JP5550036B2 - Game machine operation determination method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine or the like that detects a player's operation based on the illuminance in front of the gaming machine.

  In a pachinko machine, a ball that has been shot down flows down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the ball). During the flow-down process, the ball rolls while colliding with game nails (also called gauges) and windmills in the game area, and the flow-down direction changes. As a result, if a ball wins various winning holes arranged in the game area, a predetermined prize ball is paid out. . The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the ball flowing down and expecting to win a prize and give away a prize ball.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is provided with a control board for controlling the operation of the gaming machine. The control board includes a CPU as an arithmetic processing means, a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage element, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. It controls the operation of the gaming machine, such as operation control, image control of the display device, special game win / fail lottery.

  The control of the gaming machine by the control means includes not only control for realizing a game by the gaming machine but also operation control of the effect member for entertaining the player and display control of the image display means for displaying an image. For example, a touch sensor is provided on the front surface of a game board mounted on a gaming machine frame, and the image display of the image display means is controlled based on the touch operation by the player, so that the player can be entertained by the production by the image display device. A gaming machine configured as described above is provided.

  In a gaming machine having such a touch sensor, a player's finger or the like frequently comes into contact with the touch sensor, so that the front surface of the glass provided with the touch sensor becomes dirty. If the front surface of the glass becomes dirty, a player's touch operation may be erroneously detected, leading to a decrease in detection accuracy. Therefore, there has been a problem that a cleaning operation for removing dirt on the front surface of the glass has to be frequently performed. Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine made in view of such a problem. This gaming machine is configured to provide a film on the front side of the glass and replace the film on the front side of the glass when the number of touch operations becomes a predetermined number or more.

JP 2005-177344 A

  However, in order to change the film when the player's number of touch operations exceeds a predetermined number, the counting means for counting the number of touch operations, the driving means for changing the film, and driving based on the count number A complicated control means for driving the means is required, and the structure cannot be simplified. In addition, the film may be soiled until the number of touch operations reaches a predetermined number, and there is a possibility that the detection accuracy is lowered due to erroneous detection and erroneous detection.

  Further, in order to prevent the front surface of the glass from being soiled by a touch operation, it is conceivable to detect the operation of the player in front of the gaming machine using detection means other than the touch sensor. For example, it is possible to use an infrared sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object by projecting infrared rays toward the object and receives the reflected light, or a detection means that detects the presence or absence of an object by a change in radio waves.

  However, since the infrared sensor hardly transmits the infrared rays through the glass, there is a possibility that the operation of the player in front of the glass cannot be accurately detected. In addition, detection means using radio waves may not be easily used due to problems with the radio law. That is, there is a possibility that these detection means are accompanied by restrictions such as installation location.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a gaming machine that detects the operation of a player in front of a gaming machine by a detection means, the restriction of the installation location of the detection means is reduced, and the simple It is an exemplary problem to provide a gaming machine and a gaming machine operation determination method capable of detecting a player's operation with the configuration.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine as an exemplary aspect of the present invention is arranged in a gaming device body that realizes a game, a gaming machine frame that includes the gaming device body, and a front surface of the gaming machine frame. Illuminance pulse provided on at least one of a light transmission plate having a light transmission property and a gaming machine body and a gaming machine frame, measuring the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate, and frequency-converting the measured illuminance And a control means for determining the presence or absence of a player's operation in front of the light transmissive plate based on a change in illuminance in front of the light transmissive plate measured by the visible light sensor. An illuminance pulse counting means for counting the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor, and a reference illuminance output means for outputting a reference illuminance serving as a reference for operation determination to the illuminance pulse counting means. The count means is configured to output a reference value achievement signal based on whether the counted number of illuminance pulses is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number corresponding to the reference illuminance, and the control means is based on the reference value achievement signal. Operation input determining means for determining whether or not the player has operated.

  The visible light sensor is provided in at least one of the gaming device body and the gaming machine frame that contains the gaming device body, and measures the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate arranged in front of the gaming machine frame to measure The converted illuminance is frequency converted and output as an illuminance pulse. When a player in front of the light transmission plate moves his / her hand or the like to perform an operation, the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate changes due to the movement of the player.

  The control means counts the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor by the illuminance pulse counting means. The illuminance pulse count means obtains a reference illuminance as a reference for operation determination from the reference illuminance output means, and a reference value achievement signal corresponding to whether or not the counted number of illuminance pulses is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number corresponding to the reference illuminance. Is output. The reference value achievement signal is a signal that differs depending on whether or not the counted number of illuminance pulses is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number. For example, a high signal is output when the illuminance pulse number is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number, When the number is less than the number of pulses, a low signal can be output.

  The operation input determining means determines whether or not the player has operated based on the reference value achievement signal. The visible light sensor is configured to frequency-convert illuminance and output a pulse. For example, when the illuminance is high, the frequency increases, and the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor increases. On the other hand, when the illuminance is low, the frequency becomes low and the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor decreases. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the measured illuminance is higher or lower than the reference illuminance by comparing the illuminance pulse number output from the visible light sensor with the reference pulse number.

  According to the gaming machine configured as described above, the operation input determination process can be executed by counting the illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor with an electric circuit. Therefore, complicated software control is not required, the software load can be reduced, and high-speed processing can be performed.

  The visible light sensor preferably has a configuration that measures illuminance, frequency-converts the measured illuminance data, and outputs a pulse, but is not limited to this configuration and may have a function of measuring illuminance. Further, when the visible light sensor does not have a function for frequency conversion, the measured illuminance data can be frequency-converted by means different from the visible light sensor and input to the illuminance pulse count means. .

  A gaming machine is a game machine that realizes a game in a gaming machine. For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, a gaming board that realizes a game by flowing down gaming media, or a gaming role provided on the gaming board and the gaming board. A game board unit having an object can be exemplified, and in the case of a slot machine, a reel for realizing a game by a combination of patterns can be exemplified.

  The gaming machine frame is a frame member or a group of frame members that encloses the gaming apparatus body and surrounds the side and front of the gaming apparatus body. For example, when the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, a casing frame, a machine frame, a front frame, or a combination of these including a gaming board as a gaming device body corresponds to the gaming machine frame, and the gaming machine is a slot machine. In this case, a cabinet (casing frame and / or front frame) containing a reel (cylinder device) as a gaming device body corresponds to the gaming machine frame. Of course, in a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, a frame member that includes a gaming device body (for example, a gaming board in a coin gaming machine or a game image display device in an arcade machine) that realizes gaming in those gaming machines. Etc. correspond to this gaming machine frame.

  The light transmission plate is disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine frame and exhibits a function of preventing the player from unauthorized access (contact) to the gaming device body. The light transmissive plate may be any material that is light transmissive. For example, a transparent light transmissive plate made of resin or glass has a function of ensuring visibility so that the player can visually recognize the gaming device body. It can be demonstrated. Further, the light transmission plate in the pachinko machine can exhibit a function of forming a flow-down space in which a game ball flows down between the game board (game device body) held inside the game machine frame.

  A visible light sensor is a sensor that measures the illuminance by receiving light in the visible light region and converting the received light into an electrical signal. The illuminance is the brightness in the target area, and can be represented by lx (lux).

  In addition, the control means may be configured to execute predetermined effect control, etc., triggered by the player's operation when it is determined that the player's operation has been performed. Specifically, an effect by sound or an image is changed in response to the player's operation, or a predetermined image or the like is displayed in response to the player's operation. In this way, by executing a predetermined effect triggered by the player's operation, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not the player has surely performed the operation, and the effect changes based on the operation. It becomes possible to prompt the player to perform an operation effectively.

  The gaming machine further includes a filter unit to which the illuminance pulse output from the visible light sensor is input, and the illuminance pulse output from the visible light sensor is input to the illuminance pulse count unit through the filter unit. It may be configured.

  The illuminance in front of the light transmission plate changes as appropriate depending on the illumination state of the hall where the gaming machine is installed, the position of the player, and the like, and the illuminance pulse output from the visible light sensor also changes accordingly. The illuminance pulse output in this way may include a significantly higher illuminance than the reference illuminance, and if the illuminance is too high, it may be difficult to detect even if the player operates. . In such a case, it is desirable that the illuminance pulse is input to the illuminance pulse count means via the low-pass filter means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to execute a quick process without inputting illuminance pulse data having a relatively high frequency to the illuminance pulse counting means. The low-pass filter means is a means for outputting only a low frequency component of the electric signal in the input illuminance pulse. However, depending on the environment in which the gaming machine is installed, the input illuminance is substituted for the low-pass filter means. A high-pass filter circuit that outputs only a high frequency component of the electric signal in the pulse may be provided.

