JP6675751B2 - Switch device and game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device that receives a pressing operation, and a gaming machine including the same.

  In recent years, games using a spinning-type gaming machine called a pachislot machine have been actively performed in a conventional pachinko hall or a pachislot exclusive hall. There is also a spinning-type gaming machine called a pachinko-lot (or parrot) that performs the above-mentioned spinning-type game using a pachinko ball used in a pachinko machine (ball-and-ball game machine) as a game medium. In video game machines such as amusement facilities, and in personal computers and game machines of ordinary households via the Internet, a token-type coin (ie, "game media") is used to play a spinning game. Is being conducted in a simulation game.

  For example, in the normal game of the above-mentioned spinning-type gaming machine, when a player inserts a predetermined number (a predetermined amount) of game medals (game media, credits or tokens), and then operates a start lever, a bonus, a plurality of The internal lottery (or also referred to as "internal lottery") of the small role or replay role (replaying role) is executed, and a plurality of winding drums (in most cases, three or four reel drums) are A variable display game in which a plurality of symbols (usually, the symbols are drawn on a reel tape and affixed on each drum) arranged on the winding drum is started by rotating downward. At the same time, the player operates the stop button corresponding to each drum, and when a symbol such as a bell, a watermelon, a cherry, etc. of the internally won small portion is displayed on the activated line in a predetermined combination, a winning is won. When about 15 game medals are paid out, when the replay symbol is displayed on the activated line and replay (re-game) is activated, no game medal is inserted (or the number inserted in the previous game is directly inserted). Then), a re-game state where the next normal game can be performed.

  In particular, in the case of a spinning-type gaming machine referred to as an A type, a big bonus (1 type BB or 2 types BB) is internally won according to a result of an internal lottery of a normal game, and specified by an individual stop operation of a reel drum. When the symbols (for example, seven red symbols and seven blue symbols) are stopped and displayed on the activated line, a big bonus game mode (BB game mode: character continuous operation) which is the most advantageous game mode for the player Device operation), and a large number of game medals can be obtained at a stretch. When the regular bonus is won and the bar symbols are aligned on the activated line as a specific symbol, a regular bonus game (RB game) is executed, and a suitable game medal can be obtained although it is not as good as the BB game. In any case, for the player, establishing these bonus games is of the utmost concern in the torso game. When a bonus game is won or released as a result of executing an internal lottery, a bonus flag is set up in a data storage area such as a RAM or RWM and stored, so that a specific symbol (7 symbols or a bar symbol) is obtained. Until is completed, the flag is carried over to the subsequent variable display game.

  By the way, the conventional spinning-type amusement machine (Unit 4) has relatively high gambling characteristics, and in order to suppress the gambling, the law on the regulation of customs business, etc. and the appropriateness of duties, etc. (Last revised: May, 1990) Law No. 55 of the Thirty-Sixth Day) was enforced, and it was applied to the latest spinning-type amusement machine called No. 5.

  For example, in the No. 5 spinning machine, the payout rate (short term, medium term, long term) is very finely regulated by rules, and in a big bonus game (BB game), the number of game medals and the like obtained is The process ends when a predetermined number of cards (for example, 360 or 480) is exceeded. In the regular bonus game, the game ends when about 100 or more dozens of cards are obtained, although they do not reach the BB game. In other words, due to the rule amendment, the upper limit of the number of payouts in one bonus game and the increase speed of medals are limited to a low value.

  In addition, the bonus stock function for continuously releasing bonuses (continuous chanting), which can be said to be the biggest feature of the conventional spinning-type gaming machine (No. 4), was prohibited by the same rule, resulting in the conventional slot machine. Ingenuity and features imparted to the machine itself are lost, and of course the gameability and gambling are extremely reduced, and the players (slotters) who have been good customers are moving away from customers.

  However, even in such a strict regulation situation, the regulation has been somewhat relaxed, and as a result, new measures have been taken, and as a result, a slot machine equipped with an ART function (assist replay time function) has been developed. . The ART function is a symbol stop operation procedure (operating sequence of a stop switch and an operation timing for aiming at a color of a bonus symbol) for winning a small winning combination internally in a high-probability replay state in which a replay is easy to win. ) Is notified by liquid crystal display or voice to assist (assist), and is currently the mainstream of the No. 5 slot machine.

  In addition, a gaming machine as described above is generally provided with a push button switch (one form of an operation member). The push button switch accepts a pressing operation by the player, and for example, by performing an effect according to the operation, it is possible to greatly improve the interest of the gaming machine. Examples of push button switches provided in gaming machines include those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 7.

JP 2007-044269 A JP 2009-142557 A JP 2012-048970 A JP 2013-164907 A JP 2013-183904 A JP 2014-086292 A JP 2015-128563 A

  The push-button switch disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document has various configurations, but is generally configured to be turned on by being pressed by a pressing operation, and to return to the original state and be turned off by releasing the pressing. For this reason, the mode in which the push button switch enhances the interest of the gaming machine is only to prompt the player to perform a switch operation by blinking an LED built in the button when a chance comes during a game, for example. Therefore, despite the fact that many push button switches are arranged in a gaming machine, there is a limit in improving the interest of the gaming machine with the push button switch.

  In such a situation, for example, when the push button switch is controlled so as to protrude only during the period in which the operation is valid (in this case, to protrude at the start of the period and store it at the end of the period), An impact on the player can be given by the movement of the switch, and the interest of the gaming machine can be further improved. In the following description, such control for projecting or storing the operation member may be referred to as “projection storage control” for convenience. According to the pop-out storage control, it becomes easy for the player to understand the timing at which the push button switch should be operated, and it is also easy to prevent an erroneous operation (operation at an invalid operation timing).

  As a mechanism to which the pop-out storage control can be applied, for example, an actuator such as a motor is connected to the push button switch, and the actuator moves the push button switch according to whether or not the operation is valid. And a mechanism for causing this to occur. The actuator in this mechanism pushes out and pushes out the push button switch at the start of the period in which the operation is valid, and retracts and stores the push button switch at the end of the period (the actuator returns to its original position).

  However, according to this mechanism, if the protruded push button switch cannot be stored for some reason, the actuator connected to the push button switch cannot return to the original state. Therefore, there is a possibility that an excessive load may be applied to the actuator or a malfunction of the gaming machine may occur. Possible causes of such a situation include, for example, a player accidentally (or intentionally) gripping the protruding push button switch, and deformation or breakage of the push button switch.

  On the other hand, when the actuator is not connected to the push button switch in the above mechanism, the actuator is not restrained by the push button switch and returns to the original state even if the protruded push button switch cannot be stored. Can be done. However, in this case, the actuator cannot positively retract and store the protruded push button switch.

  Therefore, if the protruding push-button switch is not properly pressed, a problem may occur that the push-button switch does not return to the state before being protruded (the housed state). In particular, when the push button switch does not project upward, the push button switch may not return due to its own weight, and the push button switch may be in a protruding state forever. As described above, according to each of the above-described mechanisms, a problem may occur with the application of the pop-out storage control.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that can easily suppress a problem associated with the application of the pop-out storage control, and a gaming machine including the switch device.

In order to achieve the above object, a switch device according to the present invention includes an operating member that is reciprocally movable between a storage position and a projecting position, a pushing operation for pushing the operating member from the storage position to the projecting position, and A drive mechanism for performing a return operation for returning to a state before execution of the pushing operation, and a biasing unit for biasing the operation member from the protruding position toward the storage position, and A switch device for receiving a pressing operation of the operating member toward a position, wherein the driving mechanism supports a driving member movable independently of the operating member and the operating member against the bias. a generally plate-like support member to stay to the storage position, anda mounting fixed driving bar bearing member to the rear side of the operating member, by reciprocating the drive member, and the extrusion operation Performs serial return operation, the side center of the region after the drive bar receiving member, said receiving portion for receiving the end of the drive member is provided, the receiving portion is a saucer-like shape facing rearward from the rear It is possible to catch the leading end of the approaching rounded drive member, the drive member is a substantially rod-shaped that allows the reciprocating movement through a through hole provided in the support member, It is characterized by being driven by an actuator provided on the side opposite to the operation member when viewed from the support member.

  According to this configuration, it is easy to suppress a problem associated with the application of the pop-out storage control. For example, even if the drive mechanism is not connected to the operation member, the operation member can be returned to the storage position by the action of the urging portion. The “storage position” here is a position where all or a part of the operation member is stored in a predetermined member (which corresponds to a base member in the present embodiment), and the “projection position” is a storage position. This is a position where it is projected from the predetermined member as compared with. Further, the storage position and the protruding position are not necessarily limited to always fixed positions, and may slightly change before and after the pushing operation and the returning operation, for example.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the switch device according to the first aspect, the operation member having the enlarged diameter portion is fitted into the fitting hole having the reduced diameter portion. The outer surface of the operating member is slidably supported, and the inner surface of the fitting hole slidably supports the enlarged-diameter portion, so that the operating member slides in the fitting hole and the storage position. And the projecting position is reciprocally movable, and the urging portion is disposed so as to surround an outer surface of the operation member in a space formed between the reduced diameter portion and the enlarged diameter portion. Characterized in that it is a coil spring.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the switch device according to any one of the first to second aspects, when the operation member moves a predetermined amount from the projecting position to the storage position, A return operation is performed.
A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided with the switch device according to any one of the first to third aspects.
More specifically, as the above configuration, the drive mechanism has a drive member movable independently of the operation member, and performs the pushing operation and the return operation by reciprocating the drive member. It may be configured. More specifically, the configuration further includes a substantially plate-shaped support member that supports the operation member against the bias and stays at the storage position, and the driving member includes a through-hole provided in the support member. It may have a substantially rod-like configuration that allows the reciprocating movement through a hole.

  Further, in the above configuration, the operating member provided with the enlarged diameter portion is fitted into the fitting hole provided with the reduced diameter portion, and the reduced diameter portion slidably supports the outer surface of the operating member, and the fitting hole includes The inner surface of the support member slidably supports the enlarged-diameter portion, so that the operating member slides in the fitting hole and is reciprocally movable between the storage position and the protruding position. The portion may be a coil spring disposed so as to surround an outer surface of the operation member in a space formed between the reduced diameter portion and the enlarged diameter portion.

  In the above configuration, the return operation may be performed when the operation member moves by a predetermined amount from the protruding position to the storage position. According to this configuration, it is possible to assist the player or the like in pressing the operation member. Further, a gaming machine according to the present invention has a structure in which the switch device having the above structure is provided. Note that the gaming machines here include a spinning-type gaming machine (slot machine) and a ball-and-ball-type gaming machine (pachinko machine).

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the switch apparatus which concerns on this invention, it becomes easy to suppress the trouble accompanying application of pop-out storage control. According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of the switch device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control circuit system of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control circuit system which controls a drum part. It is a block diagram of a structure of a drum part. It is a design layout table of a drum. It is a block diagram of a structure of a drum part. It is a block diagram of a structure of a drum part. 6 is a timing chart showing a relationship between signals. It is a schematic diagram of a left drum. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship with a left drum, a window part, and symbol position data. It is a symbol combination display determination diagram. It is a block diagram of a structure of a display effect device. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the storage state of an effect pattern table. It is a schematic diagram of an effect screen. It is a schematic diagram of an effect screen. It is a schematic diagram of an effect screen. It is a conceptual diagram of a general lottery table. It is a payout table showing the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of acquired medals. It is an external appearance perspective view of a mounting panel from an oblique front viewpoint. It is an external appearance perspective view of a mounting panel from an oblique rear viewpoint. It is sectional drawing of the drive mechanism periphery of an ejection button. It is an exploded perspective view of each part about a drive mechanism of a pop button. It is explanatory drawing regarding the combination of the output signal of a jump button sensor. It is a schematic diagram of a pop-out button and each state around it. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram relating to a pop-out button and its periphery. It is a flowchart of the main operation processing procedure of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart regarding pop-out button control. It is a flowchart regarding pop-out button control.

