JP2002360792A - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination game machine which enables restarting of games surely from the game state immediately before the occurrence of any abnormality upon recovery from the abnormality of power sources such as a power failure. SOLUTION: The combination game machine is provided with a shooting means 9 which shoots the specified number of game balls per unit game to playing regions where a plurality of scoring slots are arranged, a scoring display means 19 by which display segments corresponding to scoring slots won by game balls are changed to specified displays, a ball output means 37 for putting out game balls when the display segments presenting such specified display states reach specified combinations, a main control board 31, an output control board 40 for controlling the output means 37, a power source board 39 for supplying powers to the main control board 31 and the output control board 40, a power source monitoring means 122 for monitoring the supply state of powers of the power source board 39 and backup means 124 and 142 which have information stored as necessary for the restarting of games from the game state immediately before the occurrence of any abnormality with the condition that the power source monitoring means 122 detects the specified abnormality.

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 In a combination gaming machine, for example, an arrangement ball machine, 16 game balls are hit into a game area of a game board by a firing means for each game, and the game balls are arranged in a horizontal line at a lower portion. When a predetermined winning combination is established by winning one of the four winning openings adjacent to the winning opening means, a score is calculated according to the difficulty of the establishment. The given number of game balls are awarded and paid out to the player as prize balls.

A combination game machine of this type includes a main control board for controlling a game operation on a game board side, a payout control board for controlling a payout operation, and the like. Each of these control boards includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Electronic components such as are mounted, and the game operation of each unit is controlled by an electronic control system.

[0004]

In a conventional combination game machine, when a commercial power supply failure occurs during a game, R
All the game data stored in the AM or the like will be erased. For this reason, even if the power supply is resumed thereafter, the game cannot be started from the gaming state before the occurrence of the power failure or the like,
There is a problem that the profit of the player is significantly impaired.

[0005] In particular, in the case of a combination game machine, unlike other ball game machines such as pachinko machines, the game progresses in game units. Game information specific to a combination gaming machine different from a pachinko machine or the like, such as winning information, score information, launch information, etc., in the game is required.

In view of such a conventional problem, the present invention provides a combination gaming machine capable of reliably resuming a game from a game state immediately before the occurrence of a power failure such as a power failure. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

The present invention relates to a game area 4a.
, A plurality of winning holes 49 are arranged in the game board 4, a plurality of launching means 9 for sequentially firing a predetermined number of gaming balls for each unit game in the gaming area 4a, and a plurality of A prize display means 19 including a display unit 55, wherein the display unit 55 corresponding to the prize port 49 changes to a specific display different from before the prize of the game ball when the game ball wins in the prize port 49; Payout means 37 for paying out a predetermined number of game media according to the type of the specific combination when the display unit 55 in the display state has a specific combination.
And a main control board 31 for mainly controlling the game operation on the game board 4 side, a payout control board 40 for controlling the payout means 37, and supplying power to the main control board 31 and the payout control board 40. Power supply board 3
9, a power supply monitoring means 122 for monitoring the power supply status of the power supply board 39;
Backup means 124 and 142 for storing information necessary for restarting the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal condition, provided that the power monitoring means 122 detects a predetermined abnormal state. It is.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13 show a first embodiment in which the present invention is adopted in an arrangement ball machine. FIG.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a game machine main body, which has an outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 pivotally connected to the outer frame 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. Front frame 3
A game board 4 is detachably mounted from the back side, and a glass door 5 and a front plate 6 are mounted on the front side of the game board 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. On the front plate 6, an upper plate 7 for storing game balls for firing is mounted. Below the front frame 3, a lower plate 8 for storing surplus spheres and a firing handle 10 of the firing means 9 are provided, respectively.

The firing means 9 includes a hitting hammer 12 for hitting the game ball at the firing position on the firing rail 11 in the firing direction, a spring (not shown) for urging the hitting hammer 12 in the hitting direction, and a cam mechanism. And a firing motor 13 for driving a hammer 12 through which the firing motor 13 drives the hammer 12 when the player operates the firing handle 10, one by one on the firing rail 11 from the upper plate 7. Hammer 12 hits the supplied game ball
And a predetermined number (for example, 16) for each unit game
The game ball is fired along the shooting rail 11 and the guide rail 17 to the game area 4a of the game board 4 (see FIG. 3).

In the vicinity of the launch rail 11, the launch rail 1
A fire detection switch (fire detection means) 14 for detecting the firing of a game ball by hitting the hammer 12 based on the presence or absence of the game ball 1 above is provided. Further, between the firing rail 11 and the guide rail 17, a game area 4a
A return ball guide passage 15 for guiding a return ball that has returned without reaching the lower ball 8 to the lower plate 8 is provided, and a return ball detection switch (return ball) that detects the return ball near the return ball guide passage 15. (Detection means) 16 is provided.

On the front of the game board 4, as shown in FIG.
The guide rail 17 is mounted in an annular shape, and the winning opening means 1 is provided on the lower side of the game area 4 a inside the guide rail 17.
8, a prize display means 19 and a score display means 21, and a game symbol display means 2 above the prize port means 18.
2. Special winning means 23, increasing winning means 24, starting means 2
5, game parts such as operating means 26 and 27 and normal winning means 28 and 29 are arranged.

On the back side of the game board 4, a back cover 30 for covering each game component from the back side is mounted.
Main control board 3 for mainly controlling the game operation on the game board 4 side
1 and a voice control board 32 for controlling sound effects and the like during the game
And a lamp control board 34 for controlling a lamp effect by an effect display lamp 33 such as a game component.

