JP2002065965A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display restoration notification information notifying the restoration of a main power supply at the time of restoration of the main power supply, automatically stop the display of information notifying the restoration, interlinking with the resumption of game operation and switch to other display, resume halfway game control suspended by power failure without any trouble at the time of restoration from power failure and increase profitability of a game arcade. SOLUTION: When a main power supply is to be cut off, game information concerned with a prescribed game state is stored and retained in a RAM of a backed up main control means, at a time when the main power supply is restored, restoration notification information notifying restoration to the effect that the main power supply is restored, a restore and display patterns command (S41 and S46) sent from the main control means is displayed by a character string in pattern display means 22a to 22b and 23a to 23c (S42 and S47). Reception of a stop patterns command sent from the main control means (S43 and S48) makes display of restoration notification information automatically stop and is switched to pattern display (S44 to S45 and S49 to S50).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, can display return notification information at the time of return after a main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, and automatically displays the return notification information in conjunction with a game operation. Related to what was stopped.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a control device for controlling a ball game is provided. Detection control to detect winning
Control of gaming objects such as symbol start means and open / close prize means (large prize means) provided on the game board, update control of a lottery value for performing a lottery when a prize is given to the symbol start means, prize to the prize means Various controls such as payout control of game balls accompanying, symbol display control for changing symbols in a plurality of symbol display portions of symbol display means provided on a symbol display, sound control and lamp control at the time of a prize or a big hit. Is executed.

In the meantime, if a power failure occurs during a game due to a lightning strike or the like and the main power supply is cut off, the control device will not operate even if a jackpot game is being executed.
Since various controls are stopped, the player must stop the game. In this case, there is an announcement from the hall side that “a power failure has occurred”, and the player waits until the main power returns. Then, when returning from the power failure and when the main power supply of each pachinko machine is restored, the control device of the pachinko machine starts the control operation, so that the player can restart the game.

[0004]

As described above, when returning after the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, the fluorescent lamps and the like on the hall are turned on, so that the power supply to the pachinko machine is resumed, and the player Can be resumed, but many players who have not experienced a power failure during the game, in particular, do not know whether they can operate the firing handle and resume the game immediately, and do not restart the game There is a problem that the restart of the game is delayed.

[0005] At this time, the hall may inform the player of the return from the power outage and inform the player that the game can be restarted by an announcement from the clerk. However, the player hears the announcement and restarts the game. In order to do
The restart of the game by the player will be greatly delayed more than the power outage period. As a result, there are problems such as a decrease in the game efficiency of the player and a decrease in profitability on the hall side. Further, in the event of a power outage, even if the jackpot game is being executed, the control device does not operate, so that information indicating the jackpot state, information on the number of winning balls, information on the number of balls to be paid out, and the like are provided. All of the game information is deleted.

[0006] Therefore, when the game is restarted when returning from the power failure, the big hit game cannot be continued from the state immediately before the power failure, and a problem occurs between the player and the hall. An object of the present invention is to enable display of return notification information for notifying the return of the main power when the main power returns, and to automatically display the display of the return notification information in conjunction with the restart of the game operation. To allow the game control to be restarted without any trouble from the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure when returning from the power failure, and to improve the profitability of the hall side.

[0007]

A gaming machine according to claim 1 is:
A main control unit having a lottery function of performing a lottery related to the game operation and selectively determining an advantageous state or a disadvantageous state for the player; and a main control unit configured with a separate control board; In a gaming machine provided with a symbol control means capable of variably displaying symbols on a symbol display means in response to a control signal transmitted from the main control means, the main power supply is restored when the main power supply is restored after the main power supply is cut off. The return display control means for displaying the return notification information on the symbol display means, and when the symbol control means receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the main control means, the display of the return notification information by the return display control means is displayed. Display switching control means for switching. Here, the control signal corresponds to a control command for instructing a control operation, but may be various control signals other than the control command.

When the main control means performs game control,
A lottery related to a game operation is performed by a lottery function, and a state advantageous to the player and a state disadvantageous to the player are selectively determined based on the result of the lottery. The symbol control means configured on a control board different from the main control means, based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, according to this control signal, for a normal symbol or a special symbol, the symbol display means To control symbol fluctuation. By the way, when the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure or the like, and the main power supply returns after that,
Return notification information indicating that the main power supply has returned is displayed on the symbol display means. At this time, the player who has been waiting for the return from the power failure can restart the game early based on the notification content.

When the symbol control means resumes the display control, when the predetermined signal transmitted from the main control means is received, the display switching control means stops the display of the return notification information by the return display control means. Then, the display is switched to another display related to the game. Therefore, when the game is restarted, the symbol change of the normal symbol or the special symbol by the symbol control means can be displayed without being disturbed by the notification information of the return of the main power, and the game can be performed without any trouble.

Here, when the predetermined signal is a symbol variation stop signal for stopping symbol variation (claim 2), when the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, a normal symbol or a special symbol is stopped. If the symbol fluctuation is continued and the symbol fluctuation is continued in a state where the return notification information is displayed when returning from the power failure, the symbol fluctuation can be stopped by receiving the stop signal for stopping the symbol fluctuation, and the return notification information can be stopped. The display can be automatically stopped and switched to another display.

In the case where the predetermined signal is a symbol variation start signal for starting symbol variation (claim 3), when the player resumes the game by returning from a power failure, the symbol variation By receiving the symbol change start signal,
The symbol change can be started, and the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped and switched to another display.

In the case where the predetermined signal is a symbol designating signal for designating a symbol to be stopped and displayed (claim 4), when the player resumes the game due to the return from the power failure, the symbol variation is changed. Upon stopping, the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped by receiving the symbol designating signal for the stopped symbol, and the display can be switched to another display.

