effect command control process to be described later is executed (step S308), and it is determined again whether or not a command from the main control board 52 has been received (step S300).

  On the other hand, if the received command is not a “stop operation start command” (NO in step S301), it is determined whether or not the received command is a “stop operation end command” (step S305). If the received command is a “stop operation end command” (YES in step S305), an effect command for causing the liquid crystal display 14 to execute effect B is stored in the temporary memory by the second effect execution start means 653 (step S306). ), An operation time determination process to be described later is executed (step S307).

  Subsequently, an effect command control process to be described later is executed (step S308), and it is determined again whether or not a command from the main control board 52 has been received (step S300). On the other hand, if the received command is not the “stop operation end command” (NO in step S305), the description command control process, which will be described later, is executed after the process corresponding to the received command is executed although the description is omitted. Is executed (step S308), and it is determined again whether or not a command from the main control board 52 has been received (step S300).

4). Operation Time Determination Process The operation time determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation time determination process.

  First, the operation duration determination unit 655a of the second effect execution suppression release unit 655 determines whether or not the operation duration time counted by the operation duration measurement unit 652 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds). (Step S400). If the operation duration time has not reached the predetermined time (YES in step S400), the process returns to the sub-control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the operation continuation time has reached the predetermined time (NO in step S400), the value stored in the production continuation timer 654a is set by the elapsed time changing unit 655b of the second production execution suppression release unit 655. The specified value is changed to “0” (step S401), and the process returns to the sub-control process of FIG.

5). Effect Command Control Process The effect command control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the effect command control process.

  First, it is determined whether or not the effect command is stored in the temporary memory (step S500). If the effect command is not stored (NO in step S500), the process returns to the sub-control process of FIG.

  If the effect command is stored in the temporary memory (YES in step S500), it is determined whether or not the stored effect command is an effect command for effect A (step S501). If the effect command for effect A is stored (YES in step S501), the contents of the temporary memory are set in the output buffer by the first effect execution start means 651 (step S503), and the sub-command of FIG. Return to control processing. The contents of the temporary memory (effect command for effect A) is set in the output buffer, so that the effect command is output from the output buffer to the liquid crystal display 14. Then, the liquid crystal display 14 executes an effect corresponding to the effect command output from the output buffer.

  If the effect command for effect A is not stored in the temporary memory (NO in step S501), that is, if the effect command for effect B is stored, the second effect execution is suppressed. The elapsed time determining means 654d of the means 654 determines whether or not the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a is “0” (step S502). If the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a is not “0” (NO in step S502), the elapsed time from the start of the effect A has not reached a specified time (for example, 12 seconds). The execution start of the effect B by the second effect execution start means 653 is delayed by the second effect execution suppression means 654, that is, step S503 is skipped, and the process returns to the sub-control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a is “0” (YES in step S502), the elapsed time from the start of the effect A has reached the specified time. 2 The contents of the temporary memory (effect command for effect B) is set in the output buffer by the effect execution start means 653 (step S503), and the process returns to the sub-control process of FIG. At this time, in step S401 of the operation time determination process of FIG. 7, the operation continuation time has reached a predetermined time, and is stored in the effect continuation timer 654a by the elapsed time changing means 655b of the second effect execution suppression canceling means 655. Even if the existing value is changed to “0”, it is determined as YES in step S502, and the contents of the temporary memory (effect command for effect B) are set in the output buffer by the second effect execution start means 653. (Step S503).

  Then, by setting the contents of the temporary memory (effect command for effect B) in the output buffer, the effect command is output from the output buffer to the liquid crystal display 14 and is output from the output buffer in the liquid crystal display 14. The production corresponding to the production command is executed.

  The production command stored in the temporary memory is set in the output buffer, so that the stored contents of the temporary memory are cleared (initialized).

  In the effect command control process of FIG. 8, the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a is not “0” (NO in step S502), and the elapsed time from the start of effect A is set to the specified time. If not reached, the execution start of the effect B by the second effect execution start means 653 is processed so as to be delayed. In this case, for example, the following process may be performed. In other words, if NO in step S502, the second effect execution start unit 653 executes the effect B by clearing the effect command for effect B stored in the temporary memory by the second effect execution suppression unit 654. You may process so that a start may be stopped.

