Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving convenience in using a function to change setting items.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 comprises: operation means 20 that can be operated by a player and that is not to be used for a presentation in which an operation is to be requested to the player; setting adjustment means for changing predetermined setting items regarding games upon a trigger of the operation of the operation means 20 being detected; and a light emission unit 32 emitting light when the setting items are changed due to the operation of the operation means 20 being performed. A structure in which the operation means 20 and the light emission unit 32 are both provided on the upper side of a support unit 30 is preferable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Gaming machines that allow a player to freely adjust settings such as volume and light intensity are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-086319 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the usability of the function for changing the setting items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a support section which protrudes towards the player and has a first operating means and a second operating means on the upper side which can be operated by the player, a setting adjustment means which changes certain settings related to the game when operation of the second operating means is detected, and a presentation execution means which executes an operation presentation which requests the player to operate the first operating means, which is a presentation that can occur during the notification presentation from when the decorative pattern which notifies the win / lose determination result starts to change until it stops in a manner according to the win / lose lottery result, and is characterized in that when the setting items are changed by operating the second operating means, an emitting section of the first operating means emits light. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of use of the function for changing the setting items. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 shows an identification pattern displayed in a display area. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation request presentation. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram for explaining the types of operation request presentations (types of operation modes required of the player). FIG. [Diagram 5] This figure explains that the automatic operation function becomes disabled when the first operation means is actually operated during a single operation request performance that is started while the automatic operation function is enabled. [Figure 6] This figure explains that the automatic operation function becomes disabled when the first operating means is actually operated during a consecutive operation request performance that is started while the automatic operation function is enabled. [Figure 7] This is a diagram to explain that the automatic operation function remains enabled when the first operating means is actually operated during a non-operation-requiring performance that is started with the automatic operation function enabled. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fixed mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for setting a fixed mode. [Figure 10] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a schematic view of the support part, in which FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the support part from above, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the support part from the front. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram for explaining that a light-emitting section emits light when a setting item (e.g., volume) is changed by operating the second operating means. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit differs depending on the operation mode of the second operating means. [Figure 13]13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an operating means (e.g., a first operating means) different from the second operating means is set as a light-emitting section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1) Overall structure Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0009] The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square plywood, and a guide rail 903 is provided in a substantially arcuate shape, which constitutes a passage for guiding gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902. The gaming area 902 includes a start winning hole 904, a big winning hole 906, an outlet hole 907, and the like.

[0010] A display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. In some drawings, the shape of the display area 911 that is exposed and not covered by the game board 90 is shown in a simplified form (shown as a square), but the size and shape of this part can be changed as appropriate.

[0011] In addition, a plurality of game pegs are provided in the game area 902 as obstacles that change the flowing behavior of the game balls when the game balls collide with the game pegs. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various behaviors depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pegs.

[0012] In such a gaming machine 1, gaming balls are shot toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning hole such as the start winning hole 904 or the big winning hole 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

[0013] The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning / losing determination means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904 (several starting winning holes 904 may be provided). Specifically, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904, a numerical value (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as winning / losing determination information) is acquired from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined numerical value for a big win, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, when a big win occurs, it is notified by a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same pattern) of identification symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91, and if any other combination is displayed, it is a loss. Note that in some drawings, the illustration of the identification symbols 80 is omitted, but basically, the identification symbols 80 (group of identification symbols) continue to be displayed while the notification performance for notifying the winning / losing determination result is being executed. In addition, in some drawings other than FIG. 2, the identification pattern 80 is omitted.

[0014] In this embodiment, the notification of the winning / losing judgment result starts in the order in which the numerical values ​​for the winning / losing judgment are acquired (the variation of the identification pattern 80 (group of identification patterns) starts). However, when a numerical value is acquired and the winning / losing judgment result based on a numerical value acquired before is announced, the numerical value is stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown) until the notification of the winning / losing judgment result based on the numerical value starts. The maximum number of numbers (maximum number of reserved numbers) for which the notification of the winning / losing judgment result has not yet started (the numerical values ​​correspond to "reserved (information)". Reserved (information) can be said to be a subordinate concept of winning / losing judgment information) that can be stored as appropriate. The maximum number of reserved numbers that the storage means in this embodiment can store is four for one type of start winning slot 904. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the acquired numerical value is a jackpot value or not at the time when the notification of the winning / losing judgment result starts, but it is also possible to configure the winning / losing judgment to be performed when the numerical value is acquired and the winning / losing judgment result itself to be stored. The obtained numerical value is also used to determine the specific content of the presentation that notifies the winner or loser of the winning / losing determination result.