  A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to an example of a turning-type gaming machine using medals as a gaming medium.

  Note that “Replay” in the following description refers to a combination of pictures that can be played without making a bet in the next play in a pachislot (rotary-type gaming machine). The name on the pachislot test rules (rules on the recognition of gaming machines and the verification of model types) is replay (saiyuugi). In addition, the “replay role” may be a group replay role in which a plurality of replay roles 1 to n are simultaneously internally won, and any one of the replay roles has the highest priority (priority to the (bonus role)). It is supposed to work. That is, the "re-game" can be performed without inserting a game medal or the like (including using a game medal for a game by operating a button or other device related to the storage device). Game.

  In addition, "actuation" is a word including a state in which a symbol related to a replay or a combination of symbols related to a continuous actor device is displayed on an activated line, and is used in a small portion where a game medium is paid out. Synonymous with "winning". Therefore, in this specification, the term “prize” for the replay or the “prize” for the bonus combination may be used for convenience.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a gaming machine 1 (a spinning-type gaming machine) according to the present embodiment. 1A shows an overall view of the main body of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of the display LED block 4. As shown in FIG. Unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, left, and right used in the following description are as shown in FIG. 1 (however, with respect to a cross key described later, the up, down, left, and right directions indicate cross directions). The front-back direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper of FIG. 1, and the front side of the paper plane is the front.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in this figure is a gaming machine generally called a "pachi-slot machine", and the main body of the gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a housing 1a containing a rotating drum (drum unit 2) and a front door 1b. Is done.

  The front door 1b is a main part that can be called the face of a spinning-type gaming machine, and by adding various types of plating to a resin material to give a sense of quality, a gorgeous appearance and a solid feeling are given to the appearance. On the front surface of the front door 1b, an upper transparent panel 22a and a lower transparent panel 22b are fitted as upper and lower two transparent panels, and various designs are applied.

  Behind the upper transparent panel 22a, a display effect device 11 (or a video display device) for performing various effects according to the game situation is fixed with screws. The window portion 3 (symbol display window) is formed on the lower transparent panel 22b by attaching the design sheet 22c. The display LED block 4 (light-emitting display device) is mounted below the lower transparent panel 22b.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the display LED block 4 includes a display LED group including a plurality of LEDs [Light-Emitting Diode]. More specifically, the display LED block 4 includes a number-of-inserted LEDs 4a, a number-of-stored-medals display LED 4b, a number-of-medals-paid-out display LED 4c, a medal insertion display LED 4d, a replay display LED 4e, and a stop and error display LED 4f.

  The inserted number LED 4a displays the number of game medals or credits inserted from the medal insertion unit 5 or the max bet button 8 or the 1-bet button (not shown) for playing a game.

  The medal reserved number display LED 4b displays the number of credits (reserved number) of game medals in a range of, for example, a predetermined maximum number of 50. In addition, a payout effect display at the time of settlement of the stored medals is performed.

  The medal payout number display LED 4c displays the number of payout medals at the time of winning. In addition, the step setting value of the payout rate and an error code at the time of hitting or when an error occurs are displayed.

  The medal insertion display LED 4d lights up when a game medal can be inserted.

  The replay display LED 4e is turned on when replay is activated in the variable display game.

  The hitting and error display LED 4f is lit at the time of hitting and when a serious trouble (for example, a trouble other than the door opening) occurs.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a drum unit 2, a window unit 3, a medal insertion unit 5, a settlement button 6, a cross key 7, a max bet button 8, a start lever 9, a stop button unit 10, a display effect device. 11, a speaker section 12, a game state display LED section 13, a special button 14, a tray 15, a medal payout slot 16, a door keyhole 19, a return button 20, and a twin button 40.

  The drum unit 2 (reel drum unit) is built in the housing 1a, and includes three drums, a left drum 2a, a middle drum 2b, and a right drum 2c, a motor, an electric circuit, and the like. Inside each of the drums is provided a rotating body design display LED (not shown), which emits light (lights or blinks) or turns off according to various effects. That is, each drum is a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are displayed in a row from top to bottom, and in this case, a variable display game in which three symbol rows (a plurality of rows) are varied is started. It should be noted that, even when a symbol is displayed using a liquid crystal display device or the like instead of each drum, this is a variable display game in which a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are arranged is changed. The design on the reel tape affixed to the outer periphery of the drum unit 2 is visible through the transparent window 3.

  The medal insertion unit 5 is provided with a medal insertion slot into which a game medal (a game medium, which may be referred to as “coin” or simply “medal”) required to start the variable display game. The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot are counted by a medal selection device (or also referred to as a “selector”; not shown), and the number of medals normally inserted is added to the number of inserted LEDs 4a of the display LED block 4. Alternatively, it is displayed on the medal reserved number display LED 4b.

  The settlement button 6 is operated at the time of activation and release of the medal storage device (not shown), and at the time of paying out the inserted medal and the stored medal (credit).

  The cross key 7 is composed of four switches arranged up, down, left, and right and a decision button in the center. The upper and lower or left and right switches cannot be pressed at the same time. The operation is performed when viewing the history information of the game by up / down / left / right operation or determination operation, or displaying a combination symbol table or a payout table on the display effect device 11. A 1-bet button (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the cross key 7, and is used when one medal is stored in the medal storing device for playing a game. In some cases, a 1-bet button is not provided.

  The max bet button 8 (MAX bet button) is used to insert a maximum of three stored medals in the medal storage device for playing a game, or to set a maximum number of inserted medals (such as a bonus game) determined according to a game state. (1 to 3 sheets). Note that an LED is provided inside the max bet button 8, and is turned on when the max bet button 8 is operable.

  The start lever 9 (a part of the rotating body rotation starter) is used to simultaneously rotate (start) the drum units 2 after inserting a predetermined number of game medals necessary for playing a game. A game start display LED is provided around the start lever 9, and is turned on when a start operation is possible. When setting the payout rate in steps, the start lever 9 selects a desired set value selected from step values 1 to 6 (or 4-step jump numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and the like). Used to confirm

  The stop button unit 10 (also referred to as a “stop switch” as a synonymous name) is used to stop the rotating drum unit 2. The stop button unit 10 is constituted by three button groups (note that there are rarely four cases) of a left stop button 10a, a middle stop button 10b, and a right stop button 10c, and the drum unit 2 stops while the drum unit 2 is rotating. By operating the button unit 10, the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c corresponding to each button can be stopped. When the rotation of the three drums of the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rotations / minute) and the stop button unit 10 becomes operable, the stop button 10a is turned off. The LED built in the button 10b and the stop button 10c is turned on. When the left stop button 10a, the middle stop button 10b, and the right stop button 10c are used as three direction input means, they can correspond to leftward, upward, and rightward inputs, respectively.

  The display effect device 11 includes an FPD (flat panel display) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). And the like can be notified. Regardless of whether special glasses are used or not, recently, display effect devices capable of stereoscopic display have been manufactured at a low cost, and effect such as seven patterns in a tempai state (reach state) or a big hit state. Gaming machines employing a 3D display device from which an image jumps out are becoming mainstream.

  The loudspeaker unit 12 emits a warning sound during a change of a sound effect or a step set value according to various effects, or when the front door 1b is open or a trouble occurs. When a serious trouble (a selector error, a hopper error or a RAM error, but not including a door open) occurs, the error display LED 4f is turned on with a warning sound. The speaker unit 12 is disposed on each of the upper left and right sides and the lower side of the front door 1b.

  The game state display LED section 13 can effectively perform various light effects. In addition, the flashing is repeated as a warning display while the step set value is being changed, when the front door 1b is open, or when a trouble occurs. The game state display LED sections 13 are disposed on the upper left and right sides of the front door 1b.

  The special button 14 is used to display various games displayed on the display effect device 11 and information required according to the image effect (for example, an increase in a power level gauge, a display of a bonus formation pattern, a gun operation of a fighter, a drop of a bomb, The player himself / herself inputs or inputs the moving information of the characters and input information such as power-up, etc. once or repeatedly.

  The receiving tray 15 receives game medals paid out from the medal payout device 18 (see FIG. 2) through the medal payout opening 16 and can receive up to about several hundreds of them.

  The door keyhole 19 is used when opening the front door 1b with a door key, when releasing a stopped state (a state in which an operation for a medal-type game is disabled), and when releasing a game stop due to an error.

  The return button 20 (formally referred to as a “insertion medal clogging return button”) is used to send a game medal packed in a game medal selector (not shown) through which the game medal inserted in the medal insertion section 5 passes to a medal payout exit. Used when returning from 16.

  The twin buttons 40 are button-type operation switches, and are arranged one by one on the upper left and right sides of the front door 1b. Both the left and right twin buttons 40 are arranged at the center of the decoration simulating a vertically long cross, and can be recognized by a player as a so-called “cross button”. The twin button 40 is used when the player himself / herself inputs operation of various games displayed on the display effect device 11 and information required according to the video effect. The operation of the twin button 40 is activated when both the left and right buttons are pressed, and the twin button 40 trembles (vibration function operates) at the time of operation in order to enhance the effect.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a mounting panel 50 is mounted in a predetermined area below the front door 1b (area below the stop button unit 10 and above the medal payout opening 16). The mounting panel 50 has a substantially flat front surface, and particularly has a large size in the left-right direction, and is about 80% of the left-right size of the front door 1b. The vertical size of the mounting panel 50 is about 1/3 of the horizontal size.

  Further, a base member 51 shaped like a horizontally long cross is mounted and fixed on the front surface of the mounting panel 50 so as to swell forward. The base member 51 has its top end in the vertical and horizontal directions (each end of the cross) extending to the vicinity of the outer edge of the mounting panel 50, and plays a decorative role with an impact. A pop-out button 52 is provided at the center of the base member 51 (the center of the cross). The pop-out button 52, like the twin button 40, can be recognized by the player as a so-called “cross button”. The pop-out button 52 is appropriately controlled to protrude forward, and when protruding, a pressing operation by the player is effective. The pop-out button 52 and its surrounding configuration and operation will be described in detail again.

  Like the special button 14 and the twin button 40, the pop-out button 52 is used when the player himself / herself inputs various games displayed on the display effect device 11 and information required according to the video effect. Can be The information input by the special button 14, the twin button 40, and the jump button 52 is given to a sub-board (sub-block) to be described later, and is used only for various video and sound effects. Does not affect the results of

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gaming machine 1.

  A medal payout device 18 (medal hopper 18) is arranged in the center of the housing 1a and below the drum portion 2.

  A reflection plate 17 is provided at an upper right portion of the housing 1a, and a photo sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the front door 1b. When the front door 1b is closed, the LED light emitted from the photosensor is reflected by the reflection plate 17 and detected by the phototransistor. On the other hand, when the front door 1b is open, no reflected light is detected. Thus, the open / closed state of the front door 1b can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a power supply unit 21, a setting key switch 21a, an error release switch 21b, a power switch 21c, and a keyhole 21d.

  When the power switch 21c is turned on, the power supply unit 21 is supplied with power to each circuit block, and can perform a variable display game after an initial check and an initial setting.

  The setting key switch 21a (also referred to as a setting change permission switch) is used for performing a stage setting operation of the payout rate and a confirmation of the stage set value. By inserting the operation key into the keyhole 21d and rotating it, the state can be changed from OFF to ON or vice versa.

