JP2001293152A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a game to be restored in a game condition before a power supply stop based on the memory content in a game condition memory means even when power supply from main power source is stopped by power failure, etc., and to make the stored content in the memoryable to be released before the business starting time of the game parlor on the next day. SOLUTION: This pachinko game machine is equipped with one or plural game control means 55, 60, 61, 62, 70 to control a game condition, game condition memory means 56, 69 possible to store and hold information relating to game condition control during a power supply stop of the main power source 63 of at least one of game control means 55, 62, and a game restoration means 58 to restore a prescribed game based on the stored content of the game condition memory means 56, 69. Available storing time of a game condition in the game condition memory means 56, 69 is set to a time shorter than non-operating time of the game parlor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrange ball machine, and a play ball game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, power is supplied from an external power supply to a main power supply of a power supply board, and a special symbol display means on a game board side is supplied from the main power supply of the power supply board via a main control board. Power supply to the variable winning means and other game parts, and also to the payout means via the payout control board, and to the firing means via the firing control board.

At the time of a game, the main game control means of the main control board controls the game operation by the special symbol display means on the game board side, the variable winning means and the like, and stops the special symbol display means after the change of the special symbol. A special profit state is generated on condition that the symbol is in a specific mode.

[0004] When a special profit state occurs, the opening and closing plate of the variable winning means is opened once, and when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the winning opening or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the opening. The opening and closing plate closes on the condition that it is earlier. When the game ball that has won the winning opening passes through the specific area, the special profit state is maintained until the opening and closing plate of the variable winning means is opened up to a predetermined number of times under the condition. Therefore, once the special profit state occurs, a large number of game balls win the variable winning means,
Since a large number of game balls are paid out from the payout means in accordance with the number of winning balls, the player can enjoy great profit.

[0005]

In this type of ball game machine, if power supply from the main power supply is stopped during a game due to a power failure or the like,
Power is supplied from the backup power supply to the game state storage means such as a RAM, and the game state immediately before the power failure is stored in the game state storage means. When the main power is turned on after the restoration of the power failure, the game state storage means is stored. It is considered that a predetermined game is restored based on the stored contents.

However, if it is assumed that the game state storage means keeps storing the memory until the main power is turned on after the restoration of the power failure, the game state before the power failure can be restored by turning on the main power. There's a problem.

For example, if the main power supply is turned on before the start of business on the next day after the power outage is restored after the operation of the game arcade ends, the game return means operates by the start of the power supply, and the game returns. The game is restored based on the contents stored in the state storage means.

In such a case, it is necessary to erase the contents stored in the game state storage means. However, since it is not permitted to input a signal from the outside to the main control board and the like to erase the storage contents of the game state storage means in a ball-and-ball game machine, the storage of a plurality of ball-and-ball game machines is prohibited. Cannot be collectively erased, and there is a problem that a reset button provided for each ball game machine must be operated one by one.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and even when power supply from the main power supply is stopped due to a power failure or the like, the game state is maintained in a game state before the power supply is stopped based on the contents stored in the game state storage means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine capable of automatically restoring the storage of the game state by the start of business on the next day of the game arcade.

[0010]

According to the present invention, prize winning means 17, 18, 20 arranged in a game area 15 and prize ball detecting means 24 for detecting a game ball which has won the prize means 17, 18, 20 are provided. , 28,29,31
And one or more game control means for controlling a game state
55,60,61,62,70 and at least one game control means 55,6
(2) game state storage means 56 and 69 capable of storing information related to control of the game state when the power supply of the main power supply 63 is stopped even after the power supply is stopped, and the game state storage means after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is started. Game return means 58 for returning a predetermined game based on the stored contents of 56, 69, and the effective storage time of the game state of the game state storage means 56, 69 is shorter than the non-operation time of the game hall. Is set to

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a game machine main body, and an outer frame 2 and a front of the outer frame 2 which is pivotally connected to the outer frame 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. frame
And 3. The front frame 3 has a game board corresponding to the window hole.
4 is detachably mounted from the back side, and a glass door 5 and a front plate 6 are arranged on the front side of the game board 4 so as to be freely opened and closed.

An upper plate 7 for storing game balls for firing is mounted on the front plate 6. A lower plate 8 for storing surplus spheres and a firing handle 10 of a firing means 9 are provided below the front frame 3. The launching means 9 is controlled on the launch control board 11 side, and the launch control board 11 is housed in a launch control board case 12. On the firing handle 10 side, operation detecting means 13 such as a touch switch for detecting the player's gripping (see FIG. 4)
Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, a guide rail 14 is annularly mounted on the game board 4, and the guide rail 14 is
A plurality of game components such as a liquid crystal display means 16, a special symbol starting means 17, a variable winning means 18, a normal symbol starting means 19, a normal winning means 20, and the like are arranged in a game area 15 inside 14.

