JP2001300017A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To return the game to the game position before the stoppage of power supply based on the contents of memory of a game position memory means even in case the power supply from the power source is stopped due to the power failure or the like and moreover, prevent unpredictable disadvantage for the player. SOLUTION: There are arranged one or a plurality of game control means 55, 60, 61, 62 and 70 to control the game position, game position memory means 56 and 69 capable of holding the memory of information related to the control of the game position at the stoppage of the power supply of the main power source 63 of at least one game control means 55 and 62 as intact after the moment of the stoppage thereof, a game return means 58 to return the specified game based on the contents of the memory of the game position memory means 56 and 69 and a timer means 79 to make the game return means 58 perform its return operation on the condition that a specified time passes after the starting of the power supply of the main power source 63.

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 the predetermined game is immediately restored based on the contents stored in the game state storage means when the main power is turned on after the restoration of the power failure, the following problem occurs. For example, if a power outage occurs after the occurrence of the special profit state, the player may leave the ball-and-ball game machine until the power outage is restored. In this case, if the main power is turned on before the player returns, even if the game is restarted from the special profit state immediately before the power outage, the game ball does not win the variable winning means, so that the special predetermined In spite of the fact that the profit state can be continued, the game ends in the special profit state at the time of return, and the player may suffer an unexpected disadvantage.

[0007] In view of such a conventional problem, the present invention allows a game to be performed in a game state before power supply is stopped based on the contents stored in the game state storage means, even when power supply from the main power supply is stopped due to a power failure or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball-and-ball game machine which can be returned and can prevent an unexpected disadvantage of a player accompanying the return.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a launching means 9 for launching a game ball to a game area 15, winning means 17, 18, 20 arranged in the game area 15, and Winning ball detection means 24, 28, 29, 31 for detecting game balls winning on 18, 20
And one or more game control means for controlling a game state
55,60,61,62,70 and at least one game control means
Game state storage means 56 and 69 capable of storing and maintaining information relating to the control of the game state when the power supply to the main power supply 63 is stopped, even after the power supply is stopped; and the storage contents of the game state storage means 56 and 69 And a timer means 79 for returning the game return means 58 on condition that a predetermined time elapses after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is started. .

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 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 side of the outer frame 2 which is pivotally attached 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.

The front plate 6 is provided with an upper plate 7 for storing game balls for firing. 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.

As shown in FIG. 3, a guide rail 14 is mounted on the game board 4 in a ring shape.
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 a normal 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 a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 23 pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable between an open state in which the game ball can win and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be won. 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 winning means 18 is convertible between a state advantageous to the player (open state) and a disadvantageous state (closed state), and includes a winning case 25 having a winning opening 26, and opening and closing of the winning opening 26. An opening / closing plate 27 pivotally supported by the lower horizontal axis to be openable and closable to the winning case 25 and guiding the game ball to the winning opening 26 in the open state, after the special symbol display means 21 has changed. The opening / closing plate 27 is configured to open to the front side on the condition that the stop symbol has a specific mode such as “7/7/7” and a special profit state described later occurs.

Inside the variable winning means 18, there is a winning ball detecting means 28 for counting which detects a winning game ball in the winning opening 26.
And a winning ball detecting means 29 for detecting the passing of the game ball to the specific area.

The variable winning means 18 is provided when a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening and closing plate 27 is opened, or when the winning ball detecting means 28 detects a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, whichever comes first. 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 has 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.

A control board case 50 is detachably mounted on the back side of the passage unit 38 via a case mounting plate 49, and a power supply board 51 and a payout control board 52 are housed in the left and right sides in the control board case 50. 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, a power supply detection means 78, a timer means 79, and a return signal output means 59. I have. In addition, these are C provided on the main control board 43.
It is composed of PU, ROM, RAM and the like.

The main game control means 55 is for controlling a game operation, in particular, mainly for controlling a game operation on the game board 4 side, and is constituted by 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 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, 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, and a main power supply.
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 backup power supply 64 by the backup processing.