  In addition, in step S301 of the sub-control process of FIG. 6, on condition that it is determined that the “stop operation start command” has been received (YES in step S301), the operation duration notification effect executing means 656 causes the liquid crystal display 14 may be configured to be set in the output buffer in step S503 of the effect command control process of FIG.

(Specific example of operation when the stop switch is operated (1))
An example of the operation when the last stop switch is operated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the gaming machine when the operation duration of the stop switch has not reached the predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the last stop switch is operated, the production A is started. Then, if the operation continuation time when the hand is released from the stop switch has not reached the predetermined time, the execution of the effect B is started after the effect A is completed by being executed for a predetermined time.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the performance A is started by a predetermined trigger (start of pressing the stop switch), the liquid crystal display 14 starts to play a predetermined moving image. Then, when the moving image is played for a specified time, the production A is finished. However, for example, the final scene of the moving image may continue to be displayed as a still image on the liquid crystal display 14 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the reproduction of the moving image until an execution start timing of another effect occurs.

(Specific example of operation when the stop switch is operated (2))
Another example of the operation when the last stop switch is operated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the gaming machine when the operation duration of the stop switch has reached a predetermined time.

  This operation example is different from the above-described operation example in that the operation continuation time of the stop switch has reached a predetermined time (6 seconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the hand is released from the stop switch, the elapsed time changing means 655b of the second effect execution suppression releasing means 655 sets the value of the effect continuation timer 654a to “0”. . Therefore, even though the elapsed time from the start of the execution of the effect A has not reached the specified time (12 seconds), the execution of the effect A is completed and the effect B is performed at the timing when the hand is released from the stop switch. Execution starts.

  Note that, when the execution of the effect B is started by a predetermined trigger (end of pressing of the stop switch), reproduction of a moving image different from the effect A is started on the liquid crystal display 14.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the stop state of the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R ends, the first effect is produced. If an effect A having an effect time of at least a specified time that is started when the stop switch is pressed by the execution start means 651 is being executed by the liquid crystal display 14, the second effect execution start means By 653, the effect A is ended and the effect B by the liquid crystal display 14 is started to be executed. However, on the other hand, when the stop switch is pressed, the elapsed time from the start of the production A has not reached a specified time (for example, 12 seconds), and the operation duration measuring means If the operation continuation time for the stop switch timed by 652 has not reached a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) shorter than the specified time, the second effect execution suppression unit 654 causes the second effect execution start unit 653 to produce the effect B. The start of execution is canceled or delayed.

  Therefore, when the operation continuation time counted by the operation continuation time measuring means 652 has not reached the predetermined time, and it is considered that the player's expectation for the production B operating the stop switch is not so high. When the pressing state is ended as the operation of the stop switch, the effect A is continuously executed by the liquid crystal display 14. Therefore, if the operation continuation time during which the stop switch is continuously pressed does not reach the predetermined time, the effect A is continuously executed even after the pressing state is ended, and thus the design intention of the effect Can be recognized by the player.

  In addition, when the time when the stop switch is pressed is not finished and the elapsed time from the start of the production A by the liquid crystal display 14 has not reached the specified time, the operation duration time measuring means 652 measures the time. If the operation continuation time has reached a predetermined time shorter than the specified time, the operation of the second effect execution suppression means 654 is canceled by the second effect execution suppression release means 655. Therefore, when the operation continuation time counted by the operation continuation time measuring means 652 has reached a predetermined time and it is considered that the player's feeling of expectation for the performance B operating the stop switch is increased, the stop Even if the effect A is being executed when the switch is pressed, the execution of the effect B by the liquid crystal display 14 is started instead of the effect A.

  Therefore, when the operation continuation time during which the stop switch is being pressed reaches a predetermined time, it is considered that the player has increased expectation due to such an action. By starting the execution of the effect B when the expectation is sufficiently increased, it is possible to meet the player's expectation.

