JP2002126198A - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination game machine capable of resuming a game from the shooting of the first ball after the restart of a power feed when a power failure occurs during the game. SOLUTION: This combination game machine is provided with a winning port means having a plurality of winning ports at the lower section of a game region, a prescribed number of game balls are shot into the game region in each game, and the game can be repeated, with a prescribed rest time provided at each termination. The combination game machine is also provided with a game state storage means 123 capable of retaining the memory of the game state after the power failure and a game resuming means 124 resuming the game from the shooting of the first ball based on the memory information of the game state storage means 123 after the restart of the power feed when the power failure occurs during the game.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination game machine such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are a combination game machine, for example, an arrangement ball machine, of a game ball insertion type and a medal insertion type. In any of these types of arrangement ball machines, at the time of a game, sixteen game balls are fired into the game area of the game board by the firing means for each game, and the game balls are arranged in a horizontal line at the bottom. Winning one of the winning means of the mouth means,
When a predetermined winning combination is established by winning the four winning openings adjacent to the winning opening means, a score is given according to the difficulty of the establishment, and a predetermined number of medals or game balls are used as prizes. To pay out to the public.

[0003] Each arrangement ball machine supplies power to a power supply board from an external power supply such as a commercial power supply, and supplies power to a main control board, a payout control board, a launch control board, and the like from the power supply board to play games. The information of each control board is
While storing in the game state storage means 123 such as AM, each game part on the game board side, the payout means on the game machine main body side, and the like are controlled.

[0004]

A conventional arrangement ball machine does not have a function of backing up information stored in a game state storage means when an external power supply such as a commercial power supply is cut off during operation, especially during a game. All game information in the storage means such as the RAM disappears at the time of the occurrence of the power failure.

[0005] For this reason, if a power failure occurs after a special game state in which a state advantageous to the player continues for a plurality of games occurs, the game between the player and the game hall depends on the special game state. There is a risk that trouble will occur over compensation for profits that could be naturally obtained by the person. Even if there is a player who wants to continue the game after the restoration of the power failure, it is impossible to restart the game from the state before the power failure because the information stored in the game state storage means such as the RAM has disappeared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a combination gaming machine capable of returning the game from the firing of the first ball after restarting power supply in the event of a power failure during the game.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a game area 26 is provided.
Is provided with a winning opening means 27 having a plurality of winning openings 38 at a lower portion of the game area, and a predetermined number of game balls are hit into the game area 26 for each game, and the game can be repeated with a predetermined pause time each time the game is completed. In the combination gaming machine described above, the game state is stored based on information stored in the game state storage unit 123 that can hold the storage of the game state after a power failure, and after the power supply is restarted in the event of a power failure during the game. Game return means 1 to return from the launch of the first ball
24.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a medal insertion type arrangement ball machine. This arrangement ball machine has an outer frame 1 as shown in FIGS.
And a front frame 2 provided on the front side of the outer frame 1. The front frame 2 is separated via a vertical hinge 4 (see FIG. 7) at one left and right end. It is attached to the frame 1 so that it can be opened and closed and detachable.

The gaming machine body 3 has a front panel 5 mounted on the front side thereof, a medal hopper 6, an auxiliary tank 7, a power supply unit 8 and the like provided on the outer frame 1 side, and a game on the front frame 2 side. Various internal mechanisms including the game board 9 are provided inside the game machine main body 3 on the back side of the front panel 5, such as provided with a board 9, a launching means 10, and a medal selection means 11.

The medal hopper 6 stores medals. The medal hopper 6 has a medal shoot 12 for receiving inserted medals, and surplus medals overflow into the auxiliary tank 7 when the internal medals are full. There are provided an overflow port 13 for letting out medals and medal payout means 14 for paying out prizes. The medal payout means 14
This is for paying out medals in the medal hopper 6 for prizes or return, and is provided below the medal hopper 6 and drives a rotating body (not shown) in the medal hopper 6 by a driving means 15 such as a motor. Then, the medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 16 to the front side. In addition, the auxiliary tank 7 can be freely taken in and out. The power supply unit 8 is provided with a power supply board 17.

The game board 9 is removably fitted between the game board mounting frame 18 and the support frame 19 inside the front frame 2 from the back side, and a plurality of game boards provided on the back side of the game board mounting frame 18 are provided. Are fixed detachably by the fastening means 20. Therefore, the game board 9 can be freely attached to and detached from the front side of the game machine main body 3 and the back side of the front frame 2. The game board mounting frame 18 has a gate shape,
The upper side and both left and right sides are fixed to the inner side surface of the front frame 2 above the support frame 19. The support frame 19 is integrally provided with a game board receiving portion 21 for receiving the game board 9 from below on the upper edge side, and is installed in the front frame 2 in the left-right direction. On the back side of the support frame 19, a payout board case 23 for housing the payout control board 22 is detachably mounted.

On the front of the game board 9, as shown in FIG.
A guide rail 25 is annularly mounted, a winning opening means 27 is arranged below the game area 26 inside the guide rail 25, and a guide symbol display means 28 and a specific winning means 29 are provided above the winning opening means 27. , Score increasing means 24,
Each game component such as operating means 30, 31 and normal winning means 32, 33 is arranged. Note that a number of game nails (not shown) are provided between the winning opening means 27 and each game component.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the winning opening means 27 is provided with a winning case 37 detachably attached to the opening 36 of the game board 9 from the back side, and the winning case 37 is arranged in a horizontal line. A plurality of, for example, 16 prize holes 38 for guiding game balls formed and winning from the front side to the back side of the game board 9.
And a plurality of detecting game balls that have won each winning opening 38,
For example, 16 winning detection switches 39 are provided, and a game ball falling along the game board 9 wins one of the winning openings 38, and the winning detection switch 39 detects the game ball. .

The guide symbol display means 28 can variably display one or a plurality of, for example, three guide symbols 28a, game information at the time of a power failure in the event of a power failure, advance notice of a game to be resumed after the power failure is restored, The liquid crystal display means 40 for notifying the player of the game conditions at the time of return and other various game information is also used.

