JP7256515B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

As described in the following patent document 1, etc., in the operation request effect prompting the player to operate an operation means such as a push button, even if the player does not operate it, it is automatically operated. A gaming machine is known that has an automatic operation function that reflects the

JP 2017-176421 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve usability of the automatic operation function in a gaming machine having an automatic operation function of operation means.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, includes operation means operable by a player, effect execution means for executing an operation request effect to prompt the player to operate the operation means, and Automatic operation function control means for switching ON/OFF of an automatic operation function to reflect in the performance as if the operation means had been operated even if the operation means was not actually operated in at least a part of the operation request performance. and when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request rendering in a state where the automatic operation function is ON, the automatic operation function is turned OFF and the operation request rendering is executed. The ON state of the automatic operation function is maintained even if the operation means is actually operated at a time other than the automatic operation function.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve usability of the automatic operation function.

1 is an overall view of a gaming machine according to this embodiment; FIG. It is the figure which showed the identification design displayed on the display area. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation request effect; FIG. It is a diagram for explaining the type of operation request effect (type of operation mode required for the player). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining that the automatic operation function is disabled when the first operation means is actually operated in the single-operation request effect started with the automatic operation function enabled; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining that the automatic operation function is disabled when the first operation means is actually operated in the continuous operation request effect started with the automatic operation function enabled; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining that when the first operation means is actually operated in the operation non-requesting presentation started with the automatic operation function enabled, the automatic operation function is maintained in the enabled state; It is a figure for demonstrating fixed mode. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the setting method of fixed mode. It is a figure which showed the support part typically, (a) is the figure which looked at the support part from upper direction, (b) is the figure which looked at the support part from the front. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining that the light emitting unit emits light when a setting item (eg, volume) is changed by operating the second operation means; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the light emission mode of the light emitting unit differs according to the operation mode of the second operation means; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an operating means (eg, first operating means) different from the second operating means is set as a light emitting section;

1) Overall Configuration Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The game machine 1 is equipped with a game board 90 . The game board 90 is made of a substantially square plywood board, and a guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding a game ball fired by operating a shooting device 908 (shooting handle) to the game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. is provided as follows. The game area 902 is provided with a start winning opening 904, a big winning opening 906, an out opening 907, and the like.

A display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90 . In some of the drawings, the shape of the display area 911 that is exposed without being covered by the game board 90 is shown in a simplified form (shown as a square), but the size and shape of this portion can be changed as appropriate. be.

In addition, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flowing state of the game balls when the falling game balls collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes according to the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a game machine 1 , game balls are shot toward the game area 902 by operating the shooting device 908 . When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a winning opening such as a starting winning opening 904 or a big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by a payout device.

The lottery for the jackpot is executed by winning/failure determining means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting winning opening 904 (a plurality of such starting winning openings 904 may be provided). Specifically, a numerical value (hereinafter also referred to as win/fail determination information) is acquired from a random number source triggered by the winning of a game ball into the start winning opening 904, and the numerical value is the same as the predetermined jackpot numerical value. If it is, it is a jackpot, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, as in a known gaming machine, when a big win is achieved, the identification pattern 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 is displayed in a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same pattern). Matching) is notified, and if any other combination is displayed, it is lost. Although the description of the identification pattern 80 is omitted in some drawings, basically, the identification pattern 80 (identification pattern group) is continues to be displayed. In some drawings other than FIG. 2, illustration of the identification pattern 80 is omitted.