  The control means further comprises reference illuminance data determination means for setting the reference illuminance based on the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor and counted by the illuminance pulse count means at the first predetermined opportunity, The means counts the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor at the second predetermined opportunity after setting the reference illuminance, and whether or not the counted number of illuminance pulses is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number corresponding to the reference illuminance. The reference value achievement signal corresponding to the above is output.

  The reference illuminance data determining means sets the reference illuminance based on the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor and counted by the illuminance pulse counting means at the first predetermined opportunity. The illuminance pulse counting means counts the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor at the second predetermined opportunity after setting the reference illuminance, and the counted number of illuminance pulses corresponds to the reference illuminance. A reference value achievement signal corresponding to whether or not this is the case is output.

  Thus, the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate is measured at the first predetermined opportunity, the reference illuminance is set based on the illuminance, and the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate is measured again at the second predetermined opportunity. The presence or absence of the player's operation can be detected based on whether the illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance. In addition, by having a reference illuminance data determining means for setting the reference illuminance, it is possible to appropriately set a reference illuminance suitable for the environment where the gaming machine is installed, etc., and improve the operation input determination accuracy. Can do.

  In addition, the reference illuminance data determining means is a means for determining whether or not the number of illuminance pulses counted by the illuminance pulse counting means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the number of illuminance pulses is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at the first predetermined opportunity. A means for determining that the illuminance is high and setting a high reference illuminance, and a means for determining that the illuminance is low and determining a low reference illuminance when the number of illuminance pulses is determined to be less than a predetermined value. Good.

  When setting the reference illuminance, there is means for determining whether the number of illuminance pulses counted by the illuminance pulse counting means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. And the means for setting the high reference illuminance and the means for setting the low reference illuminance by determining that the illuminance is low when it is determined that the number of illuminance pulses is less than the predetermined value. It is possible to set a suitable reference illuminance by changing the reference illuminance depending on whether the reference illuminance is lower or lower.

  Specifically, when the illuminance is relatively high, the frequency is high and the number of illuminance pulses in a predetermined time is relatively large. On the other hand, when the illuminance is relatively low, the frequency is low and the number of illuminance pulses in a predetermined time is relatively small. When the predetermined value is a threshold value or higher, the high reference illuminance is set as high illuminance, and when it is less than the predetermined value, the low reference illuminance is set as low illuminance. As described above, according to the configuration in which the appropriate reference illuminance is set by determining whether the number of illuminance pulses is equal to or less than the threshold value, the reference illuminance according to the environment can be set with a simple process. The operation determination accuracy can be improved by setting a suitable reference illuminance.

  Note that the predetermined value is a threshold value for setting the reference illuminance, and can be set as appropriate according to the environment in which the gaming machine is installed, the light emitting mode of the gaming machine frame, and the like. In addition, the setting of the reference illuminance is not necessarily limited to two patterns of high reference illuminance and low reference illuminance, but may be configured to be selected and set from three patterns as necessary. And can be appropriately selected and set.

  A gaming machine operation determination method according to another exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a gaming machine body that implements a game, a gaming machine frame that includes the gaming machine body, and a light transmitting property that is disposed in front of the gaming machine frame. A visible light sensor that is provided on at least one of the gaming machine body and the gaming machine frame and that measures the illuminance in front of the light transmissive plate, and a light transmissive plate measured by the visible light sensor. Control means for determining the presence or absence of a player's operation in front of the light transmission plate based on a change in illuminance in front of the light transmission plate. The step of measuring the illuminance in the front and setting the reference illuminance as a reference for the operation determination based on the measured illuminance, and the second predetermined opportunity after setting the reference illuminance, the visible light sensor is used. Measure the illuminance in front and measure the illumination The step of setting the measurement illuminance based on the reference illuminance and the step of comparing the reference illuminance with the measurement illuminance are sequentially executed, and the control means determines that the player has operated when the measurement illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance. .

  The visible light sensor is provided in at least one of the gaming device body and the gaming machine frame that contains the gaming device body, and measures the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate. When a player in front of the light transmission plate moves his / her hand or the like to perform an operation, the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate changes due to the movement of the player. A control means determines the presence or absence of a player's operation based on the illumination intensity change measured with the visible light sensor.

  The gaming machine operation determination method configured as described above includes a step of measuring the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate by a visible light sensor at a first predetermined opportunity, and setting the reference illuminance based on the measured illuminance. Run. This reference illuminance is the illuminance that is a criterion for determining the player's operation. The measured illuminance value may be used as the reference illuminance as it is, or a range is set in advance. The illuminance obtained by increasing / decreasing the adjustment value according to the surrounding lighting condition may be set as the reference illuminance.

  Next, a step of measuring the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate by the visible light sensor at a second predetermined opportunity after setting the reference illuminance is executed. The second predetermined opportunity is a timing for detecting the player's operation, and may be any timing after the first predetermined opportunity for setting the reference illuminance. Further, the measured illuminance may be the illuminance itself measured at the second predetermined opportunity, or may be a value obtained by adjusting the measured illuminance according to the surrounding lighting condition or the like.

  Next, a step of comparing the reference illuminance with the measured illuminance is executed. The step of comparing the reference illuminance with the measured illuminance may compare the two illuminances after measuring each illuminance, and compares whether the illuminance is higher or lower in the process of measuring the illuminance at the second predetermined opportunity. You may do it.

  Based on the comparison result between the measured illuminance and the reference illuminance, the control means determines that the player has operated when the measured illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance. The player's operation here is an operation accompanied by a change in the illuminance measured by the visible light sensor. Specifically, the player's operation is held in front of the visible light sensor or in front of the visible light sensor. This is an operation to move the hand. The control means may be any means as long as it can realize a process for determining the presence or absence of an operation, and may be configured to realize a game control process realized by a gaming apparatus body together with the operation determination process.

  In addition, the visible light sensor has less restrictions on the installation location and the like than an infrared sensor or detection means using radio waves, and has a relatively high degree of freedom in arrangement in a gaming machine. A player's operation can be detected by a simple game machine using the visible light sensor.

  Thus, the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate is measured at the first predetermined opportunity, the reference illuminance is set based on the illuminance, and the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate is measured again at the second predetermined opportunity. The presence or absence of the player's operation can be detected based on whether the illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance. Further, by including the step of setting the reference illuminance, it is possible to appropriately set the reference illuminance suitable for the environment in which the gaming machine is installed, and to improve the operation input determination accuracy.

  In addition, the operation determination method of the gaming machine is such that the control means measures the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate for a predetermined time at a first predetermined opportunity, and the measured illuminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value for a predetermined time. You may be comprised so that the illumination intensity more than a predetermined lower limit may be set as reference illumination intensity.

  The illuminance in front of the light transmission plate in a gaming machine changes depending on the environment in which the gaming machine is installed.For example, immediately after the gaming machine is turned on, the lighting conditions of surrounding gaming machines and halls are stable. The appropriate reference illuminance may not be set. However, by measuring the illuminance for a certain period of time at the first predetermined opportunity and setting the reference illuminance when the measured illuminance is greater than or equal to the predetermined lower limit over a predetermined period of time, it is suitable even in an unstable lighting state. The reference illuminance can be set.

  If the illuminance is greater than or equal to a predetermined lower limit over a predetermined time, the illuminance that is greater than or equal to the predetermined lower limit is maintained over a predetermined time, and the presence or absence of the player's operation is determined by lowering the illuminance. can do. By setting a suitable reference illuminance even in an unstable lighting state, it is possible to improve operation input determination accuracy.

  Note that the fixed time is an arbitrary time determined in advance, and the predetermined time is an arbitrary time shorter than the fixed time for measuring the illuminance. The fixed time and the predetermined time can be set as appropriate, and may be configured to change as appropriate according to the illuminance measurement situation or the like.