Each of the guide symbols 28a fluctuates for a predetermined time on condition that the operating means 30 detects a game ball.
Stops in a specific mode such as "7" or other non-specific modes. It should be noted that an appropriate symbol such as a numeral symbol is used as the guide symbol 28a.

The specific winning means 29 is a guide symbol display means 2
8 is provided with an opening / closing body 29a that is opened after the guide symbol 28a after the change of 8 is stopped in a specific mode such as “7.7.7”, and the inside thereof is divided into a plurality of (for example, three) regions. Part (for example, the center) is a special operation area 29b. The special operation area 29b is for generating a special game state, which will be described later, based on predetermined conditions when a game ball passes, and ends the special game state when the game ball passes again.

The score increasing means 24 is for increasing the score when a game ball wins, and is opened and closed for a predetermined time on condition that the operating means 31 detects the game ball when a special game state occurs. A body 30a is provided, and when a game ball wins the score increasing means 24, the score is increased (for example, doubled).

The specific winning means 29 and the score increasing means 2
4. The normal prize winning means 32, 33 is configured to guide a game ball won on the front side of the game board 9 to the back side of the game board 9, and when a game ball wins on these, one or The game balls are treated in the same manner as the winning of the game ball to the plurality of winning ports 38.

For example, the specific winning means 29 is the eleventh and fourteenth of the winning opening 38, and the score increasing means 24 is the eleventh and fourteenth.
When the game ball of the prize port means 27 corresponds to the prize port 38 in which the game ball of the prize port means 27 is difficult to win, or the prize port in which the prize combination is difficult to be established, such as corresponding to the third and fifth, respectively, In the same manner as when the game ball has won the corresponding winning opening 38,
A prize display section (described later) corresponding to the prize port 38 displays a prize.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the back of the game board 9, each game such as a winning opening means 27, a guide symbol display means 28, a specific winning means 29, a score increasing means 24, operating means 30, 31 and the like. A back cover 45 that covers the components from the back side, and a ball collection case 46 disposed below the back cover 45 are detachably mounted, and a main board that stores a main control board 47 on the back surface of the back cover 45 Case 48 and display control board 4
A display board case 50 for housing the audio board 9 and an audio board case 52 for housing the audio control board 51 are detachably mounted.

The ball collecting case 46 is for collecting game balls guided to the back side of the game board 9 through game parts such as the winning opening means 27, the specific winning means 29, and the score increasing means 24. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a ball collecting part 41 having an upper side opening and a discharge port 42 for discharging the game balls collected by the ball collecting part 41 downward are provided below the winning case 37. On the back side of the game board 9. In addition,
The game ball that has won the winning opening 38 is provided with a winning detection switch 39.
After being detected in the prize hole means 27, it is discharged from the discharge port 42 through the ball collecting case 46 without stopping in the winning opening means 27 or the like.

The discharge port 42 of the ball collecting case 46 is deviated from the approximate center of the ball collecting case 46 in the left-right direction to the side opposite to the ball feeding means 69 so that the length of the standby passage 68 can be easily secured. It is arranged. Further, on both left and right sides of the winning opening means 27, ball guiding passages 43 for guiding game balls from the specific winning means 29, the score increasing means 24, etc. to the ball collecting portion 41 of the ball collecting case 46 are provided inside the back cover 45. It is mounted so as to protrude toward the ball collecting case 46 side through the ball collecting case 46.

The launching means 10 is used to guide the game ball to the guide rail 2.
5 for firing to the game area 26 of the game board 9 through the shooting rail 53, as shown in FIGS.
A hitting hammer 54 for hitting the game ball on the firing rail 53 toward the guide rail 25 side, a firing spring (not shown) for urging the hitting hammer 54 in the hitting direction of the game ball, and a cam mechanism 55
A firing drive means 56 such as a motor for intermittently swinging the hammer 54 in the counter-hitting direction while resisting the firing spring through the
And a firing handle 57 that activates the firing drive means 56 by the player's grip and adjusts the spring pressure of the firing spring by its rotation operation, and is detachably attached to the support frame 19 via the mounting plate 58 and the like. It is installed. Mounting plate 58
Includes a launch board case 60 that houses the launch control board 59.
Is detachably mounted.

The firing rail 53 is mounted on the front side of the support frame 19, etc., corresponding to the guide rail 25 on the game board 9 side. The hitting hammer 54 is disposed on the front side of the support frame 19 and the like corresponding to the firing rail 53 so as to hit a game ball on the firing rail 53, and is swingably supported by a mounting plate 58 by a pivot in the front-rear direction. ing. As shown in FIG. 5, the firing handle 57 is provided at the front end of the support cylinder 62 that projects through the through hole 61 of the front panel 5 and projects forward. It can be gripped and turned. Note that the firing handle 57 has a touch switch (not shown) for detecting a player's grip or operation.
Are provided.

In front of the firing rail 53, the firing rail 5
A rail cover 63 is provided to cover a part of the guide rail 25 on the firing rail 53 side from the front side. The rail cover 63 is detachably attached to a support member 64 which is installed on the front panel 5 in the left-right direction, for example.

Between the launching means 10 side and the game board 9 side,
As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, a circulation path 65 for game balls including these is formed in a closed loop shape, and a plurality of game balls are enclosed in the circulation path 65. The circulation path 65 includes a launch path 66 for guiding the game balls fired by the firing means 10 to the game board 9 and a return path for returning the game balls passing behind the game board 9 to the fire means 10. 6
7 is provided. The launch path 66 is the launch rail 53,
The return path 6 includes a guide rail 25 and the like.
7 is a ball collecting case 46, a standby passage 68, a ball feeding means 69
And the like.

The waiting passage 68 is for holding a game ball returning after passing through the game board 9 so that the firing means 10 is lower on the front frame 2 side such as the back side of the support frame 19. The ball collecting case 46 is attached at a position where it is detachably mounted by being inclined in the left-right direction and its upstream side does not interfere with the lower end of the game board 9.
To the discharge port 42 from below. Ball feeding means 69
Is for sending the game balls in the standby passage 68 one by one onto the firing rail 53 in conjunction with the firing operation of the firing means 10, and between the firing rail 53 and the downstream end of the standby passage 68. And is detachably attached to the support frame 19 and the like.