[0015] In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, reserved symbols (not shown), which are marks corresponding to the acquired numerical values ​​(win / lose judgment information) for which the notification of the win / lose judgment result stored in the storage means has not yet started, are displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. In this embodiment, the reserved symbols are displayed in order from the earliest timing of acquisition (the earliest reserved consumption). A dedicated display device for displaying the reserved symbols may be provided. The reserved symbols may always have the same appearance, or one or more types of special symbols may be set that suggest that the probability that the corresponding win / lose judgment result is a jackpot (hereinafter, also referred to as (jackpot) reliability) has increased, which is different from the normal reserved symbols.

[0016] In addition, explanations of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays for storing gaming balls, will be omitted. For these, those with the same structure as known gaming machines can be applied.

[0017] 2) Automatic operation function The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment includes an operating means 10 (hereinafter, formally referred to as a first operating means 10 in order to distinguish it from a second operating means 20 described later). The first operating means 10 is a member provided for a player to participate in the presentation. The first operating means 10 in this embodiment is a so-called "push button". The first operating means 10 is provided so as to be displaceable between an original position and an operating position displaced downward from the original position by a predetermined amount. At least, the fact that the first operating means 10 is located at the operating position is detected by a sensor (not shown). The first operating means 10 is not limited to a "push button". It is sufficient that the first operating means 10 can be displaced within a predetermined range by the player applying force to it, and that the fact that it is located at the operating position is detected by a sensor or the like. In addition, the first operating means 10 may be configured to have a plurality of operating directions (operation modes). For example, it may be a lever that can be pushed and pulled in the forward and backward directions. In addition, a configuration in which a plurality of first operating means 10 are provided may be used.

[0018] The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing an operation request effect as one of various effects constituting the notification effect (the effect from when the identification pattern 80 starts to vary to when it stops at a combination that indicates the result of the win / lose determination) that notifies the player of the win / lose determination result. The operation request effect is an effect that prompts (requires) the player to operate the first operating means 10. The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment generates a plurality of types of operation request effects that differ in the scene to be executed and the operation mode required (described later). In the operation request effect, an operation effective period is set during which the operation of the first operating means 10 is reflected in the effect. During the operation effective period, a meter 11 (see FIG. 3) or numbers (counting down numbers) that indicate the remaining time or elapsed time of the operation effective period may be displayed. Also, to allow the player to easily know when the time (opportunity) has come to operate the first operating means 10, an operation image 12 representing the first operating means 10 (see FIG. 3. Any form is acceptable as long as it is clear that it is an image representing the first operating means 10) or a display 13 indicating that the first operating means 10 should be operated (see FIG. 3. For example, a display such as "Press!") may be displayed. Note that this form of operation request presentation is merely one example. All presentations that request the player to operate the first operating means 10 are considered to be included in the operation request presentation.

[0019] There are various possible operation modes of the first operating means 10 required in the operation request presentation. Examples of such operation modes include a single operation in which the first operating means 10 is changed from the original position to the operating position only once, a continuous operation (so-called "rapid tapping") in which the first operating means 10 is displaced from the original position to the operating position multiple times (a single operation is repeated multiple times), and a maintenance operation (so-called "long press") in which the first operating means 10 is placed in an operating state in which it is displaced from the original position to the operating position and the state is maintained. The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment generates all of the operation request presentations (see FIG. 4(a) , which may hereinafter be referred to as a single operation request presentation), the operation request presentations (see FIG. 4(b) , which may hereinafter be referred to as a continuous operation request presentation), and the operation request presentations (see FIG. 4(c) , which may hereinafter be referred to as a maintenance operation request presentation) that prompt a single operation.