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 storing means 56 holds the memory by the power supply from the backup power supply 64. The storage holding signal is output to a management device 66 such as a game hall. 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 for returning a predetermined game based on the contents stored in the game state storage means 56 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply of the main power supply 63 due to restoration of a power failure or the like. The main game control means 55 is operated on condition that there is a timer signal from the timer means 79, and the game is returned from the game state immediately before the power supply is stopped based on the contents stored in the game state storage means 56, and the payout control means
A return command is transmitted to 62, and a notification signal is transmitted to the return notification means 65.

The power supply detecting means 78 detects the start of power supply from the main power supply 63. After the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power failure or the like, the main power supply 63 is turned on again to supply power. When the power supply is started, the start of the power supply is detected.

The timer means 79 is for measuring a predetermined time from the start of power supply of the main power supply 63 to the return of the game by the game return means 58, and the power supply detection means 78 detects the start of power supply from the main power supply 63. Time a predetermined time on condition that
When the predetermined time has elapsed, a signal is output to the game return means 58 to cause the game return means 58 to perform a return operation. The predetermined time measured by the timer means 79 is:
For example, about several tens seconds to several minutes is appropriate.

The return notice means 80 is connected to the timer means 79. The return notifying means 80 is for notifying the player in advance of the return when the game returning means 58 returns the predetermined game, and visually and / or audibly after the timer means 79 starts counting time. Is to be notified.

The return notifying means 80 includes, for example,
It may be constituted by a plurality of display lamps, band-shaped display means, digital display means, etc. arranged on the front side of the gaming machine main body 1 such as a glass door 5, or a partial area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display means 16. May be used. Also, a sound generating means such as a speaker may be used.

In the case of using visual means, it is desirable to use a digital display means, a display screen of the liquid crystal display means 16 or the like to display a countdown method so that the remaining time until the return of the game is known.

The return notification means 65 is for notifying the player that the game return means 58 has returned the predetermined game to the player side, and the front side of the gaming machine main body 1, for example, the peripheral portion of the front frame 3 or the like. And a display area of a display screen of the liquid crystal display means 16 mounted on the front side of the game board 4. The return notifying means 65 is a speaker
68.

The return signal output means 59 outputs and transmits a return signal relating 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 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 prize balls (number of payouts) calculated by the payout control means 62.
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 backup 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 backup power supply 64, a power supply monitoring unit 71, and a reset unit 72. 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 ,
It is for supplying power to the special symbol starting means 17, the ordinary symbol starting means 19, the variable winning means 18, the firing means 9, the payout means 37, and other parts.

The backup power supply 64 is provided so that 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, the game state storage means 56 and the number-of-payouts storage means 69 hold respective storage information. This is for applying a voltage of the storage holding potential to the power supply terminal side of the storage means 56 and 69 to supply power.

The backup power supply 64 supplies the ball detecting means 24, 28 to 31 of the game component 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. Main power supply 63 so as to enable the detection function and stop the detection function after a predetermined time has elapsed.
Power may be supplied to the main game control means 55, the payout control means 62, and the ball detection means 24, 28 to 31, 42 for a predetermined time after the power supply is stopped.

The backup power supply 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 backup power supply 64 is connected to the power supply board 51.
The main control board 43 and the payout control board 52
May be provided 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 section 72 outputs a reset signal when a power failure signal is received from the power monitor section 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.

Numeral 73 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 backup power supply 64. Note that the storage holding notifying means 73 is constituted by a display lamp such as an LED mounted on the peripheral portion of the front frame 3 and the like, a partial area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display means 16, and the like.
During power supply from the backup power supply 64, the display is performed by lighting or emitting light such as characters.

The memory holding notifying means 73 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 the backup power supply 64, the display is performed by lighting or emitting light such as characters. Memory retention notification means
The power supply 73 may be configured to enable the power supply to the liquid crystal display unit 16 even after the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped, and to notify the user by using a partial area of the display screen.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 43, the lamp control board 45, the voice control board 47, and the payout control board 52
Each of them has a plurality of independent substrate configurations. Lamp control means 60, voice control means 61, payout control means
62 constitutes game control means in a broad sense, and the payout number storage means 69 constitutes game state storage means 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.
At the moment of the operation of 9, the game return means 58 returns a predetermined game based on the storage contents of the game state storage means 56 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.