The liquid crystal display means 16 also serves as special symbol display means 21 for displaying a special symbol. Special symbol display means 21
One or more, for example, three special symbols can be variably displayed in the left-right direction, and under the condition that a game ball is won to the special symbol starting means 17, the special symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time by random number control. It is configured to stop.

The liquid crystal display means 16 is provided with an ordinary symbol display means 22 on the upper part thereof. Normal symbol display means 22 is 1
One or a plurality of, for example, one ordinary symbol can be variably displayed, and provided that the ordinary symbol starting means 19 detects the passage of a game ball, the ordinary symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time by random number control and stops. It has become.

The special symbol starting means 17 constitutes a prize winning means, and includes a pair of left and right open / close pawls 23 pivotally supported to be openable and closable between an open state where the game ball can win and a closed state where the game ball cannot win. Winning ball detecting means for detecting game balls winning from 23
The opening and closing claw 23 is opened for a predetermined time, for example, a short time of about 0.5 second, on condition that the stopped symbol after the change of the normal symbol display means 22 is in a predetermined mode. In addition, the special symbol starting means 17 is configured by an electric opening / closing type tulip or the like.

The variable prize winning means 18 is an openable / closable type which can be converted into a state advantageous to the player (open state) and a disadvantageous state (closed state), a prize case 25 having a prize port 26, and a prize port.
The game ball is opened and closed by a horizontal axis on the lower side so as to be able to open and close the opening 26 and can be opened and closed freely.
An opening / closing plate 27 that guides the special symbol display means 21 on condition that the special symbol display means 21 has a changed stop symbol in a specific mode such as “7.7.7” and a special profit state described later occurs. The opening / closing plate 27 is configured to open to the front side.

Inside the variable winning means 18, there is a winning ball detecting means 28 for counting which detects a game ball which has won the winning opening 26,
Winning ball detecting means 29 for detecting the passing of a game ball to a specific area
Are provided.

It should be noted that the variable winning means 18 is provided when a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate 27 or when the winning ball detecting means 28 detects a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, whichever is earlier. The opening / closing operation is repeated up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) on condition that the opening / closing plate 27 is closed and the winning ball detecting means 29 in the specific area detects a game ball.

Normally, the symbol starting means 19 is of a passing type, and is provided with ball detecting means 30 for detecting the passage of a game ball.
The normal winning means 20 is provided with a winning ball detecting means 31 for detecting a winning of a game ball.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the front frame 3, a back mechanism plate 32 for holding the game board 4 from the back side is mounted to be openable and closable. The back mechanism plate 32 is formed with an opening portion 34 into which a back cover 33 on the back side of the game board 4 is fitted. A game ball tank 35 and a tank rail 36 are provided on the upper side, and a payout means 37 is provided on one side in the left-right direction. , A passage unit 38 is provided on the lower side. The game ball tank 35 stores the game balls replenished from the game ball replenishment system, and pays out via the tank rail 36.
It is supplied to the 37 side.

The payout means 37 includes a payout case 39,
A rotator 40 provided in the payout case 39 and paying out game balls by rotation, a payout motor 41 for driving the rotator 40, and detecting the paid out game balls provided at a lower portion of the payout case 39. Payout ball detection means 42
When a ball payout command is issued, the payout motor 41 drives the rotating body 40 and pays out game balls from the game ball tank 35 to the upper plate 7 as prize balls by the rotation of the rotating body 40. The payout ball detecting means 42 detects the game balls one by one.

The back cover 33 is, as shown in FIG.
4 is for covering the game components such as the liquid crystal display means 16 mounted on the back of the game board 4 from behind, and is detachably fixed to the game board 4. On the back cover 33, a main control board case 44 for housing a main control board 43, a lamp control board case 46 for housing a lamp control board 45, and a voice control board case 48 for housing a voice control board 47 are detachable. It is attached to. The main control board case 44 is disposed above the back cover 33, and a lamp control board case 46 and a voice control board case 48 are disposed below the main control board case 44 on the left and right.

On the back side of the passage unit 38, a control board case 50 is removably mounted via a case mounting plate 49. In the control board case 50, a power supply board 51 and a payout control board 52 are housed on the left and right. ing. The power supply board 51 can be connected to an external power supply 54 via a power supply cord 53.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control system. The main control board 43 is provided with a main game control means 55, a game state storage means 56, a memory holding signal output means 57, a game return means 58, and a return signal output means 59. These are configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like provided on the main control board 43.