On the back side of the front frame 3, a back mechanism plate 35 is pivotally mounted so as to be freely opened and closed. On the back mechanism plate 35, a game ball tank 36 for storing game balls for payout and a tank rail 38 for guiding game balls from the game ball tank 36 to the payout means 37 are arranged above the back cover 30. The payout means 37 is arranged on one side of the back cover 30. Further, on the back side of the back mechanism plate 35, a power supply board 39 is provided.
And a payout control board 40 for controlling the payout means 37
Are disposed on the lower side on the left and right.

The paying-out means 37 provides a rental ball and a prize ball to the upper plate 7.
The payout case 42 has two rows of payout sections 43, and each payout section 43 pays out game balls for each row. The payout means 37 is provided with a payout detection switch (payout detection means) 45 for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout part 43 near the downstream side of the payout part 43.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the winning opening means 18 is provided with a winning case 48 whose rear portion is fitted in the fitting hole 47 and is detachably mounted on the front side of the game board 4. A plurality of (for example, 16) prize holes 49 arranged substantially in a row in the left and right direction on the front side of the game board 4 in the case 48, and the game balls winning each prize port 49 are provided from the front side of the game board 4 to the back side. A plurality of (for example, 16) guide paths 51 for guiding and discharging the game, and a plurality of (for example, 16) winning detection switches (winning detection means) 52 for detecting game balls winning each of the winning openings 49; Is provided.

The winning case 48 is mounted on a cover 50 which covers the winning opening means 18 from the front side, and the cover 50 is provided in a plurality (for example, three pieces) provided at appropriate places on both the left and right sides and below the winning opening means 18. ) Is detachably attached to the front side of the game board 4 via the press-fit pin 53 and the like. Winning case 48
The switch mounting portions 54 are formed in a zigzag arrangement alternately in the left and right direction corresponding to each winning opening 49, and the winning detection switch 52 is removably inserted into the switch mounting portions 54 from the front side. . Each winning detection switch 52 detects a game ball falling from the winning opening 49 to the guiding passage 51 at the front side of the gaming board 4.

The prize display means 19 includes a plurality of (for example, 16) display sections 55 corresponding to the respective prize ports 49. When a game ball wins in the prize port 49, a display corresponding to the prize port 49 is displayed. The display of the section 55 is changed to a specific display different from that before the winning of the game ball. The display unit 55 is arranged substantially in a line in the left-right direction near the lower side of the winning opening 49 of the winning opening means 18 corresponding to the upper and lower sides thereof, and a display provided on the cover 50 side as shown in FIG. A prize display lamp 57 such as an LED provided on the prize case 48 side on the rear side of the display lens portion 56 and on the prize case 48 side.
When the winning detection switch 52 detects a game ball that has won the prize 9, the prize display lamp 57 is turned on and the display lens unit 5 is turned on.
6 is configured to emit light. Winning indicator lamp 5
7 is mounted on the substrate 58, and the substrate 58 is a winning case 4
8 is detachably fixed to the lower mounting plate 59 from the front side.

The score display means 21 is arranged below the winning display means 19, for example, at the center in the left-right direction, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a display lens portion corresponding to the display window 61 on the cover 50 side. 63 and a segment type or other display element 65 provided on the back side of the display lens unit 63 on the side of the winning case 48. The display lens unit 63 and the display element 65 are mounted on a substrate 66, and the substrate 66 is detachably fixed to the lower mounting plate 59 of the winning case 48 from the front side.

The score display means 21 is for displaying the score obtained during the game, and the display section 55 in a specific display state, for example, the four display sections 55 adjacent to the prize display means 19 are displayed in a specific manner. When a winning combination is established as a specific combination, the type of the specific combination, for example, a score given according to the difficulty of establishing the winning combination is displayed by a numeral.

The display lens section 5 of the winning display means 19
Numbers 1 to 16 and the like that are continuous from one end side in the left-right direction to the other end side are assigned to 6 or the vicinity of the upper side corresponding to each winning opening 49. In addition, a number of gaming nails are provided near the upper side of the winning opening means 18 so that the winning opening 49 provides a place where a game ball can easily win and a place where it is difficult to win. Note that the winning display means 19, the score display means 21
May be provided on the cover 50 side or on the winning case 48 side.

The game symbol display means 22 is for variably displaying one or a plurality of, for example, three game symbols 22a to 22c. As the game symbols 22a to 22c, numeric symbols, alphabet symbols, character symbols, and other symbols can be used. In this embodiment, ten types of numeric symbols from 0 to 9 are used. Each of the game symbols 22a to 22c is sequentially changed by scrolling or the like among the ten types of numeric symbols on condition that the starting means 25 detects a game ball.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the special prize means 23 includes a special prize case 70 whose rear portion is fitted in the fitting hole 81 and is detachably mounted on the front side of the game board 4, and a game board. 4
A special winning opening 71 which is opened at the front side of the special winning case 70 and in which a game ball can be opened under predetermined conditions so as to be able to win,
Opening / closing / stopping means 72 for opening / closing the special winning opening 71 and stopping the game balls that have won the special winning opening 71 when in the open state.
A normal discharge port 73 and a special discharge port 74 which are opened at the lower part of the special prize case 70 on the back side of the game board 4 and discharge the game balls which have won the special prize port 71 to the back side of the game board 4;
A special prize detection switch 75 provided in the special prize case 70 near the opening side of the special prize port 71 and detecting a prize of a game ball to the special prize port 71, and detecting discharge of the game ball from the normal discharge port 73. A normal discharge detection switch 76, a special discharge detection switch 77 for detecting discharge of a game ball from the special discharge port 74, and a game ball winning from the special winning port 71 to one of the normal discharge port 73 and the special discharge port 74. And a sorting unit 78 for sorting.