  The error release switch 21b is used when setting the payout rate stepwise or when canceling the stoppage of the game due to an error. The step setting value of the payout rate is displayed by the medal payout number display LED 4c, and the value is incremented by one each time the error release switch 21b is pressed, and returns to "1" after "6" is displayed, and the turnaround display is performed. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control circuit system of the gaming machine 1.

  The control circuit system is roughly divided into a main block (main board: a portion not surrounded by a broken line) and a sub block (sub-board: a portion surrounded by a broken line), whereas the main block controls the game result. The sub-block controls various effects that attract and interest the player, such as notifying and displaying the progress of the game and the result of the internal drawing. In addition, the sub-block, when the assist function is activated, determines whether the small part winning (the winning of the small part aiming to win) or the stop operation procedure for avoiding fall replay (the operation order and operation timing of the stop button unit 10). Notice.

  The main control unit 100 is an integrated one-chip microcomputer (for example, LEM50A-P manufactured by ELTEC) equipped with a microprocessor having a built-in CPU, and describes a predetermined data table area and a control procedure of the entire apparatus. A ROM 101 for storing a control program, a RAM 102 on which a counter, a register, and the like are formed and temporarily store information necessary for control (RWM: also referred to as a rewritable memory; not only a built-in memory but also an external RAM); Various registers, counters, and the like are provided. As will be described later, even if the power switch 28c is turned off or the power cord is unplugged, the RAM 102 retains all control data to be stored by a RAM backup power supply that is always supplied via a power connector. However, if the power connector itself is unplugged, power is not supplied, so the control data is erased (all clear or reset to 0) or meaningless information.

  The main control unit 100 includes a start SW sensor 110 (start switch sensor 110), three stop button sensors 120, a medal detection sensor 130, a bet button via an I / O port (not shown) and a data bus. The sensor 140 and the stage setting unit 150 are connected, and the main control unit 100 is configured to be able to receive input signals from these.

  The drum unit 2, the medal payout device 18 and the display LED block 4 are connected to the main control unit 100 via an I / 0 port (not shown) and a data bus. These various devices can be controlled by transmitting and receiving output signals.

  The main control unit 100 extracts one of the random numbers (0 to 65535) continuously generated by the built-in random number sequence generation unit 103 in accordance with the operation of the start lever 9 by the player. The internal lottery is executed, and the drum unit 2 (the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c), which is a symbol row of three (multiple rows) in which a plurality of (normally, 20 or 21) symbols are drawn. The symbol change display game is started by rotating ()). For example, in the random number lottery, any of the small winning combinations such as bell, cherry, watermelon, and plum are internally won (or multiple small winnings are simultaneously internally won), and the player operates the stop button unit 10 to stop. Is performed, the main control unit 100 individually stops the drum units 2 at predetermined positions based on the lottery result according to the operation order. As a result, if a predetermined symbol is displayed side by side on any of the activated lines set in the window 3, a winning is achieved. However, the number of activated lines is not limited to five, and may be changed according to the number of inserted medals, or may be appropriately increased or decreased to one or more according to the design specifications or the game state.

  A sub-control unit 160 is connected to the main control unit 100 via an I / O port (not shown) and a data bus, and control data (for example, coin insertion data, The lottery result, the winning situation data, the stage setting value data, the data indicating the switch operation state of the stage setting unit 150, etc.) are output to the sub control unit 160.

  Like the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 160 is an integrated one-chip microcomputer equipped with a microprocessor having a built-in CPU. The sub-control unit 160 includes a ROM 161 storing a control program describing a control procedure of the entire sub-block, A RAM 162 and the like, which are formed with a counter, a timer, a register, and the like, and temporarily store information necessary for control received from the main control unit 100, are provided. A plurality of BGM (background music) data are stored in the ROM 161. In particular, during a bonus game, BGM specially arranged in order to elevate the player's feelings according to the production scene. Selected and played as appropriate. It is not necessary to provide the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 160 separately, and it is also possible to use one control unit.

  The sub-control unit 160 includes a display effect device 11, a speaker unit 12, a game state display LED unit 13, a cross key sensor 111, a special button sensor 112, a door abnormality via an I / 0 port (not shown) or a data bus. The signal output device 113, the twin button sensor 114, the jump button sensor 115, and the stepping motor 57 (for jump button driving) are connected. The sub-control unit 160 can perform various controls by outputting necessary data and signals in addition to receiving input signals from these devices.

  The sub-control unit 160 executes an internal lottery using the random number extracted by the main control unit 100 in accordance with the start operation of the start lever 9, and receives a result notification of a big hit, a replay, various small wins or a loss, Before notifying the player of the lottery result, an effect lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform an effect on the display effect device 11, the speaker unit 12, and the game state display LED unit 13. When the sub-control unit 160 wins the effect lottery, it selects an effect image to be displayed from a plurality of effect images stored in a ROM 11c (see FIG. 13) described later and outputs the selected effect image to the display panel 11e.

  In particular, as will be described later, the sub control unit 160 determines that, when an AT bonus game is performed, when a push order small combination (a part of the first small combination and a plurality of partial push order prescribed small combinations) is internally won, The display effect device 11 displays assist information (auxiliary information) for aligning the winning first small winning symbol (for example, a bell symbol) on the activated line. This allows the player to easily win the first small role.

  When the cross key 7 is operated, the cross key sensor 111 outputs direction signals corresponding to the four directions of up, down, left, and right and a determination button operation signal at the center. The sub control unit 160 receives the direction signals, Various video effects, winning announcements, and the like according to the direction signal are displayed on the display effect device 11, and sound effects are generated from the speaker unit 12. In addition, the sub-control unit 160 displays a combination symbol combination, a small combination table, and a payout table on the display effect device 11 based on a signal from the cross key sensor 111.

  The special button sensor 112 outputs an ON signal (for example, HIGH signal) when the special button 14 is operated, and outputs an OFF signal (for example, LOW signal) at other times, and the sub control unit 160 receives this ON signal. In accordance with the timing and the number of times the pulse is received (referred to as a continuous hit), various games and their video effects, winning announcements, and the like are displayed on the display effect device 11.

  The door abnormality signal output device 113 is a device that detects the open / closed state of the door and outputs a control signal to the sub-control unit 160. When the main power is ON, the ON / OFF signal is output in accordance with the open / close of the front door 1b. On the other hand, when the main power supply is OFF, the main power supply is driven by the power supplied from the sub power supply (backup battery) to detect and store the abnormal opening and closing of the front door 1b when the main power supply is cut off. Even when the power is turned on, the sub-control unit 160 is notified of the abnormal opening / closing when the main power is turned off. Accordingly, even if the front door 1b is closed and it seems that there is no abnormality at all, the sub control unit 160 emits a warning sound when the main power is turned on, so that the manager of the game hall recognizes the abnormal situation. Accordingly, appropriate measures such as checking and checking the gaming machine 1 can be performed.

  The twin button sensor 114 outputs an ON signal (for example, HIGH signal) when the twin button 40 is operated, and outputs an OFF signal (for example, LOW signal) at other times, and the sub control unit 160 receives this ON signal. In accordance with the timing or the like, various games and their video effects, winning announcements, and the like are displayed on the display effect device 11.

  The pop-out button sensor 115 includes a first sensor 61 and a second sensor 62 (see FIG. 21, which will be described in detail later), and the position of the pop-out button 52 (directly, the rotation angle of the turntable 58 described later). ) Is output to the sub control unit 160 according to the detection result. Upon receiving this signal, the sub-control unit 160 can recognize that the pop-out button 52 has been pressed, and in response to the pressing operation, display various games and their video effects, winning announcements, and the like. 11 is displayed.

  The step motor 57 is a motor used for driving the pop-out button 52, and operates according to a pulse signal appropriately output from the sub control unit 160. The details of the control of the step motor 57 by the sub control unit 160 will be described in detail again. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the sub control unit 160 also controls light emission of the LED 54a (see FIG. 22).

  The medal detection sensor 130 includes a medal passing sensor and a proximity sensor (not shown), and outputs pulse signals of a number corresponding to the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 5. The main control unit 100 receives this pulse signal, executes counter logic processing at the rise and fall of the pulse signal, and displays the number of inserted LEDs 4a or the number of stored medals LED 4b in the display LED block 4 according to the number of pulses. The number of credits or the number of credits increased by the number of credits is controlled to be displayed.

  The bet button detection sensor 140 includes a 1-bet button detection sensor that outputs a pulse signal in response to an operation of the 1-bet button, and a max-bet button detection sensor that outputs a pulse signal in response to an operation of the max bet button 8. And is separately connected to two ports of the main control unit 100 (not shown in detail). The main control section 100 controls the display of the number of the input number LEDs 4a so as to correspond to the obtained pulse signal.

  When the player operates the start lever 9 after inserting a predetermined number of medals, the start SW sensor 110 outputs a start signal, and the main control unit 100 performs random number lottery or the like upon receiving the start signal. A driving pulse signal is output to the drum unit 2 at the same time that the variable display game is started. Note that the game performed by one operation of the start lever 9 is a variable display game of one game, and the player aims to acquire a bonus game (big bonus or regular bonus) and increase medals. Repeat the game. The bonus game means, for example, a first-class special role (RB), a first-class special role continuous operation (RBB), or a second-class special role continuous operation (CBB).

  Then, when the stop buttons 10a, 10b, and 10c are operated during the variable display game, the main control unit 100 individually stops the rotation of the corresponding rotary drums, and a predetermined winning combination is established (the symbol of each rotary drum). Is displayed in a predetermined combination, a winning is achieved.) When paying out medals, the payout number is displayed on a medal payout number display LED 4c in the display LED block 4, and this is displayed as a credit amount. In addition to the above, a medal stored number display LED 4b is displayed. When a payout operation is performed by the payment button 6 or when the number of credits exceeds, for example, the maximum number of 50, the main control unit 100 controls the drive of the medal payout device 18 to change the required number of medals. It is discharged from the payout port 16 and accumulated in the tray 15.

  Further, the main control unit 100 outputs control data (event data) relating to the internal winning and the like to the sub-control unit 160 when a replay or a small role, particularly, a bonus is internally won. When receiving the control data from the main control unit 100, the sub control unit 160 controls the lighting of the game state display LED unit 13 and the control of a voice synthesis LSI (not shown) for generating a sound effect from the speaker unit 12. , And various effect operations such as display control of characters and background images in the display screen of the display effect device 11 are performed.

  Reference numeral 150 denotes a stage setting unit, which performs a stage setting operation of the payout rate described later, so that the hall side can set a stage value according to a large amount of medals released at an event or a newly refurbished opening or a collection state for improving profitability. A desired setting value can be selected from 1 to 6 (or jump numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.).

  A stop setting unit (not shown) is connected to the main control unit 100, and if it is on (or “1”), after the bonus game is over, the insertion number LED 4a and the medal storage number display LED 4b are displayed. The total of the displayed medals is forcibly paid out, and the operation for performing the variable display game is disabled (stopped), and the speaker unit 12 emits a warning sound. In recent years, there are many slot machines that do not have the stop setting unit.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit system for controlling the drum unit.

  The drum unit 2 includes step motors 30a, 30b, and 30c for controlling rotation of three drums, a left drum 2a, a middle drum 2b, and a right drum 2c, and responds to a drive pulse signal from the main control unit 100. When each of the stepping motors 30a, 30b and 30c is driven and the drive pulse signals are continuously supplied to the three phases at the same time, a suction force is generated and the motor stops suddenly.