The main game control means 55 is for controlling the game operation, in particular, mainly for controlling the game operation on the game board 4 side. The main game control means 55 comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like. A function of controlling the change / stop of the ordinary symbol of the ordinary symbol display means 22 by random number control on the condition that the game ball is detected, and a special symbol start on condition that the stopped symbol of the ordinary symbol after the variation becomes a predetermined mode. A function of opening the means 17 for a predetermined time, a function of controlling the change / stop of the special symbol of the special symbol display means 21 by random number control on condition that the special symbol starting means 17 detects a game ball, Provided that the symbol to be stopped is in a specific mode, a function of generating a special profit state advantageous to the player to open the variable winning means 18 and a ramp control means 60 and a voice control means 61 according to the game state. A function of transmitting a predetermined command to the payout control means 62 or the like, a function of performing predetermined backup process when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped,
The special symbol starting means 17, the winning means 18, 20 and the like are provided with a function of performing a winning process on condition that a game ball wins.

The game state storage means 56 is constituted by a CPU, a RAM, etc., and has a function of storing a game state of the game board 4 which changes every time under the control of the main game control means 55;
Even after the power supply from the power supply 63 is stopped, the main game control means 55 has a function of storing the game state at that time by the power supply from the sub power supply 64 by the backup process.

The memory holding signal output means 57 is for outputting a memory holding signal related to the memory holding to the outside when the game state memory means 56 holds the memory by the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 64. The storage holding signal is output to a management device 66 such as a game arcade. The storage holding signal output means 57 outputs the storage holding signal at an appropriate time, such as outputting a storage holding signal at the start or end of the backup processing, for example, on the condition of the backup processing on the main game control means 55 side. Just output it.

The game return means 58 is a game state storage means when power supply from the main power supply 63 is started due to restoration of a power failure or the like.
It is for returning a predetermined game based on the stored contents of 56, and is configured to satisfy a predetermined condition, for example, to return a predetermined game triggered by a predetermined game condition accompanying an operation of a player. I have.

That is, the game return means 58 is provided with the operation detecting means 13 when the player grips the firing handle 10 of the firing means 9.
, The main game control means 55 is activated by the operation of the firing means 9 accompanying the operation of the player,
The function of returning the game from the game state immediately before the stop of the power supply based on the contents stored in the game state storage means 56, the function of transmitting a return command to the payout control means 62, and the function of transmitting a notification signal to the return notification means 65. Have.

The return notification means 65 is for notifying the player that the game return means 58 has returned to a predetermined game, and is a display lamp such as an LED mounted on the periphery of the front frame 3 or the like. , The display screen of the liquid crystal display means 16. The return notifying means 65 may be constituted by a speaker 68. The return signal output means 59 outputs and transmits a return signal related to the return to the management device 66 outside the machine when the game return means 58 returns a predetermined game.

The lamp control board 45 includes a lamp control means 60
Is provided. The lamp control means 60 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like mounted on the lamp control board 45, and according to a display command from the main game control means 55,
Various display lamps 67 such as a display lamp mounted on a game component of the game board 4 and a display lamp arranged on the front side of the game machine main body 1 are controlled to be turned on or off.

The voice control board 47 is provided with a voice control means 61. The voice control means 61 is constituted by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like mounted on the voice control board 47, and according to a voice command from the main game control means 55, a speaker.
The sound effect generated from 68 is controlled. The speaker 68 is mounted on a member or the like on the front frame 3 side on the back side of the front plate 6 as shown in FIG.

The firing control board 11 is provided with a firing control means 70, and when the player operates the firing handle 10, the firing control means 70 controls the firing means 9.

The payout control board 52 is provided with payout control means 62 and payout number storage means 69. The payout control means 62 is for controlling the game operation and controlling the payout operation of the payout means 37 in particular, and analyzes the number of prize balls acquired (payout number) of the player from the payout command of the main game control means 55. The function and the function of storing the obtained number in the payout number storage means 69 and the payout means 37 so as to pay out the prize balls for the obtained number.
A function of controlling the number of new prize balls and a function of adding and subtracting the obtained number of paid prize balls to the unpaid number to update the stored number of the paid out number storage means 69, and a game return means.
A function of controlling the payout means 37 so as to read out the stored contents of the payout number storage means 69 by the return command from 58 and pay out the unpaid number of prize balls;
And a function of performing a predetermined backup process when the power supply from the server is stopped.

The number-of-payouts storage means 69 stores the number of obtained prize balls calculated by the payout control means 62 (number of payouts).
Even after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, the number of prize balls acquired at that time is stored and retained by the power supply from the sub power supply 64 by the backup processing on the payout control means 62 side. I have.

The power supply board 51 is provided with a main power supply 63, a sub power supply 64, a power supply monitoring unit 71, a reset unit 72, and a storage control unit 73. The main power supply 63 passes through the main control board 43, the lamp control board 45, the voice control board 47, the launch control board 11, the payout control board 52, and the like, and the control means 55, 60, 61, 62, 70, the liquid crystal display means 16 The special symbol starting means 17, the normal symbol starting means 19, the variable winning means 18, the firing means 9, the payout means 37, and other parts are used to supply power.