In the present embodiment, notification of the results of the success/failure determination is started in the order in which the numerical values for the above-mentioned success/failure determination are acquired (variation of the identification pattern 80 (identification pattern group) is started). If the pass/fail judgment result based on the previously acquired numerical value is notified when the value is acquired, the control board (not shown) is provided until the pass/fail judgment result based on the certain numerical value is started to be notified. stored in the provided storage means. The maximum number of numerical values that have not yet started notification of the result of the judgment (the one corresponding to each of these numerical values is "suspension (information)". It can be said that suspension (information) is a subordinate concept of the judgment information) The number of memories (maximum number of reservations) can be set as appropriate. The maximum number of reservations that can be stored by the storage means in this embodiment is four per type of start winning opening 904 . In the present embodiment, at the time when notification of the success/failure determination result is started, it is determined whether or not the acquired numerical value is a value that will result in a big hit. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the determination result itself is stored. In addition, the acquired numerical value is also used as a numerical value for determining the specific content of the effect for informing the success/failure determination result.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a pending symbol (not shown), which is a mark corresponding to each of the acquired numerical values (winning/failure judgment information) for which notification of the winning/failure judgment result stored in the storage means has not started ) is displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 . In the present embodiment, the values are displayed so as to line up from the left in order from the timing at which the numerical value was acquired (from the so-called pending digestion). A dedicated display device for displaying reserved symbols may be provided. The mode of the reserved design may always be the same, and the probability that the corresponding success/failure determination result will be a big hit (hereinafter, also referred to as (jackpot) reliability) is a normal reserved design that suggests that may be set with one or more types of special symbols in different modes.

Descriptions of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, those having the same structure as known gaming machines can be applied.

2) Automatic operation function The game machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation means 10 (hereinafter formally referred to as a first operation means 10 to distinguish it from a second operation means 20 to be described later). The first operating means 10 is a member provided for the player to participate in the production. The first operating means 10 in this embodiment is a so-called "push button". The first operating means 10 is provided so as to be displaceable between an original position and an operating position displaced downward by a predetermined amount from the original position. At least, it is detected by a sensor (not shown) that the first operating means 10 is positioned at the operating position. The first operating means 10 is not limited to the "push button". It is possible to displace a predetermined range by applying force by the player himself/herself, and any sensor or the like can detect that it is positioned at the operating position. Moreover, the configuration may be such that a plurality of operation directions (operation modes) are set. For example, it may be a lever that can be pushed and pulled back and forth. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with the some 1st operation means 10. FIG.

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is one of various effects that constitute a notification effect for informing the result of the success/failure determination (effect from the start of the variation of the identification symbols 80 to the stop with the combination indicating the result of the success/failure determination). As one, it is possible to execute an operation request effect. The operation request effect is an effect that prompts (requests) the player to operate the first operating means 10 . The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment generates a plurality of types of operation request effects with different scenes to be executed and required operation modes (described later). In the operation request effect, an operation effective period is set during which the operation of the first operating means 10 is reflected in the effect. During the effective period of operation, a meter 11 (see FIG. 3) or numbers (counted down numbers) indicating the remaining time or elapsed time of the effective period of operation may be displayed. In addition, in order to allow the player to easily grasp that the timing (opportunity) to operate the first operation means 10 has come, an operation image 12 (see FIG. 3) representing the first operation means 10 is displayed. As long as it is known that the image represents the operation means 10, it may be in any form), or a display 13 indicating that the first operation means 10 should be operated (see FIG. 3. For example, "Press !”) should be displayed. It should be noted that the aspect of the operation request effect is merely an example. It is assumed that the operation request effect includes all of the effect in which the player is requested to operate the first operating means 10 .

Various operation modes of the first operating means 10 required in the operation request effect are conceivable. A single operation of changing the first operating means 10 from the original position to the operating position only once, and a continuous operation (repeating the single operation multiple times) of displacing the first operating means 10 from the original position to the operating position multiple times (so-called "Consecutive hits"), and a maintenance operation (so-called "long press") of displacing the first operating means 10 from the original position to the operating position and maintaining that state. The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an operation request effect that prompts a single operation (see FIG. 4A; hereinafter sometimes referred to as a single operation request effect), an operation request effect that prompts a continuous operation (FIG. 4B). ), hereinafter sometimes referred to as a continuous operation request effect), and an operation request effect prompting a maintenance operation (see FIG. 4(c), hereinafter sometimes referred to as a maintenance operation request effect).

