JP6018890B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine that includes an operation button that can be pressed by a player at the front of a gaming machine body.

  The pachinko gaming machine is provided with an image display for displaying various effect images on the gaming board. In recent years, a pachinko gaming machine has been proposed in which a player is allowed to participate in the effect produced by the effect image (for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, an operation button that can be pressed by the player is arranged at the front of the gaming machine main body, and the effect is changed by the player pressing the operation button. Here, as the effect change, an operation effect image in which an image change with an operation button pressing operation is displayed on an image display is well known. In such a pachinko gaming machine, since the player can participate in the production by pressing the operation button, the player's interest can be enhanced.

  In the configuration including such operation buttons, an operation opportunity for urging the operation button to be pressed is set, and the operation effect image is displayed when the player presses the operation button so as to match the operation opportunity. Like to do. For example, an operation opportunity image that is set during execution of a symbol generation process that fluctuates a special symbol, and an operation effect image that changes in image as the operation button is pressed is set as part of the effect that leads to the final stop of the special symbol. In the configuration described above, when the player presses the operation button, the operation effect image is displayed as if the special symbol is hit or lost. According to this configuration, the player's consciousness of participating in the production can be effectively increased, and the effect of raising interest is also high.

JP 2007-307163 A

  In the conventional pachinko gaming machine provided with the operation buttons described above, the player is required to press the operation button every time the operation opportunity arrives, so when the operation opportunity comes relatively frequently The fatigue tends to accumulate with the pressing operation of the operation button. In particular, in the case of a configuration in which the player is requested to repeatedly hit the operation button during the operation effective period set as an operation opportunity, the player's fatigue is more likely to accumulate due to repeated operation of the operation button. If the player accumulates fatigue due to an increase in the number of times of pressing the operation button in this way, there is a possibility that the player will avoid pressing the operation button. As a result, if the player does not press the operation button, the operation effect image is not displayed, and the significance of game play of participating in the effect by pressing the operation button is lost.

  The present invention proposes a pachinko gaming machine that can reduce the fatigue caused by the pressing operation of the operation button and can sufficiently exhibit the gaming property of participating in the production by pressing the operation button.

  According to the present invention, an operation button that can be moved up and down that is normally held at an upper limit position by urging from below, a detection unit that detects the lowering of the operation button, and a detection signal according to the detection of the lowering by the detection unit Signal output means, and an operation button device disposed at the front of the gaming machine main body so that the player can press the operation button, and output by the signal output means of the operation button device In a pachinko gaming machine comprising button effect control means for executing a predetermined operation effect mode in accordance with a detection signal, the operation button device includes a button automatic lowering device that lowers the operation button from an upper limit position, and the button effect An operation opportunity notifying device for notifying a player of an operation opportunity of an operation button set to execute an operation effect mode by a control means, and the player in front of the operation opportunity Based on a detection signal output by pressing the operation button, a signal pattern generation unit that generates an output pattern of the detection signal, and a signal pattern storage that stores an output pattern of the detection signal generated by the pattern generation unit And a detection signal output pattern stored by the signal pattern storage means so that the operation button is lowered a predetermined number of times according to the operation opportunity when a preset automatic descending condition is satisfied. A pachinko gaming machine comprising button lowering control means for controlling the operation of the button automatic lowering device of the operation button device.

  In such a configuration, an output pattern of a detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button at an operation opportunity is generated, and the operation button is automatically lowered according to the output pattern. Therefore, even when the player does not press the operation button at the operation opportunity, the operation button is automatically lowered to perform the operation effect mode in accordance with the lowering operation in the same manner as the player's pressing operation. As a result, even if the operation button press operation is interrupted due to the fact that the operation opportunity has arrived relatively frequently, or when fatigue due to the operation button press operation has been accumulated due to the operation opportunity, etc. Automatically descends, reducing the accumulation of fatigue and recovering from fatigue. Furthermore, since the automatic lowering operation of the operation button is executed in the same manner as the pattern in which the player presses the operation button, the ability and sense of the player to press the operation button can be reflected. It is difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable with the operation. The operation effect mode that is executed along with the automatic lowering operation of the operation button can be executed in the same manner as when the player himself presses the operation button, so the player rests the pressing operation. Even so, it is easy to cause the player to feel as if he / she is participating in the production, as in the case where the player himself performs a pressing operation. Thereby, the game nature of participating in the production by pressing the operation button can be properly maintained even when the press operation is absent for the purpose of reducing fatigue, etc. Can be fully provided to a person.

  In the present invention, the operation button device has a detection position for detecting the descending of the operation button by the detecting means below the upper limit position, and the button automatic lowering device operates the operation button to lower the operation button from the upper limit position to the detection position. A configuration in which the operation is controlled as described above is preferably used.

  In addition, the signal pattern generation unit is preferably configured to generate an output pattern when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied, and the signal pattern storage unit stores the generated output pattern, A configuration in which the stored output pattern is canceled when the cancellation condition is satisfied is preferable. Further, a configuration in which the automatic descending condition is set so as to be satisfied when the output pattern is stored by the signal pattern storage means is preferable.

  Here, the generation condition can be set so as to be established by the player's own action, or can be set to be automatically established according to a preset processing content or the like. The release condition can be set similarly.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, an operation valid period for counting a detection signal output as the operation button descends is set as an operation button operation opportunity, and a signal pattern generation is performed. A configuration is proposed in which the means includes processing contents for generating an output pattern using the output interval of the detection signal output during the operation effective period. Here, the output pattern of the present configuration (hereinafter referred to as a perfect copying output pattern) is generated based on the detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button at the operation opportunity described above according to the present invention. The output pattern of the detected signal.

  In such a configuration, a perfect copying output pattern is generated by using the output interval of the detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button during the operation effective period as it is, It can be said that the perfect copying output pattern completely imitates the player's pressing operation. The automatic lowering operation of the operation button executed in accordance with this perfect copying output pattern completely reproduces the rhythm, tempo, etc. that the player presses, so that the player himself presses the operation button In the same way as the above, the effect of causing the player to feel like participating in the production is also high. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the above-described operation and effect of the present invention, which provides game play and interest as participation in performance.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, an operation valid period for counting a detection signal output as the operation button descends is set as an operation button operation opportunity, and a signal pattern generation is performed. Means for calculating the average output interval of the output intervals of the detection signal based on the number of times the detection signal output during the operation valid period is counted, and generating the output pattern converted into the average output interval A configuration is proposed. Here, the output pattern of the present configuration (hereinafter referred to as an equally spaced output pattern) is generated based on the above-described detection signal “outputted by the player pressing the operation button at the operation opportunity”. The output pattern of the detected signal.

  In such a configuration, the output interval of the detection signal output in the operation effective period is converted into an average output interval, thereby generating an equally spaced output pattern, and the operation button according to the equally spaced output pattern By automatically lowering the player, it is possible to give the player a sense of participating in the production as if the player is pressing the operation button. It is possible to achieve the above-described effect of the present invention to provide the property more appropriately.

  In this configuration, the processing for calculating the average output interval may be processing based on the number of outputs counted in the time from the start to the end of the operation effective period, or a predetermined time within the operation effective period. Processing may be performed based on the counted number of outputs.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, the operation timing of one or more times is set as an operation opportunity of the operation button, and the signal pattern generating means is configured to use the operation timing and the operation timing. A configuration is proposed that includes processing contents for generating an output pattern using a time difference from the output timing of the output detection signal. Here, the output pattern of the present configuration (hereinafter referred to as a perfect copying output pattern) is generated based on the detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button at the operation opportunity described above according to the present invention. The output pattern of the detected signal.