  The stepping motors 30a, 30b and 30c are of the 4-phase 1-2 excitation type and have 252 steps / rotation (1.43 degrees / step). Make one rotation. The main control unit 100 returns one index signal (reference signal or reference position signal) from the body sensors 31 a, 31 b, and 31 c, each of which is a photo interrupter provided for each drum. Position can be accurately grasped. That is, the resolution by one input pulse is 0.714 (degree / pulse). When the resolution is further increased, the rotation position can be grasped in detail by managing the time from the input pulse to the next input pulse and the rotation speed.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of the drum unit.

  The rotating motors of the step motors 30a (not shown), 30b (not shown), and 30c are respectively connected to the center portions of the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c, which are thick disk-shaped rotating bodies. And rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure (that is, from top to bottom). Further, on the outer peripheral portion of each drum, a left turning belt 32a, a middle turning belt 32b, and a right turning belt 32c, on each of which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, are attached. The winning combination is established (win or operation) if the displayed predetermined symbols) are displayed on the window 3 side by side on the pay line. The star mark, + mark, plum mark (black circle mark) and triangular mark in the figure are shown for the sake of convenience, and are different from actual ones, and are 7 patterns, a bar pattern, a bell pattern, a watermelon pattern and a cherry. A pattern or the like is generally used. Generally, the torso belt is called a reel tape.

  For each of the step motors 30a, 30b, and 30c, a body sensor 31a, 31b, and 31c (not shown) is provided. Each time the step motor rotates, an index signal is returned from the body sensor for one pulse. It comes to come. The main control unit 100 always grasps the symbol number and the rotation angle (24 divisions / design) at the reference position (for example, the lowermost position of the window 3) based on the index signal and the number of the output drive pulse signals. ing.

  FIG. 6 is a symbol arrangement table of the drum.

  On each of the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c, a winding belt (not shown) on which a left drum pattern, a middle drum pattern, and a right drum pattern are drawn makes a round around the outer periphery of each drum. Is attached to

  As shown in the example, each of the torso belts has 21 differently arranged symbols, and the big bonus symbols "Red 7" and "Blue 7" which activate the bonus, and the cherry of various small role winning symbols. , A watermelon, a bell, and a replay that activates a replay. It should be noted that the discarded symbol does not constitute any role even if stopped on the activated line, and "N" is printed in a circle in light gray, for example, so as to be inconspicuous to the player.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum unit, and FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state in which the right drum 2c is controlled to be retracted in time series.

  The main control unit 100 receives the start signal of the variable display game, and if the lottery result is a winning and the role is internally won, the main control unit 100 performs a pull-in control for drawing the symbol of the role on the activated line as much as possible. Do.

  For example, in a so-called reach state (or a tempai state) in which symbols "7, 7" are aligned on an effective line diagonally lower right of the left drum 2a and the middle drum 2b where the big bonus role is internally won and stopped, and When the symbol "7" is located within four frames from the line (that is, when the symbol "7" is located within five frames including the symbol on the activated line), when the right stop button 10c is stopped (see FIG. 7A )), The main control unit 100 performs a pull-in control for forcibly pulling the symbol “7” onto the activated line and aligning the symbol “7, 7, 7” so as to be a combination of “7, 7, 7” (see FIG. 7B). .

  On the other hand, even if one of the winning combinations is internally won by a lottery, if the predetermined symbol corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed on the activated line, it is not in a state advantageous to the player. For example, the big bonus game (BB game) does not operate unless it is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B. The pull-in control is performed not only for the right drum 2c but also for any of the left drum 2a and the middle drum 2b. The main control unit 100 sequentially calculates the number of sliding frames for the virtual stop operation symbol frame position in advance by referring to a stop table that determines the stop position of each drum according to the random number lottery result (internal winning or loss). Thus, a sliding frame number table for the first stop operation is completed. Then, when the stop button unit is actually stopped, the main control unit 100 moves the corresponding reel drum by the number of sliding frames corresponding to the symbol number at the reference position, and then stops so as to stop. Perform control. That is, the first stop operation position has a total of 63 frame positions (21 frames × 3 reels), and the number of sliding frames for all the frame positions is created in advance as a sliding frame number table.

  In the example of FIG. 7, in the tempai state, the symbol “7” of the right drum 2c is exactly four frames above, and is lined up on the active line as a target of pull-in control. However, this pull-in control is not limited to four frames, and the number of frames to be drawn-in can be increased or decreased by software control so as to adapt to design specifications or laws and regulations. In addition, when the random number lottery result is a winning in the general game, the sub-control unit 160 generates auxiliary information (operation sequence and operation information) for stopping the rotation of the rotating drum so that the symbols are displayed in a predetermined combination by the pull-in control. The assist information such as operation timing (AT information) is notified by the display effect device 11 or voice.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum unit, and FIGS. 8A and 8B show the state in which the right drum 2c is controlled to avoid (or kick).

  The main control unit 100 receives the start signal of the variable display game, and when the lottery result is lost and the winning combination is not established (when all the winning combinations are not internally won), the main control unit 100 wins or operates on the activated line. Avoidance control is performed so that the symbols of the combination (bonus, small combination, replay) are not aligned.

  For example, in a reach state (a tempai state) in which the symbols “7, 7” are aligned on the diagonally lower right effective line of the stopped left drum 2a and middle drum 2b without the big bonus part being internally won, and When the stop button 10c is operated in a state in which the symbol "7" is positioned within one frame from this activated line by the "eye pressing" (for example, it is called "biter pressing. FIG. 8 ( A)), the main control unit 100 performs the avoidance control of forcibly changing the pattern "7" to at least one position so that "7, 7, 7" is not aligned on the active line and forcibly causing loss. (See FIG. 8B). This avoidance control is performed not only for the right drum 2c but also for any of the left drum 2a and the middle drum 2b. In addition, avoidance control is performed so that an unwinned small winning symbol does not win. The pull-in control and the avoidance control (kick-off control) include a stop control based on a slide frame number table created in advance by the main control unit 100 with reference to a stop table according to the internal winning situation, and as necessary. It is performed by control control by a program.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a relationship among an index signal, symbol position data (frame data), a drive pulse signal, and a stop button sensor signal.

  FIG. 9A shows an index signal output from each of the torso sensors 31a, 31b, and 31c, and the main control is performed so that T1 is constant at 0.751 seconds (that is, 79.9 revolutions / minute). It is controlled by the unit 100.

  FIG. 9B shows the symbol position data of the rotating drum, and FIG. 9C shows the drive pulse signal.

  The symbol position data is generated by dividing the drive pulse signal, and the drive pulse signal is decremented by one for every 24 pulses. That is, based on the index signal, the symbol position data is "21" when the driving pulse signal is in the range of 1 to 24 pulses, the symbol position data is "20" when the driving pulse signal is in the range of 25 to 48 pulses, When the drive pulse signal is in the range of 49 to 72 pulses, the symbol position data is "19", ..., when the drive pulse signal is in the range of 481 to 504 pulses, the symbol position data is "1", and the symbol position data is 21 to 1. Turn around. That is, the symbol position data returns to "21" after "1".

  The drive pulse signal is a drive pulse of a prescribed pattern that is input to the motor coil to rotate the rotating drum in a fixed direction, and has eight pattern numbers of patterns 0 to 7 as can be seen from the drawing. When the pattern numbers 0 to 7 are repeatedly applied to the motor coils 1 to 4 phases three times as the driving pulse signal (that is, when 24 pulses are input), the rotating drum rotates from top to bottom by one symbol (one frame). I do.

  In particular, the input pulse phase data of the drive pulse input to the step motor is 5-bit data of 0 to 23 for driving the rotary drum by one frame, and the pattern numbers 0 to 7 are the lower 3 bits of phase data. Thus, the drive pulse corresponding to the pattern number is actually applied to the first to fourth phases of the motor coil. Therefore, even when only the pattern number is stored in the work RAM (RAM 102), it corresponds to the phase data storage means for storing the input pulse phase data.

  FIG. 9D shows a stop button sensor signal output when each stop button is operated. In this case, the main control unit 100 recognizes the symbol position data “11” and the input pulse phase data “10” (or the pattern number “2”) at the time when the stop button sensor signal rises.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the left drum 2a included in the drum unit.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the left drum 2a is rotating in the direction of the arrow (from top to bottom), and the cherry pattern is displayed in one of the upper, middle and lower stages of the three windows 3 indicated by solid lines. Is stopped, a prize is won, and a predetermined number of game medals are paid out. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the cherry symbol is stopped at the upper stage of the window 3.

  The main control unit 100 performs an internal lottery when the player performs a start operation of the variable display game, and as a result, when the upper stage cherry (cherry 1) is won, the position (timing) at which the stop button is operated. ), The pull-in control (see FIG. 7) or the avoidance control (see FIG. 8) of the cherry symbol is performed.

  FIG. 10B shows a range in which the pull-in control is possible. When the stop button 10a is operated at a position four frames above the position where the cherry symbol is in the upper stage, the main control portion 100 sets the window portion. The cherry symbol is stopped in the upper row of No. 3 (assuming that the Vita symbol is at the upper row position). It should be noted that since it takes about 36 ms to actually stop, it is located just above that, but for convenience of explanation, it is described in this way. In addition, since the stop is specified within 190 ms from the stop operation, there is a case where four frames cannot be slipped. The data of 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 10A and 0 overlapping with the cherry symbol indicate the number of sliding frames, and the main control unit 100 performs the stop calculation processing based on the winning combination, the stop control table, and the score information. Then, even if the player operates the stop button section 10 at any time and at any timing, the slide frame number table is created so that the stop control can be performed immediately.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 10 (C) and 10 (D) show a range in which the avoidance control and the like are performed. Even when the upper cherry is won, the main control unit 100 changes the cherry symbol from the upper position by four. When the stop button 10a is operated at a position above the top (that is, a position above 4 in FIG. 10A) or at a position slightly beyond the upper position, the stop button 10a is moved up or down one position from the upper position. Stop the cherry design one position below and lose it. That is, since the middle cherry (cherry 2) or the lower cherry (cherry 3) has not been won, the cherry symbol must be forcibly stopped outside the window 3.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the left drum 2a, the window 3, and the symbol position data.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the cherry design on the left drum 2a is frame number 8 and frame number 19 (see FIG. 8). Assuming that the lowermost position of the unit 3 is the measurement reference, the main control unit 100 sets the symbol position data “14” and the input pulse phase data “0” to the symbol position data “11” and the input pulse phase data “23”, or the symbol. When the stop button 10a is operated in the range of the position data "4" and the input pulse phase data "0" to the symbol position data "1" and the input pulse phase data "23", the cherry symbol is stopped at the upper stage and a winning is achieved. . In other words, even if the stop button 10a is appropriately operated, not only will a winning be achieved with a probability of 10/21, but if a winning notification is made, a skilled person can make a push and win with a probability close to 100%. .

  FIG. 12 is a symbol combination display determination diagram.

  When all three drum units 2 are stopped, the main control unit 100 performs a combination display determination of a symbol related to winning and operation on an activated line corresponding to the number of inserted game medals. For example, when three game medals are inserted and a cherry symbol of two payouts of the left drum 2a is displayed on the window 3, four upper tiers (2 × 2 lines: the second line and the second line) Four (2 lines), two (2 × 1 line: first line) for the middle stage and four (2 × 2 line: third and fifth line) for the lower stage. However, this effective line is a general one that has been conventionally used, and recently, as will be described later, there are many one-line and irregular lines.

  In addition, when the eight bell payout symbols are displayed on the effective line of the window portion 3, if only the middle tier is displayed, the eight tiers (8 × 1 line: the first line) and the upper tier and the lower right diagonally are used. For example, 15 (8 × 2 lines, but 15 MAX: second and fourth lines) game medals are paid out. In other words, game media of the number of payouts specified in accordance with the type of winning are paid out in total for the winning, but the maximum number of payouts at one time is 15.