The sub-power supply 64 is used when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power failure of the external power supply 54 or the like.
56, a voltage of a predetermined potential necessary for the payout number storage means 69 to hold the respective stored information is applied to the main control board 43 and the payout control board 50 to supply power.

The auxiliary power supply 64 is provided with ball detecting means 24, 28 to 31 for the game components on the game board 4 and the payout ball detecting means 42 on the payout means 37 until a predetermined time elapses after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is stopped. The main game control means 55 and the payout control means only for a predetermined time after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is stopped so as to enable the detection function of the main power supply 63 and stop the detection function after a predetermined time has elapsed.
62, power may be supplied to the ball detecting means 24, 28 to 31, 42, respectively.

The sub power source 64 is configured to supply power from a charge / discharge circuit of a capacitor and a resistor, a dry battery or a storage battery. The sub power supply 64 may be provided on the power supply board 51, or may be provided on the main control board 43 and the payout control board 52, respectively.

The power supply monitoring unit 71 detects an abnormality when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, and sends a power supply abnormality signal to the main game control unit 55, the lamp control unit 60, the voice control unit 61, and the payout control unit 62. In order to cause the main game control means 55 and the payout control means 62 to perform a backup process necessary for holding stored information.

The reset unit 72 outputs a reset signal when a power failure signal is received from the power monitoring unit 71 with a delay corresponding to the time required for the reset processing on the control means 55, 60 to 62 side. ing. In the main game control means 55, the ramp control means 60, the voice control means 61, and the payout control means 62,
When a reset signal is received, the operation of the CPU is stopped and, at the same time, all outputs are cleared.

The main game control means 55 and the payout control means 62 perform predetermined backup processing and reset processing when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped until the voltage drops below the processing operation potential. It is supposed to do.

The memory holding control unit 73 is for stopping the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 64 and releasing the storage of the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 when a predetermined effective storage time has elapsed. It is. This storage holding control unit 73 includes:
As shown in FIG. 5, a timer unit 75 that measures a predetermined effective storage time after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is stopped by a power supply abnormality signal or the like of the power supply monitoring unit 71, and when the timer unit 75 measures the effective storage time. And a power supply stop unit 76 for stopping power supply from the sub power supply 64 to the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69.

The power supply stopping section 76 is composed of a semiconductor switch or the like connected to the output side of the sub power supply 64.
The storage control unit 73 is supplied with power from the sub power supply 64.

The effective storage time is at least equal to or longer than the power failure recovery time required for recovery from a momentary power failure of the commercial power supply, and is at least longer than the non-operation time (non-business time) of the game arcade. Set for a short time. In terms of effective storage time, it is desirable that the storage state can be maintained as long as possible in terms of storage retention, but it is necessary to avoid retaining the storage until the business start time on the next day. Therefore, for example, when the business start time of the game arcade is 10:00 am and the business end time is 11:00 pm, the time is shorter than the normal non-operation time from the business end of the game arcade to the business start of the next day. It is set to less than a certain 11 hours.

Numeral 74 denotes a memory holding notifying means for notifying a player or the like whether or not the gaming state storing means 56 and the payout number storing means 69 are in a memory holding state by the sub power supply 64. The memory retention notifying means 74 is constituted by a display lamp such as an LED mounted on a peripheral portion of the front frame 3 or the like.
During power supply from 64, the display is made by lighting or emitting light such as characters. Even when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, the storage retention notifying means 74 enables power supply to the liquid crystal display means 16 and notifies the liquid crystal display means 16 by using a partial area of the display screen. good.

The main control board 43, the lamp control board 45,
As shown in FIG. 4, the voice control board 47 and the payout control board 52 each have a plurality of independent board configurations. The lamp control means 60, the voice control means 61, and the payout control means 62 constitute a game control means in a broad sense, and the payout number storage means 69 constitutes a game state storage means 56 in a broad sense.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the main control board 4
3, the payout control board 52, the main game control means 55 and the payout control means 62 for controlling the game according to each purpose
And a game state storage means 56 and a payout number storage means 69 capable of storing and maintaining the game state even after the supply of power from the main power supply 63 is stopped.
In response to the operation of 9, the game return means 58 is changed to the game state storage means 5
A predetermined game is restored based on the contents stored in the payout number storage means 69 and the payout number storage means 69.

In the above-mentioned ball game machine, when the power cord 53 is connected to the external power source 54, the main control board 43, the lamp control board 45,
Voice control board 47, launch control board 11, payout control board 52
Through such as, game parts such as the liquid crystal display means 16 on the game board 4 side,
Power is supplied to the launching means 9, the payout means 37, and the like, so that the game can be played.