[0020] The automatic operation function is a function that reflects in various operation request performances that the first operation means 10 is virtually operated even if it is not actually operated during the operation valid period. In this embodiment, except for special cases such as those described in detail later, when the automatic operation function is enabled, it is reflected in the performance as if a virtual operation has been performed in any of the single operation request performance, the continuous operation request performance, and the sustained operation request performance. That is, in the single operation request performance, a virtual single operation is reflected in the performance, in the continuous performance, a virtual continuous operation is reflected in the performance, and in the sustained operation request performance, a virtual sustained operation is reflected in the performance. Specifically, in the single operation request performance, the output of sound and image in the performance, the operation of movable props, etc., occurs during the virtual single operation (hereinafter, the events (events that produce a performance effect) that occur due to the virtual operation and the actual operation may be collectively referred to as "performance elements") (see FIG. 5(a)(b)). In the continuous operation request performance, a performance element is output each time a virtual operation is performed (see FIG. 6(a)(b)). In the maintenance operation request presentation, a presentation element is output each time a virtual maintenance operation has elapsed for a predetermined time. In the continuous operation request presentation or the maintenance operation request presentation, a presentation element is output each time a predetermined time has elapsed during the operation valid period. In this way, the burden on the player who feels it is a burden to operate the first operating means 10 in various operation request presentations is reduced.

[0021] Any method may be used for the player to change the automatic operation function from disabled (OFF) to enabled (ON). It is conceivable to provide an automatic operation function as one of the customizable functions for setting, changing, etc., various functions related to the gaming machine 1, and to configure the automatic operation function so that it is possible to switch between disabled and enabled by operating on a customization screen (such customization functions are publicly known, and therefore will not be described here). It is also conceivable to configure the automatic operation function to change from disabled to enabled by operating the first operating means 10 in a predetermined manner when an operation request performance is not being executed (operation validity period) is not set. For example, it is conceivable to configure the automatic operation function to change from disabled to enabled when a maintenance operation of the first operating means 10 is performed for a predetermined time when an operation request performance is not being executed (operation validity period) is not set.

[0022] On the other hand, at least one of the methods for the player to change the automatic operation function from enabled (ON) to disabled (OFF) is set to actually operate the first operation means 10 in the operation request presentation. Specifically, when an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected during the operation valid period in the operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is changed from enabled to disabled (see Fig. 5 (a) (c)). The fact that the first operation means 10 is actually operated in the operation request presentation means that the player has the intention to operate the first operation means 10, and the automatic operation function is disabled in order to respect this. When an operation request presentation occurs in which the automatic operation function is enabled, and an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected in the operation request presentation, not only is the automatic operation function disabled in the operation request presentation, but the automatic operation function is also disabled in the subsequent operation request presentations (unless an operation to enable the automatic operation function is performed).

[0023] In this embodiment, in a single operation request presentation that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, a virtual single operation is prevented from occurring simultaneously or immediately after the start of the operation valid period. That is, during a specific period from the start of the operation valid period to a midway point before the end of the operation valid period, a virtual single operation is prevented from occurring, and when an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is not performed during the specific period, a virtual single operation occurs at the midway point (see FIG. 5(a)(b)). In this embodiment, the midway point is set to be approximately the middle point of the operation valid period. If a virtual single operation occurs simultaneously or immediately after the start of the operation valid period, the single operation request presentation ends at that point (the operation valid period ends), and there is no room (time) for the actual operation of the first operation means 10. In other words, even if the player has the intention to actually operate the first operation means 10, there is not enough time to perform the actual operation. In this embodiment, since the specific period is set, it is possible to actually operate the first operation means 10 even in a single operation request presentation that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled. Then, when the first operating means 10 is actually operated during the specific period, this triggers the automatic operation function to be disabled (see Figs. 5(a) and 5(c)).

[0024] In this embodiment, the specific period as described above is not set in the continuous operation request performance or the maintenance operation request performance. This is because the performance does not end immediately after the virtual operation is performed in the continuous operation request performance or the maintenance operation request performance, and the player has enough time to actually operate the first operation means 10. Even in the continuous operation request performance or the maintenance operation request performance that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the automatic operation function is disabled when the actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected (the operation of the first operation means 10 is detected for the first time after the operation effective period begins) (see FIG. 6(a)(c)). Therefore, since no virtual operation is performed thereafter, the performance is not reflected unless the operation of the operation means is actually performed. Note that the continuous operation request performance or the maintenance operation request performance may also be configured to have the specific period as described above. In this way, if the player has the intention to actually operate the first operation means 10, the automatic operation function can be switched from enabled to disabled by actually operating the first operation means 10 before the virtual operation is performed (during the specific period).