The number of game balls in the circulation path 65 is desirably equal to or more than the minimum number required for one game (for example, about 16 to 25). Further, it is desirable that the standby passage 68 be long enough that all or a part (about several) of the game balls corresponding to the enclosed number are arranged in a line.

The medal selecting means 11 is for selecting the right or wrong of a medal inserted through a medal insertion slot 75 described later. As shown in FIGS. 19 and the like. Then, the medal selecting means 11 determines whether the medal is correct based on the weight, the outer shape, the material, and the like while the medal is moving, and returns a defective medal to the medal guide gutter 77 via the return chute 76 according to the determination result. Then, a normal (regular) medal is guided to the medal shoot 12 of the medal hopper 6. In the medal selection means 11, a medal detection switch 78 for detecting a regular medal is provided on the downstream side of the discrimination unit.

The front panel 5 is divided into a plurality of glass doors 82 corresponding to at least the front side of the game board 9 and other parts. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front panel 5 includes, in addition to the glass door 82 corresponding to the front side of the game board 9, for example, an upper panel 83 disposed above the glass door 82 and a glass door 82. The upper panel 83, the glass door 82, and the intermediate panel 84 except for the lower panel 85, which are divided into a plurality of intermediate panels 84 disposed below the lower panel 85 and a lower panel 85 disposed below the intermediate panel 84. Are pivotally attached to the front frame 2 by a vertical hinge 86 on the same side as the hinge 4 of the front frame 2 so as to be freely opened and closed.

The glass door 82 is connected to the game area 26 of the game board 9.
And a glass plate 89 attached to the door frame 88 so as to cover the window hole 87. The upper panel 83 is disposed on the upper side of the front frame 2 and is provided with upper display means 81 for displaying a special game state, other game states, and the like. Upper display means 81
Is a display cover 9 detachably attached to the upper panel 83.
0, and one or a plurality of display lamps 91 provided in the display cover 90, and the display lamps 91 emit light by blinking according to the game state. The display cover 90 protrudes forward over substantially the entire width of the gaming machine body 3 in the left-right direction, and has a front side inclined downward and downward.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the intermediate panel 84 has a projecting portion 94 projecting forward, and a display panel portion 95 inclined downward and a control panel 95 on the upper side of the projecting portion 94. A bottom wall 93 is provided below the overhang portion 94 and is bent rearward from a lower end thereof toward the front frame 2. The intermediate panel 84
The lower end of the lower panel 85 above the firing handle 57 so as not to interfere with the firing handle 57 when opening and closing.
When the intermediate panel 84 is closed, the upper panel abuts on the upper end of the lower panel 85 from the front side, or the lower panel 85
So that it overlaps the upper end of the upper and lower sides.

The display panel section 95 is formed to be elongated in the left-right direction near the lower side of the glass door 82, and an operation panel section 96 is provided in front of the display panel section 95. The display panel unit 95 is provided with a prize display means 97 at a substantially central portion in the left and right direction, and a medal number display means 98 is provided on one side of the prize display means 97 in the left and right direction, and a score display means 99 is provided on the other side. ing. The display panel unit 95
Has a larger inclination angle than the operation panel section 96 so that the display state of each of the display means 97 to 99 can be easily checked. However, the inclination angle may be substantially the same as that of the operation panel section 96.

The prize display means 97 includes a plurality of, for example, 16 prize display sections 100 corresponding to the respective prize ports 38 of the prize port means 27. 38, they are arranged in a horizontal row so as to be close to each other in the front-rear direction. Then, in each of the prize display sections 100, when a game ball wins one of the prize holes 38, the corresponding prize display section 100 emits light, and the prize is displayed to the player by other means.
Each of the winning display portions 100 is numbered sequentially from one end side corresponding to each of the winning openings 38. The prize display means 97 includes a predetermined number of prize display units 100 (for example, 4 at the center of the game area 26 above the prize port means 27).
) May be arranged in combination.

The medal number display means 98 is provided for the medal slot 7
The score display means 99 is for displaying the number of medals held from 5 (the number of deposited medals), and the score display means 99 displays the score awarded by the formation of the winning combination or the score of the unpaid premium medals. These are constituted by appropriate display means so as to display the number of medals and the scores by numerals. It should be noted that, instead of the score display means 99 or together with the score display means 99, provided medal number display means is provided, and the obtained medal number display means allows the number of acquired medals acquired according to the score or the number of acquired medals not paid out. It may be displayed.

The operation panel 96 has a medal slot 7
5. Manual selection switch 105, automatic selection switch 106
And a return switch 107. The medal insertion slot 75 is disposed at or near one end of the operation panel section 96 on the one side in the left and right direction near the hinges 4 and 86, and a manual selection switch is provided at a center side of the medal insertion slot 75 in the left and right direction. 105, an automatic selection switch 106, and a return switch 107 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction.

The medal insertion slot 75 is for inserting and depositing medals as a game price, and can insert a plurality of prescribed medals required for at least one game, preferably a large number of medals for a plurality of games. It is configured in a hopper size. The exit 7 on the lower side of the medal insertion slot 75
5a is narrowed so that medals can be supplied to the medal selecting means 11 one by one.

Outside the medal slot 75, a vibration imparting means 108 is provided for slightly shaking the medal slot 75 so that the medals are aligned on the exit 75a side even when a large number of medals are inserted. . The vibration imparting means 108 operates when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 75. In addition, the medal insertion slot 75 may have a medal insertion number that is equal to or less than a predetermined number required for one game, for example, a medal insertion slot that can insert medals one by one.

The manual selection switch 105 is used for starting one game at a time for each operation.
When the manual selection switch 105 is operated, a process of subtracting a prescribed number of medals for one game, for example, four medals, which is a game price for one game, from the number of deposited medals for a game is performed, and a game for one game is performed. Is ready to start.