  As described above, the request B that the design intention of the effect A having the effect time of at least the prescribed time is provided to the player, and the effect B that is triggered by the end of the pressing state of the stop switch. To provide a slot machine 1 capable of appropriately responding to these mutually conflicting requests in response to a request to execute the production B when the player's sense of expectation is sufficiently increased. And, in turn, can increase the interest of the player.

  Further, when execution of the production A is started, an initial value is set by the elapsed time initial setting means 654b in the production continuation timer 654a that stores a value corresponding to the elapsed time after the execution of the production A. . Further, the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a after the effect A is started to be executed is subtracted by the elapsed time update means 654c by a constant value at a constant time interval toward the specified value “0”. The

  Whether the elapsed time has reached the specified time by determining whether the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a has reached the specified value when the pressing state of the stop switch ends. Is determined by the elapsed time determination means 654d. If the elapsed time determining means 654d determines that the elapsed time has reached the specified time, the second effect execution starting means 653 does not suppress the execution of the effect B by the second effect execution suppressing means 654. The effect B by the display device 14 is started to be executed by the second effect execution start means 653.

  Also, if the operation duration time counted by the operation duration measuring means 652 has reached a predetermined time when the stop switch is pressed, the prescribed value is suppressed in the performance continuation timer 654a. It is set by the elapsed time changing means 655b of the releasing means 655. Therefore, since the elapsed time determining unit 654d of the second effect execution suppressing unit 654 determines that the elapsed time has reached the specified time, the execution start of the effect B by the second effect execution starting unit 653 is suppressed. It is not suppressed by means 654.

  Therefore, when the elapsed time has reached the specified time, “0”, which is a specified value determined by the elapsed time determining means 654d, is set in the effect continuation timer 654a by the elapsed time changing means 655b, whereby the second effect The operation of the second effect execution suppressing unit 654 is reliably canceled by the execution suppression releasing unit 655, and the effect B by the liquid crystal display 14 is started to be executed by the second effect execution starting unit 653. Therefore, the value stored in the effect continuation timer 654a included in the second effect execution suppression unit 654 is changed by the elapsed time changing unit 655b included in the second effect execution suppression release unit 655, and the second configuration is used. The operation of the effect execution suppression means 654 can be canceled.

  In addition, on the condition that the operation continuation time notification effect for notifying whether or not the operation continuation time during which the stop switch is pressed has reached a predetermined time has been started, It is executed by the liquid crystal display 14 by the operation duration notification effect executing means 656. Therefore, the player can operate the stop switch after recognizing whether or not the operation duration has reached a predetermined time by the operation duration notification effect, so that the stop switch is pressed more than necessary. Never continue. Accordingly, the player can execute the effect B more smoothly and enjoy the executed effect B.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, the stop switch operated last by the player functions as the operation means of the present invention. The means is not limited to this, but other operating instruments operated by the player such as the bet switch 7, the maximum bet switch 8, the start switch 9, the settlement switch 11, and the chance switch 12 function as the operating means of the present invention. It may be.

  In the embodiment described above, the effect A is executed when the pressing state of the stop switch last operated by the player among the three left / middle / right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is started. However, the execution start trigger for the production A is not limited to this, and the production A may be started when the start switch 9 is operated, or the lottery means by lottery means The production A may be started when the process is executed. In other words, the execution start trigger of the effect A may be set as long as the start trigger is different from the “start of a predetermined operation state as the operation of the operation means” that is the trigger of execution of the effect B.

  Further, the predetermined operation state of the present invention is not limited to the operation in which the operation means is continuously maintained in the predetermined state, such as the above-described “long press”. For example, a state in which the operating unit is continuously operated a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time or a state in which the operating unit is continuously operated at a specific timing may be set as the predetermined operating state of the present invention.

  The effects A and effects B and the operation duration notification effect are not limited to the liquid crystal display 14 and are executed by various effect devices such as the speakers 15 and 16 and the lamp units 22 and 23. Alternatively, each effect may be executed by combining a plurality of effect devices. Further, the effect A, the effect B, and the operation duration notification effect may be executed by different effect devices. For example, as the operation duration notification effect, when the operation duration reaches a predetermined time, the lamp units 22 and 23 can be turned on or a sound can be emitted from the speakers 15 and 16.