[0025] Thus, in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, when actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected in an operation request presentation that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled (ON), this triggers the automatic operation function to be disabled (OFF) (see Figs. 5(a)(c) and 6(a)(c)). In other words, when actual operation of the first operation means 10 is performed, it is assumed that the player intends to operate the first operation means 10, and the automatic operation function is disabled. From the player's perspective, there is no need to take any action to disable the automatic operation function, which improves usability of the automatic operation function.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected during an operation request presentation that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, a presentation element is output as a trigger (see Fig. 5(c) and Fig. 6(c)). In other words, the operation that triggers switching the automatic operation function from enabled to disabled is also set to be reflected in the presentation. When the first operating means 10 is actually operated, it means that the player has the intention of operating the first operating means 10 himself to have it reflected in the presentation, so if the operation of the first operating means 10 is not reflected in the presentation, the player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when an actual operation is detected, not only is the automatic operation function switched, but it is also reflected in the presentation (output of a presentation element).

[0027] Hereinafter, specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., of the automatic operation function in the above embodiment will be described. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

[0028] ○First Specific Example It is assumed that a non-operation-requesting effect (see FIG. 7) can be executed in which the operation of the first operation means 10 is reflected in the effect, even though the player is not prompted to operate the first operation means 10. The above-mentioned operation-requesting effect is an effect in which a meter 11 indicating the operation valid period, an operation image 12, and a display 13 indicating that the first operation means 10 should be operated are displayed, and the operation-requesting effect is an effect in which the player is prompted to operate the first operation means 10, whereas the operation-requesting effect is not displayed in this manner. However, the operation-requesting effect and the operation-requesting effect are common in that when the first operation means 10 is operated, it is reflected in the effect. The operation-requesting effect is a so-called "hidden effect" that is intended to make only certain players aware that it is occurring. Since it is such a "hidden effect," even if the operation-requesting effect occurs while the automatic operation enabling function is enabled (ON), a virtual operation by the automatic operation function is not performed (see FIG. 7(a)(b)). If a virtual operation is performed, the player will notice that the operation-requesting effect is occurring, and the "hidden effect" will lose its meaning. An example of such a non-operation-requiring effect is an effect in which, by successively operating the first operating means 10 during a so-called reach effect, a predetermined effect element (for example, the color of a predetermined image displayed in the display area 911) changes, and the effect element suggests the probability of a jackpot.

[0029] Assume that a no-operation-request performance occurs while the automatic operation function is active. Even if the first operating means 10 is actually operated during this no-operation-request performance (the operation valid period in the no-operation-request performance), the automatic operation function is not disabled (OFF) and remains active (see FIG. 7(a)(c)). In other words, the actual operation in the operation-request performance is treated as a trigger for disabling the automatic operation function, but the actual operation in the no-operation-request performance is not treated as a trigger for disabling the automatic operation function. As described above, since the no-operation-request performance is a "hidden performance," performing an actual operation during the no-operation-request performance means that there is an intention to enjoy the effect of the "hidden performance," and it is possible that the player does not think that the automatic operation in the no-operation-request performance is unnecessary. Moreover, in this example, even if the automatic operation function is active, a virtual operation in the no-operation-request performance is not performed (see FIG. 7(a)(b)), so an actual operation needs to be performed in order to enjoy the effect of the no-operation-request performance. Therefore, the actual operation during the no-operation-required performance is not regarded as an intention of the player to operate the first operating means 10, and the automatic operation function is maintained in an enabled state. Note that in a device equipped with a plurality of types of no-operation-required performances, the automatic operation function may be configured to be maintained in an enabled state without being disabled in response to an actual operation for some no-operation-required performances, but to be disabled in response to an actual operation for other no-operation-required performances.

[0030] ○Second Specific Example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the automatic operation function is disabled when an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected during an operation request presentation (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled. However, some players may dislike such switching from enabled to disabled. For example, while players generally want the automatic operation function to be enabled (to be in a state where they do not have to operate it themselves), there may be players who wish to operate the first operation means 10 themselves in some operation request presentations. For such players, it is undesirable for the automatic operation function to be disabled every time they actually operate it during an operation request presentation.