The automatic operation function is a function of reflecting virtual operation in various operation request effects even if the first operation means 10 is not actually operated during the valid operation period. In this embodiment, except for special cases whose details will be described later, when the automatic operation function is enabled, a virtual operation is performed in any of the single operation request effect, the continuous operation request effect, and the maintenance operation request effect. is reflected in the production as if it had been done. In other words, a virtual single operation is reflected in the single operation request effect, a virtual continuous operation in the continuous effect, and a virtual sustain operation in the sustain operation request effect. Specifically, in the single operation request production, when a virtual single operation is performed, the output of sounds and images in the production, the movement of movable accessories, etc. Events (events that produce dramatic effects) may be collectively referred to as “drawing elements” (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). In the continuous operation request effect, the effect element is output each time one virtual operation is performed (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)). In the maintenance operation request effect, an effect element is output each time a virtual maintenance operation elapses for a predetermined period of time. During the continuous operation request effect or the maintenance operation request effect, the effect element is substantially output every time the operation valid period elapses for a predetermined period of time. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player who feels burdened by operating the first operation means 10 in various operation request effects.

Any method may be used by the player to turn the automatic operation function from disabled (OFF) to enabled (ON). Equipped with an automatic operation function as one of the customizable functions for setting and changing various functions related to the game machine 1, and having a configuration that enables switching between invalid and valid of the automatic operation function by operating on the customization screen. is conceivable (since such a customization function itself is known, the explanation is omitted). Further, when the operation request effect is not executed (operation valid period) is not set, the automatic operation function is enabled from invalid by operating the first operating means 10 in a predetermined mode. can be considered. For example, when the operation request effect is not executed (operation valid period) is not set, the automatic operation function is changed from invalid to valid when the maintenance operation of the first operating means 10 is performed for a predetermined time. can be considered.

On the other hand, as at least one method for the player to turn the automatic operation function from valid (ON) to invalid (OFF), actually operating the first operating means 10 in the operation request presentation is set. Specifically, when the actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected during the operation valid period of the operation request rendering, the automatic operation function is disabled from enabled (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c)). . The fact that the first operation means 10 is actually operated in the operation request performance means that the player has the intention of operating the first operation means 10, so the automatic operation function is invalidated while respecting that. and When an operation request effect in which the automatic operation function is activated occurs and an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the certain operation request effect, automatic operation is performed in the certain operation request effect. Not only is the function invalidated, but the automatic operation function is also invalidated in subsequent operation request effects (unless an operation to enable the automatic operation function is performed).

In the present embodiment, in a single-operation request effect that occurs while the automatic operation function is valid, a virtual single-operation is prevented from occurring at the same time as or immediately after the valid operation period starts. In other words, during a specific period from the start of the valid operation period to the halfway point before the end of the valid operation period, virtual single operations are prevented from occurring, and the actual first operation is performed during the specified period. It is assumed that a virtual single operation occurs at the midpoint when the means 10 is not operated (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). In the present embodiment, the halfway point is approximately the middle point of the valid operation period. If a virtual single operation occurs at the same time or immediately after the operation effective period starts, the single operation request effect ends at that point (the operation effective period ends). There is no room (time) for actual operation of the first operating means 10 . In other words, even if the player has the intention to actually operate the first operation means 10, there is not enough time to actually perform the operation. In this embodiment, since the specific period is set, it is possible to actually operate the first operating means 10 even in the single-operation request effect that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled. Then, when the first operation means 10 is actually operated during the specified period, the automatic operation function is invalidated (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c)).

In the present embodiment, the specific period as described above is not set in the continuous operation request effect and the maintenance operation request effect. This is because, in the continuous operation request effect and the maintenance operation request effect, the effect does not end immediately after the virtual operation is performed, so there is sufficient time for the player to actually operate the first operation means 10. be. Even in the continuous operation request effect or the maintenance operation request effect that occurs while the automatic operation function is valid, the actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected (first first operation after the operation valid period starts). Triggered by detection of the operation of the operation means 10, the automatic operation function is disabled (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c)). Therefore, since no virtual operation is performed after that, the performance is not reflected unless the operation means is actually operated. It should be noted that the continuous operation request effect and the maintenance operation request effect may also have a configuration in which a specific period as described above is set. In this way, when the player has the intention to actually operate the first operating means 10, the first operating means 10 is actually operated (during a specific period) before the virtual operation is performed. By operating it, the automatic operation function can be switched from enabled to disabled.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected in the operation request effect generated in the state where the automatic operation function is valid (ON), it is triggered. , the automatic operation function is disabled (OFF) (see FIGS. 5A, 5C and 6A, 6C). In other words, the fact that the first operation means 10 is actually operated means that the player has the intention of operating the first operation means 10, and the automatic operation function is invalidated. Since the player does not need to take action to disable the automatic operation function, the usability of the automatic operation function is improved.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the operation request effect generated while the automatic operation function is valid, the effect element is output with this as a trigger (see FIG. 5). (c) and FIG. 6(c)). In other words, the operation that triggers the automatic operation function to be switched from enabled to disabled is also set to be reflected in the presentation. The fact that the first operation means 10 is actually operated means that the player himself/herself has the intention of operating the first operation means 10 to reflect it in the performance, so the first operation means 10 If the operation is not reflected in the performance, the player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when an actual operation is detected, not only the automatic operation function is switched, but also the effect (output of the effect element) is reflected in the effect.