  Further, the predetermined lower limit value may be a value set in advance, for example, may be a reference value when a reference value is already set, or may be set as appropriate according to the environment where the gaming machine is installed. You may do it. Further, when the measured illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit over a predetermined time, the illuminance greater than the predetermined lower limit may be used as the reference illuminance, or the illuminance adjusted based on the illuminance greater than the predetermined lower limit may be used as the reference illuminance. Good.

  At least one of the gaming apparatus body and the gaming machine frame is provided with a light emitting means, and the control means emits the light emitting means so that the illumination modes are substantially the same at the first predetermined opportunity and the second predetermined opportunity. It is desirable to control light emission.

  The visible light sensor measures the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate, but when the light emitting means is provided in the gaming machine body or the gaming machine frame, the light transmission plate in front of the light transmission plate is changed by the change in the light emission mode of the light emission means. The illuminance changes and the operation determination accuracy may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to control light emission of the light emitting means so that substantially the same illumination mode is obtained at the first predetermined opportunity and the second predetermined opportunity. By controlling the light emission means in this manner, the influence of the light emission means is substantially the same at the timing of measuring the illuminance to set the reference illuminance and the timing of measuring the illuminance for operation determination. A decrease in determination accuracy can be suppressed.

  Further, it is desirable that the first predetermined opportunity is before the game by the gaming apparatus body is started, and the second predetermined opportunity is after the game by the gaming apparatus body is started. While a game is realized by the gaming apparatus body, there is a player in front of the gaming machine, and the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate may be reduced by the player depending on the position of the player.

  However, before the game by the game apparatus body is started, there is no player in front of the gaming machine, and the front of the visible light sensor is open. If the reference illuminance is set with the front of the visible light sensor open, the player will be sure that the operation will be lower than the reference illuminance when the player closes the front of the visible light sensor. Can be detected. In the case of a pachinko machine, the game by the game apparatus body is a game by the flow of a ball, and in the case of a slot machine, the game is a combination of pictures displayed on the reels.

  In addition, when the reference illuminance is set after the game device body starts playing, it is desirable to set the reference illuminance in a state where the player's hand is not in front of the visible light sensor. Specifically, for example, it is possible to set the reference illuminance by urging the player to operate the buttons with both hands so that both hands of the player are removed from the front of the visible light sensor.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor is counted by the illuminance pulse counting means, and whether or not the counted number of illuminance pulses is equal to or greater than the reference pulse number corresponding to the reference illuminance. The corresponding reference value achievement signal is output. The operation input determination means can determine the presence or absence of the player's operation based on the reference value achievement signal. That is, the operation input determination process can be executed by counting the illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor by the illuminance pulse counting means. Therefore, complicated software control is not required, the software load can be reduced, and high-speed processing can be performed.

  Further, according to the gaming machine operation determination method according to the present invention, the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate arranged in front of the gaming machine frame is measured by the visible light sensor by the gaming machine, and the gaming machine is based on the illuminance. The operation of the player in front of the player can be detected.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of a center accessory in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1. It is AA sectional drawing shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the 2nd visible light sensor typically. (A) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a perspective view. It is the schematic cross section which showed the state which held the hand ahead of the 2nd visible light sensor. It is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram of the operation input determination part based on illumination intensity data. The illuminance pulse counting unit is shown in a circuit diagram. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a reference value achievement flag signal and a latch signal. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine process in an operation determination procedure. It is a flowchart which shows the reference | standard illumination intensity data acquisition process in an operation determination procedure. It is the figure which showed typically the count process of the illumination intensity pulse signal in the illumination intensity reference data acquisition process as a timing chart. It is a flowchart which shows the operation input determination process in an operation determination procedure. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the visible light sensor which concerns on a modification. It is the figure which showed the outline of the analog circuit diagram which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame 3, a gaming board unit 5, a front glass (light transmission plate) 10, a launch unit (not shown), and a storage tray 14. The launch units can launch the balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launching handle 15 described later, a ball is launched toward the game area 16 by a launch unit, and a game by the flow of the ball is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine or a coin game machine, and various game machines. In short, a gaming area that realizes a game by the flow of gaming media. Any gaming machine you have is included. In addition, in the pachinko machine, any pachinko machine such as a combination pachinko machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball machine, a so-called digipachi type (one type) or a honey mono type (two types) pachinko machine can be conceptualized. In this embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit to be described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface of the pachinko machine 2 and the front side or the rear side in addition thereto. In addition to the game board unit, various mechanism parts such as various control boards and paths for game media, which are described later, are arranged on the inner side of the gaming machine frame 3. Unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from is prevented.

  A casing frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, a machine frame 9 that is swingably supported by a hinge portion 22 inside the pachinko machine 2 to hold the game board unit, and a hinge portion 22 that opens and closes the front of the machine frame 9. The gaming machine frame 3 is configured to have a decorative frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported in a swingable manner and that decorates the front glass 10 and its surroundings. The front glass 10 is a transparent member for allowing the player to visually recognize the game board (game device body) 6 held inside the gaming machine frame 3 from the front.

  The front glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The front glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glass plates and is held on the back side of the decorative frame 12. The front glass 10 has a function of forming a flowing space in which the ball 23 flows down between the game board 6 and the player. A function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized through, and a function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6.

  The storage tray 14 is a tray member disposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to store the player's ball, and has an upper tray 14a and a lower tray 14b in the present embodiment. The upper plate 14a has a ball discharge button 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, a lower portion of the decorative frame 12, and the lower plate 14b is disposed further below the upper plate 14a.

  The launching unit is for firing (bulleting) the ball 23 sent from the upper plate 14a as a part of the storage tray 14 to the firing position by a ball supply device (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. It is. The launch unit includes, for example, a launcher that shoots the ball 23 at the launch position, a launch motor that drives the launcher, a launch spring that urges the launcher to generate a ball force, and the like. It is attached to the machine casing 9. For launching the ball by the launch unit, a launch handle 15 is provided below the front surface of the pachinko machine 2 to realize on / off of the launch of the ball and adjustment of the launch intensity based on the operation of the player.

  The game board unit has a game board 6 in which a center object 7 as a game object is arranged in the approximate center on the game board surface 6a side, and a number of gauges (game nails) 27 are also provided on the game board surface 6a. Has been placed. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display screen 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed. The center accessory 7 is provided with a visible light sensor 40 capable of detecting an object in front of the front glass 10, and details thereof will be described later.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the ball 23 on the surface side thereof, and the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held in a machine casing 3 (in this embodiment, a machine casing 9 as a part of the gaming machine casing 3). A rail ornament 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the periphery, and an inner side surface 26a of the rail ornament 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. A substantially circular area defined by the inner side surface 26 a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the inner side surface 26 a is a game area 16.

  The gauge 27 is a flow changing member that collides with the ball 23 flowing down the game area 16 and changes the flow direction thereof, and a large number are arranged in the game area 16. Also, in the game area 16, a winning member 28 such as a normal winning port 28, a starting winning port 29, a central grand winning port 31, and an out port 30 are arranged. Furthermore, a passing gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the ball 23 that flows down flows into each ball entry member, passes through the passing gate 33, and rotates the windmill 34. As a result, it is possible to enjoy the downstream game by the ball 23.

  The center accessory 7 is configured to cover the periphery of the effect display device 7a, and realizes a symbol variation game (one type game). A first symbol display device 17 as a symbol display means is arranged on the upper part of the center accessory 7, and an effect display device 7 a is arranged in the center of the center accessory 7.

  The first symbol display device 17 displays the variation of the first symbol 17a, which is the lottery result of the lottery means. The first symbol 17a is a symbol corresponding to the result of the first lottery executed when the ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29. When the variable display of the first symbol 17a stops in a predetermined winning manner, a big hit as the first special game occurs.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, etc., and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display screen 7b. It is. On the display screen 7b of the effect display device 7a, the first decorative symbol 7c linked to the first symbol 17a is displayed. The first decorative symbol 7c is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means, and corresponds to the first game. In addition, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display screen 7b. An effect control board 120 as a game control means is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board 120.

  On the back side of the game board 6, there is a main control board case 35 containing a main control board 100 as a game control means for controlling the entire pachinko machine 2, and control and visibility of effects such as image display of the effect display device 7a. An effect control board case 36 containing an effect control board 120 for performing object detection control of the optical sensor 40, a payout control board case 37 containing a payout control board (not shown) for controlling the payout of prize spheres, and a power source A power supply substrate case 38 that accommodates a substrate (not shown) is disposed. A game is realized by each control board accommodated in each control board case. Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6.