[0031] Based on this, the configuration is such that, when the automatic operation function is enabled, even if the first operation means 10 is actually operated in an operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is not disabled and remains enabled (see FIG. 8. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a fixed mode) and can be set by the player. In this way, it is possible to create a situation in which the player operates the first operation means 10 for some operation request presentations, while virtual operations are performed for other operation request presentations (the player does not have to operate the first operation means 10).

[0032] Any method may be used for the player to set the fixed mode, but it is preferable to have the player decide (see FIG. 9(b)) whether or not to select the fixed mode when the automatic operation function is enabled (see FIG. 9(a)). In other words, by having the player who enabled the automatic operation function be asked whether or not to fix the automatic operation function, a situation in which the existence of the fixed mode is not known will not occur.

[0033] ○Third specific example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the automatic operation function is disabled when an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected during an operation request presentation (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, but the configuration is set so that the automatic operation function will not be switched from enabled to disabled even if an actual operation of the first operation means 10 is performed at a time other than when an operation request presentation during a notification presentation is being executed (however, an operation for switching the automatic operation function from enabled to disabled using a so-called customization function is excluded). Since an operation of the first operation means 10 when an operation request presentation is not being executed is considered to be an operation that is not based on the player's own intention to operate, such as an erroneous operation, the automatic operation function is configured to be maintained in an enabled state even if an operation of the first operation means 10 is detected at a time other than when an operation request presentation during a notification presentation is being executed.

[0034] 3) Support function for adjusting settings The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a second operating means 20 different from the first operating means 10 described above (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 10). The second operating means 20 in this embodiment is a so-called "cross key". The second operating means 20 is provided on the support part 30. Specifically, the second operating means 20 is supported on the support part 30 so that a part of the second operating means 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the support part 30. The support part 30 is a part constituting the housing (frame body) of the gaming machine 1, and is a part provided so as to protrude forward. On the upper side of the support part 30, a gaming ball storage space 31 (a part that becomes a so-called "upper tray") that is a recessed part that is recessed downward is formed (see FIG. 10(a)). The gaming balls stored in the gaming ball storage space 31 are launched by the launching device 908. The second operating means 20 is provided on a part of the upper surface of the support part 30 where the gaming ball storage space 31 is not formed (see FIG. 10(a)). In this embodiment, the first operating means 10 is also provided on the upper surface of the support portion 30.

[0035] The support section 30 is provided with a light-emitting section 32 (a portion including a light-emitting body such as an LED) capable of emitting light in a predetermined manner. The light-emitting section 32 may be directly supported by the support section 30, or may be supported by the support section 30 via another member. The light-emitting section 32 is provided on the upper surface of the support section 30 so that the light is emitted in an upward direction (see FIG. 10(a)). The light-emitting section 32 may have any light-emitting manner. It may be capable of emitting light in a plurality of manners.

[0036] In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the player can change the predetermined setting items to his / her preference by operating the second operating means 20. The second operating means 20 is an operating means used to change the setting items, and is not an operating means used for presentation. In other words, no operation request presentation is generated to prompt the player to operate the second operating means 20. The above setting items may be any items that are not related to the player's direct profit (balls paid out). Examples of setting items include those related to the game environment, such as the volume of the presentation sound output from the speaker 40 (see FIG. 1) and the amount of light output from various electric lights, and those related to presentation, such as the type of music output as background music during the notification presentation, and the selection of the type of various presentations (e.g., main character) that constitute the notification presentation. In the following, the support function of the light-emitting unit 32 will be described using volume adjustment as an example.

[0037] When adjusting the volume, the second operating means 20 is operated. In this embodiment, pressing "up" on the cross key (second operating means 20) increases the volume, and pressing "down" decreases the volume. In other words, the direction in which the settings change varies depending on the operating mode of the second operating means 20. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of adjusting the volume even while the notification performance is being executed (while the identification pattern 80 is changing). From the player's perspective, it is possible to adjust the volume to his / her preference while continuing the game (while continuing to launch the gaming ball).

[0038] When the second operating means 20 is operated and the volume changes, the light emitting section 32 emits light. Specifically, when the volume changes by one step (including both an increase and decrease in volume), the light emitting section 32 emits light temporarily (for a predetermined time) (see FIG. 11). It is difficult to know whether the volume has actually changed by operating the second operating means 20, and even if the player thinks that he or she has operated the second operating means 20, there is a possibility that the operation is not detected and the volume has not changed. In this embodiment, the light emitting section 32 is made to emit light in order to clearly indicate that the operation of the second operating means 20 has been detected and a change in the volume has been made. Since the player can tell that the volume (setting item) has changed by the light emitted by the light emitting section 32, it can be said that the usability of the function for changing the setting item is improved.