Further, the main control means can transmit various control signals to the symbol control means by one-way communication, and can hold at least game information relating to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off. When a suitable backup means is provided (Claim 5), one-way communication is employed when the control signal is transmitted from the main control means to the symbol control means, thereby providing a state advantageous or disadvantageous to the player by the lottery function. Can be reliably prevented from being fraudulent with respect to the determination of the above. Further, at least the game information related to the predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off is stored and retained in the backup means, so that upon return from the power failure, the game control of the game control interrupted by the power failure is performed based on the game information. It can be restarted from the middle without any trouble.

If the return notification information is a character string (claim 6), the return information based on the character string is displayed when the main power is restored, so that any player can be returned from the power failure. Can be clearly notified.

The symbol displayed on the symbol display means has a first symbol and a second symbol, and the symbol control means controls the first symbol for a predetermined time when the first starting means detects a game ball. The first symbol control means for displaying only the variation and stopping, and the second starting means which is open / close operable and is opened for a predetermined time when a stop symbol after the variation of the first symbol becomes a hit symbol detects the game ball. And a second symbol control means for causing the second symbol to fluctuate and display for a predetermined time and stop when the second symbol is
In the case where a profit state generating means for generating a state advantageous to the player is provided at the time of occurrence of a jackpot in which the stop symbol after the change of the symbol becomes a jackpot symbol, the symbol display means includes a first symbol. And the second symbol are displayed, and the first
By the symbol control means, when the first starting means detects a game ball, the first symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time and stops.

When the second starting means, which is openable and closable and is opened for a predetermined time when a stop symbol after the change of the first symbol is hit by the second symbol control means, detects a game ball, The two symbols fluctuate for a predetermined time and stop. Further, the profit state generating means, when the stop symbol after the change of the second symbol becomes a jackpot symbol,
Generate an advantageous state for the player.

Further, the return display control means can independently display the return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol on the same symbol display means. ), The return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol can be individually and clearly displayed on a predetermined dedicated display section of the same symbol display means.

Further, the return display control means is capable of independently displaying return notification information for the first symbol and return notification information for the second symbol on separate symbol display means. ), The return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol can be clearly and individually displayed on a predetermined dedicated display section of separate symbol display means.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine called a card-type ball game machine installed in an island structure of a pachinko hall, and an island structure provided in a pachinko hall. , A plurality of card-type ball lending machines 1 and a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are alternately arranged in the length direction, and the card-type ball lending machine 1 is electrically connected to the pachinko machine 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a pachinko machine 2 which is a card-type ball game machine has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 3 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The outer frame 3 is detachably attached to an island structure (not shown) in a state where the card-type ball lending machine 1 is sandwiched therebetween.
A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side,
A glass door 6 having a window 6a and a front plate (not shown) of a ball receiving tray (upper tray) 8 are pivotally connected to the front side of the game board 5 so as to be openable and closable. At the lower part of the front frame 4, a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing or extracted from the ball tray 8 is provided.
And a firing handle 11 of the firing means 10.

The launching means 10 includes a launch handle 11 that can be rotated and a launch motor 13 (see FIG. 5) that launches a game ball with a hitting hammer 12 with a hitting force corresponding to the turning angle of the launch handle 11. It has. An operation panel 14 for lending the ball to the card-type ball lending machine 1 is provided on the right side of the ball tray 8, and the operation panel 14 has a card balance display section 14 for displaying the card balance by three digits.
a, a ball lending switch 14b for instructing a ball lending of a predetermined amount of game balls, and a return switch 14c for instructing a card return at the end of the game.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a substantially annular guide rail 15 composed of an outer rail and an inner rail made of metal. Color liquid crystal display 16, symbol starting means (symbol starting and winning means) 17, opening / closing winning means (large winning means, corresponding to second starting means) 18,
A plurality of normal prize means 19 (in this case, in addition to the upper normal prize means 19, on both left and right sides of the openable prize means 18, for example, six normal prize means 19), two gates (passing openings, first 20 and the like are disposed at predetermined positions.

The liquid crystal display 16 has a display function of displaying a background image, a moving image of various characters, and the like, and furthermore, a normal symbol display for displaying a normal symbol composed of two symbols (this corresponds to a first symbol). There is provided a symbol display means 21 which functions as the means 22 and also functions as the special symbol display means 23 for variably displaying a special symbol (this corresponds to the second symbol).

The normal symbol display means 22 has, for example, two (left and right) symbol display portions 22a to 22b arranged in the right and left direction at the lower right of the symbol display means 21. When detected, each of the symbol display sections 22a to 22b
Normally, a symbol is fluctuated and displayed for a predetermined time, and a stop symbol pattern determined by a lottery value selected at the time when the game ball passes through the gate 20 is displayed and stopped. Here, return notification information for ordinary symbols described later is displayed on the symbol display units 22a to 22b, and return notification information for special symbols is displayed on the symbol display units 23a to 23c.
That is, these pieces of return notification information can be displayed independently of each other.

The special symbol display means 23 includes, for example, three (left, middle, right) symbol display sections 23a to 23c arranged in the left-right direction.
On the condition that the game ball wins in the symbol starting means 17, a special symbol is fluctuated and displayed (scroll display) for a predetermined time on the symbol displaying sections 23a to 23c.
The game stops at the stop symbol pattern determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to No. 7. The symbol starting means 17 is an electric tulip provided with a pair of left and right openable pawls 17a that can be opened and closed. When the ordinary symbol stopped after the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol display means 22 becomes a hit symbol, the open / close pawl 17a is opened. Is released only for a predetermined time, making it easier to win a prize.