  FIG. 13 is a configuration block diagram of the display effect device.

  The display effect device 11 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 11a that receives an effect command from the sub-control unit 160 and transmits necessary information, a display effect control unit 11b (including a ROM 11c and a RAM 11d), and an LCD, an organic EL, and an LED. And the like. In this case, the ROM 11c is separately provided in the display effect control unit 11b, but there is no problem even if all of the video data is stored in the ROM 161. Therefore, the ROM 11c may be considered as a part of the ROM 161.

  FIG. 14 is an effect pattern table in which the relationship between effect commands and effect pattern data stored in the ROM is associated.

  The effect command is composed of 1-byte length mode data and 1-byte length event data, and is stored in association with effect pattern data (mainly moving images, but still images) as effect contents.

  When the sub-control unit 160 receives control data necessary for various controls from the main control unit 100 (particularly, it includes various data indicating a large hit, a small hit, a replay or a loss of a random number lottery result), the random number is received. Before notifying the result of the lottery, an appropriate effect command corresponding to the control data is transmitted to the display effect device 11, and the transmitting / receiving unit 11a receives the effect command and transmits it to the display effect control unit 11b.

  Upon receiving the effect command, the display effect control unit 11b reads the effect pattern data corresponding to the effect command from the ROM 11c, develops the data in the RAM 11d, and transmits the data to the display panel 11e, thereby displaying the effect image corresponding to the effect command. It is configured to be displayed on the screen.

  15 to 17 are schematic diagrams of the effect screen displayed by the display effect device.

  When the sub-control unit 160 transmits, for example, ($ Z0 $ 00) as an effect command, the display panel 11e displays "daytime" of the low-probability stage mainly indicating a state where there is no stock of the pseudo bonus or a state where the pseudo bonus is difficult to win. Is displayed (see FIG. 15A). On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 160 transmits ($ Y0 $ 00) as a production command, the display panel 11e displays a high-probability stage indicating a state where there is a pseudo bonus stock and a high probability state where the pseudo bonus is easy to be won. “Night effect pattern 0” is displayed (see FIG. 15B). Therefore, the player expects or desires to display a “night production stage” mainly indicating the high probability state during the game. However, in the state where there is no pseudo bonus stock or in the non-high-probability state, it is a gasse production that displays the “night production stage”, and vice versa, the “day production stage” in the state where there is a pseudo bonus stock or high probability state May be displayed. Note that the pseudo bonus is a special game in which the assist function is activated, and the assist bonus starts when the pseudo bonus is released.

  Further, when the sub-control unit 160 transmits ($ S0 $ 00) as a production command, the display panel 11e superimposes "Dracula Castle" which is an image corresponding to "castle production pattern 0" on a blue sky background screen. It is displayed (see FIG. 15A) or displayed on the background screen of the moonlit night (see FIG. 15B), and then a bat of yellow, red, or blue from Dracula Castle is displayed. Pops out and displays a notification image corresponding to the established role (small role or replay) (see FIG. 15C).

  In the case where the effect of FIG. 15 (B) develops in multiple stages, a pseudo effect in which there is a pseudo bonus stock and the release probability is high, or the expectation of releasing the pseudo bonus is large or fixed. For example, FIG. 16A shows a state in which the outer gate of “Dracula Castle” is enlarged and the iron gate is about to open. Then, the invader enters Dracula Castle, the door expands (see FIG. 16B), the door is gradually opened (see FIG. 16C), and the inside of the glittering “Dracula Castle” is displayed (FIG. 16). (D)). After that, a battle between the protagonist and the Vampire Count Dracula develops, and if the protagonist wins, the release of the pseudo bonus will be confirmed due to the stock of the pseudo bonus, and the release of the real bonus will be confirmed because the inside of the real bonus has been won.

  From the state in which the normal screen of the night shown in FIG. 17A (same as FIG. 15B) is displayed, the display screen is scrolled to the left, the graveyard is enlarged, and the butler of the character is shouted “Ollah”. Along with the sound effect of “Tirolo Lorone”, the main character appears in the grave hole at the center of the screen (see FIG. 17 (B)), and the character “BONUS” meaning “big hit” is displayed ( (See FIG. 17 (C)) to provide a premiere effect. All of these display effects are executed by receiving control commands and event data from the main control unit 100, and outputting the effect commands according to the program by the sub-control unit 160.

  FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of a general lottery table.

  The lottery table is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101, and defines the relationship between the winning combination and the numbers used for random number lottery.

  In the case of the gaming machine 1, the main control unit 100 generates a random value. This random number value is such that all the values from 0 to 65535 (m7) are generated at random once in one cycle (about 6.5 ms). FIG. 18A shows a lottery table used in a normal state (non-RT state) where the loss probability is high. When the main control unit 100 performs an internal lottery in accordance with the timing at which the start lever 9 is operated, a random state is performed. If the numerical value is in the range of 0 to m1, the big bonus (BB) is won. That is, the internal lottery means that only one random number value is picked up (extracted) at the time of the start operation and is compared with a lottery table to determine a winning combination.

  Similarly, a regular bonus (RB) when the random value is in the range of m1 + 1 to m2, a cherry when the random value is in the range of m2 + 1 to m3, a watermelon when the random value is in the range of m3 + 1 to m4, and a bell when the random value is in the range of m4 + 1 to m5. Replay is won if the random number value is in the range of m5 + 1 to m6, while loss occurs if the random value is in the range of m6 + 1 to m7.

  Usually, these numerical values of m1 to m7 are appropriately set in consideration of laws and regulations (Winning Law) and game characteristics, but the BB winning probability is about “1/400” and the RB winning probability is “1/300”. , The cherry and watermelon winning probability is about 1/50, the bell winning probability is about 1/6, and the replay winning probability is 1 / 7.3. In addition, BB and RB are won independently, but may be won simultaneously with the rare role.

  On the other hand, FIG. 18B is a lottery table used in the high-probability replay state (RT state). In the replay time, the replay winning range is widened by α, whereas the loss range is narrowed by α. As a result, the replay winning probability is reduced to about “程度”. As a result, the probability of winning a replay corresponding to a three-piece payout is greatly increased, while the probability of a loss is reduced. Therefore, in the replay time, the expected value of payout of game medals is significantly improved or increased. . In addition, the main control unit 100 can set the expected value of the replay time to a desired value by increasing or decreasing the α value.

  Although a detailed drawing of the lottery table is omitted, there are six lottery tables 1, lottery tables 2,... Lottery tables 6 corresponding to the stage setting values 1 to 6 of the payout rate and the number of inserted medals (specified number). Selects a lottery table in accordance with the step setting value and the number of inserted medals set by the step setting unit 150, and executes a bonus game or an internal lottery of a plurality of small wins in the variable display game. Note that the expected value for winning the bonus game in the internal lottery is generally lottery table 1 <lottery table 2 <... <Lottery table 6, so that the player pursues the high setting table. However, in the case of a machine dedicated to three coins, a lottery table for one medal is unnecessary.

  FIG. 19 is a payout table showing the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of acquired medals.

  BB (Big Bonus) is a role name when the BB symbol of “Red 7” is aligned on the activated line. When the player is internally won, a flag 1 is set in the corresponding flag area, and when the symbols are aligned, the number of earned medals is obtained. Is 0, the game enters a big bonus game (BB game: operation of the continuous action device), and ends with payout exceeding 360 cards.

  The RB (regular bonus) is a role name when the RB symbol of “blue 7” is aligned on the activated line. When an internal prize is won, a flag 1 is set in a corresponding flag area. Is 0, the game enters the regular bonus game (RB game: operation of the continuous action device), and ends with payout exceeding 120 cards. In addition, any of these accessory continuous operation devices may be either a first-class special bonus or a second-class special bonus, and are appropriately selected according to design specifications.

  When the cherry symbol stops on the active line of the left drum, one medal is obtained for each active line. For example, in the case of the display determination diagram in FIG. 14, if the effective line is stopped at the middle stage of the left drum, the number is one, but if it is the upper stage or the lower stage, the number of effective lines is two, and the payout is two. When the watermelon symbols are aligned on the activated line, five medals are obtained. When the bell symbols are aligned on the activated line, eight medals are obtained.

  When the replay combination is internally won, the flag 1 is set in the corresponding flag area, and one of the replay operation symbols is always aligned on the activated line (also referred to as a replay combination prize). When the replay operation symbol is displayed, the replay without the medal is activated, and the flag is lowered (ie, set to 0) by performing the replay by operating the start lever 9 by the player. That is, the next game can be played without inserting medals. The timing of lowering the flag is arbitrary.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the pop-out button 52 and its surroundings will be described.

  FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the mounting panel 50 (provided with the base member 51 and the pop-out button 52) as viewed obliquely from the front. In FIG. 20, (A) shows a state in which the ejection button 52 is accommodated in the base member 51 (accommodated state), and (B) shows a state in which the ejection button 52 is projected from the accommodated state (projected state). I have. FIG. 21 is an external perspective view of the mounting panel 50 as viewed obliquely from the rear.

  As shown in FIG. 20, on the front surface of the mounting panel 50, a base member 51 (a member having both a decorative role and a role of supporting the pop-out button 52) imitating a horizontally long cross is screwed from behind. It is fixed by. A through hole is provided in the center of the front surface of the mounting panel 50, and a part of the base member 51 (a support wall 51b described later) is fitted into the through hole. In the base member 51, a through hole 51a is provided near each of the top, bottom, left, and right ends of the cross, and a projection 50b, which is a part of the mounting panel 50, is fitted into the through hole 51a.

  At the center of the base member 51 (the center of the cross), the pop-out button 52 is fitted so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and the protruding operation of the pop-out button 52 (transition from the stored state shown in FIG. 20 to the protruded state). And the storing operation (transition from the protruding state to the storing state shown in FIG. 20) is possible.

  On the upper and lower edges of the mounting panel 50, a plurality of mounting claws 50a are provided with a space left and right. The mounting panel 50 can be mounted and fixed on the front surface of the front door 1b using these mounting claws 50a. When the mounting panel 50 is mounted and fixed to the front door 1b, the front side is exposed to the front and plays a decorative role, but the rear side is hidden behind the rear side and cannot be seen from the outside.

  The mounting panel 50 is substantially transparent as a whole, and has a design sheet (not shown) attached to the front surface. On the front side of the mounting panel 50, this design sheet is exposed to the front except for the portion where the base member 51 is mounted and fixed. Further, inside the main body of the gaming machine 1, a light source (for example, many LEDs) for illuminating the entire mounting panel 50 from behind is provided. This makes it possible to make the entire design sheet look bright and illuminate each projection 50b.

  FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the drive mechanism from the right perspective (a view in which the pop-out button 52 is cut in a plane bisecting left and right), and FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of each part related to the drive mechanism.

  As shown in these figures, components disposed near the base member 51 include a button body 52a, a drive bar receiving member 52b, a coil spring 53, a board 54 (circuit board), a support plate member 55, a motor support member 56, A step motor 57, a rotary disk 58, a drive bar 59, a shaft pin 60, a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62, a sensor support member 63, and the like are provided. In FIG. 23, the display of the substrate 54 is omitted for easy viewing.

  In the center region of the base member 51, a thin, substantially cylindrical support wall portion 51b whose front and rear directions are axial directions is provided, and the ejection button 52 is slidably fitted inside the support wall portion 51b. It is a fitting hole HL. A reduced diameter portion 51c for reducing the diameter of the fitting hole HL is provided at a front end portion of the support wall portion 51b. The reduced-diameter portion 51c projects radially inward from the entire inner surface at the front end of the support wall 51b. The radial dimension of the fitting hole HL is constant in a region excluding the reduced diameter portion 51c.