  In such a configuration, the complete copying output pattern is obtained by using the output signal output timing when the player presses the operation button to match the operation timing and the time difference between the operation timing as it is. It can be said that the complete copying output pattern completely imitates the player's pressing operation. The automatic lowering operation of the operation button executed in accordance with this perfect copying output pattern completely reproduces the rhythm, tempo, etc. that the player presses, so that the player himself presses the operation button In the same way as the above, the effect of causing the player to feel like participating in the production is also high. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the above-described operation and effect of the present invention, which provides game play and interest as participation in performance.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, the operation timing of one or more times is set as an operation opportunity of the operation button, and the signal pattern generating means is configured to use the operation timing and the operation timing. A configuration is proposed that includes processing contents for acquiring a time difference with the output timing of the output detection signal a plurality of times, calculating the average time difference, and generating an output pattern converted into the average time difference. Here, the output pattern of the present configuration (hereinafter referred to as the average output pattern) is generated based on the detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button at the operation opportunity described above according to the present invention. The output pattern of the detection signal ”.

  In such a configuration, an average output pattern is generated by converting the time difference between the operation timing and the output timing of the detection signal into an average time difference, and the operation button is automatically generated according to the average output pattern. By performing the descent operation, it is possible to cause the player to feel as if the player is participating in the production as if the player is pressing the operation button. The above-described operational effect of the present invention can be achieved more appropriately.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, the automatic descending condition is set to satisfy the condition by not detecting the detection signal accompanying the pressing operation of the operation button by the player at the operation opportunity, A configuration is proposed that includes condition canceling means for canceling satisfaction of the automatic descending condition.

  In such a configuration, when the player does not press the operation button at the operation opportunity, the operation button is automatically lowered according to the output pattern stored before that, and the player operates Whether to perform automatic descent operation is selected according to whether or not the button is pressed. Accordingly, as described above, a game in which a player participates in an effect without causing a sense of incongruity, regardless of whether the player presses the operation button or does not press the operation button. You can enjoy sex and fun. In addition, even if the player suddenly rests on the operation button pressing operation due to the fatigue accumulated by the operation button pressing operation, the operation button automatically descends, so the operation effect mode is stable at the operation opportunity. It can be executed in this manner, and the playability of the effect participation by the operation effect mode can be maintained.

  In this configuration, as the condition canceling means, for example, a canceling button is provided separately from the operation button and the satisfaction of the automatic descending condition is canceled by the pressing operation, or a predetermined operation from the expiration of the previous operation opportunity When a new operation opportunity does not occur even after elapse of the time, a configuration for releasing the satisfaction of the automatic descending condition can be applied. Alternatively, by setting the position where the operation button device automatically lowers the operation button by the button automatic lowering device above the position where the operation button is lowered when the player performs a pressing operation, the operation button device automatically It is possible to distinguish the descent operation from the player's pressing operation. When the player's pressing operation is executed while the automatic descending condition is satisfied, the satisfaction of the automatic descending condition is canceled. It can also be set as such a structure.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention described above, disposed in the front part of the gaming machine main body so that it can be operated by the player, converted into a state where the automatic descending condition is satisfied and a state where the satisfaction is released A configuration with an operable switch device is proposed.

  In such a configuration, by operating the switch device, it is possible to convert between a state in which the player himself presses the operation button and a state in which the player automatically operates to descend, depending on the player's will. Therefore, when fatigue is accumulated due to the pressing operation of the operation button, it can be converted to a state where the automatic descending condition is satisfied, and the fatigue can be reduced. When the player himself performs the pressing operation, the automatic descending It is possible to actively participate in the production by converting to a state where the satisfaction of the condition is released. As described above, since the state can be actively changed according to the player's will, it is possible to appropriately and stably exhibit both fatigue reduction and playability by participating in the production.

  As described above, the present invention generates an output pattern of the detection signal by the player pressing the operation button, and when the predetermined automatic descending condition is satisfied, the operation button is operated according to the output pattern. Since the operation is lowered, even if the player rests the operation button pressing operation due to fatigue accumulation etc., the operation button operates to move down like the player's own pressing operation, so it seems that he is participating in the production It is easy to make a player feel a sensation. Therefore, even when the player is resting on the operation button pressing operation to reduce fatigue, it is possible to sufficiently provide the player with the playability and interest of participating in the production.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. 1 is a front view of a game board 10 of a pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an operation button device 71. FIG. It is (A) vertical front view and (B) vertical side view of the operation button device 71 showing the upper limit position of the operation button 72. (A) A longitudinal front view showing a state where the operation button 72 is lowered to the first detection position, and (B) a longitudinal front view showing a state where the operation button 72 is pressed to the second detection position. It is a flowchart which shows the operation period process of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation button processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a time chart showing a first detection signal output when the player presses the operation button 72 and a complete scanning pattern generated by the first detection signal according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation effect images H1-H5 displayed with the image display 14. FIG. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing a first detection signal output when the player presses the operation button 72 and an equally spaced pattern generated by the first detection signal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation timing processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation button processing according to the third embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) fixed to a game island facility (not shown) and a gaming machine main body 3 that covers a front opening of the outer frame. The gaming machine main body 3 includes a front frame 5 in which a game board 10 (see FIG. 2) is attached to a substantially circular opening at the upper center, and one side edge of the front frame 5 is connected to the outer frame via the hinge member 4. It is pivotally connected to the door. Further, the front frame 5 is provided with a transparent plate 6 that shields the opening of the previous period, and the game area 12 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 10 can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 6. Further, a lower panel portion 9 that protrudes forward is formed at the lower front portion of the front frame 5, and an upper tray 7 and a lower tray 8 are arranged in a row on the lower panel portion 9. Further, the front frame 5 has a firing handle 41 projecting from the right side of the lower tray 8.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 10. A substantially circular game area 12 is defined by a guide rail 11 on the front surface of the game board 10. In the center of the game area 12, a center case 13 incorporating various game members is disposed. An image display 14 is assembled to the center case 13. The image display 14 includes a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, and various display images are displayed on the display screen.

  The center case 13 is provided with a special start memory number display device 17 and a normal start memory number display device 18 each having a predetermined number of LEDs. Further, a special symbol display device 15 and a normal symbol display device 16 each composed of a predetermined number of LEDs are also provided. Here, as will be described later, the special symbol display device 15 changes each special symbol by blinking each LED according to a predetermined opportunity, and then a special symbol mode (stop symbol) in which any LED is lit. Stop). Then, according to the stop pattern mode of the special symbol, the winning or losing is determined, and in the case of winning, the special game operation described later is executed. In addition, the normal symbol display device 16 changes the normal symbol by blinking each LED by passing a game ball through a normal starting gate 19 described later, and then hits or loses the normal symbol by the LED that is turned on thereafter. Determine. Then, when the normal symbol is a hit, the later-described normal electric accessory 23 is expanded.

  The normal start gate 19 is provided on the left side of the center case 13 and is provided with a switch for detecting the passage of a game ball. When this switch detects a game ball, it outputs a ball detection signal, and the LED of the normal symbol display device 16 starts blinking based on the ball detection signal.

  Further, in the game board 10, a normal electric combination 23 and a special electric combination 26 are arranged vertically below the center case 13, and an out port 30 is disposed further below the special electric combination 26. Has been. Furthermore, a plurality of winning devices 29 are also arranged on both the left and right sides of the ordinary electric accessory 23 and the special electric accessory 26.