The open / close prize unit 18 has an open / close plate 18a which can be opened forward, and when the special symbol stopped after the special symbol display unit 23 changes is a winning symbol such as "777", a special so-called "big hit" is designated. The game is started and the opening and closing plate 1
8a is opened forward. There is a specific area 18b inside the open / close type winning means 18, and when a winning ball passes through the specific area 18b, the special game is continued. When a predetermined time elapses after the opening / closing plate 18a of the opening / closing type winning means 18 is opened, or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls win and the opening / closing plate 18a closes, the game ball is placed in a specific area. 18
b, the special game ends when the vehicle does not pass through the specific area 18b.
Up to 6 times), the special game is continued, and the profit state is controlled to be advantageous to the player.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the back side of the front frame 4, a back mechanism plate 30 for holding the game board 5 from the back side is detachably mounted. The back mechanism plate 30 has an opening 30a. A winning ball tank 33 and a tank rail 34 extending therefrom are provided on the upper side thereof.
Is provided on a side portion of the back mechanism plate 30, and a passage unit 36 connected to the payout means 35 is provided below the back mechanism plate 30. The game balls paid out from the payout means 35 are paid out to the ball tray 8 via the winning ball payout passage of the passage unit 36.

At the opening 30a of the back mechanism plate 30, a back cover 37 mounted on the back side of the game board 5 and the winning means 17 to
A winning ball discharge gutter (not shown) for discharging the game ball winning the 19 is fitted to each. A main control board 39 is disposed inside a case 38 attached to the back cover 37,
A symbol control board 40 is provided on the front side. The case 4 attached to the back cover 37 under the main control board 39
A lamp control board 42 is provided inside 1a, and a sound control board 43 is provided inside a case 41b adjacent to the case 41a.

A power supply board 45 and a payout control board 46 are provided inside the case 44 mounted on the back mechanism plate 30 below the cases 41a and 41b. As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 8
0 and an initialization switch 85 are arranged. However, portions of the case 44 corresponding to both the switches 80 and 90 are notched so that each of the switches 80 and 85 can be simultaneously operated with a finger.

Further, a firing control board 48 is provided inside a case 47 mounted on the rear side of the firing means 10. That is, these control boards 39 to 40, 42 to 43, 4
The control boards 39, 4 excluding the power supply board 45 and the emission control board 48 are formed of independent boards 5 to 46, 48, respectively.
Microcomputers (hereinafter, simply referred to as microcomputers) 39a, 40a, 42 each comprising a one-chip integrated circuit having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like are provided at 0, 42, 43, 46.
a, 43a and 46a are provided respectively (see FIG. 6).

The main control board 39 and other control boards 40,
42, 43, and 46 are electrically connected to each other through connectors by a plurality of signal lines, and are used to cause the control boards 40, 42, 43, and 46 to execute predetermined game operations from the main control board 39. A control command (this corresponds to a control signal) can be transmitted by one-way communication. By adopting the one-way communication of the control command, it is possible to reliably prevent the improper operation related to the stop of the symbol of the ordinary symbol and the special symbol, and to remarkably reduce the control load of the main control means 50, thereby simplifying the transmission control. it can.

Next, various functions achieved through a plurality of control programs stored in advance in the control device of the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to a functional block diagram of FIG. However, these various functions are achieved by the aforementioned microcomputer or the like. The main control means 50 configured on the main control board 39 mainly controls a game control relating to input and output of signals to various game components, game ball detection switches, and the like provided on the game board 5 and a symbol control described later. Means 6
0, transmitting and outputting a control command to the payout control means 70, the lamp control means 71, the sound control means 72 and the like as necessary. Here, the payout control means 70, the symbol control means 6
0, the sound control means 72, and the lamp control means 71 each correspond to a sub-control means.

The microcomputer 39 provided on the main control board 39
The ROM a stores a main game control program for mainly controlling the game operation of the game board 5. The game information stored in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a (which corresponds to a backup means) is always backed up so that it can be stored. Here, the game control program will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined time (for example, about 2 hours) is required for executing the actual game control.
msec), a main game program that is repeatedly executed every msec), a processing time adjusting program that adjusts the processing time until the predetermined time when the game program ends within a predetermined time from the start of control, A backup processing program that stores and retains game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off when the store is closed, and a game return program that restores the game information stored and held when the main power supply returns to the original state Etc. are stored.

A game information storage memory is provided in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a, and the game information stored in the game information storage memory is always backed up so that it can be stored. The symbol control unit 60 configured on the symbol control board 40 executes display control for displaying various moving images and background images on the liquid crystal display 16 based on the symbol control command transmitted from the main control unit 50. In addition, the normal symbols and the special symbols on the symbol display portions 22a to 22b are variably controlled, and the special symbols on the symbol display portions 23a to 23c are variably controlled so that the normal symbol and the special symbol are stopped so as to display the designated stop symbol. Control.

A payout control means 70 is provided on the payout control board 46. The payout control means 70 receives a payout control command from the main control means 50 and outputs the payout control command.
Controls the payout of game balls by the game. A payout control program for mainly controlling the payout of game balls is stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 46a provided on the payout control board 46. The payout information stored in the RAM 46b of the microcomputer 46a is always backed up so that it can be stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the payout control program includes a main payout program for paying out game balls via the payout means 35 based on a payout control command received from the main control means 50, and a power supply time when a power failure occurs or the store is closed. A backup processing program for storing and holding payout information when the main power supply is cut off, a payout return program for returning the payout information stored and held when returning to the main power supply to an original state, and the like are provided.