At the time of the game, the firing handle 10 of the firing means 9
Is operated, the game balls on the upper plate 7 are supplied one by one to the firing section in conjunction with the firing operation of the firing means 9, and the game balls are hit with a hitting hammer to sequentially play the game boards 4 along the guide rails 14. I will fire to the side. After the game ball fired on the upper side of the game board 4 enters the game area 15 of the game board 4 and falls along the board surface, it wins the normal winning means 20 or the like, or the normal symbol starting means 19 Falling down while passing.

When a game ball passes through the ordinary symbol starting means 19, the main game control means 55 operates and the ordinary symbol of the ordinary symbol display means 22 fluctuates for a predetermined time by random number control. When the stop symbol after the change of the ordinary symbol display means 22 becomes a predetermined mode such as "7", the opening / closing claw 23 of the special symbol start means 17 is opened for a predetermined time, and the special symbol start means 17 The ball becomes easier to win.

When the game ball wins the special symbol starting means 17, the special symbol of the special symbol display means 21 fluctuates for a predetermined time by the random number control. Then, if the stop symbol after the change becomes a specific mode such as “7.7.7”, a special profit state occurs, and the open / close plate 27 of the variable winning means 18 is opened, so that the game ball can easily win.

The variable winning means 18 is closed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the opening or when a predetermined number of game balls have been won. However, if the game ball that has won while the variable winning means 18 is open passes through the specific area and the winning ball detecting means 29 in the specific area detects the game ball, the special profit state continues and the variable winning means 18 Are opened again, and the same operation is repeated up to a predetermined number of times.

When the game ball wins the special symbol starting means 17, the variable winning means 18, the normal winning means 20, etc., the main game controlling means.
55 sends a payout command accompanying the winning to the payout control means 62. Then, the payout control means 62 calculates the number of prize balls to be paid out, the payout number storage means 69 stores the payout number, and the payout means 37 pays out the prize balls by the payout number.

During the game, the game state storage means 56 stores the occurrence of the special profit state and other game states, and the payout number storage means 69 stores the number of prize balls paid out, and updates the stored contents as needed. While playing the game.

When the power of the external power supply 54 is cut off, the power supply from the main power supply 63 of the power supply board 51 is stopped, so that the firing means 9 and the like become inoperable and the game is stopped. However, the power supply monitoring unit 71 detects a power supply abnormality and sends a power supply abnormality signal to the main game control unit 55, the payout control unit 62, and the like at the same time as stopping the power supply from the main power supply 63. As a result, the main game control means 55 and the payout control means 62 perform predetermined backup processing, and the main power supply 63
Even after the power supply from is stopped, each of the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 is supplied with power from the sub power supply 64,
Each piece of stored information in the game state immediately before the stop of power supply is held.

When the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 are in the memory holding state, the memory holding signal output means 57
Transmits a memory holding signal to the management device 66 outside the device. Therefore, the management device 66 can easily grasp and manage whether or not the memory holding state by the sub power supply 64 is provided for each of the ball game machines. On the other hand, the storage holding notifying means 74 notifies storage holding by the sub power supply 64. For this reason, even when the game becomes impossible due to a power failure or the like, the player can easily understand that the immediately preceding game state is stored and held by the notification of the storage holding notifying means 74.

When the main power supply 63 is turned on after the restoration of the power failure, power supply from the main power supply 63 to the control boards 11, 43, 45, 47, 52 starts. However, as long as the player does not operate the firing handle 10, the game return means 58 does not work, so at the time of starting power supply from the main power supply 63, the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 are based on the stored contents. The game is automatically restored, and does not resume from the game state immediately before the power failure or the like.

Thereafter, when the player operates the firing handle 10, the operation detecting means 13 detects the operation of the player, whereby the game return means 58 operates, and the main game control means 55 stores the game state storage means 56. The information is read and the game is returned based on the stored contents. Therefore, if the game is interrupted due to a power outage or the like immediately after the occurrence of the special profit state, the game can be resumed from the gaming state immediately before the power outage or the like, and in a state where the player is away from the ball game machine, Game return means 58
By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unexpected disadvantage of the player without returning the game.

The game return means 58 is replaced by the payout control means 62.
The payout control means 62 reads out the payout number, which is information stored in the payout number storage means 69, and activates the payout means 37. For this reason, the payout means 37 sequentially pays out the unpaid number of prize balls based on the stored contents of the payout number storage means 69, so that the payout of the prize balls can be surely executed.

When the game returning means 58 returns a predetermined game, the return notifying means 65 notifies the player of the return, and the return signal output means 59 outputs the return signal to the external management device.
Send to 66. For this reason, the player is required to
, The fact that the game has returned can be easily grasped on the basis of the stored content, and the management device 66 can also reliably grasp and manage the fact of the return.