In 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 the game ball passes the normal symbol starting means 19, the main game control means 55 operates and the normal symbol of the normal 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 a 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 a 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 supply of the external power supply 54 is interrupted, the power supply from the main power supply 63 of the power supply board 51 stops, so that the firing means 9 and the like become inoperable, and the game stops. 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, the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 each retain the stored information in the game state immediately before the power supply is stopped by the power supply from the backup power supply 64.

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. For this reason, the management device 66 can easily grasp and manage whether or not the storage state is maintained by the backup power supply 64 for each ball-and-ball game machine. On the other hand, the storage retention notifying means 73 is a backup power
Notify the memory retention by 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 73.

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 each of the control boards 11, 43, 45, 47, 52 is started. However, the game return means 58 does not operate unless a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply from the main power supply 63, and therefore, at the time of starting power supply from the main power supply 63, the game state storage means
56. The game is returned based on the contents stored in the payout number storage means 69, and does not resume from the game state immediately before the power failure or the like.

When the power supply from the main power supply 63 is started, the power supply detection means 78 detects the start of the power supply, the timer means 79 starts to measure a predetermined time, and the return notice means 80 is digitally displayed or sounds or the like. Forecast the time to return the game. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply, the timer means 79 outputs a signal to the game return means 58,
The game return means 58 is operated, the main game control means 55 reads out the information stored in the game state storage means 56, and returns a predetermined game based on the stored contents.

Therefore, when the game is interrupted due to a power failure or the like immediately after the occurrence of the special profit state, there is an advantage that the game can be resumed from the game state immediately before the power failure or the like by the operation of the game return means 58. Also, even if the main power supply 63 is turned on again, the game is not immediately resumed, but after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply from the main power supply 63, the game return means 58 returns the predetermined game, Even when the player separates from the ball-and-ball game machine after a power failure or the like, unexpected disadvantages of the player can be prevented as compared with a case where a predetermined game is restored at the same time as the start of power supply.

Further, since the return of the game is notified in advance by display or by sound in the return notifying means 80, the player returns to the game automatically after the predetermined time has elapsed, even though the game returning means 58 automatically returns the game. The return time can be grasped in advance, which can also prevent an unexpected disadvantage of the player.

Also, the game return means 58 is provided 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 return 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 game state storage unit 56 and the payout number storage unit 69 except for the lamp control unit 60 and the audio signal. 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.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a forced return switch 81 for forcibly operating the game return means 58 is provided, and even if the player operates the forced return switch 81 even before the timer means 79 measures a predetermined time, the game return means 58 works to forcibly return a predetermined game.

The upper plate 7 has an upper plate cover as shown in FIG.
7a, on the front side of the upper plate cover 7a, and other appropriate places, a value display means 82 for valuable cards, a ball lending switch 83, and a return switch 84 are provided, and a forced return switch 81 is provided near these. Is provided.

The forced return switch 81 is used to operate when the game is forcibly returned by the game return means 58, and includes a touch switch, a push button switch, and other appropriate switches.

The forced return switch 81 is connected to the game return means 58 as shown in FIG. 6, and when the player operates the forced return switch 81, the game return means 58 performs a return operation in the same manner as described above. Then, a predetermined game is forcibly returned.

With this configuration, when the player is returning to the ball game machine at the start of power supply or at an early point after the start of power supply, the predetermined value set in the timer means 79 is set. There is no need to wait until the time has elapsed, and the game can be immediately resumed by the player operating the forced return switch 81.

As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, the launching means 9 for launching the game ball to the game area 15 includes:
Winning means 17, 18, 20 arranged in the game area 15, and winning ball detecting means for detecting a game ball which has won the winning means 17, 18, 20
24, 28, 29, 31 and one or a plurality of game control means 55, 60, 61, 62, 70 for controlling the game state, and 1 for controlling the game state
One or a plurality of game control means 55, 60, 61, 62, 70 and at least one of the game control means 55, 62 supply information relating to the control of the game state when power supply to the main power supply 63 is stopped. Game state storage means 56, 69 capable of holding and storing even after stopping, game return means 58 for returning a predetermined game based on the stored contents of the game state storage means 56, 69, and predetermined time after power supply of the main power supply 63 is started. Since the timer means 79 for returning the game return means 58 on condition that the time has elapsed is provided, even if the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power failure or the like, the storage contents of the game state storage means 56, 69 Based on this, it is possible to return the game in the game state before the power supply is stopped, and it is possible to prevent an unexpected disadvantage of the player accompanying the return.