  Next, the visible light sensor 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a front view of the center accessory 7 removed from the gaming machine frame 3, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. The visible light sensor 40 is a sensor that measures the illuminance in front of the front glass 10. The center accessory 7 has a display opening 7d formed at the center. The first visible light sensor 41, the second visible light sensor 42, the second visible light sensor 42 are provided on the left side, upper center, right side, and lower right of the display opening 7d. A third visible light sensor 43 and a fourth visible light sensor 44 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the visible light sensor 40 includes an illuminance detection unit 40 a that detects illuminance, and an illuminance pulse output unit 40 b that frequency-converts and outputs the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit 40 a. It is configured to output the measured illuminance in pulses. When the illuminance is high, the frequency increases, and the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor 40 in a certain time increases. On the other hand, when the illuminance is low, the frequency is low, and the number of illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor 40 in a certain time is reduced.

  The four visible light sensors have the same configuration, and in the present embodiment, the second visible light sensor 42 among the four visible light sensors 40 will be described. 5 and 6 are diagrams schematically showing the second visible light sensor 42. FIG. FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a front view, and FIG. 5C is a perspective view. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the player is operating.

  The 2nd visible light sensor 42 is provided with the measurement part 42a which measures the illumination intensity ahead of the front glass 10, the cover member 42b which shields the disturbance light from outer periphery, and the sensor board | substrate 42c, from the measurement part 42a. Measure the illuminance in a radially expanded range. Around the second visible light sensor 42, a light emitting unit 7e having a light emitting unit is disposed, and disturbance light from the light emitting unit 7e may enter the measuring unit 42a. However, since the cover member 42b is provided, the disturbance light from the surroundings can be shielded, and the influence of the disturbance light on the illuminance can be reduced. The cover member 42b has a cylindrical shape that covers the periphery of the measurement unit 42a and is erected in the front-rear direction.

  In the present embodiment, the second visible light sensor 42 is disposed on the front end surface of the center accessory 7 to shorten the distance between the second visible light sensor 42 and the front glass 10. When the distance between the second visible light sensor 42 and the front glass 10 is long, the light from the light emitting part 7e provided around the second visible light sensor 42 is reflected by the front glass 10, and this reflected light is measured by the measuring part 42a. There is a risk of entering. By shortening the distance between the second visible light sensor 42 and the front glass 10, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to irregular reflection.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the player's hand is placed in front of the second visible light sensor 42. The second visible light sensor 42 performs illuminance measurement by receiving light from a range radially extending from the measurement unit 42a. As shown in FIG. 6, when the player holds his / her hand in front of the second visible light sensor 42, the illuminance decreases as compared to before holding the hand. On the other hand, when the hand held in front of the second visible light sensor 42 is removed from the front of the second visible light sensor 42, the illuminance is higher than before the hand is moved. Based on this illuminance change, the presence or absence of a player's operation is determined. The operation input determination process by the player will be described later.

  Next, the game flow of the pachinko machine 2 will be described. When the ball 23 is launched by a ball launching device (not shown), the ball 23 travels along the inner peripheral surface of the rail decoration and reaches the upper part in the game area 16. Thereafter, the ball 23 moves along a plurality of passing trajectories and flows down the game area 16 while colliding with the game nail. Some things flow into the regular winning opening 28 and trigger a certain number of prize ball payouts, and some flow into the out opening 30 located at the bottom of the game area without flowing into any winning opening. The ball is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 2.

  When the ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29, the first symbol display device 17 displays the first symbol 17a. Further, along with the display of the first symbol 17a, an image effect display is performed on the display screen 7b of the effect display device 7a. In addition to the effect display, an image effect display is performed by the effect display device 7a in accordance with an operation by the player using the visible light sensor 40.

  The display of the first symbol 17a and the first decorative symbol 7c stops after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation. When the first symbol 17a and the first decorative symbol 7c are stopped in a predetermined winning manner, the game shifts to a first special game which is a game state advantageous to the player, and the opening / closing operation of the central special winning opening 31 is started. The central grand prize opening 31 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and a large amount of prize balls are paid out to the storage tray 14.

  Next, the system configuration of the pachinko machine 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the pachinko machine 2. In the pachinko machine 2, a control means having a main control board 100 and an effect control board 120 performs operation control of the pachinko machine 2, effect control of the effect display device 7a, etc., object detection control by the visible light sensor 40, and game progress control. Do. Various components such as a normal winning opening 28, a starting winning opening 29, a central winning opening 31, a first symbol display device 17 and an effect display device 7a as display devices are electrically connected to the control means. Has been.

  The main control board 100 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and includes a main control unit 100a capable of executing various game controls. By the main control unit 100a, the first lottery means 101 and the first symbol determination are performed. Each function of the means 103, the hold storage means 104, the symbol display control means 105, the pattern storage means 107, the ball entry determination means 108, and the special game control means 109 is configured to be executable.

  The effect control board 120 includes a CPU 120c, a RAM 120e, a ROM 120d, and the like, and includes a main control unit 120a capable of executing various game controls. The main control unit 120a provides an effect determining means 121, an effect control means 122, Each function of the effect pattern storage means 123, the operation input determination means 124, the illuminance pulse counting means 125, and the illumination adjustment means 126 is configured to be executable. Each function included in the main control board 100 may be configured to be mounted on the effect control board 120, or each function included in the effect control board 120 may be mounted on the main control board 100. You may comprise.

  The first lottery means 101 is a first for determining whether or not to shift to the first special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, when the ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29. Get a random value. The first lottery means 101 holds a plurality of success / failure determination tables that are referred to in the determination on whether or not to shift to the first special game based on the random number value. In the plurality of success / failure determination tables, a lottery result of winning or losing and a random value are associated with each other, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the range setting of the random value associated with the winning. The first lottery means obtains a lottery result based on the first random number value. The acquired lottery result is temporarily stored in the hold storage unit 104.

  The first lottery means 101 refers to the normality probability determination table at the normal time, and refers to the normality determination table at a higher probability than the normal probability when the probability variation is higher than normal. The first lottery means 101 appropriately selects and refers to any one of the plurality of success / failure determination tables, and determines whether or not the random number value is a win.

  The first random number value can be configured to be acquired from a value in a range from “0” to “65535”, for example. The random number may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like.

  The holding storage unit 104 stores the lottery result of the first lottery unit 101. The number of holds in the hold storage unit 104 has an upper limit, and the lottery result is stored until the number of holds in the hold storage unit 104 reaches a predetermined upper limit. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holds in the hold storage unit 104 is four. The number of holds held by the holding means is displayed with a lamp or the like so that the player can check the number of holds.

  The first lottery result which is the lottery result of the first lottery means 101 is displayed on the first symbol display device 17 as the first symbol 17a. In addition, in conjunction with the first symbol 17a, an effect display including the first decorative symbol 7c is performed on the display screen 7b of the effect display device 7a. The first symbol determining means 103 determines the first symbol 17 a to be displayed on the first symbol display device 17 according to the lottery result of the first lottery means 101.

  The pattern storage means 107 includes a first symbol pattern table to be referred to in order to determine a stop symbol pattern of the first symbol 17a. In the first symbol pattern table, a plurality of first symbol patterns associated with the first symbol 17a, the lottery result, and the variation display pattern of the first symbol are stored.

  Each first symbol pattern has a variation mode from variation start to stop when the symbol is variably displayed. The variation mode includes a design variation mode and a variation time. The variation time is the time from when the symbol starts to vary until the symbol stops, and is defined as a symbol variation end condition. When the fluctuation time elapses, the symbol fluctuation is stopped. The variation time is set to be different for each first symbol pattern.

  The first symbol determination means 103 acquires the lottery result of the first lottery means 101, refers to the first symbol pattern table, and determines the stop symbol of the first symbol 17a. The first symbol determination means 103 sends information indicating the determined stop symbol and the first symbol pattern to the symbol display control means 105 and the effect control means 122.