Specific examples in which items relating to the automatic operation function in the above embodiment are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○First specific example Assume that the player is not prompted to operate the first operating means 10, but the operation non-requiring effect (see Fig. 7) in which the operation of the first operating means 10 is reflected in the effect is executable. . The operation request effect described above includes a meter 11 indicating the effective period of operation, an operation image 12, and a display 13 indicating that the first operation means 10 should be operated. While the effect prompts the user to perform the 10 operations, such a display is not performed in the non-operation-required effect. However, the operation-requested effect and the operation-not-required effect are common in that when the first operating means 10 is operated, it is reflected in the effect. The non-operation-requiring effect is a so-called "hidden effect" that allows only a specific player to notice that it is occurring. Because of such a "hidden effect", even if an operation non-request effect occurs while the automatic operation enabling function is enabled (ON), no virtual operation is performed by the automatic operation function (see FIG. 7 ( a) (b)). This is because if a virtual operation is performed, the player will notice that the operation-unrequired effect is occurring, and the meaning of the "hidden effect" will be lost. As such an operation non-required effect, by continuously operating the first operating means 10 during a so-called ready-to-win effect, a predetermined effect element (for example, the color of a predetermined image displayed in the display area 911) changes. As a result, it is possible to exemplify an effect in which the degree of reliability of the big win is suggested by the effect element.

Suppose that an operation non-request effect occurs while the automatic operation function is valid. Even when the first operation means 10 is actually operated during the non-operation-requiring effect (effective period of operation in the non-operation-requiring effect), the automatic operation function is not invalidated (OFF), but remains effective. The state is maintained (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c)). In other words, the actual operation in the operation-requesting presentation is used as a trigger for disabling the automatic operation function, but the actual operation in the operation-non-requesting presentation is not used as a trigger for disabling the automatic operation function. As described above, since the non-operation-requiring effect is a "hidden effect", the fact that an actual operation is performed during the non-operation-requiring effect does not mean that there is an intention to enjoy the effect of the "hidden effect". Therefore, there is a possibility that the player does not think that the automatic operation in the operation request effect is unnecessary. Moreover, in this example, even when the automatic operation function is valid, no virtual operation is performed in the operation non-request effect (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). In order to enjoy the effects of the production, it is necessary to perform an actual operation. Therefore, the actual operation during the operation non-required performance is not regarded as the player's intention to operate the first operation means 10, and the state in which the automatic operation function is valid is maintained. In addition, in the case where multiple types of operation non-request effects are installed, some of the operation non-request effects do not disable the automatic operation function when the actual operation is triggered, but maintain the active state, but other operations As for the unrequested effect, it may be configured such that the automatic operation function is invalidated with the actual operation as a trigger.

○Second specific example In the above embodiment, when the actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the operation request effect (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the automatic operation function is disabled. I explained that it is supposed to be. However, some players may dislike such switching from valid to invalid. For example, basically, the user wants the automatic operation function to be valid (the user does not have to operate the function himself), but he wants to operate the first operation means 10 himself in some operation request effects. There may be players. For such a player, it can be said that it is not preferable for the automatic operation function to be disabled each time an operation is actually performed in the operation request presentation.

Based on this, in a state where the automatic operation function is valid, even if the first operation means 10 is actually operated in the operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is not invalidated and the valid state is maintained. (See FIG. 8, hereinafter referred to as a fixed mode) can be arbitrarily set by the player. In this way, oneself operates the first operation means 10 for some of the operation request effects, and virtual operations are performed for other operation request effects (the person himself/herself operates the first operation means 10). You don't have to) can create a situation.