  The pop-out button 52 includes a bottomed cylindrical button body 52a whose front side is sealed with a wall, and a substantially disk-shaped drive bar receiving member 52b attached and fixed to the rear side of the button body 52a. The button main body 52a and the drive bar receiving member 52b are both formed of a transparent resin (for example, polycarbonate) having excellent translucency. The front surface of the button body 52a is formed into a smooth curved surface (a shape that gradually retreats from the center toward the periphery) in consideration of direct contact by the player during the pressing operation.

  The drive bar receiving member 52b is attached and fixed so as to seal an opening on the rear side of the button main body 52a. The rear portion of the drive bar receiving member 52b is provided with an enlarged portion 52b1 whose diameter is larger than that of the front portion. The radial dimension of the drive bar receiving member 52b is the same as the radial dimension of the button body 52a on the front side fixed to the button body 52a, and is larger than the radial dimension of the button body 52a on the rear enlarged portion 52b1. It is getting bigger. The radial dimension of the entire pop-out button 52 is constant in a region excluding the enlarged diameter portion 52b1.

  The inner diameter of the support wall 51b and the reduced diameter portion 51c and the outer diameter of the pop-out button 52 are appropriately set such that the pop-out button 52 slides smoothly in the fitting hole HL. More specifically, the outer diameter of the button body 52a is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 51c, and the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 52b1 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the support wall 51b. ing. The reduced diameter portion 51c slidably supports the outer surface of the pop-out button 52, and the inner surface of the fitting hole HL slidably supports the increased diameter portion 52b1, thereby reducing the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 51c and the enlarged diameter portion. The projecting button 52 slides in the fitting hole HL in the front-rear direction while forming a space SP between 52b1.

  The drive bar receiving member 52b is disposed behind the reduced diameter portion 51c, and the size of the space SP formed between the reduced diameter portion 51c and the enlarged diameter portion 52b1 changes depending on the position of the pop-out button 52. When viewed in the radial direction, the space SP can be said to be a space between the outer surface of the pop-out button 52 and the inner surface of the support wall 51b. In the space SP, a coil spring 53 is arranged so as to surround the outer surface of the pop-out button 52. In addition, a dent that opens forward is provided on the entire circumference of the enlarged diameter portion 52b1, and the rear end portion of the coil spring 53 is accommodated in the dent.

  The coil spring 53 is a spring member wound in a coil shape so as to elastically expand and contract in the axial direction (front-back direction), and has a size that constantly urges the pop-out button 52 backward. That is, the axial size of the coil spring 53 that is not elastically deformed is larger than the maximum axial size of the space SP (the size when the pop-out button 52 is at the rearmost position). Since the amount of contraction of the coil spring 53 increases as the pop-out button 52 moves forward, the urging force (elastic force) increases according to Hook's law.

  In a state where the pop-out button 52 and the coil spring 53 are accommodated in the fitting hole HL, a substantially plate-shaped support plate member 55 is attached and fixed to the rear end of the support wall 51b so as to close the fitting hole HL. Further, immediately after the support plate member 55, a plate-like substrate 54 is attached and fixed so as to overlap.

  In the support plate member 55, a drive bar insertion hole 55a is provided at a central portion (on the extension of the center axis of the pop-out button 52), and light is provided at six locations (arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction) around the drive bar insertion hole 55a. A transmission hole 55b is provided. On the other hand, in the substrate 54, a hole communicating with the drive bar insertion hole 55a is provided at a position overlapping the drive bar insertion hole 55a, and an LED 54a is provided at each position overlapping the light transmission hole 55b.

  Therefore, by causing the LED 54a to emit light, the fly-out button 52 can be illuminated. That is, when the LED 54a emits light, the light reaches the pop-out button 52 through the light transmitting hole 55b and the fitting hole HL. Since the pop-out button 52 is formed of a material having excellent light-transmitting properties as described above, the pop-out button 52 shines as the LED 54a emits light. The inner surface of the button main body 52a is provided with a streak-like cut or the like so that the pop-out button 52 can be neatly illuminated. The plurality of LEDs 54a can emit light independently of each other, and it is possible to make the LEDs 54a emit light in various patterns suitable for the situation at that time, and to further enhance the effect. The light emission of the LED 54a is controlled by the sub control unit 160 as in the case of the gaming state display LED unit 13.

  Further, on the board 54, a first connector 54b1 connected to each sensor (61, 62) and a driver and the like, and a second connector 54b2 connected to the power supply unit 21 and the sub-control unit 160 of the gaming machine 1 and the like. (See FIG. 21). These connectors (54b1, 54b2) are wired and connected on the board 54.

  A step motor 57 for driving a drive bar 59 is provided behind the substrate 54. The step motor 57 is an actuator that rotates the drive shaft 57a in accordance with a pulse signal input from the sub control unit 160, and has a rotation angle of one step, for example, of one degree. The step motor 57 is fixed to a support plate member 55 via a motor support member 56.

  Describing in more detail, the motor support member 56 is formed in a substantially plate shape facing left and right, and is provided with a through hole 56a penetrating left and right for passing the drive shaft 57a. The step motor 57 is attached and fixed to the left side of the motor support member 56 such that the drive shaft 57a passes through the through hole 56a. The distal end of the drive shaft 57a projecting to the right side of the motor support member 56 is fixed to substantially the center of a substantially disk-shaped rotary disk 58. Thus, the turntable 58 is rotatable around the drive shaft 57a. Further, a drive bar support portion 58a is provided on the right side surface of the turntable 58 at a position radially away from the rotation shaft.

  A drive bar 59 is rotatably attached to the drive bar support 58a using a shaft pin 60. In other words, one end (rear end) of the substantially bar-shaped drive bar 59 is provided with a hole through which the shaft pin 60 passes, and both ends of the shaft pin 60 passing through this hole are attached to the drive bar support portion 58a. Have been.

  The other end (front end) of the drive bar 59 is projected forward through the drive bar insertion hole 55a. Since the drive bar 59 is supported by the edge of the drive bar insertion hole 55a, when the turntable 58 rotates within a predetermined range, the drive bar 59 moves substantially in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the rotation. That is, referring to FIG. 22, when the rotating disk 58 rotates counterclockwise, the drive bar 59 moves forward, and when the rotating disk 58 rotates clockwise, the driving bar 59 moves backward.

  The rotation angle of the turntable 58 is changed from 0 ° (the state shown in FIG. 26A) to θmax (the state shown in FIG. 26B) by the drive control of the step motor 57 by the sub-control unit 160. °) is controlled to rotate within the range. When the rotation angle is 0 °, the turntable 58 is at the position most advanced clockwise as viewed in FIG. 22 (the position where the drive bar 59 is most retracted). It is in a position advanced in the clockwise direction (a position where the drive bar 59 is advanced most).

  Further, a first detection projection 58b and a second detection projection 58c are provided on the right surface of the turntable 58. A first sensor 61 and a second sensor 62 are provided on the right side of the turntable 58. The first sensor 61 is directly attached and fixed to the motor support member 56, and the second sensor 62 is fixed to the motor support member 56 via the sensor support member 63.

  The first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 constitute the above-mentioned pop-out button sensor 115 (see FIG. 3), and employ a photo sensor (for example, a sensor using a photo interrupter). These sensors (61, 62) use the fact that the respective detection projections (58b, 58c) also move with the rotation of the turntable 58, and use the current position of the drive bar 59 (the rotation angle of the turntable 58). Corresponding). Note that a sensor for detecting the current position of the drive bar 59 is not limited to a photo sensor, and various sensors may be employed. In addition, since the step motor 57 is driven based on the pulse signal output from the sub-control unit 160, the sub-control unit 160 can also grasp the current position of the drive bar 59 based on the output history of the pulse signal so far. It is possible. When the current position of the drive bar 59 is grasped in this way, the installation of each sensor (61, 62) can be omitted.

  The first sensor 61 is arranged to detect the first detection projection 58b when the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is 0 ° to θ1 or θ3 to θmax. The second sensor 62 is arranged to detect the second detection projection 58c when the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is 0 ° to θ2. The rotation angles θ1 to θ3 are values that satisfy the relationship of 0 ° <θ1 <θ2 <θ3 <θmax. For example, θ1 = 9 °, θ2 = 75 °, and θ3 = 91 °. The first sensor 61 outputs an ON signal when detecting the first detection protrusion 58b, and outputs an OFF signal otherwise. The second sensor 62 outputs an ON signal when the second detection projection 58c is detected, and outputs an OFF signal otherwise.

  From the above, there are four combinations of output signals from the sensors (61, 62) as shown in FIG. That is, when the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is 0 ° to θ1 (the state (position) of the drive bar 59 at this time is “state A”), the outputs of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are Both are "ON". When the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is θ1 to θ2 (the state of the drive bar 59 at this time is “state B”), the output of the first sensor 61 is “OFF”, and the output of the second sensor 62 is Becomes “ON”. When the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is θ2 to θ3 (the state of the drive bar 59 at this time is “state C”), the outputs of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are both “OFF”. Become. When the rotation angle of the turntable 58 is θ3 to θmax (the state of the drive bar 59 at this time is “state D”), the output of the first sensor 61 is “ON” and the output of the second sensor 62 is Is "OFF".

  Therefore, by receiving the output signals of the sensors (61, 62), the sub control unit 160 can recognize which of the states A to D the drive bar 59 is in. As is apparent from the above description, the drive bar 59 is located further forward as the state progresses from state A to state B to state C to state D.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the pop-out button 52 and each of its surroundings viewed from an oblique rear viewpoint (the display of the substrate 54 and the like is omitted for ease of viewing). FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram relating to a jump button 52 and its surroundings. In these figures, (a) shows a stored state, (b) shows a normal protruding state, and (c) shows an abnormal protruding state. (M) in FIG. 26 shows an intermediate state (intermediate state) between the housed state and the normal protruding state.

  The stored state is a state in which the drive bar 59 is located at the rearmost position within the movable range (state A), and a state in which the pop-out button 52 is stored at the rearmost position. The pop-out button 52 is pushed rearward by the urging force of the coil spring 53 until it comes into contact with the support plate member 55, and is thus housed rearward in the fitting hole HL. In addition, at a point P1 indicated by an arrow in FIG. 26A, the turntable 58 is in contact with another member, and is regulated so as not to further rotate clockwise. The pop-out button 52 in the stored state hardly protrudes from the front end surface of the base member 51. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the pressing operation of the jump button 52 is not effective at present.

  The normal projecting state is a state in which the drive bar 59 is located at the forefront in the movable range (state D), and a state in which the pop-out button 52 projects to the foremost. The pop-out button 52 is urged rearward by the coil spring 53, but is supported from behind by the drive bar 59, so that such a protruding state is maintained. Note that, at a point P2 indicated by an arrow in FIG. 26B, the rotating disk 58 is in contact with another member, and is regulated so as not to further rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The pop-out button 52 in the normal protruding state protrudes greatly from the front end face of the base member 51. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the pressing operation of the pop-out button 52 is currently effective.

  The abnormally protruding state is a state in which the drive bar 59 is located at the rearmost position within the movable range (state D), but is a state in which the pop-out button 52 remains protruding forward. The pop-out button 52 is urged rearward by the coil spring 53. However, if the pop-up button 52 cannot be retracted due to some abnormality, such a state may occur. Possible causes of this abnormality include a player accidentally (or intentionally) gripping the protruding jump button 52, and deformation or breakage of the jump button 52.