  The entrance determination means 108 determines the entrance of the ball into each winning opening. Upon receiving the winning detection information of the start winning opening sensor 29a provided in the starting winning opening 29, the winning determination means 108 determines that the starting winning opening 29 has been won. When the winning determination means 108 receives the winning detection information of the big winning opening sensor 31a provided in the central big winning opening 31, it determines that the central big winning opening 31 is won. In addition, when the winning determination means 108 receives the winning detection information of the normal winning opening sensor 28 a provided in the normal winning opening 28, it determines that the normal winning opening 28 has been won.

  The symbol display control means 105 causes the first symbol display device 17 to variably display the first symbol 17 a based on the first symbol pattern determined by the first symbol determination means 103 based on the first symbol determination means 103. The symbol display control means 105 transmits a variation start command and a variation stop command to the effect control means 122 at the timing of starting and stopping the variation display of the first symbol 17a. By sending this command, the variable display by the symbol display control means 105 and the effect control means 122 can be synchronized and kept linked.

  When the lottery result by the first lottery means 101 is a win, the special game control means 109 executes the first special game by opening the central special winning opening 31. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the central special winning opening 31 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is constituted by one or a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing unit. The unit game is repeated up to 15 times, for example, and the central special winning opening 31 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 109 ends the special game when the unit game is consumed a predetermined number of times.

  The effect determining means 121 determines the stop symbol and the decorative symbol variation display pattern of the first decorative symbol 7c based on the first symbol pattern. The effect pattern storage means 123 should be referred to in order to determine a specific effect using the decorative symbol variation display pattern table 123a to be referred to in order to determine the decoration symbol variation display pattern and the visible light sensor 40 as the operation member. A specific performance pattern table 123b. The decorative symbol variation display pattern is associated with the symbol variation display pattern of the first symbol 17a and the first symbol 17a.

  Each decoration symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which a variation mode from variation start to stop when a decoration symbol is variably displayed. The variation mode includes a design variation mode, a variation time, and an effect display mode of effect display. The effect determining unit 121 selects a decorative symbol variation display pattern in which a variation time equal to the symbol variation display pattern is set according to the symbol variation display pattern determined by the first symbol determination unit 103.

  The effect determining means 121 sends to the effect control means 122 an effect command composed of the determined decorative symbol variation display pattern command and an additional information command to be added based on the information determined by the operation input determining means 124 described later. For example, when there is a player's operation input and operation input information is input from the operation input determining means 124, the effect determining means 121 uses the decorative symbol variation display pattern command and the added additional information command as an effect command. It sends to the production control means 122. On the other hand, if there is no operation input by the player and no operation input information is input from the operation input determination means 124, the effect determination means 121 sends the decorative symbol variation display pattern command to the effect control means 122 as an effect command.

  The effect determining unit 121 selects a specific effect pattern as additional information from the specific effect pattern table 123b at a predetermined opportunity, such as when the first random number value by the first lottery unit 101 is a predetermined value. The specific effect pattern includes a player's operation input pattern performed via the visible light sensor 40 and an effect mode given to the player based on the operation input. The effect determining unit 121 sends information on the determined specific effect pattern to the effect control unit 122 as an additional information command.

  The effect control unit 122 displays, for example, an image that prompts the player to input an operation on the effect display device 7a based on the specific effect pattern determined by the effect determining unit 121. The first visible light sensor 41, the second visible light sensor 42, and the third visible light sensor 43 are detection means for detecting a selection operation by the player, and the fourth visible light sensor 44 is a determination operation by the player. It is a detection means to detect.

  Specifically, for example, the effect control means 122 displays three options and the position of the visible light sensor 40 to be operated corresponding to each option on the display screen 7b of the effect display device 7a. When the player tries to select one of the options, when the player approaches his / her corresponding visible light sensor 40, the illuminance in front of the visible light sensor 40 decreases, the illuminance pulse counting means 125 detects the illuminance, and the operation input determining means The player's operation input is detected by 124. The effect control unit 122 emits light around the detected visible light sensor 40 and displays options corresponding to the detected visible light sensor 40 on the display screen 7b. The illuminance pulse counting means 125 is a means for counting the illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor 40, and will be described in detail later.

  Next, the effect control means 122 displays an image for confirming whether or not the option displayed on the display screen 7b is correct, that is, whether or not the selection operation by the player is correct, and displays an image prompting the determination operation when it is correct. . Then, when the player approaches the fourth visible light sensor 44 in an attempt to perform a determination operation, the player's operation input is detected by the change in illuminance in front of the fourth visible light sensor 44. When the fourth visible light sensor 44 detects a decision input, the effect control unit 122 determines that there is an input for selecting a predetermined option, and sends the selected and input decision information to the effect control unit 122.

  The effect control unit 122 selects an image effect pattern to be displayed on the display screen 7b from the image effect pattern table based on the determination information determined by the effect determining unit 121 and the specific effect pattern. The image effect pattern is configured to be determined based on the player's operation input. For example, when the player provides a quiz and the player's choice is correct, the quiz is correct An image showing that is displayed. On the other hand, if the option selected by the player is incorrect, an image indicating that the quiz is incorrect is displayed.

  The operation input determination means 124 performs a player operation input determination process based on the illuminance change detected by the visible light sensor 40. The operation input determining means 124 is configured to send the player's operation input information to the effect determining means 121, and the effect determining means 121 is configured to determine the additional information command based on the presence / absence of the operation input information. Has been.

  The reference illuminance data determination unit 124a is a unit that determines a reference illuminance that is a determination reference for operation input, and determines a reference value in a reference illuminance acquisition process described later. The reference illuminance data output means (reference illuminance output means) 124 b outputs the reference illuminance determined by the reference illuminance determination means to the illuminance pulse counting means 125. The timer counting unit 124 c is a unit for counting the processing time in the illuminance pulse counting unit 125.

  The reset unit 124d is a unit that performs a reset process in the illuminance pulse counting unit 125, and the count of the illuminance pulse is started by performing the reset process by the reset unit 124d. The illumination adjustment unit 126 is a unit that adjusts the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 7e disposed around the visible light sensor 40.

  According to the pachinko machine 2 configured as described above, the illuminance in front of the front glass 10 is measured using the visible light sensor 40, the player's operation input is detected based on the illuminance, and the movement of the player It is possible to execute production control based on the above.

  Next, the player's operation input determination process based on the illuminance measured by the visible light sensor 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the operation input determination portion based on the illuminance data as a block diagram. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing an illuminance pulse counting unit to be described later.

  The main control unit 120a includes a reference clock generation circuit 120b, a CPU 120c, a ROM 120d, a RAM 120e, an output circuit unit 120f, and an input circuit unit 120g. The reference clock generation circuit 120b is a circuit that generates a reference clock that is an operation reference of the CPU 120c that plays a central role in the control, and generates pulses at a predetermined interval using a crystal oscillator, a crystal resonator, or the like. In the present embodiment, the reference clock generation circuit 120b generates a 4.096 MHz pulse, and this pulse itself is used as a reference clock. In other embodiments, the reference clock may be obtained by appropriately dividing the pulse.

  A control program to be executed by the CPU 120c and data necessary for the control process are described in the ROM 120d. The numerical values of the parameters generated and changed during the control process are temporarily stored in the RAM 120e.

  The input circuit unit 120g is for receiving input information from outside the effect control board 120 and a signal from the illuminance pulse counting means 125 provided in the effect control board 120, and is configured by an IC such as a buffer. The The output circuit unit 120f outputs a read signal for reading a signal such as a control signal to an electrical component outside the effect control board 120 and a signal from the illuminance pulse counting means 125 provided in the effect control board 120. It is composed of an IC such as a buffer.

  Next, functional blocks of the illuminance pulse counting means 125 will be described with reference to FIG. The illuminance pulse counting means 125 counts the illuminance pulses output from the visible light sensor 40. Specifically, the illuminance pulse counting means 125 includes a low-pass filter circuit (low-pass filter means) 125a, an illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b, and a pulse count circuit ( (Illuminance pulse counting means) 125c, a latch signal output circuit 125d, and a reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e.

  The illuminance pulse counting means 125 is based on the illuminance data measured by the visible light sensor 40 and obtains a reference value that is a criterion for determining a player's operation input, and a reference obtained by the reference illuminance data acquisition process. An operation input determination process for determining whether or not there is an operation input by the player based on the value and the illuminance data measured by the visible light sensor 40 is configured to be executable.