  Here, the ordinary electric accessory 23 includes a starting port 20 and a pair of left and right opening / closing blades (not shown) for opening and closing the starting port 20, and the normal symbol display device 16 described above hits and determines the normal symbol. In this case, the opening / closing blade piece is expanded from the closed position for a predetermined time to open the start port 20. Furthermore, the normal electric accessory 23 has a built-in switch for detecting a game ball flowing in from the start port 20, and when the switch detects a game ball, it outputs a ball detection signal, based on the detection signal. The LED of the special symbol display device 15 starts blinking.

  The special electric accessory 26 includes a large winning opening 25 and a horizontally-long rectangular opening / closing piece (not shown), closes the large winning opening 25 with the opening / closing piece as an upright position, and tilts the opening / closing piece forward. Then, the special winning opening 25 is opened. This special electric accessory 26 is a special game that repeats a predetermined number of rounds of opening and closing to open the prize winning opening 25 by opening and closing the opening and closing piece when the special symbol is confirmed by the special symbol display device 15 described above. Perform the operation. Further, the special electric accessory 26 has a built-in switch for detecting a game ball flowing in from the special winning opening 25, and when the switch detects the game ball, it outputs a ball detection signal and follows the ball detection signal. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

  The winning device 29 has a built-in switch for detecting an inflowing game ball, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out according to the detection of the game ball by the switch.

Next, a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control board 60 constituting the microcomputer is provided with a board circuit for controlling the game operation and the like of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main control board 60 performs overall control of the game. On the substrate circuit, a central control CPU for main control is arranged. In this central control CPU for main control, a storage device ROM that stores an operation program used for arithmetic processing and a storage device RAM that can read and write necessary data at any time are unilaterally provided with information specifying addresses for reading and writing data. Are connected via an address bus (not shown) for transmitting data to and from a data bus (not shown) for exchanging data, and constitute a board circuit of the main control board 60. The storage device ROM stores various tables for determining the winning of the symbol generation process, the symbol variation / stop mode, the rendering mode, etc. with reference to the control program and the lottery data.

  On the other hand, the storage device RAM is provided with a storage area for temporarily storing sphere detection signals from various sphere detection switches, a register area constituting various timers, random number counters, count counters, and a work area. It has been.

  The board circuit of the main control board 60 is provided with a clock device (not shown) for outputting a predetermined clock pulse, and is connected to the main control central control unit CPU. The main control central processing unit CPU performs arithmetic processing in a time series by clock pulses at regular intervals, and sequentially executes a series of processing operations. A timer TM is also connected for counting time by counting clock pulses output from the clock device.

  The central control unit CPU for main control and each central control unit CPU installed on each control board 62 to 68, which will be described later, include an arithmetic unit coupled with an arithmetic unit (ALU) for processing predetermined data, and the arithmetic unit It consists of a register for storing data input / output to / from the apparatus and a read instruction, a decoder for decoding the instruction, and the like. The main control central control unit CPU outputs data signals or command signals generated in a predetermined format to the four control boards 62, 63, 64, 68, and these control boards 62, 63, 64, 68. The central control unit CPU executes predetermined control according to this data and the like.

  The board circuit of the main control board 60 is provided with an input port (not shown) and an output port (not shown) through which the main control central control unit CPU performs data communication with peripheral devices. The control command signal from the main control board 60 is connected to the input ports of the effect control board 62, the symbol control board 63, the payout control board 64, and the launch control board 68 via one way. Has been. In addition, various switches and sensors provided in the normal start gate 19, the ordinary electric accessory 23, the special electric accessory 26, the winning device 29, etc. are connected to the input port of the main control board 60 through the panel relay board 61. Is connected. Then, every 2 ms, the main control board 60 checks the game ball detection state of each switch incorporated therein, and when there is a game ball detection, the ball detection signal is waveform-shaped by the waveform shaping circuit, and the main control center The information is input to the control device CPU and the information is stored in the storage device RAM. The main control board 60 is connected to a solenoid or a motor incorporated in the ordinary electric accessory 23, the special electric accessory 26, or the like via a panel relay board 61. When the CPU selects a predetermined condition, these solenoids and motors are driven.

  The effect control board 62 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the overall effects executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. This circuit board includes a storage device ROM in which fixed data relating to a variety of effects is stored, a storage device RAM in which necessary data can be read and written, an input port and an output in a central control device CPU for effect control that controls the effects The port is connected and configured. An output port of the effect control board 62 is connected to an image control board 65 for controlling the image display 14, a sound source control board 66 for controlling sound effects, and a light source control board 67 for controlling effects by LED lamps. Then, when the command signal from the main control board 60 is input to the input port, the effect control board 62 performs calculation processing in the effect control central control unit CPU and executes the effect mode instructed by the command signal. The command signal is transmitted to the image control board 65, the sound source control board 66, and the light source control board 67.

  The image control board 65 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the display mode of the image display 14. The image control board 65 performs an arithmetic process on the data signal or command signal input from the effect control board 62, and displays the effect image of the predetermined mode on the image display 14 by the display driver according to the data for displaying the predetermined display mode. Let it come out.

  The sound source control board 66 is provided with a board circuit for controlling sound effects generated from a speaker (not shown). The sound source control board 66 performs an arithmetic process on the data signal or command signal input from the effect control board 62, and causes a sound generator to output sound effects according to predetermined sound data.

  The light source control board 67 is provided with a board circuit for controlling an effect lamp arranged in the gaming machine main body 3. The light source control board 67 performs arithmetic processing on the data signal or command signal input from the effect control board 62, and lights and blinks various effect lamps by the light source operation board in accordance with predetermined light data.

  The symbol control board 63 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the special symbol display device 15, the normal symbol display device 16, the special start memory number display device 17, and the normal start memory number display device 18. The symbol control board 63 computes a data signal or a command signal input from the main control board 60 via the input port, and lights the LEDs of each device by the symbol operation board according to predetermined light data. Blink.

  The payout control board 64 is provided with a board circuit for controlling payout of game balls such as rental balls and prize balls. The payout control board 64 performs arithmetic processing on the data signal or command signal input from the main control board 60 and operates various solenoids such as a ball rental unit and a prize ball unit in accordance with predetermined data. Execute payout of prize balls. The payout control board 64 is connected to a prepaid card unit for reading and writing a prepaid card via a CR connection board, and exchanges remaining ball data and the like of game balls.

  The launch control board 68 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the ball launcher 42 (see FIG. 2). This launch control board 68 drives the ball launch device 42 with a voltage intensity corresponding to the input signal from the launch handle 41, and thereby hits and fires the game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 41. .

Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the existing pachinko gaming machine, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
When a game ball launched by the player operating the launch handle 41 flows into the start port 20 of the above-described ordinary electric accessory 23, each random counter (special hit counter) for special symbols is obtained by a winning detection process (not shown). Etc.), and a start memory for a special symbol is generated by collecting the extracted counter values together. Then, when the start memory of the previous period is digested by a special symbol process (not shown), the special symbol display device 15 blinks the LED and the special symbol starts to fluctuate. The special symbol fluctuates and stops, and the stop symbol mode is displayed and confirmed. In this way, a series of symbol generation processes from the start of variation of the special symbol to the fixed stop is executed by digesting the special start memory. Then, when the winning is determined by the stop pattern mode of the special symbol, a special game operation for opening and closing the special winning opening 25 is executed. This special game operation is an operation of executing a predetermined number of open / close rounds where the special winning opening 25 is opened and closed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. In addition, about this special game operation | movement, since the conventionally well-known operation | movement aspect and operation control can be applied, the detail is abbreviate | omitted.

  Here, as a special symbol process (not shown) for digesting the start memory described above, a winning determination is made based on the jackpot counter value constituting the start memory, and the stop symbol mode or the image display 14 is used based on the other counter values. A process of selecting an image pattern of an effect image to be displayed and executed during the symbol generation process is performed. Then, accompanying the execution of the symbol generation process, the effect image is displayed on the image display 14 in accordance with the selected effect image pattern. This effect image includes various images that excite the symbol generation process.