When the power supply monitoring unit 71 detects a power supply abnormality, the reset signal from the reset unit 72 removes the information stored in the game state storage unit 56 and the number-of-payouts storage unit 69, excluding the lamp control unit 60 and the audio. The control means 61 is reset to the initial state. Therefore, when the game is restarted by turning on the main power supply 63, the game is started from the initial state except for the information stored in the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69.

When the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, the timer unit 75 of the storage holding control unit 73 starts measuring the effective storage time. Then, when the game return means 58 does not return the game within the effective storage time, the power supply stop unit 76 operates by the signal of the timer unit 75 at the time when the effective storage time has elapsed, and stops the power supply from the sub power supply 64. . As a result, the storage of the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 is released, and the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 62 return to the initial state.

Therefore, the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 62 do not keep storing the game state immediately before the power supply is stopped until the start of business the next day. For this reason, after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power failure or the like, even when the main power supply 63 is turned on for the first time at the start of business on the next day, the game return means 58 has the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 62. There is no problem of returning a predetermined game based on the stored contents. Further, since the storage of the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 62 can be automatically erased without inputting an external signal to the main control board 43 and the like, an operation for erasing the memory is unnecessary, and the regulation is not required. The above problem cannot occur.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the game state storage means 56 of the main control board 43 and the payout number storage means of the payout control board 50
69, storage units 77 and 78 for storing game states, and sub-power supplies 79 and 8 for supplying power to the storage units 77 and 78 even after the supply of power from the main power supply 63 is stopped.
0, respectively, and the effective time of the sub power supplies 79, 80 is set to a time shorter than the non-operation time of the game arcade.

The storage units 77 and 78 are constituted by a RAM or the like. The sub-power supplies 79 and 80 are composed of capacitors and the like. One end of the sub-power supplies 79 and 80 is connected between the main power
The other ends are respectively connected to the ground side. Sub power supply 79,80
Are charged during the power supply from the main power supply 63, and when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, a voltage of a potential necessary for storing the data is applied to the storage units 77 and 78. Sub power supply 79,8
The valid time of 0 is determined by the time constant of the capacitor and the resistor, and is set to a time shorter than the non-operation time of the game hall.

In this embodiment, since the main power supply board 43 and the payout control board 52 have the sub power supplies 79 and 80,
It is not necessary to provide the sub power supply 64, the storage holding control unit 73, and the like on the power supply board 51 side as in the embodiment. Other configurations are the first
This is the same as the embodiment.

In this case, when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means
Power is supplied from the sub power supply 79,80 of 69 to the storage units 77,78,
77 and 78 hold the memory before the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped.

If the game return means 58 does not return the predetermined game within the valid time of the sub power supplies 79, 80, the output potential of the sub power supplies 79, 80 is discharged by the storage unit when the valid time elapses. The storage potential drops below the storage holding potential of 77,78, and the storage of the game state in the storage units 77,78 can be automatically erased. Therefore, this embodiment also has the same advantages as the first embodiment. Further, the sub power supplies 79 and 80 can be easily constituted by capacitors and the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the game state storage means 56 of the main control board 43 and the payout number storage means of the payout control board 52
69, storage units 77 and 78 for storing game states, and sub-power supplies 79 and 8 for supplying power to the storage units 77 and 78 even after the supply of power from the main power supply 63 is stopped.
0 and a timer section that counts the effective time of the sub power supply 79, 80
1, 82 and power supply stopping units 83 and 84 that stop the power supply from the sub power sources 79 and 80 to the storage units 77 and 78 after the expiration of the effective time in conjunction with the timer units 81 and 82.

The storage units 77 and 78 are composed of a RAM or the like. The sub-power supplies 79 and 80 are composed of capacitors, dry batteries, and other components so that a predetermined storage potential can be maintained for a longer time than the non-operating time of the game arcade.

The timer sections 81 and 82 are constituted by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like. The power supply stop units 83 and 84
The semiconductor switches are constituted by semiconductor switches and the like, and the semiconductor switches are turned off by the signals output from the timer units 81 and 82 after the expiration of the valid time, and the power supply from the sub power supplies 79 and 80 to the storage units 77 and 78 is stopped. I have.

In this embodiment, the timer units 81, 8
2 comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and uses a semiconductor switch or the like for the power supply stopping sections 83, 84, so that power is supplied from the sub power supplies 79, 80. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this case, when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, power is supplied from the sub power supplies 79 and 80 to the storage units 77 and 78, and
The storage units 77 and 78 hold the storage before the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped. At the same time, the timer units 81 and 82 start measuring the valid time, and if the game return means 58 does not return the predetermined game within the valid time, the timer units 81 and 82 start counting the time when the valid time has elapsed. The power supply stopping units 83 and 84 stop the power supply from the sub-power supplies 79 and 80 to the storage units 77 and 78 with the signal. Thereby, the storage of the game state in the storage units 77 and 78 can be erased.