The lamp control means 71 provided on the lamp control board 42 receives a lamp control command from the main control means 50 and controls the lighting of a lamp group LP including a large number of display lamps provided on the game board 5 or the like. Govern The sound control means 72 provided on the sound control board 43 receives a sound control command from the main control means 50 and controls sound output for various sound effects to the speaker SP. The launch control means 73 configured on the launch control board 48 drives the launch motor 13 and controls launch of the game ball.

The main control means 50 includes a lottery means 51, a judgment means 52, a profit state generating means 53, and a probability varying means 5.
4, a symbol determining means 55, a command transmitting means 56, and the like. The lottery means 51 updates the numerical value in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 299) in a minute update cycle (for example, about 2 msec cycle) using a lottery counter, and instructs the symbol starting means 17 to play the game ball with respect to the special symbol. By extracting the numerical value at the time of winning, the lottery regarding the hit or miss is performed, and also with respect to the ordinary symbols, the numerical value at the time when the game ball wins at the gate 20 is performed. Here, the lottery at the time of winning the symbol starting means 17 and the gate 20 corresponds to the lottery related to the game operation, and the state which is advantageous to the player and the state which is disadvantageous are selectively determined.

The judging means 52 determines whether the special symbol is a "big hit" or a "missing (reaching reach), based on the lottery value supplied from the lottery means 51 when the game ball has won the symbol starting means 17 or the gate 20. ) Is determined, and it is also determined whether the normal symbol is “hit” or “missing”. Profit state generating means 53
Is a predetermined profit state included in the game control when a special determination result such as a big hit is received from the determining means 52, or when the stopped symbol after the change of the special symbol display means 23 becomes a specific display such as a big hit symbol. By the generation routine, the opening / closing plate 18a of the opening / closing type prize means 18 is operated as described above, and a special game for giving a profit state to the player is executed.

The probability variation means 54 sets the probability variation mode when the "big hit" is a probability variable type big hit when the special determination result of "big hit" is received from the determination means 52, and the next or subsequent big hits are set. Until the symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times, the number of specific numerical values to be a big hit by the lottery means 51 is made larger than usual, and the big hit probability is increased. The symbol determining means 55 executes a predetermined lottery program according to the determination result from the determining means 52.
From the pattern fluctuation patterns related to multiple ordinary symbols,
When the lottery value is "hit", one of the normal patterns is determined by lottery. When the value is "miss", one of the normal patterns is determined by lottery. Is a "big hit"
In the case of, one of the special jackpot symbols is determined by lottery, in the case of "missing", one of the special special symbols is determined, and in the case of "missing the reach", any of the special reach symbols is determined by lottery.

As shown in FIG. 9, the command transmitting means 56 stores a command data table in which two bytes of control data consisting of control mode data and control operation data are associated with the operation contents. Based on the symbol variation pattern determined in 55, a symbol variation pattern of a normal symbol and a variation pattern designation command for instructing a variation start, a left symbol designation command, a right symbol designation command, and a normal symbol stop command (this is a symbol variation stop) A group of control commands (equivalent to a signal).
, And a variation pattern designation command for instructing a symbol variation pattern and a variation start of a special symbol,
A group of control commands, such as a left symbol designation command, a middle symbol designation command, a right symbol designation command, and a special symbol stop command (this corresponds to a symbol change stop signal), are sequentially transmitted to the symbol control means 60.

Here, the symbol "H" means a hexadecimal number. The symbol control means 60 includes a normal symbol control means (which corresponds to the first symbol control means) 61 for controlling the ordinary symbol display means 22, and a special symbol control means (which corresponds to the second symbol control) for controlling the special symbol display means 23. 62)
And return display control means 63 for displaying the return notification information when the power is restored, and stopping the display of the return notification information,
It has display switching control means 64 and the like for switching to another display related to the game, receives the symbol control command transmitted from the command transmitting means 56, analyzes the received symbol control command, and performs control obtained by the analysis. Based on the command, each symbol display section 22a of the ordinary symbol display means 22
In addition to controlling the ordinary symbol fluctuation in the special symbol display means 23 to 23b, the special symbol fluctuation in each symbol display part 23a to 23c of the special symbol display means 23 is controlled.

Next, a plurality of control boards 39, 40, 42-
A power supply board 45 for supplying DC power to each of the power supply 43 and 46 will be described with reference to FIG. A plurality of transformers 79 are provided for each island structure installed in the pachinko hall, and a low-voltage AC voltage (for example, 24 VAC) is supplied from the transformers 79 to a plurality of (for example, five) pachinko machines 2. Have been.

The power supply board 45 includes a toggle switch or the like and a manually operable power switch 80 for turning on and off a main power supply, a power supply unit 81, a power supply monitoring unit 82 including a microcomputer, and a reset signal generation unit 83.
And a backup power supply 84 and the like. The power supply unit 81 generates DC 32 V from AC 24 V, generates a plurality of types of DC such as DC 12 V used for sound output and lamp lighting, and DC 5 V used for control, and transmits these DCs to the control boards 39 to 40, 42 to 42. 43, 46, etc.

The power supply monitoring means 82 receives the supplied AC24
V is directly read and the supply voltage is constantly monitored, and when a power failure occurs or the main power supply is cut off by turning off the power switch 80, an "L" level voltage abnormality signal VS indicating a voltage abnormality is transmitted to the main control board. The output is output to the 39 highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 39a and the payout control means 70 to the highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 46a, respectively, and backup processing is performed by the highest priority interrupt.

As a result, the microcomputer 39a stores in the game information storage memory 39b the latest game information related to the predetermined predetermined ball game which is necessary for restarting the game control and is to be stored when returning from the power failure. A backup process is performed. At the same time, the microcomputer 46a also executes a backup process for storing payout information related to the latest payout of game balls in the game information storage memory 46b.