Any method may be used by the player to set the fixed mode. (see FIG. 9(b)). In other words, by asking the player who has enabled the automatic operation function whether to fix the automatic operation function, the existence of the fixed mode will not be known.

○Third Specific Example In the above embodiment, when the actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the operation request rendering (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the automatic operation function is disabled. However, even if the first operating means 10 is actually operated at a time other than when the operation request effect during the notification effect is being executed, the automatic operation function may be switched from valid to invalid. (However, the operation for switching the automatic operation function from enabled to disabled using the so-called customization function is excluded). It is conceivable that the operation of the first operating means 10 when the operation request effect is not being executed is an operation that is not based on the player's own intention to operate, such as an erroneous operation. To maintain a state in which an automatic operation function is effective even if an operation of a first operation means 10 is detected when a requested performance is not being executed.

3) Support function at the time of setting item adjustment The game machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second operating means 20 different from the first operating means 10 described above (see FIGS. 1 and 10). The second operating means 20 in this embodiment is a so-called "cross key". Such second operating means 20 is provided on the support portion 30 . Specifically, the second operating means 20 is supported by the supporting portion 30 such that a portion of the second operating means 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the supporting portion 30 . The support part 30 is a part that constitutes the housing (frame body) of the gaming machine 1, and is a part that is provided so as to protrude forward. On the upper side of the support portion 30, there is formed a game ball storage space 31 (a portion serving as a so-called "upper plate") which is a concave portion recessed downward (see FIG. 10(a)). The game balls stored in the game ball storage space 31 are shot by the shooting device 908 . A second operation means 20 is provided in a portion of the upper surface of the support portion 30 where the game ball storage space 31 is not formed (see FIG. 10(a)). Note that, in this embodiment, the first operating means 10 is also provided on the upper surface of the support portion 30 .

The supporting portion 30 is provided with a light-emitting portion 32 (a portion including a light-emitting body such as an LED) capable of emitting light in a predetermined manner. The light-emitting portion 32 may be directly supported by the support portion 30, or may be supported by the support portion 30 via another member. The light-emitting portion 32 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 30 so that the light emission direction is directed upward (see FIG. 10A). The light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion 32 may be of any type. It may be one capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes.

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can change the predetermined setting items to the preferences of the player by operating the second operation means 20 . The second operation means 20 is an operation means used for changing setting items, and is not an operation means used for rendering. In other words, no operation request effect prompting the player to operate the second operation means 20 is generated. The above setting items may be any items as long as they are not directly related to the player's profit (balls paid out). The setting items include those related to the game environment, such as the volume of the effect sound output from the speaker 40 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of light output from various illuminations, and the music output as the background music during the notification effect. Types, effects related to selection of various types of effects (eg, main character) that constitute the notification effect can be exemplified. Below, the support function by the light emitting unit 32 will be described using volume adjustment as an example.

When adjusting the volume, the second operation means 20 is operated. In this embodiment, pressing "up" of the cross key (second operation means 20) increases the volume, and pressing "down" decreases the volume. In other words, the direction in which the setting item changes varies depending on the operation mode of the second operation means 20 . Moreover, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can adjust the volume even while the notification effect is being executed (while the identification pattern 80 is changing). From the player's point of view, it is possible to adjust the sound volume to their liking while continuing the game (while continuing to shoot the game balls).

When the second operating means 20 is operated and the sound volume changes, the light emitting section 32 emits light. Specifically, when the volume changes by one step (including both a change in which the volume increases and a change in which the volume decreases), the light emitting section 32 temporarily (for a predetermined time) emits light (see FIG. 11). It is difficult to know whether or not the volume actually changed due to the operation of the second operation means 20, and even if the player intended to operate the second operation means 20, the operation was not detected and the volume did not change. Situations may arise. In the present embodiment, the light emitting section 32 is caused to emit light in order to clearly indicate that the operation of the second operating means 20 has been detected and the volume has been changed. Since the player can see that the sound volume (setting item) is changing by the light emission of the light emitting unit 32, it can be said that the usability of the function of changing the setting item is improved.