Therefore, this embodiment has the same advantages as the first embodiment. In particular, the valid time is measured by the timer units 81 and 82, and when the valid time has elapsed, the timer units 81 and 8 are used.
Since the power supply stopping units 83 and 84 stop supplying power by the output of 2, the variation of the effective time can be prevented as compared with the case of the second embodiment, and the storage units 77 and 78 can be stably stored in a substantially constant time. You can release the memory.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, for both the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69, the sub power supplies 79, 80
, And the storage information can be stored and held, but the storage may be held only on the game state storage means 56 side.

Further, the lamp control board 45 may be provided with lamp information storage means and / or the voice control board 47 may be provided with voice information storage means, and this and the game state storage means 56 may be used in combination. The lamp information storage means and the voice information storage means together constitute a game information storage means in a broad sense. Of course, other than these may be used. Therefore, the game state storage means 56 which can be stored and held by the sub power supplies 79 and 80 may be one of the plurality of game state storage means 56 corresponding to the plurality of game state control means, Part or all may be sufficient, and at least one is sufficient.

The game return means 58 may return the game at what time and at what time. For example, the game return means 58 may restart the game upon the start of power supply by turning on the main power supply 63, or may provide a timer for starting a time counting operation from the start of the power supply, and the timer may be a predetermined time. The predetermined game may be returned when the time is counted.

When the game is to be resumed by a direct or indirect operation of the player, the player operates the firing handle, operates the operation switch provided on the front side of the game machine main body, and operates the shooting handle. The operation of the firing means after the operation, the winning of any of the prize means of the game ball after firing, or the passing of the game ball to the symbol starting means, etc., triggered by the game return means 58 to return the game Is also good. In other words, when the ball game machine satisfies the predetermined game conditions,
A predetermined game may be returned.

Further, those which accompany the operation of the player but are not directly related to the game conditions, for example, the operation of a ball lending operation switch arranged on the front side of the gaming machine main body 1, or the operation of the ball lending machine to the upper plate 7
The game return means 58 may be triggered by the supply of game balls to the game machine.

In the embodiment, the case where the main game control means 55 and the like can be automatically controlled by turning on the main power supply 63 is exemplified. However, when the game state storage means 56 and the like have stored information, Even if the main power supply 63 is turned on, the main game control means 55 and the like cannot be controlled immediately, and at least power supply from the main power supply 63 and operation detection means for detecting an operation by the player
It is also possible to configure such that the main game control means 55 and the like can be controlled on condition that 75 is detected. In this case, the game return means 58 may be operated in response to the detection signal of the operation detection means 75.

In the embodiment, the main game control means 55 is provided on the main control board 43, the lamp control means 60 is provided on the lamp control board 45, the voice control means 61 is provided on the voice control board 47, and the payout control board 52 is provided.
The payout control means 62 is provided in each of the control means 55, 60, 6
1 and 62 are provided on separate boards according to their control functions. However, it is not always necessary to use a separate board configuration. For example, the main game control means 55, the lamp control means 60 and / or A part of each control means 55, 60, 61, 62 may be provided on a common board, such as providing the voice control means 61 on a common board.

In the second embodiment, the sub power supplies 79, 80 are stored in the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69. In the third embodiment, the sub power supplies 79, 80, the timer sections 81, 82, and the power supply stop section 83 are provided. , 84 in the gaming state storage means 56, the number of payouts storage means
69, respectively, these are game state storage means 56,
Separate from the payout number storage means 69, it may be provided on the power supply board 51 side as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sub power supply
79, 80, timer sections 81, 82, and power supply stopping sections 83, 84 can be incorporated in the game state storage means 56, the payout number storage means 69 side, or the game state storage means 56, the payout number storage means 69. It is also possible to provide separately.

In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to various types of ball game machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, and sparrow ball game machines.

[0086]

According to the present invention, the prize means 17, 18 and 20 arranged in the game area 15 and the prize ball detecting means 24 and 28 for detecting the game ball which has won the prize means 17, 18 and 20. , 29,31 and one or more game control means 55,60,6 for controlling the game state.
The game state storage means 5 capable of storing information related to the control of the game state when the power supply of the main power supply 63 of the at least one game control means 55, 62 is stopped even after the power supply is stopped.
6,69 and the game state storage means 56,
Game return means 58 for returning a predetermined game based on the storage contents of the game room 69, and the effective storage time of the game state of the game state storage means 56, 69 is set to a time shorter than the non-operation time of the game hall. Therefore, even if the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power outage or the like, the game can be returned to the game state before the power supply was stopped based on the storage contents of the game state storage means 56, and the business on the next day There is an advantage that the storage of the game state can be automatically canceled before the start.