  In addition, the main process and the big prize opening process other than the above-described winning detection process and special symbol process. Conventional symbol processing and the like can be applied to those used in the past, and details thereof are omitted.

Next, the main part of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation button device 71 including an operation button 72 positioned on the front side of the upper tray 7 is disposed on the lower panel portion 9 of the front frame 5 of the gaming machine body 3. Thus, by providing the operation button 72 exposed on the front surface side of the gaming machine main body 3, the player can perform a pressing operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the operation button device 71 includes a substantially cylindrical outer shell cylinder portion 82 and a bottom plate portion 83 that is fixed to the lower portion of the outer shell cylinder portion 82 and closes the lower opening. An inner case casing 81 is provided, and the case casing 81 is inserted into a mounting hole 80 formed in the lower panel portion 9 from above, and a plurality of cases are placed in the lower panel portion 9. It is fixed by screws (not shown).

  The bottom plate portion 83 has a substantially cylindrical support tube portion 91 protruding upward, and two curved protrusions 92a and 92b protrude upward from the upper end of the support tube portion 91. Yes. The curved protrusions 92a and 92b are provided at predetermined intervals at positions facing each other. The curved protrusions 92 a and 92 b are formed so that the inner surfaces thereof are smoothly coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the support cylinder portion 91, and the plate thickness in the radial direction of the support cylinder portion 91 is Since it is thinner than the radial thickness, its outer surface is located radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the support tube portion 91. Therefore, a substantially annular step 91a is formed on the upper end of the support cylinder 91 outside the curved protrusions 92a and 92b. The lower end portion of the compression spring 94 formed of a coil spring that generates elastic force by compression is seated on the step portion 91a so as to be loosely fitted to the outer surfaces of the curved protrusions 92a and 92b. Furthermore, the slit 93 which continues from the upper end is provided in one curved protrusion 92a along the up-down direction. Further, a light source 84 composed of an LED is disposed at the upper end of the other curved protrusion 92 b, and light is emitted to the back surface of the operation button 72 by light emission of the light source 84.

  Further, a sliding member 95 is externally fitted to the support cylinder portion 91 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The sliding member 95 is connected to two curved plate portions 95a and 95a formed in a curved shape so as to follow the outer peripheral surface of the support cylinder portion 91 from the outside, and to the upper ends of the curved plate portions 95a and 95a. And a formed top plate portion 95b. Here, the sliding member 95 allows the top plate portion 95b to be inserted between the two curved projections 92a and 92b projected from the upper end of the support tube portion 91, and between the curved plate portions 95a and 95a. The circumferential position is determined so that the curved protrusions 92a and 92b are positioned at the same position. Thereby, the sliding member 95 can move smoothly in the vertical direction along the outer peripheral surface of the support cylinder portion 91. Further, as described above, the compression spring 94 is seated on the stepped portion 91 a of the support cylinder portion 91, and the upper end portion of the compression spring 94 is brought into contact with the back surface of the top plate portion 95 b of the sliding member 95. ing. As a result, the sliding member 95 is biased upward by the elastic force of the compression spring 94.

  Further, on the curved projection 92a, descending detection sensors 85a and 85b for detecting the descending of the operation button 72 are arranged in the vertical direction at the side end of the slit 93. The descending detection sensors 85a and 85b are constituted by photosensors, and a pair of light emitting portions and light receiving portions constituting the photocenter are disposed on both side ends of the slit 93 so as to sandwich the slit 93. Yes. The sliding member 95 is provided with a light shielding piece 98 that moves forward and backward in the slit 93 in the top plate portion 95b. As a result, when the sliding member 95 is lowered and the light shielding piece 98 blocks the passage of light between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the photosensor of the descending detection sensor 85a, a signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85a. Is output. The same applies to the descending detection sensor 85b. Therefore, when the sliding member 95 descends to a position (hereinafter, first detection position) detected by the descending detection sensor 85a disposed on the upper side (see FIG. 6A), the descending is performed. When a signal is output from the detection sensor 85a and further descends to a position (hereinafter referred to as a second detection position) detected by a descending detection sensor 85b disposed on the lower side (see FIG. 6B), A signal is also output from the descending detection sensor 85b.

  Further, an electromagnetic solenoid 86 having an advance / retreat rod 86a is disposed inside the support cylinder portion 91. The electromagnetic solenoid 86 is fixed inside the support cylinder portion 91 so that the advance / retreat rod 86a faces upward along the vertical direction. The forward / backward rod 86a is provided so that the tip end thereof penetrates the insertion hole 95c formed in the top plate portion 95b of the sliding member 95, and the tip end is inserted into the insertion hole 95c. Also, an engaging member 96 having a large horizontal area is attached. The electromagnetic solenoid 86 descends the advancing / retreating rod 86a in an energized state to which an operating current is supplied, and the engaging member 96 pulls the top plate portion 95b downward along with this movement, whereby the sliding member 95 is moved. Is lowered against the urging force of the compression spring 94. When the supply of the current is stopped, the sliding member 95 is raised according to the urging force of the compression spring 94, and the advance / retreat rod 86a is raised. By controlling the operation of the electromagnetic solenoid 86 in this way, the sliding member 95 can be moved up and down. Here, the advancing / retreating rod 86a sets the lower limit that descends due to the energized state as the first detection position of the sliding member 95 described above (see FIG. 6A). As a result, when the electromagnetic solenoid 86 is energized, the sliding member 95 descends to the first detection position, and the light shielding piece 98 of the sliding member 95 is detected by the upper descending detection sensor 85a. A first detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85a. Then, even if the electromagnetic solenoid 86 is energized, the sliding member 95 cannot be lowered to the second detection position, so that the second detection signal is not output from the lower movement detection sensor 85b.

  In this embodiment, when the sliding member 95 descends to the second detection position detected by the descending detection sensor 85b disposed on the lower side, the lower ends of the curved plate portions 95a and 95a are moved. It abuts against the bottom plate portion 83 so that it cannot be lowered further (see FIG. 6B). That is, the second detection position is a lower limit position at which the sliding member 95 can be lowered.

  The descending detection sensors 85a and 85b and the electromagnetic solenoid 86 are mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) provided on the operation button device 71 and connected to a connector (not shown). It is connected to the main control board 60 described above via a line group. Then, the signals output by the descending detection sensors 85 a and 85 b are transmitted to the main control board 60, and the operating current is supplied to the descending detection sensors 85 a and 85 b and the electromagnetic solenoid 86 via the main control board 60. Here, when there is a signal input from the descending detection sensor 85a, a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a first detection signal) is output to the main control board 60 via the printed circuit board, and the signal input from the descending detection sensor 85b is received. If there is, a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a second detection signal) is output to the main control board 60 via the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the light source 84 is mounted on the printed circuit board, and is connected to the light source control board 67 via a lead wire group. Then, light emission is controlled by the light source control board 67.