  The pushing operation and the returning operation for moving the pop-out button 52 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The pushing operation is realized by the drive bar 59 moving forward in the housed state. That is, when the step motor 57 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 26, the drive bar 59 pushes the fly button 52 forward against the bias of the coil spring 53. As a result, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 26, the state is reached from (a) the stored state, (m) through the intermediate state, to (b) the normal protruding state, and the purpose of making the pop-out button 52 protrude is achieved.

  A receiving portion 52b2 for receiving the distal end of the driving bar 59 is provided in the rear center region of the driving bar receiving member 52b (see FIG. 26 (m)). The receiving portion 52b2 has a shape like a receiving tray facing backward (a shape that gently rises from the center toward the periphery), and the front end of the drive bar 59 has a slightly rounded shape. Therefore, the receiving portion 55b2 can stably catch the driving bar 59 approaching from behind.

  The return operation is realized by the drive bar 59 moving rearward in the normal projecting state. That is, when the step motor 57 rotates clockwise in FIG. 26, the drive bar 59 returns to the state before the execution of the pushing operation. Thus, the support of the pop-out button 52 by the drive bar 59 is released, and the pop-out button 52 is retracted by the urging force of the coil spring 53. As a result, as shown by the colored arrows in FIG. 26, the state of (b) from the normal protruding state to the state of (a) through the intermediate state (m) to the storage state, and the purpose of storing the pop-out button 52 is achieved. As described above, by the action of the coil spring 53, it is possible to automatically return the pop-out button 52 to the housed state only by moving the drive bar 59 backward.

  However, in the event of an abnormality (for example, a situation in which the player grasps the jump button 52) in which the jump button 52 cannot be retreated during the return operation, the jump button 52 jumps out as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. The button 52 does not retreat, and the drive bar 59 retreats away from the pop-out button 52, thereby causing an abnormal projection state (c). As described above, since the drive bar 59 is movable independently of the pop-out button 52, the step motor 57 is not restricted by the pop-up button 52 and can rotate clockwise as usual.

  (C) When the abnormality is resolved after the abnormal projection state is established (for example, when the player releases the jumping button 52 grasped), the urging force of the coil spring 53 is indicated by a solid line arrow in FIG. As a result, the pop-out button 52 retreats and (a) returns to the stored state. As described above, when the abnormality is eliminated by the action of the coil spring 53, the pop-out button 52 can be immediately returned to the housed state.

  Next, a basic operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart and the like.

  First, in a state where the gaming machine 1 is shipped from the factory, as a default, the warning mode when the payout rate step setting operation is performed is “ON”, and the stop setting unit 180 (stop setting switch) is “OFF”. It is assumed that the lowest step setting value is “1”.

  If the game hall side opens the front door 1b and turns on the power switch 28c before allowing the player to play, power is supplied to each circuit block, and the main control unit 100 performs an initial check (step S100 described later). The sub-control unit 160 executes hardware check or the like and initial setting (for example, writing the stop setting flag “1”, the step setting value “1” stored in the ROM 101 and the initial value of the control data in the RAM 102). When the warning mode is set to "ON state" and the front door 1b is closed, the variable display game can be played.

  In this state, it is assumed that the gaming hall side is going to change the setting of the payout rate in this setting state for a grand opening, a newly opened store or an event.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a main operation processing procedure of the gaming machine 1.

  The employee of the gaming hall opens the front door 1b, turns off the power switch 28c, inserts the setting change key into the setting key switch 28a, and turns it rightward to turn it on (the setting key switch in FIG. 2 is enlarged). ), And the power switch 28c is turned on again. As a result, power is supplied to each circuit block, and after an initial check and an initial setting are executed in step S100, the main control unit 100 determines in step S110 whether or not the setting key switch 28a is ON.

  If the setting key switch 28a is not ON, the main control unit 100 proceeds to step S130. If the setting key switch 28a is ON, the main control unit 100 calls a setting change subroutine in step S120 (transition to a setting change mode).

  In the setting change mode of step S120, before the game hall side allows the player to play, the player inputs a step setting value "6" with the highest payout ratio, hits the start lever 9 once to confirm the setting value, and sets the key switch. When 28a is turned off, the main control unit 100 returns to step S100, sets the set value to "6", and performs necessary processing such as initial check of hardware and initial setting again.

  When the main control unit 100 outputs control data to the sub-control unit 160 in order to set the display of the initial screen in step S100, the sub-control unit 160 displays ($ Y0 $ 01) as an effect command, for example. It is transmitted to the effect device 11. As a result, the display panel 11e displays “Night effect pattern 1” composed of a screen of a full moon, a Dracula castle and a graveyard in the night sky as a start screen (not shown).

  When the main control unit 100 shifts to step S130 after changing the step setting value, the main control unit 100 checks for the occurrence of an error such as a door open, a hopper error, a selector error, and the like. While returning to step S100, if there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to step S150. In particular, the main control unit 100 determines that the data of the step setting values stored in the work RAM area is 0 to 5 (the step setting values displayed on the medal payout number display LED 4c correspond to 1 to 6, respectively) as an abnormality check. ), And if the step set value is not within the predetermined range, a warning (character display of an “EE” error is displayed by the display effect device 11, the speaker unit 12, and the game state display LED unit 13). , A light emission and a warning sound) to perform error processing (abnormal processing in step S140).

  The check for the occurrence of the abnormality may include a check related to driving of the pop-out button 52. When the check is performed, the sub-control unit 160 receives the instruction from the main control unit 100 and drives the step motor 57 so that the pushing operation and the storing operation (see FIG. 26) are performed in order. At this time, the state (position) of the drive bar 59 is monitored based on the output signals of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. As a result, if it is confirmed that the state has changed from state A to state B to state C to state D to state C to state B to state A, it is regarded as normal, and the check ends.

  On the other hand, if the transition has not been made in this way, it is regarded as abnormal, and for example, a predetermined error display is made on the display effect device 11. In addition, one or more retries (re-execution of the pushing operation and the storing operation) may be performed before it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the normal operation may be checked again. If it is determined to be abnormal, the drive mechanism of the pop-out button 52 is locked, and the subsequent processing is continued. This lock is effective until the next power supply is turned on again, and the drive control of the pop-out button 52 is omitted until then.

  When the main control unit 100 proceeds to step S150, the medal detection sensor 130 or the bet button sensor 140 determines whether or not the player has inserted a required number of game medals for the game. In step S160, the process returns to step S130 if not inserted, and waits while looping through the steps until there is a medal insertion operation.

  When proceeding to step S160, the main control unit 100 checks whether or not the player has operated the start lever to start the variable display game, and if so, proceeds to step S170 while starting the game. If not, the process returns to step S130 and waits while looping through the steps until there is a start operation.

  The main control unit 100 executes the main process of the variable display game in step S170, performs random number lottery in accordance with the start signal reception timing, and picks up (extracts) the random number value and the current internal state (RT or non-RT). It is determined whether or not the internal winning has been achieved by comparing the lottery table of FIG.

  The main control unit 100 transmits the lottery result command and the game start signal to the sub control unit 160, and simultaneously rotates the drum unit 2 so that the plurality of drum units displayed on the left drum 2a, the middle drum 2b, and the right drum 2c are displayed. Is started at a predetermined speed.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the main control unit 100 operates each symbol row (turning belt) by the player operating the left stop button 10a, the middle stop button 10b, or the right stop button 10c of the stop button unit 10. Is stopped, pull-in control for aligning symbols according to the internal winning combination on the activated line, and conversely, avoidance control for preventing symbols from being aligned are performed. Further, upon receiving the lottery result command and the game start signal from the main control unit 100, the sub control unit 160 determines whether or not to perform an effect display or the like on the display effect device 11, the speaker unit 12, and the game state display LED unit 13. And a lottery result of a big hit (bonus winning), a small role, a replay or a loss is notified to the player according to the operation of the stop button unit 10. The main control unit 100 executes the stop control with reference to the sliding frame number table.

  The main control unit 100 determines that a combination is established if predetermined symbols are displayed side by side on the activated line of the window 3 in each of the variable display games of the general game. At this time, the main control unit 100 adds as credits in accordance with the payout table (see FIG. 19) stored in the ROM 161 and pays out gaming medals from the medal payout device 18 for payouts exceeding the storage upper limit, and pays out medals. Discharge from 16

  Note that in the big bonus game (BB game) in which three reds 7 are arranged, the BB game mode is ended when the accessory continuous operation device operates and the number of acquired pieces exceeds 360. Further, in the regular bonus game (RB game) in which three blue symbols are arranged, the RB game mode is ended when the number of acquired pieces exceeds 120 by activating the accessory continuous operation device. .

  Then, after ending the game main process of step S170, the main control unit 100 returns to step S130 and repeats the process sequentially. During the execution of the game main process in step S170, the sub-control unit 160 appropriately drives the pop-out button 52 and executes control corresponding to the pressing operation (pop-out button control).

  Next, the flow of the jump button control will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  When the drive bar 59 is in the state A, the sub control unit 160 waits for a timing at which the pop-out button 52 should be protruded (step S200). At this time, the pop-out button 52 is in the housed state unless there is any abnormality (see FIG. 26A). When the timing at which the pop-out button 52 should be protruded has arrived (YES in step S200), the sub-control unit 160 drives the step motor 57 in a direction for setting the drive bar 59 to the state D (a direction for moving the drive bar 59 forward). Is started (step S210).

  Note that the sub-control unit 160 may perform a preliminary process for setting the drive bar 59 to the state A more reliably immediately before performing the process of step S210. In this case, for example, the sub control unit 160 determines whether or not the drive bar 59 is in the state A. If the drive bar 59 is not in the state A, the sub-control unit 160 causes the step motor 57 to move the drive bar 59 to the state A for about two seconds. Drive. When confirming that the drive bar 59 is in the state A, the sub-control unit 160 proceeds to the process of step S210. If not confirmed, the sub-control unit 160 locks the drive mechanism of the pop-out button 52.

  After the process of step S210, the sub-control unit 160 waits for the drive bar 59 to enter the state D until a predetermined time Ta has elapsed from the start of driving of the step motor 57 (steps S220 and S230). The fixed time Ta is set to, for example, about 4 seconds.

  When a predetermined time Ta has elapsed without the drive bar 59 being in the state D (YES in step S230), the sub control unit 160 stops driving the step motor 57 so that the drive bar 59 is in the state A. That is, when the driving bar 59 remains in the state A (YES in step S250), the sub control unit 160 stops driving the step motor 57 (step S260), and the driving bar 59 is in the state B or C in step S260. If there is (NO in step S250), the driving of the step motor 57 is stopped after the step motor 57 is driven until the state A is reached (step S270). After the processing in step S260 or S270, the sub control unit 160 regards that the pressing operation of the pop-out button 52 has been performed (step S280), and repeats the processing in step S200.

  Even if the jump button 52 cannot be properly protruded due to some trouble due to the processing after step S250 described above, a predetermined countermeasure (the pressing operation is considered to be performed after the drive bar 59 is maintained in the state A). That is done. As a cause of the failure here, for example, it is assumed that the player has erroneously (or intentionally) pressed the jump button 52 or the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the pressing operation is performed as described above, for the sake of performing the same effect as when the pop-out button 52 is operated even if the pop-out button 52 is not operated. However, in the case where a different effect is performed depending on whether or not the pop-out button 52 is operated, the process of step S280 may be a process in which it is assumed that the pressing operation has not been performed.

  On the other hand, if it is detected that the drive bar 59 has changed to the state D before the elapse of the predetermined time Ta (YES in step S220), the sub control unit 160 stops driving the step motor 57 (step S240). In this case, since the drive bar 59 is in the state D and the pop-out button 52 can be normally protruded (protruded), the processing after step S300 shown in FIG. 29 is subsequently performed.