Further, the light-emitting portion 32 in the present embodiment is provided on the support portion 30 (upper side of the support portion 30) together with the second operation means 20. As shown in FIG. A player who wants to change the sound volume operates the second operation means 20 while looking into the support portion 30 from above. Since the light emitting part 32 is provided on the upper side of the supporting part 30, it is possible to check whether or not the light emitting part 32 is emitting light while operating the second operating means 20, thereby determining whether or not the volume has been changed. It is possible to judge In this embodiment, when the volume changes, the change in volume is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c)). There is no need to look at the display area 911 while viewing the screen. In other words, rather than looking at the display area 911 to check whether or not the volume has been changed, the light-emitting portion 32 provided on the upper side of the support portion 30 together with the second operating means 20 is checked to see if the volume has been changed. It's easier to see if

Specific examples in which items related to the support function in the above embodiment are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○First Specific Example It is assumed that the direction in which the setting item changes varies depending on the operation mode of the second operation means 20 . In the above embodiment, the direction of change in setting items differs between the first operation mode of operating the "up" button of the cross key, which is the second operation means 20, and the second operation mode of operating the "down" button. . For example, if the setting item is the volume or the amount of light, the setting item increases when the operation is performed in the first operation mode, and decreases when the operation is performed in the second operation mode. shall be subject to change. When the setting item is to select one element from a plurality of types of candidate elements, such as a piece of music, the plurality of types of candidate elements are arranged in a predetermined order, and when the first operation mode is operated, a predetermined The setting items (selection targets) are switched in order, and when the operation in the second operation mode is performed, the setting items (selection targets) are switched in the order opposite to the predetermined order.

On the premise of this, when the setting item is changing (switching) in one direction and when changing (switching) in the opposite direction, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 32 is configured to be different. . In other words, when the first operation mode is operated and the setting item changes to one side, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in the first light emission mode (see FIG. 12(a)), and the second operation mode is operated and the setting is made. It is assumed that the light-emitting section 32 emits light in a second light-emitting mode (a light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode) when the item changes to the other (see FIG. 12(b)). By doing so, the player can grasp not only that the setting item has changed due to the light emitting unit 32 emitting light, but also the direction of the change.

○Second specific example A light-emitting unit 32 is provided in an operation means (second operation means 20) different from the operation means (second operation means 20) operated when changing the setting item, and the light-emitting unit 32 is caused to emit light when the setting item is changed. For example, the first operating means 10, which is a push button, is provided with the light emitting section 32 (it may be provided in the vicinity of the first operating means 10). Since the first operating means 10 is provided on the supporting portion 30 , it can be said that the light emitting portion 32 provided on the first operating means 10 is also indirectly provided on the supporting portion 30 . The light-emitting portion 32 provided in the first operating means 10 is basically provided to produce a predetermined presentation effect. For example, light is emitted during an operation effective period in an operation request effect prompting the player to operate the first operation means 10 . The player recognizes that it is time to operate the first operating means 10 by the first operating means 10 emitting light.

The light emitting section 32 provided on the first operating means 10 emits light when the setting item is changed by operating the second operating means 20 (see FIG. 13). In other words, the light emitting section 32 provided on the first operating means 10 is used to inform the player that the setting item has changed. By doing so, there is no need to separately provide the light emitting unit 32 for indicating that the setting item has changed.

(Third Specific Example) The light emitting mode of the light emitting section 32 when the setting item is changed by operating the second operating means 20 shall be different from the light emitting mode of the light emitting section 32 at other times. Specifically, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in one or a plurality of lighting modes for presentation when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the notification presentation in order to enhance the presentation effects of various presentations that constitute the notification presentation. Suppose that it is set so that there is a case. The light emission mode of the light emitting section 32 when the setting item is changed (hereinafter, referred to as a specific light emission mode to distinguish it from the above-described effect light emission mode) is a mode different from any of the effect light emission modes. By doing so, it becomes easier to understand that the setting item has changed.