  First, the function of each circuit will be described. The illuminance data measured by the illuminance detection unit 40a of the visible light sensor 40 is frequency-converted into an illuminance pulse, and this illuminance pulse is input to the illuminance pulse counting means 125 via the illuminance pulse output unit 40b. . The illuminance pulse is input to the low-pass filter circuit 125a. The low-pass filter circuit 125a is a circuit that outputs only a low frequency component of the electric signal in the input illuminance pulse.

  When the input illuminance pulse is a low frequency component of the electric signal, the input illuminance pulse is output to the illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b. On the other hand, when the input illuminance pulse includes a high frequency component of the electric signal, only the low frequency component of the electric signal of the input illuminance pulse is output to the illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b.

  In this embodiment, when the illuminance is relatively high, it is difficult to determine whether or not the player has operated, so the low-pass filter circuit is used. However, in other embodiments, a high-pass filter circuit may be used ( (See FIG. 9).

  The illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b (IC7B) inverts the illuminance pulse data output from the low-pass filter circuit 125a, and outputs this as an inverted pulse to the latch signal output circuit 125d (IC7A). In the IC 7B of FIG. 9, a functional part that outputs a signal obtained by inverting the signal output from the 1Q terminal as an inverted signal and that is output from the inverted 1Q terminal constitutes the illuminance pulse inverting circuit 125b.

  That is, the rising edge of the illuminance pulse corresponds to the falling edge of the inversion pulse, and the falling edge of the illuminance pulse corresponds to the rising edge of the inversion pulse. In this embodiment, an illuminance pulse inversion circuit is configured using a flip-flop circuit. The reason why the flip-flop circuit is interposed is that when the output from the visible light sensor 40 is directly output, a fan-out problem or a waveform may be distorted. With this configuration, it is possible to output an illuminance pulse having a stable waveform to another device.

  The pulse count circuit 125c is configured by a circuit in which four 4-bit increment counters (IC1 to IC4) are connected, and is added at the rising edge of the illuminance pulse and outputs the addition result. The illuminance pulse from the illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b is input to the pulse count circuit 125c via each CK terminal.

  In response to the input of the illuminance pulse, first, the count is added from “0000” to “1111” in the IC 1. When “1111” changes to “0000” again, a carry signal (high signal) is output from the CO terminal of IC1 to the ENT terminal of IC2. In IC2, the count is added only when a high signal is input to the ENT terminal.

  Similarly, a carry signal from IC2 is required for the count addition of IC3, and a carry signal from IC3 is required for the count addition of IC4. In addition, a load value corresponding to a reference value described later is input from the A terminal to the D terminal of IC3, and count addition of IC3 starts from the load value. Specifically, when the load value of the A terminal is 0, the load value of the B terminal is 1, the load value of the C terminal is 0, and the load value of the D terminal is 0, the carry signal from the IC2 is input to the ENT terminal. Then, the count addition starts from “0010” instead of “0000”.

  Then, the carry signal from IC3 is input to IC4, the count addition of IC4 is performed, and when the signal from the QD terminal of IC4 becomes a high signal, the high signal from the QD terminal becomes D1 of the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e. Input to the terminal. That is, the count is added from “0000” in IC4, and when it becomes “1000” (when “QD = 1”), the QD terminal of the pulse count circuit 125c is high from the D1 terminal of the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e (IC5). A signal is input. The signal from the D1 terminal is a reference value achievement signal.

  In the present embodiment, the signal from the QD terminal is used as the reference value achievement flag signal, the high signal at the QD terminal is the high signal of the reference value achievement flag, and the low signal at the QD terminal is the low signal of the reference value achievement flag. is there. When the count value of the illuminance pulse reaches the reference value, the signal from the QD terminal becomes a high signal. On the other hand, if the count value of the illuminance pulse does not reach the reference value, the signal from the QD terminal is a low signal. That is, when the signal from the QD terminal becomes a high signal, this means that the count value of the illuminance pulse has reached the reference value.

  When the illuminance is relatively high, the number of pulses in a predetermined time is large, and the count value in the predetermined time is high. On the other hand, when the illuminance is relatively low, the number of pulses in the predetermined time is small, and the count value in the predetermined time is low. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the illuminance is high or low based on the count addition time until the high signal is output from the QD terminal.

  The latch signal output circuit 125d is configured by a flip-flop circuit. The latch signal output circuit 125d is configured to receive an inversion pulse from the illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b and a clock signal from the CPU 120c. When an ON signal (high signal) is input as the clock signal, the latch signal output circuit 125d delays the rising edge of this signal so as to be synchronized with the rising edge of the inversion pulse, and outputs the latch signal. Output from the 1Q terminal to the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the reference value achievement flag signal and the latch signal. When the illuminance pulse signal is input to the CK terminal of IC1 constituting the pulse count circuit 125c, and the signal from the QD terminal of IC4 becomes a high signal by the count addition of the input illuminance pulses, the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e is set. The signal at the D1 terminal of the IC 5 to be configured is also a high signal. A time difference Δt1 (ns) is generated between the rising edge of the illuminance pulse input to the IC1 and the rising edge of the illuminance pulse input to the D1 terminal of the IC5 by processing such as count addition.

  The read signal from the CPU 120c to the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e is input from the CPU 120c, and the signal from the CPU 120c and the signal from the illuminance pulse count circuit 125c are not synchronized. Therefore, depending on the timing, a read signal from the CPU 120c may be input when the illuminance pulse input to the D1 terminal of the IC 5 rises, and the reference value achievement flag signal may not be read accurately.

  Therefore, the signal input to the CLK terminal of the IC 5 is input so as to be synchronized with the rising edge of the illuminance pulse input to the pulse count circuit 125c. By providing the illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125b, the signal from the CPU 120c and the signal from the illuminance pulse count circuit 125c can be synchronized.

  The reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e temporarily stores a reference count value achievement flag signal, and outputs the stored reference count value achievement flag signal based on a read signal from the main control unit 120a. The latch signal from the latch signal output circuit 125d is input to the CLK terminal in the register unit (IC5) of the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e. The reference value achievement flag signal (signal from the QD terminal) inputted from the pulse count circuit 125c at the time of the rising edge when the inputted latch signal becomes a high signal is stored in the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e. It becomes.

  A read signal is input from the G1 terminal in the buffer unit (IC6) of the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e. That is, the G1 terminal functions as a read signal input unit. The reference count value achievement flag signal stored in the register unit is output to the CPU data bus at the falling edge when the read signal input from the read signal input unit becomes a low signal.

  If the reference count value achievement flag signal is a high signal when a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 120c determines that the measured illuminance is higher than the reference value and that there is no operation by the player. On the other hand, when the reference count value achievement flag signal is a low signal when a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the measured illuminance is lower than the reference value and the player has operated.

  Next, the main routine of the operation determination process configured as described above will be described in detail. When the power of the pachinko machine 2 is turned on, game processing is executed according to the main routine shown in FIG. First, necessary parameters are initialized (R1). The initialization includes data backup processing, data erasure processing recorded in the RAM, and the like, and is processing performed before the game is executed. Next, the illuminance reference data acquisition process shown in R2 is executed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of illuminance reference data acquisition processing. The illuminance reference data acquisition process is an acquisition process of a reference value that is a determination reference when determining whether or not there is an operation by the player, and is executed at a first predetermined opportunity. In the operation input determination process described later, when the measured illuminance is lower than the reference value, it is determined that there is an operation on the assumption that the illuminance is lowered by the player holding the hand. On the other hand, when the measured illuminance is higher than the reference value, it is determined that there is no operation because the illuminance is high without the player holding his hand.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the illuminance pulse signal counting process in the illuminance reference data acquisition process as a timing chart. (A) is a state with high illuminance, (c) is a state with low illuminance, and (b) is a state between illuminance (a) and (b).

  First, reference illuminance data acquisition processing will be described with reference to FIG. The light adjusting unit 126 turns on the light emitting unit 7e arranged around the visible light sensor 40 so as to have a light emitting mode similar to that in the operation determination process (S201). This is because if the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 7e is different between the measurement of the reference value and the measurement of illuminance for operation determination, the illuminance changes due to the change of the light emission mode, and there is a possibility that the presence or absence of the operation cannot be accurately determined. . In addition, the time of operation determination here is the time of execution of the player's operation input, and specifically, the time when the game by the flow of the ball 23 is realized.