The automatic selection switch 106 is for enabling a game to be started continuously and repeatedly after a predetermined pause period. When the automatic selection switch 106 is operated, the game price for one game is paid. If there is more than a prescribed number of deposited medals, a process of subtracting a prescribed number of medals from the deposited medals is performed before the start of each game, unless the manual selection switch 105 is operated, and then the game can be started. It is supposed to be.

The return switch 107 is for requesting the return of the deposited medals. When the return switch 107 is operated, the medal payout means 14 operates to pay out the deposited medals from the medal hopper 6. Has become.

As the manual selection switch 105, the automatic selection switch 106, and the return switch 107, a push button type or the like is used. Manual selection switch 1
05, the automatic selection switch 106 is provided with a selection display means (not shown) such as a lamp on its operation unit side, and the selection display means displays the selection status. The selection display means may be provided near the manual selection switch 105 and the automatic selection switch 106.

The lower panel 85 is fixed to the lower part of the front frame 2. In the lower panel 85, a medal tray 109 and a medal guide gutter 77 are provided in the front and rear at substantially the center in the left-right direction on the lower side, and one side of the medal tray 109 in the left-right direction and near the hinges 4, 86. An ashtray 110 is provided, and a hand rest 111 is provided on the opposite side. The medal tray 109, the ashtray 110, and the hand rest 111 project forward from the lower panel 85, and the front ends thereof are flush. The lower panel 85 is formed with a through hole 61 through which the support cylinder 62 that supports the firing handle 57 penetrates in the front-rear direction.

The medal tray 109 receives the medal paid out from the medal paying means 14 and the return chute 76.
This is for storing bad medals and the like returned after passing through. The medal guide gutter 77 is for guiding the medals paid out from the medal payout means 14 and the defective medals returned through the return chute 76 to the medal tray 109, and protrudes rearward from the lower panel 85. It is provided on the medal tray 109 integrally or separately.

The firing handle 5 is provided above the hand rest 111.
7, the hand rest 111 and the launch handle 57.
Are arranged at the ends on the opposite side in the left-right direction with respect to the hinges 4, 86 and the medal insertion slot 75 or in the vicinity thereof.
The hand rest 111 is for holding a part of the hand when operating the firing handle 57.
The interval between 1 and the firing handle 57 is set such that the firing handle 57 can be operated even when a part of the hand is placed on the hand rest 111 or can be operated even when the hand is not mounted.

On the upper side of the firing handle 57, a recess 112 is formed in the projecting portion 94 of the intermediate panel 84 so as to be recessed upward in an arc shape, and between the firing handle 57 and the projecting portion 94, the firing handle is provided. When grasping 57,
An interval is secured such that the hand does not contact the overhang portion 94 of the intermediate panel 84.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system of the arrangement ball machine. As shown in FIG. 9, the control system includes a power supply board 17, a payout control board 22, a main control board 47, a display control board 49, a voice control board 51, and a launch control board 59 for each function in order to make the board a single function. Has been implemented separately.

The main control board 47 includes a main control means 120, a deposit processing means 121, a game selection means 122,
A game state storage unit 123, a game return unit 124, a timer unit 125, and the like are provided. These are a CPU, a ROM,
It is composed of a RAM and the like. The display control board 49
, A sound control means 127 is provided on the sound control board 51, a payout control means 128 is provided on the payout control board 22, and a launch control means 129 is provided on the launch control board 59. Note that the display control means 126, the voice control means 127, the payout control means 128, and the like also have a CPU,
It is composed of a ROM, a RAM and the like.

The main control means 120 controls the whole game operation including the game board 9 side, and counts the number of shots into the game area 26 from the fixed winning of the game ball to the winning opening means 27 or the like. A game operation control function for sequentially proceeding a game in which the number of hits is 16 as one unit with a predetermined pause time, and displaying a prize on the prize display means 97 in accordance with a prize of a game ball to the prize port means 27 or the like. A prize display processing function to be performed, a prize processing function for determining whether the winning combination is correct or not based on a fixed prize to the prize opening means 27 and the like, a settlement processing function for giving a score according to the winning combination and displaying the score on the score display means 99. , The guide symbol display means 28 provided that the operation means 30 detects a game ball.
The guide symbol variation processing function of varying the guide symbol 28a for a predetermined time and the special operation area 29b of the specific winning means 29 when the changed guide symbol 28a is determined in a specific mode such as “7.7.7”. A special game state generating function for generating a special game state advantageous to the player over the game or a plurality of games, for example, 14 games, on condition that the game ball passes, is provided.

The deposit processing means 121 includes a medal slot 75
A medal counting function for counting the number of medals inserted in the game by the signal of the medal detection switch 78, and a game price necessary for one game from a deposited medal which is a deposited price before starting each game (for example, four medals per game) 4 if you need
A value subtraction function for subtracting and updating the number of coins), a medal number display processing function for displaying the number of deposited medals as the deposited price on the medal number display means 98 (value display processing function), and an operation of the return switch 107 It has a return processing function of performing a deposited medal return process when a medal return request is made.

The game selection means 122 includes a main control means 120 and a deposit processing means 121 based on the selection result selected by the manual selection switch 105 and the automatic selection switch 106.
For example, when a manual selection switch 105 is operated, a command for one game is transmitted to the automatic selection switch 106 when the manual selection switch 105 is operated.
When the is operated, commands for the continuous game are issued.

The game state storage means 123 stores information on the number of hit balls from the main control means 120, fixed winning information, score information, special game state generation information, and games in the special game state as the game state progresses. Each information such as the number of times information, deposit consideration information from the deposit processing means 121, game compensation subtraction information, continuous game information from the game selection means 122, and the like are stored as needed, and when a power failure occurs during operation including during a game, Based on the game state at the time of the power failure, the minimum game information required for automatically returning the game from the beginning is stored.

For example, the information held during the game includes the in-game information, the game consideration subtraction information after the game consideration subtraction processing, the special game state occurrence information after the special game state is occurring, and the game up to that point in the special game state. Number information, automatic selection switch 1
There is continuous game information and the like when the user operates 06.