[0039] In addition, the light-emitting unit 32 in this embodiment is provided on the support unit 30 (above the support unit 30) together with the second operating means 20. A player who wishes to change the volume operates the second operating means 20 by looking into the support unit 30 from above. Since the light-emitting unit 32 is provided on the upper side of the support unit 30, it is possible to determine whether the volume change has been performed by checking whether the light-emitting unit 32 is emitting light while operating the second operating means 20. In this embodiment, when the volume is changed, the change in the volume is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 11(b)(c)), but there is no need to look at the display area 911 while operating the second operating means 20. In other words, it is easier to check whether the volume change has been performed by looking at the light-emitting unit 32 provided on the upper side of the support unit 30 together with the second operating means 20 than by looking at the display area 911 to check whether the volume change has been performed.

[0040] Hereinafter, specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc. of matters related to the support functions in the above-described embodiment will be described. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be formed in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

[0041] ○First Specific Example The direction in which the setting item changes is different depending on the operation mode of the second operation means 20. In the above embodiment, the direction in which the setting item changes is different between the first operation mode in which the "up" of the cross key, which is the second operation means 20, is operated and the second operation mode in which the "down" is operated. For example, if the setting item is volume or light intensity, the setting item changes in an increasing direction when the operation is performed in the first operation mode, and the setting item changes in a decreasing direction when the operation is performed in the second operation mode. If the setting item is to select one element from multiple candidate elements, such as music, the multiple candidate elements are arranged in a predetermined order, and the setting item (selection target) is switched in the predetermined order when the operation is performed in the first operation mode, and the setting item (selection target) is switched in the reverse order to the predetermined order when the operation is performed in the second operation mode.

[0042] Based on this premise, the light emitting unit 32 is configured to emit light in different manners when the setting item is changed (switched) to one direction and when it is changed (switched) to the opposite direction. That is, when an operation is performed in the first operation mode and the setting item is changed to one direction, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in the first light emitting manner (see FIG. 12(a)), and when an operation is performed in the second operation mode and the setting item is changed to the other direction, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in the second light emitting manner (a light emitting manner different from the first light emitting manner) (see FIG. 12(b)). In this way, the player can not only know that a change in the setting item has occurred by the light emitting unit 32 being emitted, but also the direction of the change.

[0043] ○Second Specific Example The light emitting unit 32 is provided on an operating means other than the operating means (second operating means 20) operated when changing the setting item, and the light emitting unit 32 is made to emit light when the setting item is changed. For example, the light emitting unit 32 is provided on the first operating means 10, which is a push button (it may be provided near the first operating means 10). Since the first operating means 10 is provided on the support part 30, the light emitting unit 32 provided on the first operating means 10 can be said to be indirectly provided on the support part 30. The light emitting unit 32 provided on the first operating means 10 is basically provided to produce a predetermined presentation effect. For example, it is made to emit light during an operation effective period in an operation request presentation that prompts the player to operate the first operating means 10. The player knows that it is time to operate the first operating means 10 when the first operating means 10 emits light.

[0044] The light emitting unit 32 provided on the first operating means 10 emits light when a setting item is changed by operating the second operating means 20 (see FIG. 13). In other words, the light emitting unit 32 provided on the first operating means 10 is used to inform the player that a setting item has changed. In this way, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate light emitting unit 32 for indicating that a setting item has changed.

[0045] ○Third specific example The light emitting mode of the light emitting unit 32 when the setting items are changed by operating the second operating means 20 is different from the light emitting mode of the light emitting unit 32 at other times. Specifically, the light emitting unit 32 is set so that it may emit light in one or more light emitting modes for performance when a predetermined condition is met in the notification performance, in order to enhance the performance effect of various performances that constitute the notification performance. The light emitting mode of the light emitting unit 32 when the setting items are changed (hereinafter referred to as a specific light emitting mode to distinguish it from the above-mentioned light emitting modes for performance) is different from any of the light emitting modes for performance. In this way, it is easier to understand that the setting items have changed.