  Next, “0” is input to the reference value of the pulse count circuit 125c (S202). Specifically, “0” is written from the A terminal to the D terminal of the IC 3. Thus, the count addition starts from “0000” when the carry signal from IC2 is input to IC3. Next, the reset means 124d resets the counter (S203).

  In the present embodiment, the visible light sensor 40 always measures the illuminance, and the illuminance pulse from the visible light sensor 40 is always input to the illuminance pulse counting means 125. Therefore, the count value is already written when the reference value is measured. Therefore, the counter is reset. Specifically, “0” is written from the QA terminal to the QD terminal from IC1 to IC4 of the pulse count circuit, and “0” is written to the D1 terminal of the reference value achievement flag storage circuit 125e.

  Next, a timer is started by the timer counting means 124c (S204). After the reset processing, the count addition starts from “0000” in the IC1 of the pulse count circuit 125c. Therefore, the count addition time is monitored by a timer. Then, the reference value is appropriately set according to the time until the signal from the QD terminal of the IC 4 becomes a high signal (the reference value achievement flag signal becomes a high signal).

  First, after waiting for A time to elapse after starting the timer (S205), a reference value achievement flag is read (S206). It is determined whether or not the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal (S207). When the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal at time A, since the number of pulses input at time A is relatively large and the illuminance is high, the reference illuminance data setting means 124a uses the high illuminance data as a reference value. It is set (S208), and a setting completion flag is set (S209). Since the player's operation input determination can be executed, the process returns to the main routine process.

  On the other hand, when the reference value achievement flag signal is a low signal in S207, since a predetermined number of illuminance pulses are not input in the A time, the process waits for the B time longer than the A time to elapse (S210). Then, the reference achievement flag signal is read (S211), and it is determined whether the reference achievement flag signal is a high signal (S212). If the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal, medium illuminance data is used as a reference value. Is set (S213), and a setting completion flag is set (S214). Since the player's operation input determination can be executed, the process returns to the main routine process.

  If the reference value achievement flag signal is a low signal in S212, the process waits for C time longer than B time to elapse (S215), and reads the reference achievement flag signal again (S216). Then, it is determined whether or not the reference achievement flag signal is a high signal (S217). If the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal, the low illumination data is set because the illumination is relatively low (S218), A setting completion flag is set (S219). Since the player's operation input determination can be executed, the process returns to the main routine process.

  In S217, if the reference value achievement flag signal is a low signal, a predetermined number of illuminance pulses have not been input even after C time has elapsed, but low illuminance data is set (S220). This is because the reference illuminance data acquisition process cannot be completed when the low illuminance data is not set. However, since the operation input determination process cannot be executed using the low illuminance data as a reference value, the setting flag is reset (S221) and the process returns to the main routine process. By resetting the setting flag, the reference illuminance data acquisition process is executed again at the time of operation input determination described later.

  That is, by executing the reference illuminance data acquisition process, one of high illuminance data, medium illuminance data, and low illuminance data is set as a reference value, and the process is terminated. In this embodiment, the low illuminance data is set even when the reference value achievement flag is low even after C time has elapsed, but the reset flag is set together with the low illuminance data set, You may comprise so that a reference | standard illumination intensity data acquisition process may be performed again after predetermined time passes.

  As another configuration, when the reference value achievement flag signal is a low signal even after the elapse of C time, the low illumination data is not set and the operation input determination process in the main routine is not executed. . In the case where the operation input determination process is not executed, control is performed so that an effect process for prompting the player's operation input and an effect such as a game triggered by the operation input are not executed.

  Next, in FIG. 11, after the reference illuminance data acquisition process (R2) is completed, the normal game process is executed (R3). A normal game is a game realized by a gaming device body. For example, in the case of a pachinko machine 2, the game is realized by the flow of a ball in a game area 16 provided in the game board 6, and is a game that is applied to a slot machine. It is a combination game of symbols displayed on a reel.

  The player's operation input determination process is executed at such a second predetermined opportunity during the normal game (R4). FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation input determination process. First, it is determined whether or not a setting completion flag is set (S401). If the setting completion flag is not set, the reference value data is not set and the operation input determination process cannot be executed, and therefore the reference illuminance data acquisition process is executed (R2).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S401 in FIG. 14 that the setting completion flag is set, the reference illuminance data output means 124b outputs the illuminance data set in the reference illuminance data acquisition process to the illuminance pulse counting means 125, A reference value corresponding to the illuminance data is set (S402). Specifically, the reference value data corresponding to the illuminance data is written as a load value from the A terminal of the IC3 in the pulse count circuit 125c to the D terminal. Next, the counter is reset (S403), and count addition is started from “0000” in IC1 of the pulse count circuit 125c.

  Next, a timer is started by the timer counting means 124c (S404). After a predetermined time has elapsed since the count addition was started (S405), the reference value achievement flag signal is read (S406). Then, it is determined whether or not the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal (S407).

  When the reference value achievement flag signal is a high signal, the number of pulses in a predetermined time is relatively large and the illuminance is high. Therefore, it is determined that there is no operation by the player, and the process returns to the main routine process. On the other hand, when the reference value achievement flag signal is a low signal, the number of pulses in a predetermined time is relatively small and the illuminance is low. Therefore, it is determined that the player has operated, the operation input determination flag is set (S408), and the process returns to the main routine process.

  Next, after the operation input determination process (R4) in FIG. 11, an effect determination process is executed (R5). The effect determining means 121 appropriately selects the effect pattern stored in the effect pattern storage means 123 based on the operation input determination result, and executes the effect determining process. For example, when there is a player's operation input, an effect appropriately selected according to the operation input timing is provided, and when there is no player's operation input, an effect that prompts the operation input again is provided. Can be.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the operation of the player in front of the pachinko machine 2 using the visible light sensor 40. Further, the player's operation determination processing is executed by updating the illuminance data output from the visible light sensor 40 with an electric circuit, so that complicated software control is not required and the burden on the software is reduced. Can be processed at high speed.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary. For example, in the present embodiment, the player's operation input determination process is executed during the normal game, but the player's operation input determination process may be executed before the normal game. Good.

  Specifically, an image that prompts the player's operation may be displayed on the effect display device 7a or the like in a state where the game is not being executed, and the player's operation input determination process may be executed. In this way, by executing the player's operation input determination process before the normal game, the player who has not passed the game, such as a player who has passed the front of the gaming machine, is raised, and the player's interest is increased. Can be increased.

  As another configuration, the player may be prompted not to hold the hand or the like over the visible light sensor 40 when executing the reference illuminance data acquisition process. For example, when acquiring the reference illuminance data, if the player holds his / her hand over the visible light sensor 40, the illuminance decreases, and there is a possibility that the reference value serving as the determination criterion for the input operation cannot be set accurately. Therefore, for example, the player is prompted to place a hand in a place other than the front of the visible light sensor 40, and the reference illuminance data acquisition process is executed in a state where the front of the visible light sensor 40 is not blocked. May be.

  Further, the reference illuminance data acquisition process may be configured to be executed every time the power is turned on, or may be configured to execute the reference illuminance data acquisition process again after setting the reference illuminance data. Accordingly, the reference data may be updated as appropriate. For example, the illuminance data may be measured every time a predetermined time elapses, and the reference value may be reset when there is a difference between the measurement data and the reference value. The operation input determination accuracy can be improved by appropriately updating the reference value.

  In addition, the cover member of the visible light sensor in the present embodiment is provided on the outer periphery of the light receiving unit and is configured to shield disturbance light from the outer periphery. can do. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a visible light sensor according to a modification. (A) shows the visible light sensor 50 according to the first modification, and (b) shows the visible light sensor 51 according to the second modification. Note that the visible light sensors according to the first and second modifications are different from the embodiment in the shape of the cover member, but are the same in other configurations, and the description of the similar configurations is omitted.

  The visible light sensor 50 according to the modified example 1 includes a light receiving unit 50a, a cover member that blocks disturbance light to the light receiving unit 50a, and a sensor substrate 50e. The cover member includes a side surface 50b that covers the side of the light receiving unit 50a, and a front surface 50c that covers the front of the light receiving unit 50a, and a hole 50d penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the front surface 50c. . The visible light sensor 50 is configured to measure the illuminance in front of the front glass 10 through a hole 50d formed in the front surface 50c, and shields disturbance light from other than the hole 50d, while the front glass 10 The illuminance in front of 10 can be measured.