The game return means 124 automatically starts the game based on the information stored in the game state storage means 123 when the power failure of the external power supply 130 is restored, or when the main power supply (described later) is turned on thereafter. If a power failure occurs during the game, a return command is issued to the main control means 120 and the deposit processing means 121,
The game is returned from the beginning based on the gaming state at the time of the power failure, and the stored game information at the time of the power failure and / or the game conditions at the time of the return are read out from the gaming state storage means 123 and displayed on the liquid crystal display means 40 and displayed to the player. It is made to inform.

For example, when the power-out state during the game is a predetermined state, the game return means 124 determines the remaining number of game balls in the game immediately after the power supply is resumed by a predetermined number (16). If the number of balls that have been confirmed as winning at the time of the power outage is subtracted from the number of balls, and the game state during the power outage during the game is other than the predetermined state, the game after power supply is restarted from the launch of the first ball It is designed to return.
Therefore, whether the gaming state at the time of the power failure is a predetermined gaming state,
Depending on whether the game state is other than the predetermined game state, the game condition at the time of return after the restart of power supply is different.

In the predetermined state, for example, a plurality of guidance symbols of the guidance symbol display means on the game board 9 side are changed to "7
If it is internally determined by the lottery result of the gaming state lottery means that the game is stopped in a specific mode such as "7/7", a plurality of guidance symbols on the guidance symbol display means change to "7.7.
When the stop display is performed in a specific mode such as “7”, a special game state advantageous to the player may be generated based on a predetermined condition (such as a game ball passing through an operation area) after the guide symbol is stopped in the specific mode. There is a case where it is fixed internally, a case where a special game state is occurring, or a case where a score is awarded due to the formation of a winning combination.

The display of the game condition includes a display indicating that when the game state at the time of the power outage is in the predetermined state, the game ball returns from the launch of the remaining game balls for the number of remaining game balls, and in a case other than the predetermined state, the first game ball , The display of the gaming state itself at the time of power failure, the display of whether the gaming state at the time of power failure is a predetermined state, or the like. Note that the stored game information and / or the game conditions at the time of return may be displayed continuously or intermittently during the power failure from the occurrence of the power failure to the return of the game. The timer means 125 starts a timing operation when the power supply of the external power supply 130 is restored and the power supply is restarted, and a predetermined time from the power supply restart time so as to operate the game return means 124 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the power supply time. The time to return the game with a time delay and the time to return the game,
The liquid crystal display means 40 displays other information and issues a notice display command to the liquid crystal display means 40 in order to notify the player of the return.

The display control means 126 is for causing the upper display means 81 to blink and emit light based on a signal from the main control means 120 to display the game state, for example, when a special game state occurs. . Voice control means 127
For example, when a special game state occurs, the sound generation unit 119 such as a speaker generates a sound effect based on a signal from the main control unit 120.

The payout control means 128 includes the main control means 1
In the case where a score is given by the settlement process on the 20 side and a payout command is issued, the medal payout means 14 is operated when a deposit medal return command is issued from the deposit processing means 121, and the medal payout means 14 is operated in accordance with the score and the deposit consideration. The medal in the medal hopper 6 is paid out. In addition,
Premium medals are paid out during the game, but may be paid out after the game is over.

The launch control means 129 enables the launch means 10 to launch game balls after the processing of collecting the game value, and if the player operates the launch handle 57, the number of game balls hit into the game area 26 becomes 16 The launching means 10 is actuated so that the game balls are launched so as to be individual pieces.

The power supply board 17 is provided with a main power supply unit 131, a backup power supply unit 132, a power supply monitoring unit 133, and a reset unit 134. The main power supply section 131 is for supplying power to each part via the main control board 47, the display control board 49, the audio control board 51, the emission control board 59, the payout control board 22, and the like. Backup power supply 132
Is for applying a voltage of a memory holding potential to the power supply terminal so that the game state storing means 123 holds the memory when the external power supply 130 is out of power, and a capacitor,
It is composed of a dry battery or the like.

The power supply monitoring unit 133 monitors whether there is a power supply abnormality in the main power supply unit 131, detects a drop in the power supply voltage of the main power supply unit 131 when the external power supply 130 is out of power, and uses that voltage to perform a backup process. An abnormal signal is issued until the voltage drops below a possible voltage, and the main control means 120 and the like are caused to perform a backup process necessary for holding the storage information of the game state storage means 123.

When an abnormal signal is received from the power supply monitoring unit 133, the reset unit 134 delays the time necessary for the backup processing by delaying the main control unit 120 and the deposit processing unit 12
1. A reset signal is output to the display control means 126, the voice control means 127, the emission control means 129, the payout control means 128, and the like, and causes them to perform predetermined reset processing.

Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine configured as described above will be described. At the start of the game, a plurality of medals of a prescribed number or more necessary for one game are inserted into the medal insertion slot 75. Then, the medals are aligned in the medal insertion slot 75 and enter the medal selecting means 11, and the medal selecting means 11 determines whether the medal is correct or not. The defective medal is returned from the return chute 76 to the medal tray 109, Only medals passed medal shoot 12 and medal hopper 6
To fall.

At this time, the medal detection switch 78 detects a regular medal, the deposit processing means 121 counts the number of medals, and the gaming state storage means 123 adds and updates the medal number stored therein. Thus, the game can be started. When a medal is inserted, the medal number display means 98 displays the number of deposited medals under the control of the deposit processing means 121. Therefore, the player can easily confirm the number of deposited medals at that time by the display.

Next, when the manual selection switch 105 is operated, the game selection means 122 sends a command for selecting one game to the main control means 120, the deposit processing means 121, and other parts, and the deposit processing means 121 determines the number of deposited medals based on the number of deposited medals. A process of subtracting a few minutes and updating is performed, whereby the launching means 10
Can actually fire game balls. When the deposit processing unit 121 performs the subtraction process, the medal number display unit 98 displays the number of deposited medals after the subtraction.

Thereafter, when the player grips and operates the firing handle 57, the firing control means 129 activates the firing means 10 based on a command from the game selection means 122,
The ball feeding means 69 supplies the game balls in the standby passage 68 one by one onto the firing rail 53, hits the game balls on the firing rail 53 with the hitting hammer 54, and sequentially passes through the guide rails 25 to the game board 9. The player hits the game area 26, and a normal game proceeds.