  On the other hand, an operation button 72 that can move in the vertical direction within the outer shell cylinder portion 82 is disposed inside the case casing 81. The operation button 72 includes a surface plate portion 72a made of a substantially circular transparent material, and a cylindrical side wall plate portion 72b extending downward from the periphery of the surface plate portion 72a. The portion 72b is provided with elastic tongue pieces 74 and 74 having a pair of engaging claws 73 and 73 projecting outward at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction. The engaging claws 73 and 73 of the elastic tongue portions 74 and 74 can move in the vertical direction within the operating ports 87 and 87 formed in the outer shell cylinder portion 82, and are located above the operating ports 87 and 87. Engageable with the lip. The operation button 72 is housed in the outer shell cylinder portion 82 in a state where the lower end of the side wall plate portion 72b is in contact with the upper ends of the curved plate portions 95a and 95a of the sliding member 95 (FIG. 5A). (See below), and is always biased upward from below through the sliding member 95 biased upward by the elastic force of the compression spring 94. Then, the engaging claws 73 and 73 of the side wall plate portion 72b are engaged with the upper rims of the operating ports 87 and 87 of the outer shell cylindrical portion 82 by urging from below, so that the operation button 72 is moved. It is held at an upper limit position that protrudes upward from the upper opening end of the case housing 81 (see FIG. 5B).

  The operation button 72 is biased by the compression spring 94 and held at the upper limit position as shown in FIG. Then, by supplying an operating current to the electromagnetic solenoid 86, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operation button 72 is lowered from the upper limit position to the first detection position, and the operation button 72 is moved by the descending detection sensor 85a. Detecting the downturn of. When the supply of this operating current is stopped, the operation button 72 is moved upward from the first detection position to the upper limit position. On the other hand, when the player presses the operation button 72, the operation button 72 descends from the upper limit position and is detected by the descending detection sensor 85a at the first detection position. Furthermore, since the operation button 72 can be lowered to the second detection position below the first detection position, when the player presses the operation button 72, the operation button 72 can be easily lowered to the second detection position. As described above, the movement is detected by the descending detection sensor 85b at the second detection position. In the state where the operation button 72 is lowered to the second detection position, the upper surface of the surface plate portion 72 a is at the same height position as the upper opening end of the case housing 81. With this structure, when the player presses the operation button 72, the player can easily descend to the second detection position.

  A configuration for controlling the operation of the operation button device 71 described above will be described according to the following first to fourth embodiments.

  In the configuration of the first embodiment, in the symbol generation process executed by digesting the start memory by the special symbol processing described above, an operation effective period for urging the player to press the operation button 72 is set. In accordance with the number of times the player presses the operation button 72 during the operation effective period, an operation effect image that changes the effect image is displayed on the image display 14. Then, an output pattern of the first detection signal is generated and stored based on the first detection signal generated by the player pressing the operation button 72 during the operation effective period. After the output pattern is stored, when the player does not press the operation button 72 during the operation valid period, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the output pattern.

  Here, in the operation effective period (operation period flag = 1), the operation period process of FIG. 7 outputs the first detection signal every time the player presses the operation button 72, and counts the first detection signal. And accumulatively add. Then, every time the output count M obtained by cumulatively adding the output first detection signals reaches a plurality of preset threshold values, the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed by the operation effect process as described later. ing. Further, each time the first detection signal is output from the operation button device 71 in accordance with the player's pressing operation in the operation effective period, the output time is related to the passage of time within the period, whereby the output An output time setting process for sequentially determining the time is executed. Then, as the operation effective period expires, an output pattern of the detection signal is generated based on the output time determined in the output time setting process by the output pattern generation process. As shown in FIG. 9, the output pattern generated in this manner shows the output interval of the first detection signal output by the player's pressing operation as it is, and is a perfect copy that perfectly imitates the pattern pressed by the player. Output pattern. It should be noted that the operation current is repeatedly supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 in accordance with the output interval of the first detection signal shown in the complete copying output pattern, so that it is exactly the same as when the player presses the operation current. The operation button 72 can be automatically lowered at an output interval.

  Every time a complete copy output pattern generated in this way is newly generated due to the expiration of the operation valid period, it is stored in the storage device RAM of the main control board 60 by the output pattern storage process. Accordingly, the output flag = 1 is set. Here, in the present embodiment, in the operation effective period that occurs sequentially, every time the player presses the operation button 72 to newly generate and follow the complete copy output pattern, the new one is successively added. It is rewritten and memorized. In addition, the time during which the game does not progress is measured by the player, and when the predetermined game interruption time elapses, the stored perfect copying output pattern is erased. This prevents a player who has previously used the same machine from being used by a player who has subsequently used. Here, the time when the game does not proceed is determined as the time when the state where the game is not progressing, and the state where the game is not progressed means that there is no game ball being fired and there is no special symbol variation or symbol generation process. It is set as not being executed.

  On the other hand, when the operation valid period is started (operation period flag = 1) in the state in which the perfect copying output pattern is stored (output flag = 1), a predetermined time (hereinafter, non-operation) If the player does not perform the pressing operation of the operation button 72 until the time elapses, the non-operation flag = 1 is set by the operation button processing of FIG. Accordingly, the operation button 72 of the operation button device 71 is automatically lowered. As a result, even in a situation where the player does not press the operation button 72, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered in the same manner as when the player himself presses the operation button 72, and the operation effect image is accordingly displayed. Is displayed. Such an automatic lowering operation of the operation button 72 is executed until the player next presses the operation button 72 during the operation valid period. In the first embodiment, when the operation valid period is started in a state where the complete copy output pattern is not stored (output flag = 0), the operation button is not operated unless the player presses the operation button 72. 72 automatic lowering operation is not executed.

  Whether or not the player has pressed the operation button 72 is determined based on whether or not the operation button 72 has been lowered to the second detection position as described above. That is, when the operation button 72 is moved down to the second detection position and the second detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85b in the operation effective period (operation period flag = 1), the pressing operation by the player is executed. judge. On the other hand, when the operation button 72 is automatically lowered, the operation button 72 is lowered to the first detection position, so the first detection signal from the descending detection sensor 85a is output, and the second There is no second detection signal from the descending detection sensor 85b at the detection position. In this case, it is determined that the pressing operation by the player has not been executed. In this manner, whether or not the player performs the pressing operation is determined based on whether or not the second detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85b at the second detection position.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the player operates the operation button 72 between the start of the operation effective period and the non-operation time in a state where the complete copying output pattern is stored (output flag = 1). By not pressing the button (the second detection signal is not output), the automatic descending condition according to the present invention is satisfied. Then, in a state where the automatic descending condition is satisfied, the player depresses the operation button 72 during the operation valid period (outputs the second detection signal), thereby releasing the satisfaction of the automatic descending condition. I am doing so.

The operation period process (FIG. 7) and the operation button process (FIG. 8) for controlling the operation of the operation button 72 will be described in detail together with the effect image process displayed on the image display 14.
By digesting the start memory by a special symbol process (not shown), the special symbol display device 15 starts to change the special symbol, and the image display unit 14 starts to display a predetermined effect image. The effect image in such a symbol generation process is displayed and executed according to the effect image pattern selected based on each random number counter value constituting the start-up memory. That is, by determining whether or not the big hit counter value constituting the start-up memory is won by digesting the start-up memory, an effect image pattern to be displayed on the image display 14 is selected based on the other random number counter values. Then, an effect image is displayed on the image display 14 according to the effect image pattern. This effect image pattern is determined by a combination of effect image data selected according to a predetermined random number counter value constituting start-up memory from among a plurality of effect image data set in advance.

  Here, in the first embodiment, as the effect image data, a plurality of operation effect image data of operation effect images to be displayed according to the first detection signal by the descending operation button 72 described above is set, and predetermined image data is set. The selection is made based on the random number counter value. That is, the start memory that is digested by the special symbol processing is the operation counter value for determining whether or not the operation effect is executed by the descending operation button 72, the selection of the operation effect image data, and the operation effective period (start When the operation effect counter value is determined based on the operation counter value, the operation effect flag is set to 1, and the operation effect counter value is determined based on the operation effect counter value. The operation effect image data and the operation valid period are selected. Then, as described above, an effect image pattern including operation effect image data (hereinafter referred to as an operation effect image pattern) is determined based on another random number counter value. Note that the operation counter value and the operation effect counter value are determined by the game ball flowing into the start port 20 of the ordinary electric accessory 23 in the same manner as other random number counter values (such as jackpot counter values) constituting the start memory. It is extracted and constitutes the start-up memory together with these random number counter values. It is to be noted that such an execution decision of the operation effect is selected with a high probability when a hit determination is made by the above-described winning determination, or when a loss determination and reach occur.