  That is, the sub-control unit 160 monitors the arrival of the timing to store the pop-out button 52 and monitors whether the drive bar 59 has changed to any of the states A to C by then (steps S300 to S300). S320). The timing at which the pop-out button 52 should be stored is, for example, when a predetermined time limit (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the drive bar 59 was in the state D.

  When detecting that the drive bar 59 has entered the state A (YES in step S300), the sub control unit 160 determines that the pressing operation has been performed (step S350). That is, at this time, since the pop-out button 52 has been pressed by the player at a stretch until it is in the stowed state, the sub-control unit 160 regards the pressing operation as being performed.

  On the other hand, when detecting that the drive bar 59 has changed to the state B or C (YES in step S310), the sub-control unit 160 drives the step motor 57 until the drive bar 59 changes to the state A. (Step S330), it is considered that the pressing operation has been performed (Step S350). As a result, when the pop-out button 52 moves by a predetermined amount (until the drive bar 59 changes to the state B or C) from the position of the protruding state to the position of the stored state, a return operation is performed.

  When it is detected that the drive bar 59 has entered the state B or C, it is assumed that the player is pressing the jump button 52. Therefore, in order to assist the player to easily perform the pressing operation, the sub control unit 160 performs a process of actively moving the drive bar 59 to the state A (corresponding to the operation assist function), and then performs the pressing. Assume that the operation has been performed. In addition, even if the player's pressing operation is too weak and insufficient, the operation assist function allows the processing to proceed in the same manner as when the pressing operation is performed correctly.

  When the drive bar 59 has not changed from the state D and the timing to store the pop-out button 52 has arrived (YES in step S320), the sub control unit 160 sets the drive bar 59 to the state A. After the step motor 57 is driven until (step S340), it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed (step S350). That is, at this time, it is assumed that the pressing operation has not been performed within the time limit. However, in the present embodiment, even if the pop-out button 52 is not operated, the same effect as when the pop-out button 52 is operated is performed. Is considered to have been pressed. However, when a different effect is performed depending on whether or not the pop-out button 52 has been operated, it may be determined that the pressing operation has not been performed.

  After finishing the processing in step S350, the drive bar 59 has returned to the state A. The sub-control unit 160 executes the process of step S200 again, and prepares for the arrival of the next timing at which the pop-out button should be projected.

  The pop-out button 52 can be used for various applications that require a player's pressing operation, but is particularly suitable for applications that further enhance the effect by taking advantage of the unexpectedness that can be appropriately protruded or stored. In this case, it is also possible to use the twin buttons 40 to enliven the effect in stages.

  For example, as an effect when there is a pseudo bonus stock and the release probability is high, or when the expectation of the pseudo bonus release is large (or a confirmed precursor), the operation of the twin button 40 is requested, and as an effect when the release of the pseudo bonus is confirmed. The operation of the pop-out button 52 may be requested. In this case, the timing at which the operation of the pop-out button 52 is requested is the timing at which the pop-up button 52 is to be protruded (see step S200 in FIG. 28).

  When the operation of the twin button 40 is requested, a phrase such as “press the twin cross button (on the upper side)” is displayed on the display effect device 11 to urge the player to operate the twin button 40. It is possible. Further, when the operation of the pop-out button 52 is requested, the pop-out button 52 pops out at the timing, so that the player can know that it is a situation to operate the pop-up button 52. In addition to this, for example, the phrase “press the cross button (located on the lower side)”, the appearance of the base member 51, and the like are displayed on the display effect device 11, and the pop-out button 52 is illuminated, so that the pop-out is performed. It is possible to further prompt the operation of the button 52.

  The sub-control unit 160 can increase the excitement of the player by performing a predetermined flashy effect at the timing when each of the twin button 40 and the jump button 52 is operated. Further, the player operates the twin buttons 40 arranged on the left and right of the upper side of the front door 1b (extends both arms to the left and right and extends upwards, and includes an operation as if praying), and then performs the operation of the front door 1b. The operation of the pop-out button 52 arranged in the center toward the lower side (including the operation of extending at least one arm downward) is performed. As described above, as a result of the player dynamically moving his arm in accordance with the performance of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to obtain excitement that cannot be experienced with a conventional model.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the switch device including the pop-out button 52 (an example of an operation member). The switch device includes a pop-out button 52 that is reciprocally movable between a storage position (a position in a stored state) and a protruding position (a position in a protruded state), and a pushing operation that pushes the pop-out button 52 from the stored position to the protruding position. And a drive mechanism for performing a return operation for returning to a state before the execution of the pushing operation, and receives a pressing operation of the pop-out button 52 from the projecting position to the storage position.

  Further, the switch device includes a coil spring 53 (one form of an urging portion) for urging the pop-out button 52 from the projecting position to the storage position. Therefore, according to the switch device, it is easy to suppress a problem associated with the application of the pop-out storage control.

  In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, the drive mechanism has a drive bar 59 (one form of a drive member) that is movable independently of the pop-out button 52, and the drive bar 59 is reciprocated so that the pushing operation can be performed. Perform a return operation. Therefore, with a relatively simple mechanism that can move the drive bar 59 in this way, it is possible to realize the pop-out storage control while suppressing the problem.

  That is, since the drive bar 59 is movable independently of the pop-out button 52, the drive bar 59 can be retracted even if the protruded pop-out button 52 cannot be stored. You can return to the original state. Therefore, a problem caused by the step motor 57 not being able to return to the original state (for example, a problem that an excessive load is generated on the step motor 57 or a malfunction of the gaming machine 1) is avoided. Further, since the pop-out button 52 can be stored by the action of the coil spring 53, the pop-up button 52 can be stored automatically even if the protruding pop-up button 52 is not pressed, and the pop-out button 52 can be stored. When the abnormality that the button 52 cannot be stored is resolved, the pop-out button 52 can be stored immediately.

  Further, the switch device includes a support plate member 55 that supports the pop-out button 52 against the bias of the coil spring 53 and stays at the storage position. Further, the drive bar 59 is formed in a rod shape capable of reciprocating through a drive bar insertion hole 55 a (through hole) provided in the support plate member 55, and is formed behind the support plate member 55 (from the support plate member 55. It is driven by a step motor 57 provided on the side opposite to the jump button 52 when viewed. Since the support plate member 55 has a substantially thin plate-like shape, the length of the drive bar 59 required for appropriately pushing out the ejection button 52 can be minimized. Further, since the drive bar 59 is formed in a substantially bar shape, the size of the drive bar insertion hole 55a necessary for passing the drive bar 59 can be suppressed as much as possible. As described above, the drive mechanism of the present embodiment is formed efficiently, and it is easy to reduce the size and weight.

  Further, the coil spring 53 is arranged so as to surround the outer surface of the pop-out button 52 in the space SP (see FIG. 22) described above. Therefore, the coil spring 53 acts almost uniformly on the entire circumference of the enlarged diameter portion 52b1 without hindering the sliding movement of the pop-out button 52 in the fitting hole HL, and can urge the pop-out button 52 straight rearward. I can do it.

  Further, in the switch device, by employing the drive mechanism, it is possible to increase the stroke of the pop-out button 52 returning from the projecting position to the storage position. Therefore, the player feels a relatively large response when pushing the jump button 52, and can realize a gaming state that cannot be obtained with other push buttons. Further, the switch device is arranged in a relatively inconspicuous space below the main body of the gaming machine 1 (between the stop button unit 10 and the tray 15), and this space is utilized to give variety to the game. Plays a role.

  The configuration of the present invention can be variously modified in addition to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention. The description of the above embodiment is basically an example in all aspects, and should not be construed as limiting. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a spinning-type gaming machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine, but the present invention is also applicable to other gaming machines such as a ball-and-ball gaming machine (pachinko machine).

Reference Signs List 1 gaming machine 1a housing 1b front door 2 drum unit 2a left drum 2b middle drum 2c right drum 3 window unit 4 display LED block 4a number of inserted LEDs
4b LED for displaying the number of stored medals
4c Medal payout number display LED
4d medal insertion display LED
4e Replay display LED
4f Error display LED
5 Medal insertion part 6 Settlement button 7 Cross key 8 Max bet button 9 Start lever 10 Stop button part 10a Left stop button 10b Middle stop button 10c Right stop button 11 Display effect device 12 Speaker part 13 Game state display LED part 14 Special button 15 Receiving tray 16 Medal payout slot 17 Reflector plate 18 Medal payout device 19 Door keyhole 20 Return button 21 Power supply 21a Setting key switch 21b Error release switch 21c Power switch 21d Keyhole 22a Upper transparent panel 22b Lower transparent panel 22c Design sheet 30a Step motor 30b Step motor 30c Step motor 31a Turn body sensor 31b Turn body sensor 31c Turn body sensor 32a Left turn belt 32b Middle turn belt 32c Right turn belt 40 Twin button 50 Mounting panel 50a Mounting claw 5 b projections 51 base member 51a through hole 51b support wall portion 51c reduced diameter portion 52 jumping button (operation member)
52a Button body 52b Drive bar receiving member 52b1 Large diameter portion 52b2 Receiving portion 53 Coil spring (biasing portion)
54 Board 54a LED
54b1 First connector 54b2 Second connector 55 Support plate member (support member)
55a drive bar insertion hole 55b light transmission hole 56 motor support member 56a through hole 57 stepper motor (actuator for driving pop-out button)
57a drive shaft 58 turntable 58a drive bar support 59 drive bar (drive member)
60 axis pin 61 first sensor 62 second sensor 63 sensor support member 100 main controller 101 ROM
102 RAM
110 Start SW Sensor 111 Cross Key Sensor 112 Special Button Sensor 113 Door Abnormal Signal Output Device 114 Twin Button Sensor 115 Flyout Button Sensor 120 Stop Button Sensor 130 Medal Detection Sensor 140 Bet Button Sensor 150 Stage Setting Unit 160 Sub-Control Unit 161 ROM
162 RAM
HL fitting hole SP space

Claims (4)

An operating member that is reciprocally movable between a storage position and a protruding position,
A drive mechanism for performing an extrusion operation of pushing the operation member from the storage position to the protrusion position, and a return operation of returning to a state before execution of the extrusion operation ;
An urging portion for urging the operation member from the protruding position toward the storage position ,
A switch device that receives a pressing operation of the operation member from the protruding position to the storage position,
The drive mechanism is
A driving member movable independently of the operating member,
A substantially plate-shaped support member that supports the operation member against the bias and stays at the storage position;
A drive bar receiving member attached and fixed to the rear side of the operating member,
By reciprocating the driving member, the pushing operation and the return operation are performed,
A receiving portion for receiving the distal end of the driving member is provided in a rear central region of the driving bar receiving member, and the receiving portion has a shape of a saucer facing rearward, and has a rounded shape approaching from the rear. It is possible to capture the tip of the driving member having a shape,
The drive member is substantially rod-shaped and capable of performing the reciprocating movement through a through hole provided in the support member, and is driven by an actuator provided on a side opposite to the operation member when viewed from the support member. ,
A switch device characterized by the above-mentioned. The operating member provided with the enlarged diameter portion is fitted into the fitting hole provided with the reduced diameter portion,
The reduced diameter portion slidably supports the outer surface of the operating member, and the inner surface of the fitting hole slidably supports the enlarged diameter portion, so that the operating member slides in the fitting hole. Between the storage position and the protruding position is reciprocally movable,
The urging unit,
2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a coil spring is disposed so as to surround an outer surface of the operation member in a space formed between the reduced diameter portion and the enlarged diameter portion.   3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the return operation is performed when the operation member moves by a predetermined amount from the projecting position to the storage position. 4. A gaming machine provided with the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.