The game ball hit into the game area 26 wins one of the winning openings 38 of the winning opening means 27 or wins the special winning means 29 or the like and is guided to the back side of the game board 9. After that, it is sequentially returned to the waiting passage 68 via the ball collecting case 46. For example, when a game ball wins one of the winning openings 38 of the winning opening means 27, the game ball is guided from the winning opening 38 to the back side of the game board 9, and the ball collecting case 4
After passing through 6, it is returned to the standby passage 68.

When a game ball passes from the winning opening 38 to the back side of the game board 9, the winning detection switch 39 detects the game ball, passes through the winning process of the main control unit 120, and sends the determined winning information to the game. The state storage means 123 sequentially stores,
The corresponding prize display section 100 of the prize display means 97 displays the prize.

When a game ball wins in four adjacent winning openings 38 of the winning opening 38 of the winning opening means 27 and a winning combination is established, the main control means 120 determines the establishment of the winning combination.
A settlement process for giving a score according to the difficulty level of the winning combination is performed, the score information is stored in the gaming state storage means 123, and the score display means 99 displays the score. Therefore, the player can easily confirm the score obtained in the game by the display of the score display means 99.

On the other hand, when a score is given, the main control means 1
Payout control means 12 according to a payout command from
8 controls the medal payout means 14, and the medal payout means 14 pays out the medals in the medal hopper 6 to the medal tray 109 according to the score. Thereby, the player can enjoy a predetermined profit. The maximum score per game is 10 points, and the number of paid out medals per point is four.

When the operating means 30 detects a winning of a game ball, the guide symbol 28a of the guide symbol display means 28 fluctuates for a predetermined time by the random number control of the main control means 120, so that "7.7.
Stop in a specific mode such as "7" or a non-specific mode other than the specific mode. Then, when the guide symbol 28a is stopped and fixed in a specific mode, the opening / closing body 29a of the specific winning means 29 is opened.

When the game ball which has won the specific prize means 29 passes through the special operation area 29b therein, the main control means 1
A special game state is generated by 20 and the operating means 31 is activated, and the score increasing means 24 is opened for a predetermined time every time a game ball wins in this operating means 31. Therefore, if a game ball wins in the score increasing means 24, the score obtained during the game is increased (for example, doubled) and medals are paid out according to the score, so that the player can play the game in an advantageous state. I can do it. This special game state is stored in the game state storage means 123 and continues from the game at the time of occurrence until the game ends.

When a game ball is hit into the game area 26, the number of hits of the game ball is sequentially counted by the main control means 120, and the hit number information is stored in the game state storage means 123.
Remembers. When the number of shots reaches 16, a pause command for a predetermined time is input from the main control means 120 to the firing control means 129, the firing means 10 stops firing game balls, and one game is completed. A pause state in which the game is paused for a predetermined time is reached. Therefore, even if the manual selection switch 105 is operated during the suspension time, the game selection means 122, the deposit processing means 121, and the like function in the same manner.
Does not operate immediately, but operates after the elapse of the pause time to start firing game balls.

When the automatic selection switch 106 is operated, as long as the number of deposited medals is equal to or more than the prescribed number required for one game, the deposit processing means 121 performs a subtraction process of the prescribed number of medals before starting each game. Then, the launching means 10 hits a predetermined number of game balls into the game area 26 for each game. Therefore, the player can automatically and continuously play the game with a predetermined pause time only by operating the firing handle 57.

When the return switch 107 is operated,
The medal payout means 14 operates and pays out the medals for the deposit from the medal hopper 6 to the medal tray 109 on condition that the number of deposited medals is stored in the gaming state storage means 123.

If the external power supply 130 loses power during the game and during the operation including the pause time, the power supply from the main power supply unit 131 is stopped, so that it is impossible to continue the game even during the game. In this case, the main control unit 120 and the payout control unit 1 detect the power supply abnormality of the main power supply unit 131 until the power supply voltage of the main power supply unit 131 falls below the predetermined voltage.
A power supply abnormality signal is sent to 28 and the like. As a result, the main control unit 120 and the deposit processing unit 121 perform predetermined backup processing, and the gaming state storage unit 123 retains the storage information of the gaming state at the time of the power failure even after the power failure.

After the power failure is restored, or after that, the main power supply 13
1 is turned on again, the main power supply unit 131 causes each control board 22,
Power supply to 47, 49, 51, 59 is restarted. As a result, the timer means 125 starts the time counting operation, and the liquid crystal display means 40 gives a notice of the return of the game. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the restart of power supply, the game return means 124 is operated by a signal from the timer means 125, and the main control means 120
Read the information stored in the game state storage means 123 and return the game according to the game state at the time of the power failure based on the stored information. Therefore, during the game in the special game state,
Alternatively, even if a power failure occurs during a normal game, the power can be resumed according to the gaming state at the time of the power failure, regardless of whether the winning combination is correct or not.

For example, if a power failure occurs when 10 game balls are hit out of the 16 hits per game, the game state storage means 123 stores the 10 fixed winning information, The fact that the game is being played is stored from the number of hits information and the like, and whether or not the game is in a special game state is stored. If the gaming state at the time of the power failure is not a predetermined state such as a special gaming state, the winning information and the number of hits are cleared, and the game returning means 124 returns the game from the launch of the first ball. .

Therefore, the game is restarted from the firing of the first game ball, and the game is terminated by the driving of the sixteenth game ball. Then, the main control means 120 determines the success or failure of the winning combination from the winning information by the subsequent driving of the game ball, and award a score if the winning combination is established. Note that the game state storage means 123 may store information indicating that a game is being played.

If a special game state is occurring, the game state storage means 123 stores information on the occurrence of the special game state, information on the number of games up to that point, and winning information. Therefore, for example, if a power failure occurs in the middle of the ninth game, the game is returned from the middle of the ninth game based on the occurrence information of the special game state and the game number information of the ninth game. The launch of the game balls for the remaining game balls is started.