  The above-described operation effect image pattern includes operation effect image data. Based on the selected operation effect image data and the operation effective period, a participation effect image F, a period notification image g, and operation effect images H1 to H1, which will be described later. H5 is displayed. Here, as the participation effect image F, as shown in FIG. 10, a rocket image and a fuel gauge image are displayed. In addition, as the period notification image g, a time gauge that displays time digestion of the operation effective period is displayed. Further, as the operation effect images H1 to H5, as the images indicating that the fuel gauge of the participation effect image F is gradually raised every time the first detection signal output as the operation button 72 is lowered is increased. Is displayed. In the first embodiment, as described above, the output number M of counting the first detection signal output when the player presses the operation button 72 is the preset five-stage threshold value. The operation effect images H1 to H5 described above are sequentially displayed every time (the operation effect process in FIG. 7).

  That is, immediately before the operation valid period is started, as a participation effect image F, as shown in FIG. 10 (A), a rocket located on the launch pad and a fuel gauge for injecting fuel into the rocket are displayed and the operation is performed. A period notification image g indicating the effective period is displayed. Then, when the operation effective period is started, the period notification image g displays time digestion of the operation effective period. When the detection signal generated as the operation button 72 is lowered during this operation effective period is counted, and the number M of output of the detection signal reaches the smallest first threshold value, as shown in FIG. The operation effect image H1 in which the above-described fuel gauge is raised by one step is displayed. Further, when the number M of output of the detection signal increases and reaches the second smallest threshold value, as shown in FIG. 10C, the operation effect image H2 in which the fuel gauge is further increased by one step as shown in FIG. Is displayed. Thereafter, every time the detection signal output count M further increases and reaches the third and fourth threshold values, the operation effect image H3 is displayed as shown in FIG. Thus, the operation effect image H4 is displayed. When the fifth threshold value is reached, an operation effect image H5 indicating that the fuel gauge is full is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when the hit is confirmed, an effect image for launching the rocket is displayed (not shown). In this way, every time the detection signal output count M reaches the threshold value in five stages, the operation effect image H1 to the operation effect image H5 are sequentially displayed. In addition, when the time digestion of the operation effective period displayed by the period notification image g is completed, the display execution of the participation effect image F, the period notification image g, the operation effect images H1 to H5, etc. is stopped, and the output number of detection signals is also reset. To do. Thereby, the player is required to continuously press and operate the operation button 72 so that the operation effect image H5 can be displayed before the time notification image g expires. In addition, the operation effective period which counts a detection signal is shown in the period from the time digestion start by this period alerting | reporting image g to expiration, The operation opportunity concerning this invention is implement | achieved by this operation effective period.

  Since the participation effect image F and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are displayed with a high probability when the hit determination is made as described above or when reach occurs, the participation effect image F or the like is displayed. Thus, the player's sense of expectation for hitting can be lifted, and the player can be prompted to press the operation button 72. Then, the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed as the operation button 72 is pressed, so that the expectation can be increased step by step, and the period notification image g displays time digestion. Thus, the effect of prompting the pressing operation of the operation button 72 is improved. Thereby, it is possible to effectively enhance the gameability and interest of allowing the player to participate in the game by pressing the operation button 72.

  On the other hand, when the execution of the operation effect is determined by a special symbol process (not shown) (operation effect flag = 1), the operation period flag = 1 is set by the operation period process of FIG. The operation effective period is reached, and time digestion of the operation effective period is started. In this operation effective period (operation period flag = 1), as described above, every time the first detection signal is output, the output number M is counted, and the output number M is set to each threshold value from the first to the fifth. Every time the operation effect images H1 to H5 are reached, the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed. After that, when it is time to expire the operation effective period, the operation period flag = 0 and the operation effect flag = 0.

  If the player presses the operation button 72 during the operation valid period, the second detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85b of the operation button device 71, so that the player presses the operation button process of FIG. You can confirm that the operation is being performed. Thereby, when the second detection signal is output in the operation effective period, the non-operation flag = 0 is maintained. Then, when the first detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85a of the operation button device 71 in the non-operation flag = 0 state, the output time point setting process in FIG. The output time point at which the first detection signal is output is sequentially determined in relation to the passage of time. Thereafter, as the operation valid period expires, a complete copy output pattern is generated and stored using each output time point by output pattern generation processing. When this perfect copying output pattern is stored, the output flag = 1 is set.

  In a state where the complete copying output pattern generated in this way is stored (output flag = 1), when the operation effective period starts (operation period flag = 1), the player does not press the operation button 72. If there is no output of the second detection signal, time digestion of a predetermined non-operation time is started by the operation button processing of FIG. Then, the non-operation flag is set to 1 when the non-operation time has expired without the player pressing the operation button 72 (without the second detection signal being output). Along with this, an operation current supply process for supplying an operation current to the operation button device 71 is executed according to the stored perfect copying output pattern, and the operation button 72 is automatically lowered. That is, the operation current supply process repeatedly supplies the operation current to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 at the output interval shown in the complete scanning output pattern, and each time the operation current is supplied, the operation button 72 is supplied. The descent automatically operates. Thus, each time the operation button 72 is lowered, the first detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85a, and the output count M increases accordingly, and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed by the operation effect process. (See FIG. 7).

  The above-described non-operation flag = 1 is continued until the second detection signal is output from the descending detection sensor 85b of the operation button device 71 in the state of the operation period flag = 1. Thereby, even if it becomes the operation effective period after the next time, if the non-operation flag = 1, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the complete copying output pattern. Further, when the player presses the operation button 72 with the non-operation flag = 1 and the operation period flag = 1, the operation button 72 is lowered to the second detection position (see FIG. 6B). A second detection signal is generated from the descending detection sensor. Along with this, the non-operation flag = 0 is set, and the supply of the operation current to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 is stopped (operation current stop processing in FIG. 8). Thereafter, the output number M is accumulated in accordance with the first detection signal generated when the player presses the operation button 72, and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are displayed.

  Thus, when the player is pressing the operation button 72 during the operation effective period (operation period flag = 1), the non-operation flag = 0 is maintained and the first output by the pressing operation is maintained. While the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed according to the output number M of counting the detection signal, when the player does not press the operation button 72 during the operation valid period, the non-operation flag = 1 is stored. The operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the complete copying output pattern, and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed according to the number of output times M counted accordingly. When the player presses the operation button 72 with the non-operation flag = 1 and the operation period flag = 1, the operation button 72 is moved down to the second detection position, whereby a second detection signal is output. Thus, the non-operation flag = 0. Accordingly, the automatic lowering operation of the operation button 72 is not executed thereafter.

  Further, the progress of the game is stopped, for example, when the player leaves the machine base, and when the predetermined interruption time elapses, the stored perfect copying output pattern is erased. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the subsequent player from using the complete copy output pattern of the previous player when the player is changed. Here, the progress stop of the game is confirmed by the fact that the game ball is not fired, the symbol generation process, the special game operation is not executed, and the like.