The reset signal generating means 83 is delayed by a predetermined very short time (for example, about 120 msec) required for the backup process from the time when the voltage abnormality signal VS of the "L" level is received from the power supply monitoring means 82, to "L". The system reset signal SR whose level has been switched is output. The reset signal SR is output from the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a,
The CPUs of the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, and 46a simultaneously stop the control operation in accordance with the initialization.

The backup power supply 84 is composed of a charging capacitor and the like.
Are supplied to the RAMs 39b and 46b of the microcomputers 39a and 46a for backup. That is, these RAM
Since 5 V for backup is always supplied to 39b and 46b, the main power is cut off and the DC
Even when the 5V supply is stopped, the game information stored in the information memory is reliably stored and held by the backup 5V. However, the backup operation by the backup power supply 84 can be continued for a long time.

The power supply board 45 further includes a power switch 8
An initialization switch 85 comprising a push-type switch that can be manually operated close to 0 is provided. When this initialization switch 85 is pressed, the initialization switch 85
From the microcomputer 39a, 4
6a. That is, when the initialization switch 85 is operated at the start of business, the "L" level initialization signal CL becomes valid, and the game information stored and held in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a and the RAM of the microcomputer 46a
All of the payout information stored and held in 46b can be securely erased.

By the way, as for the normal symbol fluctuation, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the normal symbol fluctuation and the hitting operation are performed. However, section number <1> is at the start of main power supply, section number <2> is during a customer waiting demonstration, section number <3> is a normal symbol fluctuation period, and section number <4> is a symbol from normal symbol confirmation to symbol start. The period until the operation of the means 17 starts, the section number <5> is the operation period of the symbol starting means 17, and the section number <6> is the period from the end of the operation of the symbol starting means 17 to the start of the change of the next ordinary symbol.

As for the special symbol fluctuation, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the special symbol fluctuation and the big hit operation are performed. However, the section number <1> is displayed when the main power supply starts, the section number <2> is during the customer waiting demonstration, the section number <3> is the special symbol fluctuation period, and the section number <4> is after the special symbol is determined. The period, the section number <5> is the period from the determination of the special symbol to the opening of the first opening / closing prize means 18, the section number <6> is the opening period of the opening / closing prize means 18 other than the last round, and the section number <7> This is a period from the closing of the open / close prize unit 18 to the start of the change of the next special symbol.

Next, the game control executed by the main control means 50 based on the game control program will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, reference numerals Si (i = 1, 2, 3,...) In the drawing indicate each step.
At the start of business, when the initialization switch 85 is pressed with a forefinger, for example, and the power switch 80 is switched on with a thumb, for example, with the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 2 opened forward, AC voltage (24V AC) from the power supply board 4 via the power switch 80
5 is supplied to the control board 39
16 and at the same time as shown in FIG. 16, a reset signal generation means 83 outputs an "H" level system reset signal SR from the microcomputer 39.
a, 40a, 42a, 43a, and 46a, respectively.

As a result, the game control by the main control means 50 is started, and each of the sub-control means 60, 70 to 72 is controlled.
Also starts the control operation. When the game control is executed and the initialization switch 85 is in the ON state (S1:
Yes) First, an initialization process for initializing each memory and register of the CPU is executed (S2). Next, the game information in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a stored and held by the backup power supply 84 and the RAM 4 in the microcomputer 46a.
All payout information of 6b is deleted (S3), the initial symbol to be displayed on the symbol display means 21 is set, and the control cycle for repeatedly executing the main process of the game control is 2 ms.
Various initial value setting processes such as setting to ec are executed (S4).

Thereafter, until the control cycle (about 2 msec) is reached, a symbol data change process (S5) for determining the next symbol by updating, and a numeric update process (S6) for updating a dummy numeric value not related to the game. Is repeatedly executed. In other words, the remaining time until 2 msec elapses is determined by these S
It is spent by repeating steps 5 and S6, and the main processing of the game control is reliably executed every 2 msec. When about 2 msec has elapsed and a 2 msec interrupt signal is input as an internal interrupt to the CPU of the microcomputer 39 a from a 2 msec signal generating means (not shown), for example, a restart instruction (RST instruction) due to the internal interrupt is executed, and the control time is reduced. S5 or S6 for adjustment is forcibly stopped, and the game control is executed from S9, which is a processing step in the middle of the game control.

However, even if the initial setting switch 85 is erroneously operated during the game in which the main power is turned on and the main processing is being executed, the information erasing processing described in S3 is not executed. Next, the main process (S9 to S18) of the game control will be described.
A drive signal output process for outputting a drive signal to the solenoid for driving a and the solenoid for driving the open / close plate 18a of the open / close type winning means 18 is executed (S9). Next, a switch signal input process for reading switch signals from various switches including the winning detection sensor is executed (S10). Next, a lottery numerical value update process for incrementing the lottery numerical value by one is executed (S11).

Next, an output process for outputting a payout control command to the payout control means 70 is executed (S12). Next, an output process of outputting a sound control command to the sound control means 72 is executed (S13). Further, an output process for outputting a lamp control command to the lamp control means 71 is executed (S14). Next, a process relating to the ordinary symbol for causing the ordinary symbol to be variably displayed on the ordinary symbol display sections 22a to 22b of the ordinary symbol display means 22 is executed (S15). next,
Processing relating to the special symbol, such as outputting a symbol control command for causing the special symbol display means 23 to variably display the special symbol, is executed (S16).

Next, when the opening / closing pawl 17a of the symbol starting means 17 is driven, an operation command output process for outputting a command for instructing the operation is executed (S17), and the opening / closing type winning means 18 is opened / closed. When driving the plate 18a,
An operation command output process of outputting a command for instructing the operation is executed (S18). At this time, if about 2 msec has not elapsed since the start of the game control, the control time is adjusted by repeatedly executing S5 and S6 as described above. Each time 2 msec elapses during execution of S5 and S6, the CPU issues a 2 msec interrupt signal.
The game control is restarted each time, and is repeatedly executed from S9.