Therefore, even if a power failure occurs during the occurrence of a special game state, the game state at the time of the power failure is a predetermined state regardless of whether the power failure is during a pause or during a game. The game can be resumed depending on whether or not it is possible, and the occurrence of trouble between the player and the game hall due to a power failure or the like can be prevented.

Even if the power supply is resumed due to restoration of a power failure or the like, the game is not immediately resumed. First, the liquid crystal display means 40 gives an advance notice of the game return by a notice display command from the timer means 125. Delayed by a predetermined time from the restart of the power supply, the game return means 124 returns the game after a lapse of the predetermined time. For this reason, even if the player is temporarily separated from the gaming machine after the power outage, the unexpected disadvantage of the player can be prevented even though the game returning means 124 automatically returns the game. .

Further, when returning the game after a power failure,
Game information at the time of the power outage (for example, a special game state is being generated and what game is in that special game state), game conditions at the time of return (for example, in the case of a power outage during the game, If the predetermined state, the game is returned from the middle, if the game state is other than the predetermined state, if the game is returned from the launch of the first ball of the game ball, or the game state itself at the time of the stop) liquid crystal display means The player is notified in advance by the display of 40. Therefore, the player can restart the game after grasping the game conditions including the game state at the time of the power failure. The notification to the player may be made by a display unit other than the liquid crystal display unit 40.

If a power failure occurs with the deposited medals, the stored information on the number of deposited medals is stored in the gaming state storage means 1.
Hold at 23. Therefore, although the number of medals for a plurality of games can be deposited and the game can be started by subtracting a specified number of medals from the deposited medals, the stored information of the deposited medals does not disappear. .

[0086] Further, the game state storage means 123, when the power failure occurs immediately after or immediately after starting the game after the deposit processing means 121 has performed the process of subtracting the specified number of medals from the deposited medal number, The game content before the start is stored as valid. For this reason, even if the subtraction process is performed before the game is started, even if there is no memory indicating that the game is in progress, such as winning information immediately before or immediately after the launch of the game ball, loss to the player is lost. There is no such thing as giving.

When a power failure occurs during a continuous game,
Since the game state storage means 123 stores the continuous game information, the game proceeds continuously after a return from the beginning of the game with a predetermined pause time.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 75 are counted one by one by the main control means 120. However, a predetermined number of medals are detected as a unit, and the game is started on the condition of the detection. May be enabled.

When the game can be started by inserting a plurality of medals, in the embodiment, manual or automatic is selected. However, as long as there are deposit medals necessary for the game, the firing handle 57 is operated. If so, the game may be automatically repeated after a predetermined pause time. Also in this case, there is no particular problem if the continuation of the game is stopped after the end of the game when the player releases the touch piece of the firing handle 57.

Even when a selection switch for selecting manual or automatic is provided, the manual selection switch 105 is used as in the embodiment.
It is not necessary to provide the automatic selection switch 106 and the automatic selection switch 106 separately, and manual selection and automatic selection may be performed by one selection switch. In this case, by providing the manual selection display means and the automatic selection display means at an appropriate place such as in the vicinity of the selection switch, the player can easily distinguish between manual and automatic. In addition, the color of the display,
Automatic or manual display may be made identifiable by the presence or absence of blinking.

In the embodiment, the manual selection switch 10
5 is operated, the deposit processing means 121 performs a subtraction process of a specified number of medals (game value) before the start of the game, and when the automatic selection switch 106 is operated, the deposit processing means 121 is operated by the operation. Performs a process of subtracting a specified number of medals before the start of each game. In any case, the deposit processing means 121 is provided on condition that the player operates the firing handle 57 after the medal is inserted. Before the start of the game, a predetermined number of medals may be subtracted.

In the embodiment, the outer frame 1 and the front frame 2
And a front panel 5 is provided on the front side of the front frame 2. The outer frame 1 and the front frame 2 are integrated to form the game machine main body 3. A front panel 5 may be provided on the front side of 3 so as to be openable and closable. Even when the front panel 5 is provided on the front of the gaming machine main body 3, it is not always necessary to divide the front panel 5 into a plurality. The entire front panel 5 including the glass door 82 is integrally configured,
The front panel 5 may be provided to be freely opened and closed with respect to the gaming machine main body 3. The number of medals required for one game need not be four, but may be one or more. Also, a plurality of types of medals may be made available.

Further, in the embodiment, the medals obtained by the player are paid out to the medal tray 109 for each game. However, instead of paying out the medals each time, the number of obtained medals is counted for each game. May be sequentially updated and displayed on the medal count display means 98, for example, and when the return switch 107 is pressed, the deposited medals including the obtained medals may be paid out collectively.

In the case where the special game state occurs, the score is increased in the embodiment, but the probability that the guiding symbol 28a after the variation of the guiding symbol display means 28 becomes the specific mode over a plurality of games is the normal probability. May be changed to a high probability. In short, if the game state is advantageous to the player, the game content is not a problem. In such a case, if a power failure occurs during the game, the game may be resumed from the beginning of the game.

Also, what is equivalent to the game state storage means 123 and the game return means 124 on the main control board 47 side is provided on the payout control board 22 side, and when a power failure occurs, payout of medals which is a kind of the game state. The storage of the state, particularly the number of medals not paid out, may be held, and the payout of medals may be restarted when the power supply is restarted due to restoration of a power failure or the like. However, in this case, the payout of medals may be restarted from the state at the time of the power failure.

The return processing when returning the game from the beginning is performed before the return of the game after the restart of the power supply.
What is necessary is just to perform based on 23 game information. However, at the time of the backup process immediately after the occurrence of the power failure, the storage information of the gaming state storage means 123 is updated to information necessary for returning the game from the beginning based on the gaming state at the time of the power failure, and the storage of the information is performed. You may make it hold | maintain.

The game return means 124 may automatically return the game, or may return the game by holding the firing handle 57 of the player or other operations. Further, the storage holding information output to output the storage holding information held by the game state storage means 123 after the power failure and the return information when the game return means 124 returns the game to the management device on the game hall side which manages each gaming machine. Means, return information output means, etc. may be provided. As means for giving a notice or notification to the player, a display means other than the liquid crystal display means 40 may be employed, or a sound generating means 119 such as a speaker may be employed.