In addition, when the timing at which the predetermined condition is established during the notification effect coincides with the timing at which the setting items are changed by operating the second operating means 20, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in the specific light emitting mode. make it In other words, the light emission of the light emitting unit 32 in the performance light emission mode is cancelled, and the light emission unit 32 emits light in the specific light emission mode. Therefore, the support function provided by the light emitting unit 32 can be enjoyed regardless of the situation in which the setting items are changed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is by no means limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The gaming machine 1 may apply only one of the items described in "2) Automatic operation function" and the items described in "3) Support function when adjusting setting items".

The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, but the same technical idea can be applied to other gaming machines such as reel-type gaming machines, except for the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines. is.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・ Means 1-1
an operation means operable by a player; an effect execution means for executing an operation request effect for prompting the player to operate the operation means; an automatic operation function control means for switching ON/OFF of an automatic operation function to be reflected in the performance as if the operation of the operation means has been performed even if the automatic operation function has not been performed, and in a state where the automatic operation function is ON 2. A gaming machine, wherein said automatic operation function is turned off when said operation means is actually operated in said operation request presentation.
Even if the automatic operation function is ON, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation, it is considered that the player has the will to operate the operation means. Turn off the function. From the player's point of view, it is not necessary to take any action to turn off the automatic operation function, so it can be said that the usability of the automatic operation function is improved.

・ Means 1-2
In a state where the automatic operation function is ON, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request effect, the automatic operation function is turned OFF and the operation is reflected in the effect. The gaming machine according to means 1-1, characterized by:
Even when the automatic operation function is ON, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation, it is considered that the player has the will to operate the operation means. should be reflected in the production (the player may feel uncomfortable if the operation is not reflected in the production).

・ Means 1-3
The effect execution means is capable of executing an operation non-request effect in which the player is not prompted to operate the operation means, but the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect, and the automatic operation function is ON. Means 1-1 characterized in that, in this state, even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation non-request effect, the automatic operation function is not turned off and is maintained in the on state. Or the gaming machine according to means 1-2.
The fact that the operating means is actually operated in the operation non-requesting effect is an operation for enjoying the effect of the operation non-requiring effect, and there is a possibility that it is not the player's will that the automatic operation is unnecessary. Therefore, it is preferable not to switch the automatic operation function from ON to OFF with the actual operation in the operation non-request effect as a trigger.

・ Means 1-4
a fixed mode in which the automatic operation function is not turned off and the ON state is maintained even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation in the state where the automatic operation function is ON; The game machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that the player can arbitrarily set the setting.
There is a possibility that there is a player who enjoys the automatic operation function in some operation request effects and wants to operate the operation means himself in other operation request effects. For such a player, it can be said that it is not preferable for the automatic operation function to be turned off by actually operating the operation means in the operation request presentation. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare a mode in which the automatic operation function remains ON even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation.

・ Means 2-1
an operation means operable by a player; a setting adjustment means for changing predetermined setting items related to a game when the operation of the operation means is detected; and a light-emitting part that emits light when an item changes.
According to the gaming machine described above, the fact that the setting item has been changed is clearly indicated by the light emission of the light emitting unit, so that the usability of the function of changing the setting item is improved.

・ Means 2-2
Means 2-1, further comprising: a supporting portion for supporting the operating means such that at least part of the operating means is exposed on the upper surface side, and the light emitting portion is provided on the supporting portion. The gaming machine described in .
By doing so, it is easy to determine whether or not the light-emitting portion is emitting light when the operating means is operated.

・ Means 2-3
The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or 2-2, characterized in that the operation means is not subject to an operation request effect that prompts the player to operate the operation during the valid operation period. .

1 gaming machine 10 first operation means 20 second operation means 30 support portion 32 light emitting portion 91 display device 911 display area

Claims (1)

an operation means that can be operated by a player;
an effect execution means for executing an operation request effect for prompting the player to operate the operation means;
In at least a part of the operation request effect, automatic operation function control for switching ON/OFF of an automatic operation function that reflects in the effect that the operation means has been operated even if the operation means is not actually operated. means and
with
A fixed mode is provided in which the automatic operation function is not turned OFF and the ON state is maintained even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation while the automatic operation function is ON. and
The automatic operation is triggered by setting the fixed mode or actually operating the operation means in the operation request presentation in a state where the automatic operation function is ON without setting the fixed mode. A game machine characterized in that a player can arbitrarily select whether to turn off a function regardless of the game situation .

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