  As described above, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the player presses the operation button 72 during the operation effective period to generate a complete copy output pattern, and the player presses the operation button 72 during the next operation effective period. When the pressing operation is not performed, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the complete copying output pattern, and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed on the image display 14 in accordance with the lowering. According to this configuration, when the player rests the pressing operation of the operation button 72 due to repeated fatigue of the operation button 72 during the operation valid period, etc., the player's pressing operation is exactly the same as the player's pressing operation. Since the operation button 72 is automatically lowered, it is unlikely that the lowering action and the display of the operation effect images H1 to H5 associated therewith are likely to cause a sense of incongruity, as if the player is pressing the operation button 72. Can give a sense. Therefore, even when the pressing operation of the operation button 72 is absent due to fatigue or the like, it is easy to cause the player to have the illusion of participating in the effect, and the operation effect images H1 to H5 are displayed when the operation button 72 descends. Thus, it is possible to stably exhibit the gaming property and interest of directing the player to participate.

  In the first embodiment, the process of converting the non-operation flag from “1” to “0” and canceling the automatic lowering operation of the operation button 72 (operation button process in FIG. 8) is the operation button 72. However, the automatic lowering operation is realized by having a configuration in which the lowering operation is performed to the first detection position, and the lowering operation can be performed to the second detection position by the pressing operation by the player. That is, the operation button device 71 has a configuration in which the operation button 72 can be moved down to the second detection position, the movement detection sensor 85b at the second detection position, and a detection signal input from the movement detection sensor 85b. The condition canceling means according to the present invention is realized by the main control board having the process of converting the operation flag = 0. The main control board 60 and the effect control board 62 (image control board 65) constitute a button effect control means according to the present invention. By displaying the operation effect images H1 to H5, the operation according to the present invention is performed. The production mode is realized. Moreover, the button automatic lowering device according to the present invention is realized by the electromagnetic solenoid 86 and the sliding member 95 provided in the operation button device 71. Further, the detection sensor according to the present invention is realized by the descending detection sensors 85a and 85b of the operation button device 71, and the signal output means according to the present invention is realized by the printed circuit board of the operation button device 71. . The main control board 60 constitutes a button lowering control unit, a signal pattern generation unit, and a signal pattern storage unit according to the present invention. The operation period process (FIG. 7) and the operation button process (FIG. 8) described above. And execute. Further, the operation opportunity of the present invention is provided by the image display 14 that displays the period notification image g for notifying the player of the operation effective period and the effect control board 62 (image control board 65) that controls the display of the period notification image g. A notification device is configured.

  In the configuration of the second embodiment, the output number M of counting the first detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button 72 during the operation effective period, and the time required for the operation effective period, Thus, the average output interval of the intervals at which the first detection signal is output is calculated, and an output pattern (hereinafter, equally spaced output pattern) is generated using this average output interval.

  In the second embodiment, instead of generating the complete scanning output pattern of the first embodiment described above, the above-mentioned equally-spaced output pattern is generated. 1 is the same, description of the same components and processing contents is omitted. That is, even in the configuration of the second embodiment, the operation period process (FIG. 7), the operation button process (FIG. 8), and the operation effect images H1 to H5 (FIG. 10) of the first embodiment described above are applied.

  The above equal interval output pattern calculates the average output interval based on the time required for the operation effective period and the output count M of the first detection signal, and calculates this average output interval as the output interval of each first detection signal. (See FIG. 11). Thus, when operating current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 in accordance with the equally spaced output pattern, the operating current is controlled to be repeatedly output at an average output interval. Therefore, when the operation button 72 is automatically controlled to operate, the lifting operation is repeated at a constant interval (average output interval).

  Such an equally spaced output pattern is the number of times the player presses the operation button 72 within the effective operation period, although it does not cause the operation button 72 to be lowered in exactly the same manner as when the player actually presses the operation button 72. Therefore, when the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to this equally-spaced output pattern, it is possible to give a feeling that the player himself is pressing. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment described above, even when the pressing operation of the operation button 72 is absent due to fatigue or the like, it is easy to cause the player to feel that the player is participating in the production, and the player is allowed to participate in the production. The playability and the fun of being able to be demonstrated stably.

  In the configuration of the third embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, five times) of operation timing is set in a symbol generation process executed by digesting the start memory by special symbol processing (not shown). By pressing the operation button 72, an operation effect image that changes the effect image is displayed on the image display 14. When the number of times that the player does not press the operation button 72 at the operation timing and does not continuously press the operation button (non-operation value N) reaches a predetermined number of non-operations (for example, twice), the subsequent times At the operation timing, the operation button device 71 is controlled to automatically move down the operation button 72 according to the detection signal output pattern generated and stored before this (completely copied output pattern described later). (Operation current supply process in FIG. 13). For example, when five operation timings are set in the symbol generation process, if the operation button 72 is not pressed twice in succession, the operation button 72 is automatically pressed at the next operation timing. Operates to descend. Furthermore, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered at the operation timing of the symbol generation process after the next time. Since this automatic lowering operation is executed when the player does not press twice in succession, the player does not perform the pressing operation at the first and third operation timings of the symbol generation process. When the pressing operation is performed at, the automatic lowering operation is not executed at the fourth time. This can be executed in the same manner when the number of occurrences of the operation timing is set to a different number such as three times or six times.

  The process accompanying the lowering operation of the operation button 72 at the operation timing is executed by the operation timing process of FIG. That is, when the player presses the operation button 72 (non-operation flag = 0), the player operates the operation button 72 at each of the five operation timings executed in the symbol generation process and at each operation timing. The time difference from the output timing of the first detection signal output by the pressing operation is measured (output pattern calculation process in FIG. 12), and when the five operation timings expire, the output pattern generation process in FIG. Based on each time difference measured at each operation timing, an output pattern of the first detection signal (hereinafter, a complete scanning output pattern) is generated. The complete scanning output pattern of the third embodiment is generated by assigning a time difference actually measured every five operation timings. That is, if the time difference between the fifth operation timings is smaller than the time difference between the first operation timings, this is represented by a complete scanning output pattern. This complete copying output pattern is generated and stored based on the time difference measured at each operation timing when five operation timings executed in one symbol generation process are executed. Each time the symbol generation process is repeatedly executed, a new complete copy output pattern is generated and rewritten.

  Whether or not to execute the operation timing in the symbol generation process, and the five operation timings are determined by digesting the start-up memory through special symbol processing. The third embodiment includes a counter value for determining execution of the operation timing and a counter value for determining the operation timing as a random number counter value that constitutes the start memory. To be determined by. When the execution of the operation timing is determined, the participation effect image F is displayed on the image display 14 as in the first embodiment, and the operation button 72 is moved down at each of the five operation timings, thereby causing the first. When the detection signal is output, it is determined whether or not the time lag of the output timing with respect to the operation timing is within a predetermined time. If the output timing is within the predetermined time, it is determined that the output timing matches the operation timing. Images H1 to H5 are sequentially displayed (see FIG. 10).

  As described above, the configuration of the third embodiment realizes an operation opportunity according to the present invention with five operation timings executed in the symbol generation process. The operation timing is set as the operation opportunity, the operation effect images H1 to H5 are displayed based on the operation timing and the output timing of the first detection signal, and the first detection signal output by the player's pressing operation is displayed. The generation of a complete copy output pattern based on the time difference between the output timing and the operation timing, and the control processing related to these are mainly different from the configuration of the first embodiment described above. Except this, since it has substantially the same configuration and the same processing as the first embodiment described above, its details are omitted.