  The visible light sensor 51 according to Modification 2 is different from the visible light sensor 51 according to Modification 1 in the positions of the holes. The visible light sensor 51 includes a light receiving portion 51a, a cover member, and a sensor substrate 51e. The cover member includes a side surface 51b and a front surface 51c, and a hole 51d is formed in the front surface 51c. The visible light sensor 51 is inclined so that the wall part that defines the hole part 51d descends forward. Therefore, the visible light sensor 51 measures the illuminance in a range that spreads forward and downward through the hole 51d. As described above, it is possible to measure the illuminance in an arbitrary range by appropriately changing the shape of the cover member, the arrangement and angle of the holes formed in the cover member, and the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the visible light sensor 40 that outputs illuminance data in a pulse shape is used. However, a photodiode that is output in analog may be used as another configuration. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an outline of a circuit diagram in the case of analog output. PD1 is a photodiode as a visible light sensor, IC1 is a comparator, and IC2 is a digital variable resistor.

  The output current value of the photodiode PD1 changes according to the amount of light received. Due to the current from the photodiode PD1, the point A becomes a voltage value based on the resistor R1, and this voltage value is given to the + input of the comparator (IC1). On the other hand, a resistance value between the A and W terminals of the IC 2 is determined by a signal from the main control unit 120a, and a voltage based on this resistance value is applied to the B point, that is, the negative input of the IC 1.

  For this reason, the output of IC1 is the result of voltage comparison between point A and point B. That is, when the output current from the PD 1 is small (the amount of light is small), the voltage at the + terminal of the IC 1 becomes lower than the voltage at the − terminal, and the output of the IC 1 is the “L” voltage. When the voltage is large (the amount of light is large), the voltage at the positive terminal of IC1 becomes higher than the voltage at the negative terminal, and the output of IC1 is a voltage of “H”. Note that the digital resistor of the IC 2 is responsible for changing / setting the resistance value corresponding to the reference value in this circuit.

  Specifically, as a method of measuring the reference illuminance, in a state in which the player is not operating, the resistance value between A and W is changed stepwise from the preset default value, and the output of IC1 is “L”. Is obtained as a resistance value when the player is not operating. Then, a reference value is set based on the acquired resistance value. The reference value is calculated based on the acquired resistance value in consideration of the amount of change in a state where the player does not operate (a state where the visible light sensor is not blocked). By setting a resistance value corresponding to this reference value, it is possible to set a reference value according to the ambient illuminance or the like.

  Using the visible light sensor according to the embodiment, the illuminance was measured when the visible light sensor was shielded and when the visible light sensor was not shielded, and the change of illuminance due to the operation was verified. The illuminance was measured with four patterns in which the illumination mode around the pachinko machine was changed. (A) is measured with the pachinko machine placed directly under the fluorescent lamp, (2) is measured with the illuminator directly illuminated on the pachinko machine, and (3) is from the state of (c) The measurement was performed in a state where the illuminators were spaced apart and irradiated with an illuminance of 500 lx, and (d) was measured with the illuminator disposed at the same position as in (c) and irradiated with an illuminance of 300 lx.

  Moreover, in any measurement state, the game state of the pachinko machine was changed and the measurement was performed, and the measurement was performed in three game states: special game execution, normal game, and power-off. The measurement results are shown in Table 1.

表１に示すように、いずれの照明状態及びいずれの遊技状態においても、可視光センサの前方を遮蔽することにより、遮蔽していない状態と比較して照度が低下している。ホールにおけるパチンコ機の設置状況を考えると、照明具を直接照射することはほとんどないと考えられる。よって、蛍光灯直下の状態と照明具を離間して配置した状態における測定結果から１００ｌｘ〜１２０ｌｘを基準値として設定することができる。いずれの照明状態及びいずれの遊技状態においても、遮蔽時の照度は１００ｌｘ以下であり、１００〜１２０ｌｘを基準値とすることにより、遊技者の操作を比較的高い精度で検出することができる。

As shown in Table 1, in any lighting state and any gaming state, the illuminance is reduced by shielding the front of the visible light sensor as compared to the unshielded state. Considering the installation situation of pachinko machines in the hall, it is considered that there is almost no direct illumination of lighting equipment. Therefore, 100lx to 120lx can be set as the reference value from the measurement result in the state immediately below the fluorescent lamp and the state in which the illuminator is arranged apart from each other. In any lighting state and any gaming state, the illuminance at the time of shielding is 100 lx or less, and the player's operation can be detected with relatively high accuracy by using 100 to 120 lx as a reference value.

2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: Gaming machine frame 4: Housing frame (part of gaming machine frame)
5: Game board unit 6: Game board (game device body)
6a: Game board surface 7: Center character 7a: Effect display device 7b: Display screen 7c: First decorative pattern 7d: Display opening 7e: Light emitting portion (light emitting means)
9: Machine frame (part of gaming machine frame)
10: Front glass (light transmission plate)
12: Decoration frame (part of the gaming machine frame)
14: Reservoir 14a: Upper plate 14b: Lower plate 14c: Ball discharge button 15: Launch handle 16: Game area 17: 1st symbol display device 17a: 1st symbol 22: Hinge (swing support)
23: Ball (game media)
26: Rail decoration 26a: Inner side surface 27: Gauge (game nail)
28: Normal winning opening 28a: Normal winning opening sensor 29: Start winning opening 29a: Starting winning opening sensor 30: Out opening 31: Central winning opening 31a: Large winning sensor 32: Decoration member 33: Passing gate 34: Windmill 35: Main control board case 36: production control board case 37: payout control board case 38: power supply board case 39: external output terminal board 40: visible light sensor 40a: illuminance detection unit 40b: illuminance pulse output unit 41: first visible light sensor 42: second visible light sensor 42a: measuring unit 42b: cover member 42c: sensor substrate 43: third visible light sensor 44: fourth visible light sensor 50: visible light sensor 50a: light receiving unit 50b: side surface 50c: front surface 50d: Hole portion 50e: Sensor substrate 51: Visible light sensor 51a: Light receiving portion 51b: Side surface 51c: Front surface 51d: Hole portion 51e: Sensor substrate 100: Main control Plate (control means)
100a: main control unit 101: first lottery means 103: first symbol determination means 104: hold storage means 105: symbol display control means 107: pattern storage means 108: entry determination means 109: special game control means 120: effect control Substrate (control means)
120a: main control unit 120b: reference clock generation circuit 120c: CPU
120d: ROM
120e: RAM
120f: Output circuit unit 120g: Input circuit unit 121: Production determining unit 122: Production control unit 123: Production pattern storage unit 123a: Decoration pattern variation display pattern table 123b: Specific production pattern table 124: Operation input determination unit 124a: Reference illuminance Data determining means 124b: reference illuminance data output means (reference illuminance output means)
124c: Timer counting means 124d: Reset means 125: Illuminance pulse counting means 125a: Low-pass filter circuit (low-pass filter means)
125b: Illuminance pulse inversion circuit 125c: Pulse count circuit (illuminance pulse count means)
125d: latch signal output circuit 125e: reference value achievement flag storage circuit 126: illumination adjustment means

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that realizes gaming;
A gaming machine frame containing the gaming device body;
A light transmissive plate having light transmissivity disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine frame;
A visible light sensor that is provided on at least one of the gaming apparatus body and the gaming machine frame and measures the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate;
On the basis of the front of the illumination changes of the light transmitting plate as measured by the visible light sensor have a, and a control means for determining whether the player's operation in front of the light transmitting plate,
At least one of the gaming apparatus body and the gaming machine frame is a method for determining the operation of a gaming machine provided with light emitting means ,
The control means is
Measuring the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate by the visible light sensor at a first predetermined opportunity, and setting a reference illuminance serving as a reference for operation determination based on the measured illuminance;
Measuring the illuminance in front of the light transmission plate using the visible light sensor at a second predetermined opportunity after setting the reference illuminance;
Sequentially comparing the reference illuminance and the measured illuminance,
The control means determines that there is a player's operation when the measured illuminance is lower than the reference illuminance, and the illumination mode is substantially the same at the first predetermined opportunity and the second predetermined opportunity. A game machine operation determination method for controlling light emission of the light emitting means .

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