By the way, when a power failure occurs during the game or when the main power is turned off by turning off the power switch 80 when the store is closed, the power is outputted from the power monitor 82 as shown in FIGS. The "L" level voltage abnormality signal VS is supplied to the highest priority interrupt ports of the microcomputers 39a and 46a. As a result, in the main control unit 50 and the payout control unit 46, the backup process is executed by the backup process program, and then the CPU is stopped.

The backup processing control executed by the main control means 50 at the highest priority interrupt will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The storage of the game state, that is, whether or not a normal symbol or a special symbol is changing, A predetermined game state such as whether or not a hit or a big hit is stored (S20).
Next, when the opening / closing plate 18a of the open / close prize unit 18 is in the open state, it is immediately closed.
The number of remaining balls remaining in the ball is detected and stored in the information memory (S21). When the prize balls are being paid out by winning, the drive of the payout motor is immediately stopped, but the ball has not passed the detection switch. The number of remaining balls is detected and stored in the information memory (S22).

Further, when the payout control command is being transmitted to the payout control means 70, the transmission control of the payout control command is completed (S23). Of course, in this backup process, the game information indicating the setting state of the probability variation mode set during the game is also stored and held in the information memory of the RAM 39b. By the way, in the game control of FIG. 12, when the main power is turned on to the pachinko machine 2 without operating the power switch 80 and the initialization switch 85, that is, not when the power is turned on at the time of opening the store, but when returning from the power failure (S1). : No), the backup data restoration process is executed without initializing the CPU or erasing various types of storage information in the RAMs 39b and 46b (S).
7).

In the backup data restoration process, based on the game information stored and held in the information memory, for example, the probability fluctuation state immediately before the power failure is displayed by a display lamp, the number of balls retained by a normal symbol and a special symbol, and the like. Is displayed. At this time, the payout control means 70 also executes the return processing at the same time, and the unpaid game balls are paid out. Next, the sub control means 60 such as the symbol control means 60,
A transmission process of transmitting a group of control commands necessary for the return control to each of 70 to 72 is executed (S8).
However, here, a group of control command transmission control for the symbol control means 60 (see FIG. 14) will be described.

First, based on the backup information in the RAM 39b, when the main power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the special symbol is not in a big hit (S30: No), and when the normal symbol is changing (S31: Yes), A normal symbol return display command for displaying the return notification information on the normal symbol, a left normal symbol designation command, a right ordinary symbol designation command, and a normal symbol stop command are sequentially transmitted (S32), and this control is terminated. That is, the group of the plurality of control commands is continuously transmitted. When the special symbol is changing (S31: No, S33: Yes), a special symbol return display command for displaying return notification information on the special symbol,
A left special symbol designation command, a middle special symbol designation command, a right special symbol designation command, and a special symbol stop command are sequentially transmitted (S32), and this control ends.

However, when the main power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, or during a special symbol jackpot (S30: Yes)
), A return display blocking command for blocking display of return notification information is transmitted (S35), and a special symbol return state command, a left special symbol designating command, a middle special symbol designating command, and a right special symbol designating command are sequentially performed. Sent (S3
6), this control ends. Next, the symbol variation control performed by the symbol control means 60 will be described with reference to FIG. When a normal symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50 (S40 / S41: Yes), FIG.
As shown in (5), a character string "Hook" is displayed on the ordinary symbol display sections 22a to 22b as return notification information on the ordinary symbol (S42).

At this time, since the return notification information is displayed in a character string "Hook", the return from the power failure can be clearly notified by the character string. And the main control means 50
When a normal symbol stop command is received from the user (S40:
(Yes, S41: No, S43: Yes), the display of the return notification information is automatically stopped (S44), and the display is switched to a winning or missed ordinary symbol (S45). In this case, FIG.
As shown in (b), in the normal symbol display sections 22a to 22b, the display of the return notification information in the form of a character string is stopped, and at the same time, the out-of-position ordinary symbols designated by the received left and right ordinary symbol designation commands. "Star, crescent" is displayed.

When a special symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41
(S43: No, S46: Yes), as shown in FIG. 18 (a), the character string "Recovered from power failure, please restart the game" is the special symbol display section 23a to 23c as the return notification information on the special symbol. (S47). As described above, the return notification information “Hook” composed of a character string for a normal symbol and the return notification information “Recovered from a power failure ...” composed of a character string for a special symbol are respectively independently provided in the symbol display means 21. Will be displayed.

When a special symbol stop command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41, S43)
(S46: No, S48: Yes), the display of the return notification information is automatically stopped (S49), and the display is switched to the special symbol of jackpot or miss (S50). In this case, FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the special symbol display units 23a to 23c, the display of the return notification information by the character string is stopped, and the special symbol "out of order" indicated by the received special symbol designation command for the left, middle and right is received. 7, 3, 1 "is displayed.

By the way, when a power failure occurs, the normal symbol and the special symbol are simultaneously changing, and the main control means 5
When the normal symbol return display command and the special symbol return display command are received from 0, as shown in FIG. 19A, the return notification information for the normal symbol and the special symbol are simultaneously displayed. Here, S41-S42 and S46-S47 correspond to the return display control means 63, and S43-S45 and S48-S
50 and the like correspond to the display switching control means 64.

When the normal symbol stop command is received, as shown in FIG. 19B, the display of the return notification information for the normal symbol is stopped, and when the special symbol stop command is received, the display of FIG. As shown in (c),
The display of the return notification information for the special symbol is stopped. However, in the case where a profit state has occurred to the player in a jackpot state when the main power supply is cut off, and a return display inhibition command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S
41, S43, S46, S48: No, S51: Yes), the display of the return notification information is blocked (S52).