  Also, the interrupt processing execution interval, the production time of each production, and the like are not limited to the above values, and may be set to optimum values as appropriate.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine 1 is described as an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. However, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine or a gaming machine (so-called parrot) in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. If the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, a pachinko ball as a gaming medium may be adopted. Further, a video game by executing a computer program may be adopted as the gaming machine of the present invention. Further, the display means of the present invention may be configured by sequentially displaying a plurality of symbols on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT. Further, the number of variable display columns may be two or more, and an optimal number of variable display columns may be appropriately configured according to the game mode.

  The present invention can be widely applied to gaming machines having a first effect and a second effect that is executed when the first effect is not executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine (game machine), 10L, 10M, 10R ... Stop switch (operation means), 14 ... Liquid crystal display (production | presentation means, operation duration notification means), 65 ... Production control means, 651 ... 1st production execution Start means, 652 ... operation duration measuring means, 653 ... second effect execution start means, 654 ... second effect execution suppression means, 654a ... effect continuation timer (elapsed time storage means), 654b ... elapsed time initial setting means, 654c ... elapsed time update means, 654d ... elapsed time determination means, 655 ... second effect execution suppression release means, 655b ... elapsed time change means, 656 ... operation duration notification effect execution means

Claims (3)

Operation means operated by the player in a state where a prescribed number of game media are inserted in order to execute one game ;
Production means for executing the first production and the second production;
Effect control means for causing the effect means to execute the first effect and the second effect,
The production control means includes
The execution of the first effect having at least an effect time equal to or more than a predetermined time set in advance is triggered by an operation start of the operation means by a player in which the operation means enters a predetermined operation state or the operation a first presentation execution start means for starting the representation section with a predetermined trigger operation start earlier means,
An operation continuation time measuring means for measuring an operation continuation time during which the predetermined operation state is continued by an operation of the operation means by a player ;
When the predetermined operation state is ended by the player's operation end of the operation means, the effect means starts execution of the second effect, and if the first effect is being executed, Second effect execution start means for causing the effect means to end the execution of the first effect and start the execution of the second effect;
When the first effect is being executed when the predetermined operation state is ended by the player's operation of the operation means being ended, the first effect is executed by the effect means by the first effect execution starting means. If the elapsed time from the start does not reach the specified time, a second effect that causes the second effect execution start means to stop or delay the execution start of the second effect by the effect means until the specified time is reached. Execution restraint means;
When the predetermined operation state is ended by the player's operation of the operation means being finished, the operation duration time measured by the operation duration measuring means has reached a predetermined time set shorter than the specified time. lever, further comprising a second demonstration execution derepression means causes the execution start of the second effect by the presentation unit to the second presentation execution start means without operating said second demonstration execution inhibiting means A featured gaming machine. The second effect execution suppression means is
Elapsed time storage means for storing a value corresponding to the elapsed time;
Elapsed time initial setting means for setting an initial value in the elapsed time storage means when execution of the first effect is started;
A fixed time interval is set so that the value stored in the elapsed time storage means after the execution of the first effect reaches a specified value that is a value corresponding to the elapsed time reaching the specified time. An elapsed time updating means for updating by a certain value at a time,
By determining whether or not the value stored in the elapsed time storage means has reached the specified value when the predetermined operation state is ended due to the end of the operation of the operation means by the player, the progress Elapse time determination means for determining whether time has reached the specified time,
The second performance execution suppression canceling means is
When the predetermined operation state is ended due to the player's operation end of the operation means, if the operation continuation time counted by the operation continuation time counting means has reached the predetermined time, the specified value is set to the predetermined value. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an elapsed time changing unit set in the elapsed time storage unit. An operation duration notification means for performing an operation duration notification effect for notifying whether or not the operation duration has reached the predetermined time;
The production control means includes
Operation duration notification effect execution means for causing the operation duration notification effect to be executed by the operation duration notification device on condition that the predetermined operation state is started by the player starting the operation of the operation device. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

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