The special winning means 23 is, for example, the game symbols 22a to 22 after the game symbol display means 22 is changed.
When c is in a specific mode (a combination of specific symbols such as all being the same type of symbol such as “7.77.7”),
1 game ball in the unit game and the next unit game
Until the individual prize is won, the opening / closing / stopping means 72 opens the special prize port 71, and the game ball won from the special prize port 71 is distributed to either the normal discharge port 73 or the special discharge port 74 by the distribution means 78. ing. In addition, when there is one game symbol, a specific mode is achieved by changing one game symbol after the change to a specific symbol.

The special winning case 70 includes an intermediate case body 79 detachably mounted on the front of the game board 4, a front case body 80 mounted on the front side of the intermediate case body 79, and a back side of the intermediate case body 79. And the fitting hole 8 of the game board 4
1 is provided with a back case body 82 detachably fitted from the front side. The special winning opening 71 is provided in the vertical direction so as to open upward between the intermediate case body 79 and the front case body 80, and has a lower end communicating with the upper side of the sorting chamber 83 of the sorting means 78. The special prize detection switch 75 is disposed on the upper side of the special prize opening 71 in the front-rear direction so that the passing hole 75a coincides with the special prize opening 71, and the intermediate case body 7
9 is detachably inserted from the back side.

The opening / closing and stopping means 72 includes an opening / closing body 84 for opening and closing the special winning opening 71 by exiting from the back side of the special winning opening 71 above the special winning detecting switch 75 and a lower side of the special winning detecting switch 75. The special prize detection switch 75 is provided when the player exits from the back side of the special prize opening 71 and projects.
A stationary body 85 for retaining the game ball in the passage hole 75a of
A support 86 formed so as to extend from the left and right sides of the special winning detection switch 75 to the upper and lower sides and integrally supporting the opening / closing body 84 and the stationary body 85;
And a pair of left and right pivots 87 pivotally supported about a left and right axis, and an opening / closing driving means 88 such as a solenoid for reciprocatingly driving the support 86 about the pivot 87.

The opening / closing driving means 88 is fixed to the back case body 82 side via a mounting plate 89 and the like, and has an interlocking arm 90 which can move in the vertical direction.
Is engaged with an engagement pin 91 near one pivot 87. The opening / closing body 84 and the stationary body 85 are located on the upper and lower sides of the special winning detection switch 75, and can be moved in and out of the special winning opening 71 by driving the opening / closing driving means 88.

The normal discharge port 73 and the special discharge port 74 are provided on the left and right sides of the intermediate case body 79 so as to communicate with the back side of the sorting chamber 83, and guide game balls from the sorting means 78 to the back side of the game board 4. It is configured in a gutter shape so that it falls. The normal discharge detection switch 76 and the special discharge detection switch 77 can be inserted and removed from the back side of the intermediate case body 79 and the like so as to detect game balls passing through the vertical passage portion of the normal discharge port 73 and the special discharge port 74. Has been inserted.

The distributing means 78 includes a rotating body 92 disposed in the distributing chamber 83, a rotating shaft 93 protruding from the rotating body 92 to the rear side, and rotatably supporting the rotating body 92 about a longitudinal axis. A rotation driving means 94 such as a stepping motor for driving the rotating body 92 via the rotating shaft 93 is provided. A receiving portion 95 for receiving the game ball from the special winning opening 71 from below is formed substantially concentrically on the outer peripheral side of the rotating body 92, and receives and holds the game ball from the special winning opening 71 and rotates the rotating body 92. With the rotation of 92, the normal outlet 73,
A plurality (for example, three) of holding concave portions 96 and 97 for guiding to the special discharge port 74 are formed at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The holding recesses 96 and 97 are configured such that two holding recesses 96 are provided to the normal outlet 73 and one holding recess 97 is provided to the special outlet 74.
It has a different shape to guide the game balls to each other. The rotation driving means 94 is attached to the back case body 82.

The increase winning means 24 is for increasing the number of payouts (or points) of prize balls by the formation of a winning combination when a game ball wins, and is configured as shown in FIGS. I have. That is, this increase winning means 24
An award winning case 100 fitted on the front side of the gaming board 4 with its rear side fitted into the fitting hole 107 and detachably mounted on the front side of the gaming board 4; Winning opening 101 that is opened for winning
Opening and closing means 102 for opening and closing the increased winning opening 101 and for stopping the game balls that have won the increased winning opening 101 in the open state, and a game board 4 at the lower part of the increased winning case 100
, And a discharge port 103 for discharging the game ball that has won the increased winning opening 101 to the back side of the gaming board 4 and provided in the increased winning case 100 near the opening side of the increased winning opening 101 and the increased winning opening. An increase winning detection switch 104 for detecting a winning of a game ball to 101 is provided.

The increase winning means 24 is operated by the operating means 26, 2 when a special game state described later occurs, for example.
7 on the condition that the game ball 7 is detected as a game ball.
The opening / closing and stopping means 102 opens the increase winning opening 101 until one game ball wins, and when the increase winning detection switch 104 detects the winning of the game ball, the number of winning balls paid out by the winning combination in the game. (Or score) is increased (for example, doubled).