As a result, the return notification information is not displayed on the special symbol display means 23. In this case, since the symbol fluctuating operation is not performed when the main power is restored, but the payout operation of the prize ball by the jackpot, the return operation of the main power source is easily performed by the payout operation without displaying the return notification information. Understand, ordinary and special symbol control means 61, 62
Display control can be simplified.

Then, based on the received symbol designating command, a special symbol of a big hit, for example, "7, 7, 7" is displayed on the special symbol display sections 23a to 23c (S53). In this case, since the payout control means 46 pays out the game balls that have not been paid at the time of the power failure, the player can pay the game balls without paying the return even if the return notification information is not displayed again. The return can be easily recognized, and the ball game can be resumed immediately. By the way, when a normal symbol control command other than the return display command and the stop command is received (S40: Yes, S41, S43, S46,
S48 / S51: No), the symbol variation control is executed based on the received normal symbol control command (S54).

As described above, when the main power supply is cut off,
The game information related to the predetermined game state is stored in the RAM 3 of the main control unit 50 backed up by the backup power supply 84.
9b, when the main power is restored, the return notification information indicating that the main power has been restored is received by the symbol return display command, and the symbol display means 22a to 22b and 23a to 23h.
Since the information is displayed in c, the player who has been waiting for the return from the power failure can restart the game early based on the notification content.

Further, when the display control by the symbol control means 60 is restarted, the display of the return notification information is automatically stopped by receiving the symbol stop command transmitted from the main control means 50. Without being disturbed by the return notification information of the return, the symbol change of the normal symbol or the special symbol can be displayed, and the game can be started without any trouble. Main control means 50
In the RAM 39b (backup means) provided in the CPU, at least game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off can be stored and stored, and based on the stored game information when returning from a power failure, The game control can be restarted without interruption from the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure.

The return notification information at the time of the normal symbol change is a character string "Hook", and the return notification information at the time of the special symbol change is also the character string "Recovered from power failure ...".
Any player can be clearly notified of the return from the power failure by a character string. Further, since the return notification information for the normal symbol and the return notification information for the special symbol are displayed independently on the symbol display means 22a to 22b and 23a to 23c, respectively, the return notification information for the normal symbol and the return information for the special symbol are displayed. Can be clearly and individually displayed on the symbol display means 21.

A modification of the above embodiment will be described. 1) The return notification information at the time of a normal symbol change and the return notification information at the time of a special symbol change include not only “Katakana” and “Hiragana” mixed with kanji, but also display an image to image the return from a power failure, and light the lamp. Alternatively, the return may be notified by voice or voice. 2] Ordinary symbol display sections 22a to 22b for displaying ordinary symbols
May be provided at any corner, such as the lower left of the symbol display means 21. Further, the ordinary symbol display section may be configured to be able to be displayed independently on the ordinary symbol display means provided separately from the symbol display means 21.

3) The display of the return notification information displayed on the normal symbol display portions 22a to 22b and the special symbol display portions 23a to 23c may be stopped by a symbol change stop command for stopping the symbol change. In this case, when the main power supply is cut off due to the power failure, the normal symbol or special symbol is changing, and when the symbol change is continued with the return notification information displayed when returning from the power failure, By receiving the stop signal for stopping the symbol change, the symbol change can be stopped, and the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped.

4) The display of the return notification information displayed on the ordinary symbol display sections 22a to 22b and the special symbol display sections 23a to 23c may be stopped by a symbol designation command for designating the symbol to be stopped and displayed. In this case, when the player resumes the game by returning from the power failure, when the symbol fluctuation is stopped, the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped by the symbol designating command for the stopped symbol. 5) Instead of the capacitor used for the backup power supply 84, various storage power storage elements such as a secondary battery capable of supplying storage power may be used.

6] A game information storage memory is provided in each of the symbol control means 60, the sound control means 72, and the ramp control means 71, and a backup power supply 8 is provided in the game information storage memory.
4 may supply the power for storage retention. 7] The backup power supply 84 includes a main control board 39 other than the power supply board 45, a control board such as the payout control board 46, and the front frame 4
Or on the back mechanism plate 30 or the like. 8] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and arrange balls using various game media. The present invention can be applied to various game machines such as a game machine, a spinning machine and a sparrow ball machine.

[0077]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the main control means having a lottery function, the symbol display means includes a symbol control means capable of variably displaying symbols, a return display control means, and a display switching control means. When the main power is restored,
Since the return notification information indicating that the main power supply has returned is displayed on the symbol display means, the player who has been waiting for the return from the power failure can restart the game early based on the notification content. Further, when the display control by the symbol control means is resumed, when the predetermined signal transmitted from the main control means is received, the display of the return notification information is switched to another display. Without being played, the symbol fluctuation of the normal symbol or the special symbol can be displayed, and the game can be started without any trouble.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined signal is a symbol change stop signal for stopping the change of the symbol, when the main power is cut off due to the power failure, the change of the normal symbol or the special symbol is performed. In the case where the symbol change is continued while the return notification information is displayed when returning from the power failure, the symbol change can be stopped by receiving the stop signal for stopping the symbol change, and the display of the return notification information Can be automatically stopped and switched to another display. Other effects similar to those of the first aspect are obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined signal is a symbol variation start signal for starting symbol variation, so that when the player resumes the game due to the return from the power failure, the symbol variation occurs. By receiving the symbol change start signal,
The symbol change can be started, and the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped and switched to another display. The other effects are the same as those of the first aspect.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined signal is a symbol designating signal for designating a symbol to be stopped and displayed. Therefore, when the player resumes the game by returning from the power failure, the symbol variation is not changed. Upon stopping, the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped by receiving the symbol designating signal for the stopped symbol, and the display can be switched to another display. Other claim 1
It has the same effect as.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the main control means transmits various control signals to the symbol control means by one-way communication, so that at least a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off. A backup means capable of holding related game information is provided, so that one-way communication is employed when a control signal is transmitted from the main control means to the symbol control means, thereby providing a state advantageous or disadvantageous to the player by the lottery function. Can be reliably prevented from being fraudulent with respect to the determination of the above. Also, since the backup means stores at least game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off,
Based on the game information at the time of return from the power failure, the game control can be resumed without any trouble from the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure. Other effects similar to those of any one of the first to fourth aspects are exhibited.