Further, since the game return means 58 is provided with the return notice means 80 for giving advance notice to the player that the predetermined game is to be resumed, the game is started when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power supply from the main power supply 63. Although the return means 58 automatically returns the game, the player can easily grasp the return time of the game board.

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.

Further, the game state storage means 56, 69 after the power supply is stopped.
Since the memory holding signal output means 57 for outputting a memory holding signal related to the memory holding outside the device is provided, the presence / absence of memory holding can be easily managed by the management device 66 outside the device.

Further, since the game return means 58 is provided with the return signal output means 59 for outputting in advance a return signal related to the return of a predetermined game to the outside, the external management device
At 66, the fact of the return of the game can be reliably grasped and managed.

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

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, both the game state storage means 56 and the payout number storage means 69 are supplied with power from the backup power supply 64 so that the storage information can be stored and held. Only the 56 side may be used.

Further, a lamp information storage means may be provided on the lamp control board 45 and / or a voice information storage means may be provided on the voice control board 47, 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 that can be stored and held by the backup power supply 64 is one of a plurality of game state storage means corresponding to the plurality of game control means.
The number may be one, a part or all of a plurality, and at least one is sufficient.

In the embodiment, the power supply detecting means 78 is connected to the main power supply 63.
Although the start of power supply from the power supply is detected and the timer means 79 measures a predetermined time based on the detection signal, the power supply monitoring unit 71 is configured to detect the power supply and stop of the main power supply 63. When the monitoring unit 71 detects the start of power supply, the timer unit 79 may be operated to measure a predetermined time.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main game control means 55 is provided on the main control board 43, and the lamp control means 60 is provided on the lamp control board 45.
The voice control board 47 is provided with a voice control means 61, and the payout control board 52 is provided with a payout control means 62.
5, 60, 61, and 62 are provided on separate boards according to their control functions. However, the separate board configuration is not necessarily required. For example, the main game control means 55 and the ramp control means A part of the control means 55, 60, 61, 62 may be provided on a common board, such as providing the 60 and / or the voice control means 61 on a common board.

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

[0083]

According to the present invention, the launching means 9 for launching a game ball to the game area 15, the prize means 17, 18, 20 arranged in the game area 15, and the prize means 17, 18, 20 Winning ball detecting means 24, 28, 29, 31 for detecting a game ball winning a game, and one or more game controlling means 55, 60, 61, 62, 70 for controlling a game state.
And one or more game control means for controlling a game state
55,60,61,62,70 and at least one game control means
The information related to the control of the game state when the power supply to the main power supply 63 of the 55, 62 is stopped is stored in the game state storage means 56, 69 capable of storing and holding even after the power supply is stopped, and the game state storage means 56, 69. Game return means 58 for returning a predetermined game based on
And the timer means 79 for returning the game return means 58 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the power supply of the main power supply 63 is started, so that even when the power supply from the main power supply 63 is stopped due to a power failure or the like, Based on the contents stored in the game state storage means 56 and 69, the game can be returned in the game state before the power supply is stopped, and the unexpected disadvantage of the player due to the return can be prevented.

[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 front view of a ball game machine showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Launching means 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 starting 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 79 Timer means 80 Return notice means

Claims (1)

[Claims] A launch means (9) for launching a game ball to a game area (15), and a prize means (1) arranged in said game area (15).
7) (18) (20), prize ball detection means (24) (28) (29) (31) for detecting a game ball that has won the prize means (17) (18) (20), One or more game control means (55) (60) for controlling
(61) (62) (70) and at least one of the game control means (5
5) 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) of the (62) is stopped even after the power supply is stopped, and the game state storage Means (56)
(69) a game return means (58) for returning a predetermined game based on the stored contents, and a return of the game return means (58) on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the power supply of the main power supply (63) has started. A ball game machine comprising: timer means (79) for operating.