The increased winning case 100 includes an intermediate case body 105 detachably mounted on the front of the game board 4 and a front case body 106 mounted on the front side of the intermediate case body 105.
And the game board 4 attached to the back side of the intermediate case body 105.
And a back case body 108 which is detachably fitted into the fitting hole 107 from the front side. The increase winning opening 101 is provided in the vertical direction so as to open upward between the intermediate case body 105 and the front case body 106, and the lower side is provided with the intermediate case body 10
5 and communicates with the outlet 103 on the back side through the opening. The increase winning detection switch 104 is set so that the passing hole 104a coincides with the increase winning opening 101.
Are arranged in the front-rear direction on the upper side of the case, and are inserted removably from the back side of the intermediate case body 105.

The opening / closing and stopping means 102 includes an opening / closing body 109 which exits from the back side of the increased winning opening 101 above the increased winning detecting switch 104 to open and close the increased winning opening 101,
Below the increase winning detection switch 104, the increase winning opening 101
And a stationary body 110 for retaining the game ball in the passage hole 104a of the increase winning detection switch 104 when the player enters and exits from the back side, and straddles the left and right sides of the increase winning detection switch 104 from both upper and lower sides. Opening and closing body 10
9 and a support body 111 integrally supporting the stationary body 110;
A pair of left and right pivots 112 that pivotally support the support 111 around the left-right axis with respect to the intermediate case body 105.
And an opening / closing drive means 113 such as a solenoid for reciprocatingly driving the support 111 around a pivot 112.

The opening / closing drive means 113 is fixed to the back case body 108 via a mounting plate 114 and the like, and has an interlocking arm 115 which can move in the vertical direction. Is engaged with the engagement pin 116 in the vicinity of. Opening / closing body 109 and stationary body 110
Are located on the upper and lower sides of the increase winning detection switch 104, and can move in and out of the increase winning opening 101 in the opposite direction by driving the opening / closing drive unit 113. The discharge port 103 is formed in the back case body 108 and is formed in a gutter shape so that the game balls from the increase winning port 101 are guided to the back side of the game board 4 and dropped.

The special winning means 23 and the increasing winning means 2
4. The normal prize winning means 28 and 29 are configured to guide a game ball won on the front side of the game board 4 to the back side of the game board 4, and when a game ball wins there, one or a corresponding one thereof is set. The game balls are handled in the same manner as the winning of the game balls to the plurality of winning ports 49.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system of the arrangement ball machine. As shown in FIG. 12, the control system is divided into a plurality of types of control functions for achieving a single function of the board, and a main control board 31, an audio control board 32, a lamp control board 34, a payout control for each control function. Board 40, symbol control board 119, firing control board 120, power supply board 39
It is installed separately. The symbol control board 119 is provided on the back side of the game symbol display means 22 or the like.
Are respectively provided on the back side of the firing means 9 and the like.

The power supply board 39 includes the control boards 31, 32,
Power supply unit 1 for supplying electric power to 34, 40, 119, 120
21 and a power supply monitoring unit (power supply monitoring unit) 122 for monitoring the power supply status of the power supply unit 121. The power supply monitoring unit 122 detects a state in which the voltage of the supply power supply has dropped below a predetermined value (voltage A in FIG. 13) as an abnormality, outputs a power supply abnormality signal, and resolves the abnormality when the abnormal state is resolved. It is designed to output a signal.

The main control board 31 includes a backup means 124 and a game return means 125 in addition to the game control means 123 for mainly controlling the game operation on the game board 4 side. The game control unit 123 includes a prize processing unit 126, a random number generation unit 127, a game state determination unit 128, a special game state generation unit 129, a score giving unit 130, a game update unit 131, a control command transmission unit 132, and the like.

The prize processing means 126 performs a predetermined prize process based on a prize signal from the prize detection switch 52 or the like when a game ball has won the prize port 49 or the like of the prize port means 18, and the prize of the game ball is determined. Each time it is determined, the display on the display unit 55 of the winning display means 19 corresponding to each winning opening 49 is changed to a specific display.

The random number generation means 127 is adapted to repeatedly generate a random number for determining a game state and other predetermined random numbers. The game state judging means 128 includes the random number generating means 12
7 to selectively select and determine whether the state is advantageous or disadvantageous for the player based on the extracted random number value from 7. The starting means 25 detects that the game ball is detected. As a condition, a generated random number of the game state determining random number of the random number generating means 127 is extracted, and when the extracted random number value is a special winning determination random number value, it is determined that a special winning state is set. When the game state determination means 128 determines that the special winning state, the special symbol means after the game symbols 22a to 22c of the game symbol display means 22 is stopped in a specific mode such as "7.7.7". The 23 open / close stopping means 72 opens the special winning opening 71.

The special game state generating means 129 distributes the game ball which has won the special prize means 23 to the special discharge port 74 by the distribution means 78.
When the special discharge detection switch 77 detects a game ball, a special game state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition of the detection, and thereafter, the result of the maximum predetermined number of games (for example, a plurality of games such as 14 games) is displayed. Until the special game state is obtained, the special game state is continuously generated.

In the special game state, the operating means 26 and 27 are enabled. When a game ball wins in the operating means 26 and 27, the opening / closing and stopping means 102 of the increased winning means 24 opens the increased winning opening 101, and The score obtained in the game is increased on condition that the increased winning detection switch 104 detects the game ball which has won the increased winning means 24.