[0098] Further, in the embodiment, the arrangement ball machine is exemplified, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to various combination game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine in addition to the arrangement ball machine. In addition to the medal insertion type, a game ball insertion type may be used, or a game may be performed by inserting a valuable medium such as a card.

[0099]

According to the present invention, a winning opening means 27 having a plurality of winning openings 38 is provided below the game area 26, and a predetermined number of game balls are hit into the game area 26 for each game.
A gaming state storage means 123 capable of holding a memory of the gaming state after a power failure in a combination gaming machine in which a game can be repeated with a predetermined pause time each time the game is terminated;
A game return means 124 for returning the game from the launch of the first ball based on the information stored in the game state storage means 123 after the restart of power supply in the event of a power failure during the game. Later, the game can be resumed from the launch of the first ball.

When the game state at the time of the power failure during the game is a predetermined state, the number of remaining game balls in the game immediately after the restart of the power supply is calculated from the predetermined number of game balls and the game balls that have been determined to have won at the time of the power failure. Since the number is set to a value obtained by subtracting the number, the player can enjoy the benefit of the predetermined state even in the predetermined state.

Further, when the game state when the power is interrupted during the game is other than the predetermined state, the game after the restart of the power supply is returned from the launch of the first ball, so that the player can restart the game after the restart of the power supply. It can be restarted as a game.

Further, when a power failure occurs during a game, the game state storage means 123 has a function of storing game information necessary for returning from the beginning of the game, so that the game can be easily returned from the beginning. .

In addition, when a power failure occurs during a game, the game information at the time of the power failure is held in the game state storage means 123, and the state before the start of the game is restored based on the game information before returning to the game after the restart of power supply. Since it has a function of performing a recovery process, a backup process at the time of a power failure can be easily performed.

A function for generating a special game state advantageous to the player over a plurality of games based on predetermined conditions, and the number of games in the special game state when a power failure occurs during the game during the special game state Since the game has the function of retaining the information and the function of returning the game from the beginning based on the number-of-games information, it is possible to compensate for the profit from the special game state even after the recovery.

Further, since a function of automatically returning the game based on the stored information after a lapse of a predetermined time from the restart of power supply and a function of giving notice of the return are provided, a return operation or the like is not required, and the player is not required. Can wait with a margin according to the return time, and the unexpected disadvantage of the player due to the automatic return can be prevented. If a function is provided for notifying the game information at the time of the power failure and / or the game conditions at the time of the power recovery during the power failure and / or returning the game, the game can be restarted with the information being grasped.

[0106] The game system has a function of depositing the game price for a plurality of games, a function of subtracting the game price for the game from the deposit price for each game, and a function of retaining the storage of the game price in the event of a power outage. In addition, the player does not need to pay for the game for each game, and does not lose his deposit due to a power outage. Also, if the game hall has a function of subtracting the game consideration from the deposit consideration before the start of the game, and a function of effectively retaining the game consideration subtraction memory when a power failure occurs after the game consideration is subtracted, the game hall side can play the game. The value can be reliably collected, and even if the player is not playing the game, the game value is not lost due to the power failure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrangement ball machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an arrangement ball machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a front frame showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an outer frame showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an arrangement ball machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an arrangement ball machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement ball machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a return path portion showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 gaming board 10 launch means 26 game area 27 winning opening means 38 winning opening 65 circulation path 66 launch side path 67 return side path 75 medal slot 123 game state storage means 124 game return means

Claims (12)

[Claims] A prize hole means (27) having a plurality of prize holes (38) is provided below a game area (26), and a predetermined number of game balls are hit into the game area (26) for each game. A game state storage means (123) capable of holding a memory of the game state after a power failure in a combination gaming machine in which a game can be repeated with a predetermined pause time each time the game is terminated; A combination game machine comprising: game return means (124) for returning the game from firing of a first ball based on information stored in the game state storage means (123) after power supply is resumed. 2. When the game state at the time of a power failure during a game is a predetermined state, the number of remaining game balls in the game immediately after resuming power supply is determined from the predetermined number of game balls as a winning-determined game at the time of power failure. 2. The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of balls is set to a value obtained by subtracting the number of balls. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game after power supply is resumed from the launch of the first ball when the game state at the time of a power failure during the game is other than a predetermined state.
Or the combination gaming machine according to 2. 4. A function for storing game information necessary for returning from the beginning of the game in the event of a power failure during the game in the game state storage means (123). A combination gaming machine according to any one of the above. 5. A function of storing game information at the time of a power failure in the game state storage means (123) when a power failure occurs during a game, and a function of the game based on the game information before returning to the game after resuming power supply. The combination gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a function of performing a return process to a state before the start. 6. A function for generating a special game state advantageous to a player over the game or a plurality of games based on a predetermined condition, and a special game when a power failure occurs during a game during the generation of the special game state. The combination game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a function of holding a memory of game number information in a state and a function of returning the game from the beginning based on the game number information. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a function of automatically returning the game based on the stored information after a predetermined time has elapsed from the restart of power supply, and a function of giving notice of the return. Combination gaming machine. 8. A function for notifying game information at the time of a power failure and / or game conditions at the time of a power failure during a power failure and / or when returning a game.
Combination gaming machine described in. 9. A function for depositing a game price for a plurality of games, a function for subtracting a game price for a game from the deposit price for each game, and a function for storing a memory of the deposit price in the event of a power outage. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
Combination gaming machine described in. 10. A function for subtracting the game consideration from the deposit consideration before the start of a game, and a function for effectively holding the game consideration subtraction storage when a power failure occurs after the game consideration is subtracted. The combination game machine according to claim 8, wherein: 11. A medal slot (7) for inserting medals.
The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: (5), wherein a game can be started on condition that a plurality of prescribed medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot (75). Gaming machine. 12. A launch path (66) for guiding a game ball from a launch means (10) to a game board (9), and a game ball from the game board (9) to the launch means (10). A closed loop circulation path (6) including a return path (67)
The combination game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein 5) is configured, and a plurality of game balls are sealed in the circulation path (65).