  In the configuration of the third embodiment, the symbol generation process for generating the operation timing is executed by the special symbol processing (operation effect flag = 1) When the second detection signal indicating that the player has pressed the operation button 72 is not continuously output twice in the operation timing of five times, the operation button processing of FIG. With the operation flag = 1, after the next operation timing, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the stored perfect copying output pattern. For example, if the symbol generation process is started and the second detection signal is not output at the first and second operation timings, the non-operation flag = 1 is set and the operation current supply process in FIG. 13 is performed at the third operation timing. Thus, the operating current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 according to the third time difference shown in the complete scanning output pattern, and the operation button 72 is automatically lowered. Similarly, at the fourth and fifth operation timings, the operation current is supplied in accordance with the time difference between the fourth and fifth times constituting the complete scanning output pattern, and the operation button 72 is automatically lowered. Similarly, in the symbol generation process after the next time, the operating current is supplied according to the complete copying output pattern at each operation timing. As a result, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered.

  Further, the second detection signal is output when the player presses the operation button 72 at the operation timing in a state where the symbol generation process is executed with the non-operation flag = 1 and the operation effect flag = 1. Then, the non-operation flag = 0 is set, and the supply of the operation current is stopped at the next operation timing or later by the operation current stop process.

  As described above, the configuration of the third embodiment generates a complete copy output pattern based on the time difference between the timing at which the player actually presses the operation button 72 (output timing) and the operation timing, and the player presses the operation button 72. When no operation is performed, the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to the complete scanning output pattern. According to the configuration of the third embodiment, even when the player does not press the operation button 72, the operation button 72 is lowered at the same timing as the player's own pressing operation. By displaying the images H <b> 1 to H <b> 5, it is possible to give a feeling as if the player is pressing the operation button 72. Therefore, even in the configuration of the third embodiment, as in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, even when the operation button 72 is not pressed due to fatigue or the like, the player seems to be participating in the production. It is easy to generate a sense of sensation, and it is possible to stably exhibit the playability and interest of making a player participate in the production.

  In the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the operation timing that is executed five times in the symbol generation process and the output timing of the first detection signal that is output when the player presses the operation button 72 at each operation timing. An average value of the time differences is calculated based on the five time differences, and an output pattern (hereinafter referred to as an average output pattern) is generated using the averaged time differences.

  In the fourth embodiment, the above-described average output pattern is generated instead of generating the complete scanning output pattern of the above-described third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same components and processing contents is omitted. That is, the time difference is obtained by the output pattern calculation process of the operation timing process (see FIG. 12) of the third embodiment, and the average output pattern is generated by the output pattern generation process.

  The average output pattern described above is generated by measuring the time difference at each operation timing and obtaining the average value of the five time differences in the symbol generation process for executing the operation timing. Thus, when the operating current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 86 of the operation button device 71 according to the average output pattern, the operation current is controlled to be supplied with a time difference averaged at each operation timing. Therefore, when the operation button 72 is automatically controlled for operation, the operation button 72 is moved up and down at regular intervals (average time difference) with respect to the operation timing.

  Although such an average output pattern does not cause the operation button 72 to be lowered in exactly the same manner as when the player actually presses the operation button 72 so as to match each operation timing, the operation timing is pressed and operated. Since the temporal deviation from the timing is averaged, when the operation button 72 is automatically lowered according to this average output pattern, the player feels that the player is pressing and operating. It is possible to give. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment described above, even when the pressing operation of the operation button 72 is absent due to fatigue or the like, it is easy to cause the player to feel that the player is participating in the production, and the player is allowed to participate in the production. The playability and the fun of being able to be demonstrated stably.

  In the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the operation button device 71 having the first detection position and the second detection position is provided. It is also possible to apply a configuration in which one detection position for detecting descending is set. When this configuration is applied to the first embodiment, for example, a release button is newly installed in order to cancel the state where the operation button is automatically lowered (satisfaction of the automatic descending condition). Etc. are required.

  In the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the automatic descending condition for automatically lowering the operation button according to the output pattern of the detection signal is that the player does not press the operation button. It is satisfied and released when the player presses in the satisfied state, but as another configuration, a switch device that can be operated by the player is provided, and by operating the switch device The automatic descending condition may be satisfied or canceled. According to such a configuration, the player can execute an operation for starting and ending the automatic descent operation of the operation button, and therefore can be executed according to the player's own will.

  Moreover, in the structure of Examples 1-4 mentioned above, the output pattern of a detection signal is produced | generated when a player presses an operation button in the operation opportunity (operation effective period or operation timing) of a symbol generation process. However, as another configuration, a switch device that can be operated by a player is provided, and an operation opportunity for generating an output pattern of a detection signal by operating the switch device is provided as another configuration. You may make it selectable.

  Furthermore, in the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the detection signal output pattern is generated based on the timing (timing) at which the detection signal is output. Thus, the player may generate the detection signal by using the time during which one detection signal is continued by pressing the operation button. The strength of the pressing operation by the player can be expressed in a pseudo manner by the duration of the detection signal.

  On the other hand, in the configuration of Examples 1 and 2 described above, the output pattern of the detection signal is generated based on the time from the start of the operation effective period to the expiration, but as other configurations, The output pattern may be generated based on a predetermined time constituting a part of the operation effective period.

  In this invention, it is not limited to the Example mentioned above, About another structure, it can change suitably within the range of the meaning of this invention.

1 Pachinko machine 3 Game machine body 71 Operation button device 72 Operation button

Claims (7)

Normally, an operation button that can be moved up and down is held at the upper limit position by urging from below, a detection means that detects the downward movement of the operation button, and a signal output means that outputs a detection signal according to the detection of the downward movement by the detection means An operation button device disposed at the front of the gaming machine main body so that the player can press the operation button;
In a pachinko gaming machine comprising button effect control means for executing a predetermined operation effect mode according to the detection signal output by the signal output means of the operation button device,
The operation button device includes a button automatic lowering device that lowers the operation button from the upper limit position,
An operation opportunity notification device for notifying a player of an operation opportunity of an operation button set to execute an operation effect mode by the button effect control means;
A signal pattern generating means for generating an output pattern of the detection signal based on a detection signal output by the player pressing the operation button at the operation opportunity;
Signal pattern storage means for storing the output pattern of the detection signal generated by the pattern generation means;
When a preset automatic descending condition is satisfied, an operation is performed based on the detection signal output pattern stored by the signal pattern storage means so that the operation button is lowered a predetermined number of times according to the operation opportunity. A pachinko gaming machine comprising button lowering control means for operating and controlling a button automatic lowering device of a button device. As an operation opportunity of the operation button, an operation valid period for counting the detection signal output as the operation button descends is set,
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the signal pattern generating means includes processing contents for generating an output pattern using an output interval of the detection signal output during the operation effective period. As an operation opportunity of the operation button, an operation valid period for counting the detection signal output as the operation button descends is set,
A process in which the signal pattern generation unit calculates an average output interval of the output intervals of the detection signal based on the number of outputs that counts the detection signal output in the operation effective period, and generates an output pattern converted into the average output interval The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising a content. As an operation opportunity of the operation button, one or a plurality of operation timings are set,
The signal pattern generation means includes processing content for generating an output pattern using a time difference between the operation timing and an output timing of a detection signal output at the operation timing. The pachinko machine described. As an operation opportunity of the operation button, one or a plurality of operation timings are set,
The signal pattern generation means acquires a time difference between the operation timing and the output timing of the detection signal output at the operation timing a plurality of times, calculates the average time difference, and generates an output pattern converted into the average time difference The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the pachinko gaming machine has processing contents. The automatic descending condition is set to satisfy the condition by not detecting the detection signal accompanying the pressing operation of the operation button by the player at the operation opportunity,
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising condition canceling means for canceling satisfaction of the automatic descending condition.   A switch device is provided at a front portion of the gaming machine main body so that it can be operated by a player, and is provided with a switch device which can be converted into a state where the automatic descending condition is satisfied and a state where the satisfaction is released. The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images