The score giving means 130 is for giving a score in accordance with a winning combination for each unit game, and the number of game balls required to establish a winning combination (for example, four) or more is one of the winning balls. The function of determining the success or failure of the winning combination when the mouth 49 is won, the function of giving a score according to the difficulty level when the winning combination is established, and the function of increasing the winning award during the occurrence of the special game state. When a game ball is won, a function for doubling the score in the game is provided. The score per unit game is up to 10 points.

The game updating means 131 includes a game ending means 133 and a game starting means 134, and updates the game on condition that each of the winning detection switches 52 detects a winning of a predetermined number of game balls during a unit game. It is supposed to.

The game ending means 133 determines the actual number of shots obtained by subtracting the number of fired balls from the number of fired balls based on the fire detection signal from the fire detection switch 14 and the return ball detection signal from the return ball detection switch 16. The firing by the firing means is stopped on condition that the number reaches (for example, 16), and when the winning detection switch 52 detects the winning of a predetermined number of game balls during the unit game, the scoring of the scoring means 130 is performed. After the processing, the game is terminated and the winning display of the winning display means 19 and the like is returned to the initial state.

The game start means 134 is provided when a predetermined pause time elapses after the game is ended by the game end means 133 and the player operates the firing handle 10.
The firing by the firing means is started to start the next unit game.

The control command transmitting means 132 is for transmitting a control command to each of the control boards 32, 34, 40, 119, and 120 by one-way communication. A function of transmitting a game symbol control command to the board 119 side, a function of transmitting an effect control command of a lamp effect to the lamp control board 34 based on the occurrence of a special game state of the special game state generating means 129, and a prize of the prize processing means 126 The function of transmitting the winning display control command to the lamp control board 34 based on the processing, the function of transmitting the score display control command to the lamp control board 34 based on the score providing processing of the score providing means 130, and the function of the score providing means 130 A function of transmitting a prize ball payout control command to the payout control board 40 based on a score providing process, a game Send a game update control command to the lamp control board 34 based on the game process of updating the new unit 131 has a function for transmitting a fire control command to launch control board 120 (firing start command and firing stop command).

When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power supply board 39 due to a power failure or the like, the backup means 124 is necessary for resuming the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal state after the elimination of the abnormal state. This is for storing information, and includes a backup processing unit 135, a storage unit 136 such as a RAM, and a backup power supply 137 such as a battery.
Etc. are provided.

The backup processing means 135 is provided on condition that the power supply monitoring section 122 of the power supply board 39 outputs an abnormality detection signal (for example, the power supply voltage becomes lower than the voltage A in FIG. 13). Prize detection information (prize number information) by the special prize detection switch 75, the increase prize detection switch 104, etc., the fire detection switch 1
4. Fire detection information (fire number information) by the return ball detection switch 16 and the like, score provision information by the score provision means 130, game state determination information by the game state determination means 128,
The special game state generation information by the special game state generation means 129, the game update information by the game update means 131, and the like are acquired from the game control means 123 and stored in the storage means 136. The backup processing means 1
Reference numeral 35 indicates that the backup process is completed before the power supply voltage value falls below the minimum value (for example, the voltage B in FIG. 13) required for performing the backup process. The backup power supply 137 is connected to the power supply board 39.
The power is supplied to the storage unit 136 in a state where the power supply from the storage unit 136 is stopped, and the storage content of the storage unit 136 is retained.

The game return means 125 is for restarting the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal state (stop of the power supply) when the power supply from the power supply board 39 is restarted. Outputs the abnormality elimination signal, and the storage unit 136 of the backup unit 124
The game control by the game control means 123 is started based on the information stored in the game.

The payout control board 40 has a payout control means 141 and a backup means 142. The payout control means 141 operates the payout means 37 when a payout control command is issued from the main control board 31 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls. Further, the payout control means 141 compares the payout control command received from the main control board 31 with the payout detection signal from the payout detection switch 45 obtained after the payout operation, so that the payout of the predetermined number of game balls can be performed. In addition to monitoring whether or not the game has been performed accurately, if there is an abnormality, an error is output, or processing such as adding and paying out insufficient game balls is performed.

When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power supply board 39 due to a power failure or the like, the backup means 142 is necessary for resuming the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal state after the elimination of the abnormal state. For storing information, a backup processing unit 143, a storage unit 144 such as a RAM, and a backup power supply 145 such as a battery.
Etc. are provided. The backup processing unit 143 transmits the information of the payout control command received from the main control board 31 side, the payout detection information by the payout detection switch 45, and the like, on condition that the power supply monitoring unit 122 of the power supply board 39 outputs the abnormality detection signal. The information is acquired from the payout control means 141 and stored in the storage means 144. The backup power supply 145 supplies power to the storage unit 144 in a state where the power supply from the power supply board 39 is stopped, and retains the storage content of the storage unit 144.

The firing control board 120 is for controlling the firing of the firing means 9 after a predetermined pause time for each unit game, and a firing start command is provided on condition that the player operates the firing handle 10 or the like. Then, the firing means 9 is operated when there is, and the operation is continued until the actual number of fires by the firing means 9 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 16) and there is a firing stop command.