The game state storage means 56 and 69 have storage sections 77 and 78 for storing the game state, and storage sections 77 and 78 even after the power supply is stopped.
Since the effective time of the sub power supplies 79 and 80 is shorter than the non-operation time of the game hall,
The game state can be stored even after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, the storage in the storage units 77 and 78 can be canceled after the expiration of the valid time, and the auxiliary power supplies 79 and 80 can be configured with simple components.

Further, the game state storage means 56 and 69 include storage sections 77 and 78 for storing the game state, and sub-power supplies 79 and 80 for supplying power to the storage sections 77 and 78 even after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped. The sub power supply
Timer sections 81 and 82 for measuring the valid time of 79 and 80, and a storage section 7 from the sub power supply 79 and 80 in conjunction with the timer sections 81 and 82.
Since the power supply stopping sections 83 and 84 for stopping the power supply to the main power supply 63 and 78 are provided, the game state can be stored even after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, and the storage sections 77 and 78 after the valid time elapses.
Can be canceled, and the storage of the storage units 77 and 78 can be surely canceled after the effective time elapses.

Further, since the game returning means 58 is provided with the return notifying means 65 for notifying the player that the predetermined game has been returned, the player can easily grasp the fact of the return.

In addition, since there is provided a memory holding signal output means 57 for outputting a memory holding signal related to the memory holding of the game state storing means 56 after the power supply is stopped, the management apparatus outside the machine is provided.
At 66, the presence or absence of memory retention can be easily managed.

Further, since the game return means 58 is provided with a return signal output means 59 for outputting a return signal related to the return of a predetermined game to the outside of the machine, the presence or absence of the return is determined by the management device 66 outside the machine. Can be easily managed.

Further, the game machine includes the variable winning means 18 which is arranged in the game area 15 and which can be converted into a state advantageous to the player and a state disadvantageous to the player, and includes the operation of the variable winning means 18 as a predetermined game. If the power supply is stopped during the operation of the variable prize means 18, the variable prize means 18 is operated after the return to prevent the disadvantage of the player.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the ball game machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a main part showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 15 Game area 17 Special symbol starting means 18 Variable winning means 20 Normal winning means 24,28,29,31 Winning ball detecting means 55 Main game control means 56 Game state storage means 57 Memory holding signal output means 58 Game return means 59 Return signal Output means 60 Lamp control means 61 Voice control means 62 Payout control means 63 Main power supply 65 Return notification means 69 Payout number storage means 70 Launch control means 77,78 Storage section 79,80 Sub power supply 81,82 Timer section 83,84 Power supply stop Department

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A prize winning means (17) arranged in a game area (15).
(18) (20), winning ball detecting means (24), (28), (29), (31) for detecting a winning game ball in the winning means (17), (18), (20), and controlling a game state. One or more game control means (55) (60) (6
1) (62) (70) and at least one game control means (55) (62)
Game state storage means (56) (69) capable of holding and storing information related to the control of the game state when the power supply of the main power supply (63) is stopped, and starting the power supply of the main power supply (63). A game return means (58) for returning a predetermined game based on the storage contents of the game state storage means (56) (69) later, and the validity of the game state of the game state storage means (56) (69) Memory time,
A ball game machine characterized by being set to a time shorter than the non-operation time of the game arcade. 2. The game state storage means (56) (69) supplies power to the storage units (77) (78) for storing game states and the storage units (77) (78) even after the power supply is stopped. With sub power supply (79) (80),
The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein an effective time of the sub power supply (79) (80) is shorter than a non-operation time of the game hall. 3. The game status storage means (56) (69) supplies power to the storage units (77) (78) for storing the game status, and to the storage units (77) (78) even after the power supply is stopped. Sub power supply (79) (80) and a timer section (81) (82) for measuring the effective time of the sub power supply (79) (80)
And the sub-power supplies (79) (8) in conjunction with the timer units (81) (82).
2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply stopping unit (83) (84) for stopping power supply from the storage unit (77) to the storage unit (77). 4. A return notifying means (6) for notifying a player that the game returning means (58) has returned the predetermined game.
The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising (5). 5. The game state storage means after the power supply is stopped.
The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a memory holding signal output unit (57) for outputting a memory holding signal related to the memory holding of (56) outside the machine. 6. A return signal output means (59) for outputting a return signal related to the return of the predetermined game by the game return means (58) to the outside of the machine. 6. The ball game machine according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. Variable winning means arranged in the game area (15) and convertible between a state advantageous to the player and a state disadvantageous to the player
(18), the variable winning means (18) as the predetermined game
The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the operation of (1).