[0046] Furthermore, if the timing at which a predetermined condition is satisfied during a notification performance overlaps with the timing at which the settings are changed by operating the second operating means 20, priority is given to the light-emitting unit 32 emitting light in a specific light-emitting mode. In other words, the light-emitting unit 32 emitting light in a performance light-emitting mode is canceled, and the light-emitting unit 32 emits light in the specific light-emitting mode. Therefore, no matter what the situation is when the settings are changed, the support function provided by the light-emitting unit 32 can be enjoyed.

[0047] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0048] The gaming machine 1 may be configured to apply only one of the features described in "2) Automatic operation function" and "3) Support function when adjusting settings".

[0049] The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, but except for the configuration specific to pachinko gaming machines, the same technical concept can be applied to other gaming machines such as reel type gaming machines.

[0050] Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

[0051] ·Means 1-1 A gaming machine comprising: an operating means operable by a player; an effect execution means for executing an operation request effect that prompts the player to operate the operating means; and an automatic operation function control means for switching ON / OFF an automatic operation function that causes the effect to reflect the operation of the operating means as if the operating means had been operated, even if the operating means has not actually been operated, during at least a part of the operation request effect, and characterized in that when the automatic operation function is ON, the automatic operation function is turned OFF when the operating means is actually operated during the operation request effect. Even if the automatic operation function is ON, if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation, it is assumed that the player intends to operate the operation means, so the automatic operation function is turned OFF. From the player's point of view, it is not necessary to take any separate action to turn the automatic operation function OFF, which improves the usability of the automatic operation function.

[0052] ·Means 1-2 The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that when the automatic operation function is ON and the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is turned OFF and the operation is reflected in the presentation. Even when the automatic operation function is ON, when the operating means is actually operated in an operation request presentation, it is assumed that the player intends to operate the operating means, and therefore that operation should be reflected in the presentation (the player may feel uncomfortable if that operation is not reflected in the presentation).

[0053] ·Means 1-3 The gaming machine described in Means 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the effect execution means is capable of executing an effect requiring no operation in which the operation of the operating means is reflected in the effect, although the player is not prompted to operate the operating means, and when the automatic operation function is ON, even if the operating means is actually operated in the effect requiring no operation, the automatic operation function is not turned OFF and remains ON. Since actual operation of the operating means during a no-operation-required presentation may be an operation for the purpose of enjoying the effects of the no-operation-required presentation and may not be indicative of the player's intention that automatic operation is unnecessary, it is preferable not to switch the automatic operation function from ON to OFF as a result of actual operation during a no-operation-required presentation.

[0054] ·Means 1-4 A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that when the automatic operation function is ON, even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is not turned OFF and remains ON, allowing the player to set a fixed mode as desired. There may be players who enjoy the automatic operation function in some operation request presentations and want to operate the operation means themselves in other operation request presentations. For such players, it is undesirable for the automatic operation function to be turned off when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare a mode in which the automatic operation function remains ON even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request presentation.

[0055] ·Means 2-1 A gaming machine comprising: an operating means operable by a player; a setting adjustment means for changing predetermined settings related to a game when operation of the operating means is detected; and a light-emitting section that emits light when the settings are changed as a result of operation of the operating means. According to the gaming machine, the light emitting section emits light to clearly indicate that a setting has been changed, improving the ease of use of the function for changing the setting.

[0056] ·Means 2-2 The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that it has a support part that supports the operating means so that at least a portion of the operating means is exposed on the upper side, and the light-emitting part is provided on the support part. This makes it easy to determine whether the light emitting section is emitting light when the operating means is operated.

[0057] ·Means 2-3 The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or Means 2-2 is characterized in that the operation means is not the subject of an operation request presentation that urges the player to operate during the operation valid period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Gaming machines 10 First operating means 20 Second operating means 30 Support part 32 Light emitting part 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims

[Claim 1] a support portion that protrudes toward a player and has a first operating means and a second operating means that can be operated by a player provided on the upper side; a setting adjustment means for changing a predetermined setting item related to a game when an operation of the second operation means is detected; A presentation execution means for executing an operation presentation that may occur during the notification presentation from when the decorative pattern that notifies the winning / losing judgment result starts to change to when the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the winning / losing lottery result, the operation presentation requiring the player to operate the first operation means; Equipped with A gaming machine characterized in that when the setting item is changed by operating the second operating means, a light-emitting portion of the first operating means emits light.

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