When there is a game symbol control command, the symbol control board 119 displays the game symbols 22a to 22a of the game symbol display means 22 according to the determination result of the game state determination means 128.
The game symbols 22a to 22c start to fluctuate due to the detection of the game ball by the starting means 25, and when the result of the determination by the game state determination means 128 is a special winning determination, "7.7." In a specific mode such as "7", the game symbols 22a to 22c after a predetermined time change are stopped in a specific mode or a non-specific mode based on the determination result so as to stop in the non-specific mode at the time of the non-special winning determination. It has become. In addition, the symbol control board 119 indicates that the game ball
9 when a prize display control command is received and the display section 55 of the prize display means 19 corresponding to the prize port 49 is changed to a specific display. It has a function of returning the specific display on the display unit 55 to the initial state.

The lamp control board 34 has a function of controlling the flashing of each of the effect display lamps 33 of the game board 4 when there is an effect control command of a lamp effect. It has a function to display scores according to commands. Voice control board 32
Controls sound effects during a game.

Next, the operation of the arrangement ball machine configured as described above will be described. Power cord 151 for arrangement ball machine
Is connected to the external power supply, the main control board 31, the payout control board 40, the firing control board 120, the symbol control board 119,
Through the ramp control board 34, the voice control board 32, and the like, game parts such as the special winning means 23 on the game board 4 side, the launching means 9,
Electricity is supplied to the payout means 37 and the like, and the game can be played.

During the game, the player sets the firing handle 10
Is operated, the firing means 9 is operated under the control of the firing control board 119 based on the firing start command, hitting the game balls sequentially supplied from the upper plate 7 onto the firing rail 11 and passing through the guide rail 17 to the game area. Drive into 4a. At this time, each time a game ball is fired by the firing means 9, the firing is detected by the firing detection switch 14, and a return ball returned without reaching the game area 4 a despite being fired by the firing means 9. Is returned to the lower plate 8 through the return ball guide passage 15, and the return ball is detected by the return ball detection switch 16.

The fire detection signal from the fire detection switch 14 and the return ball detection signal from the return ball detection switch 16 are sent to the game updating means 131 of the main control means 123. Is counted, and a firing stop command is transmitted to the firing control board 119 on condition that the actual firing number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 16).

The game ball hit into the game area 4a wins one of the winning openings 49 of the winning opening means 18 or wins the normal winning means 28, 29, etc., and then goes to the back of the game board 4. I will be guided. When the game balls sequentially enter the winning opening 49, the winning detection switch 52 detects the game ball, the winning processing means 126 performs a winning process, and under the control of the symbol control board 119, each game ball enters the winning opening 49. Each time a prize is won, the corresponding display unit 55 sequentially displays the winning of the game ball.

For example, when a game ball wins in the first to fourth winning openings 49 of the winning opening 49 of the winning opening means 18, the first to fourth winning display means 19 are displayed.
The display units 55 change to the specific display, and a winning combination is established. Then, when the fourth game ball wins, the score giving means 130 determines whether or not the winning combination has been established, and if the winning combination has been established, a predetermined score is given.

On the other hand, when a score is given by the score giving means 130, the score display means 21 displays a score such as “one point” under the control of the lamp control board 34 and the payout means under the control of the payout control means 141. 37 is activated to pay out a number of prize balls according to the winning combination to the upper plate 7. At this time, the prize balls paid out by the payout means 37 are detected by the payout detection switch 45, and the detection signal is sent to the payout control means 141. The payout control means 141 compares the payout control command received from the main control board 31 with the payout detection signal from the payout detection switch 45 to determine whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been correctly paid out. And, if there is an abnormality, perform error output, or perform processing such as adding and paying out insufficient game balls.

When a game ball is won in the starting means 25, the game state determining means 128 extracts a random number value generated by the random number generating means 127, and determines whether or not to enter a special winning state from the extracted random number value. Symbol control board 1 based on the determination result
19, the game symbol 22 of the game symbol display means 22 is controlled.
a to 22c start to fluctuate. Game symbols 22a to 22c
After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the change, based on the determination result of the game state determination means 128, the determination result is a specific mode when a special winning determination is made, and becomes a non-specific mode when a non-special winning determination is made. Then, under the control of the symbol control board 119, the operation is stopped in a specific mode of a predetermined type or a non-specific mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the special prize means 23 usually has a special prize opening 71 in which the opening / closing body of the open / close stopping means 72 projects.
Is closed. And the game symbols 22a to 22c
Is stopped and fixed in a specific mode, the opening / closing drive means 88 of the special winning means 23 rotates the opening / closing body 84 via the interlocking arm 90 in the direction indicated by the arrow a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening / closing body 84 retreats to open the special winning opening 71, and a game ball falling from above can enter the special winning opening 71. Also, the stationary body 85 rotates in the opposite direction to the opening and closing body 84 and protrudes toward the passing hole 75a of the special winning detection switch 75, so that the game ball can be stopped in the passing hole 75a of the special winning detection switch 75.

For this reason, if there is a game ball falling at the special winning opening 71, the game ball wins at the special winning opening 71 and is temporarily stopped in a state of being fitted into the through hole 75a of the special winning detection switch 75. Therefore, the game ball can be reliably detected by the special winning detection switch 75. When the special winning detection switch 75 detects a game ball, a plurality of specific display portions 55 of the winning display means 19 display a winning.

When the special prize detection switch 75 detects a game ball, the opening / closing member 84 is rotated by the opening / closing drive means 88 in the direction opposite to the arrow a to close the special prize opening 71, and the stationary member 85 moves backward to play the game. The stop of the ball is released, and the game ball falls to the sorting means 78 side. In the sorting means 78, the rotating body 92 is always rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow b, and the rotation of the rotating body 92 distributes the game ball to the special discharge port 74 with a possibility of 1/3.

That is, the game ball dropped from the special winning opening 71 is received on one of the receiving portions 95 on the outer peripheral side of the rotating body 92 or enters the holding concave portions 96 and 97. For example, when a game ball is received by the receiving portion 95 on the front side in the rotation direction of the holding recess 97, when the rotating body 92 rotates to the special winning opening 71 side, the game ball enters the holding recess 97, and the rotation of the rotating body 92 Is sent in the direction indicated by the arrow b. Then, the holding recess 97
Corresponds to the special discharge port 74, the holding recess 97
The game balls inside are guided to the special discharge port 74, and guided to the back side of the game board 4 through the special discharge port 74 to be discharged. While passing through the special discharge port 74, the special discharge detection switch 77 detects the discharge of the game ball.

When the special discharge detection switch 77 detects a game ball, the special game state generating means 129 operates to continuously generate a special game state over a predetermined number of games. During the occurrence of this special game state, the operating means 26 and 27 are activated, and when a game ball wins in the operating means 26 and 27,
Opening / closing and stopping means 102 of the increasing winning means 24 is an increasing winning opening 1
Release 01. At this time, the opening / closing / stopping means 102 of the increase winning means 24 operates in the same manner as the opening / closing / stopping means 72 of the special winning means 23.

When a game ball wins the increase winning opening 101,
The stationary body 110 is the passage hole 1 of the increase winning detection switch 104.
After stopping the game ball in the state fitted to 04a, the stop is released. Thereby, the game balls are guided to the back side of the game board 4 through the outlet 103 and are discharged. Further, by detecting the game ball by the increase winning detection switch 104, the score providing means 130 performs a process of doubling the score obtained during the game, the score of the score display means 21 is doubled, and the payout means 37 Pays out prize balls.

The launching means 9 has a predetermined number of 1 for each unit game.
Six game balls are fired into the game area 4a, and the game balls enter the winning opening 49 of the winning opening means 18 in the gaming area 4a.
If a prize is won, when other conditions such as the end of the payout operation of the payout unit 37 are satisfied, the game update unit 131 operates, the game end unit 133 performs the end processing of the game, and a predetermined pause. After a certain time, the game start means 134 can start the next unit game.

When the power supply from the external power supply is stopped due to a power failure or the like, the power supply voltage of the power supply unit 121 of the power supply board 39 decreases while drawing a curve as shown in FIG. 13, for example. At this time, the power supply monitoring unit 122 outputs a power supply abnormality signal to the backup units 124 and 142 when the power supply voltage of the power supply unit 121 falls below a predetermined value (voltage A in FIG. 13).

When the power supply abnormality signal is received, on the backup means 124 side, the backup processing means 135 instructs the game control means 123 to stop the game operation, and the prize detection switch 52 and the special prize detection switch 7.
5, winning detection information (prize number information) by the increase winning detection switch 104 and the like, firing detection information (fire number information) by the fire detection switch 14, the return ball detection switch 16 and the like,
The game control means 123 obtains score providing information by the score providing means 130, game state determination information by the game state determination means 128, special game state generation information by the special game state generation means 129, game update information by the game update means 131, and the like.
And stores it in the storage means 136.

On the backup means 142 side, the backup processing means 143 is provided by the payout control means 141.
To the stop of the payout operation, and information of the payout control command received from the main control board 31 side,
The payout detection information by the payout detection switch 45 is acquired from the payout control means 141 and stored in the storage means 144.

The storage means 136 and 144 in which various information relating to the game are stored receive the power supply from the backup power supplies 137 and 145, respectively, even after the power supply from the power supply unit 121 is interrupted, and the stored contents are retained. .

When the power failure is resolved and the external power supply is restored, the power is supplied again from the power supply unit 121 to each unit, and at the same time, the abnormality monitoring signal is output from the power supply monitoring unit 122 to the game return unit 125. The game return means 125 restores the game by the game control means 123 based on the game information stored in the storage means 136, and controls each of the control boards 40, 120, 119, 3 via the game control means 123.
A return command is transmitted to 4, 32. Thereby, the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is reproduced.

For example, the winning state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is reproduced based on the winning detection information by the winning detecting switch 52 stored in the storage means 136, and a specific display is displayed on the display section 55 of the winning display means 19 accordingly. Is done. Further, based on the fire detection information by the fire detection switch 14 and the return ball detection information by the return ball detection switch 16 stored in the storage means 136, the actual number of fires immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is calculated, and the remaining fires in the game are calculated. The operation is performed.

Further, the payout control means 141 which has received the return command starts the payout control from the state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality based on the information stored in the storage means 144. For example, the payout of the unpaid game balls is performed based on the information of the payout control command from the main control board 31 side stored in the storage means 144 and the payout detection information by the payout detection switch 45.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the power supply monitor 122 monitors the power supply status of the power supply board 39.
And backup means 124 and 142 for storing information necessary for restarting the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal condition, on condition that the power monitoring unit 122 detects a predetermined abnormal state. Therefore, even if a power failure such as a power failure occurs, it is possible to restart the game from the gaming state immediately before the occurrence of the failure at the time of recovery.

Since the backup means 142 provided on the payout control board 40 stores information related to the detection result of the payout detection switch 45,
When the game is restarted, the unpaid game balls can be reliably paid out.

Since the backup means 124 provided on the main control board 31 stores information related to the detection result of the winning detection switch 52, the winning state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is reliably reproduced when the game is restarted. It is possible to store information related to the detection results of the fire detection switch 14 and the return ball detection switch 16, so that when the game is restarted, the number of actual shots immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality is calculated and the It is possible to perform the remaining firing operations.

Further, the power supply monitoring unit 122
And detects a state in which the voltage of the power supply falls below a predetermined value as an abnormality, so that an abnormality in the power supply can be detected early and reliably, and the subsequent backup processing can be performed reliably. Can be.

FIG. 15 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the backup means 124 is mounted only on the main control board 31 side, and information detected by the payout detection switch 45 is also backed up on the backup means 124 side. Is shown. In this way, the backup means 124 on the main control board 31 side may back up all information necessary for restarting the game.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the backup units 124 and 142 may be provided on a board different from the main control board 31 and the payout control board 40. The power supply monitoring unit 122 may be provided on a substrate different from the power supply substrate 39 or the like.

As the storage means 136, 144, a nonvolatile memory capable of maintaining stored data even after the power supply is stopped may be used. Thereby, the backup power supplies 137, 1
It is possible to omit 45.

Further, in the embodiment, the arrangement ball machine is exemplified. However, 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, the combination gaming machine is
In addition to the form of sequentially firing game balls stored in the storage dish for firing, etc., a medal insertion type that enables a game to be started by inserting medals, game balls are set between the firing means 9 and the game board 4 side. A circulation type or the like for circulation may be used. The payout means 37 may pay out medals or the like as game media.

[0084]

According to the present invention, the game board 4 in which a plurality of winning ports 49 are arranged in the game area 4a, and the launch means 9 for sequentially firing a predetermined number of game balls per unit game in the game area 4a.
And a plurality of display portions 55 corresponding to the respective winning ports 49, and when a game ball wins in the winning port 49, the winning port 49
When the display unit 55 corresponding to the display unit 55 changes to a specific display different from that before the winning of the game ball, and the display unit 55 in the specific display state has a specific combination, the display unit 55 according to the type of the specific combination Payout means 37 for paying out a predetermined number of game media, a main control board 31 for mainly controlling game operations on the game board 4 side, a payout control board 40 for controlling the payout means 37, a main control board 31, Power supply board 39 for supplying power to payout control board 40
In a combination gaming machine having: a power supply monitoring means 122 for monitoring a power supply state of the power supply board 39; and a condition that the power supply monitoring means 122 detects a predetermined abnormal state, and Backup means 12 for storing information necessary for resuming a game from a game state
Therefore, even if a power failure such as a power failure occurs, it is possible to restart the game from the gaming state immediately before the occurrence of the failure when the power failure is restored.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front view of a winning opening means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the winning opening means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially sectional front view of a special winning means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the special winning means in a closed state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the special winning means in the open state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional front view of an increase winning means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a closed state of the award winning means.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state of the award winning means.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a change in power supply voltage at the time of a power failure and processing by a power supply monitoring unit and a backup unit.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 gaming board 4a game area 9 launch means 14 launch detection switch (fire detection means) 16 return ball detection switch (return ball detection means) 19 winning display means 31 main control board 37 payout means 39 power supply board 40 payout control board 45 payout detection Switch (payout detection means) 49 Winning opening 52 Winning detection switch (winning detection means) 55 Display unit 122 Power supply monitoring unit (power supply monitoring means) 124 Backup means 142 Backup means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A game board (4) in which a plurality of winning ports (49) are arranged in a game area (4a), and a predetermined number of game balls for each unit game are sequentially fired in the game area (4a). A launch means (9), a plurality of display portions (55) corresponding to the respective winning ports (49), and when a game ball wins in the winning port (49), the winning port (4
The prize display means (19) in which the display unit (55) corresponding to (9) changes to a specific display different from before the prize of the game ball, and the display unit (55) in the specific display state has a specific combination. A payout means (37) for paying out a predetermined number of game media according to the type of the specific combination,
(4) Main control board (31) that controls the game operation on the side
And a payout control board (40) for controlling the payout means (37), and a power supply board (39) for supplying power to the main control board (31) and the payout control board (40). In a gaming machine, a power supply monitoring means (122) for monitoring a power supply state of the power supply board (39);
2) provided that backup information (124) and (142) for storing information necessary for restarting the game from the game state immediately before the occurrence of the abnormal condition, on condition that the abnormal state is detected. A combination gaming machine characterized by the following. 2. A payout detecting means (45) for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout means (37), and the backup means (124) (142) is provided with the payout detecting means (4
2. The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein the combination game machine stores information related to the detection result of 5). 3. The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein said backup means (142) is provided on said payout control board (40). 4. A plurality of prize detecting means (52) for respectively detecting a prize of a game ball to the plurality of prize openings (49), and the backup means (124) is provided with the prize detecting means (52). The combination gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information relating to a detection result is stored. 5. A launch detecting means (14) for detecting the launch of a game ball by said launch means (9), and reaches the gaming area (4a) of the game balls launched by said launch means (9). Return ball detecting means (16) for detecting a returned ball without recovery, and the backup means (124) includes at least one of the firing detection means (14) and the return ball detection means (16). The combination game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein information related to a detection result is stored. 6. The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein said backup means is provided on said main control board. 7. The power supply monitoring means (122) is provided on the power supply board (39) and detects a state in which a voltage of a power supply falls below a predetermined value as an abnormality. Item 7. The combination gaming machine according to any one of Items 1 to 6.