According to the invention of claim 6, since the return notification information is a character string, it is possible to clearly notify any player of the return from the power failure by the character string. In addition, the same effect as any one of the first to fifth aspects is obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the symbol displayed on the symbol display means has a first symbol and a second symbol, and the symbol control means includes the first symbol control means and the second symbol control means. And the profit state generating means is provided, so that the first symbol and the second symbol can be collectively displayed on the symbol display means. First
When the first starting means detects a game ball by the symbol control means, the first symbol can be variably displayed for a predetermined time and stopped. Further, when the second starting means detects a game ball, the second symbol control means can change and display the second symbol for a predetermined time and stop. Further, the profit state generating means can generate a state that is advantageous to the player when the stop symbol after the change of the second symbol becomes a big hit symbol. Other effects similar to those of any one of the first to sixth aspects are exhibited.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the return display control means can independently display the return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol on the same symbol display means. Therefore, the return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol can be individually and clearly displayed on a predetermined dedicated display section of the same symbol display means. The other effects are the same as those of the seventh aspect.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the return display control means can independently display return notification information for the first symbol and return notification information for the second symbol on separate symbol display means. Therefore, the return notification information for the first symbol and the return notification information for the second symbol can be clearly and individually displayed on a predetermined dedicated display section of separate symbol display means. The other effects are the same as those of the seventh aspect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine (ball game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 6 is a power supply circuit diagram and various control signal circuit diagrams.

FIG. 7 is a chart of program contents included in the game control program.

FIG. 8 is a table showing the program contents included in the payout control program.

FIG. 9 is a chart of symbol control commands stored in a command data table.

FIG. 10 is a time chart relating to fluctuation of a normal symbol and a hit operation.

FIG. 11 is a time chart related to a change of a special symbol and a hit operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a game control.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of backup processing control of a main control unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a group of display control command transmission control.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of symbol variation control.

FIG. 16 is a time chart of a supply voltage and a control signal when the main power supply is cut off and when the main power supply is restored.

17A is a diagram of a display example of return notification information on a normal symbol, and FIG. 17B is a diagram of a display example of a normal symbol when display of the return notification information is stopped.

18A is a diagram of a display example of return notification information on a special symbol, and FIG. 18B is a diagram of a display example of a special symbol when the display of the return notification information is stopped.

FIG. 19 (a) is a diagram of a display example of return notification information regarding a normal symbol and a special symbol, and FIG. 19 (b) is a diagram of a display example of a normal symbol in which the return notification information display for the normal symbol is stopped;
(C) is a figure of the example of a display of a special symbol when the return notification information display for special symbols is stopped.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Pachinko machine (ball game machine) 20 Gate 21 Symbol display means 22 Ordinary symbol display means 23 Special symbol display means 50 Main control means 53 Profit state generation means 60 Symbol control means 39b RAM 61 Ordinary symbol control means 62 Special symbol control means 63 return display control means 64 display switching control means 84 backup power supply

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A main control means (50) having a lottery function of performing a lottery related to a game operation and selectively determining a state advantageous to the player or a disadvantageous state, and the main control means (50). ) And a symbol control means (60) capable of variably displaying symbols on the symbol display means (21) in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the main control means (50). A return display control means (63) for displaying on the symbol display means (21) return notification information indicating that the main power has been restored at the time of return after the main power has been cut off, and the symbol control means (60) Display switching control means (64) for switching the display of the return notification information by the return display control means (63) to another display when a predetermined signal transmitted from the main control means (50) is received. A gaming machine characterized by the following. 2. The signal according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined signal is a symbol variation stop signal for stopping symbol variation.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The signal according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined signal is a symbol variation start signal for starting symbol variation.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. The signal according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined signal is a symbol designating signal for designating a symbol to be stopped and displayed.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The main control means (50) is a symbol control means (60).
A backup means (39b) capable of transmitting various control signals to the one-way communication with respect to the game information and holding game information related to a predetermined game state at least when the main power is cut off is provided. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the return notification information is a character string. 7. A symbol displayed on the symbol display means (21) has a first symbol and a second symbol, and the symbol control means (60)
The first symbol control means (61) for changing and displaying the first symbol for a predetermined time when the first starting means (20) detects a game ball, and the opening and closing operation type and the variation of the first symbol. When the second starting means (18), which is opened for a certain time when a later stop symbol becomes a hit symbol, detects a game ball, a second start means (18) is opened.
A second symbol control means (62) for changing and displaying the symbol for a predetermined time and stopping the symbol, wherein the stopped symbol after the variation of the second symbol becomes a big hit symbol, and is in a state advantageous to the player. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a profit state generating means (53) for generating (1). 8. The return display control means (63) can independently display return information for the first symbol and return information for the second symbol on the same symbol display means (21). The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The return display control means (63) can independently display return notification information for the first symbol and return notification information for the second symbol on separate symbol display means (21). The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein: