JP2009207515A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a plurality of start winning holes, capable of accurately restoring the order of entrance just before the power shut-off if the power shut-off occurs. <P>SOLUTION: A main control part includes: at least an entrance order storing section for storing the order of entrance of a prescribed number of winning balls detected by a winning ball detecting section for detecting winning balls entering a plurality of start winning holes respectively, and capable retaining the stored data while the power is shut off; a winning/failure lottery section for executing a prescribed lottery according to the order of entrance stored therein; an entrance order move-up section for moving up the order of entrance stored in the entrance order storing section whenever a lottery is executed; and an information transmitting section for transmitting an operation memory specifying command representing the order of entrance stored in the entrance order storing section to a presentation control part when the power supply is restored. The presentation control part is configured to transmit a display command to display the order of entrance to an entrance order display part when receives the operation memory specifying command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a plurality of starting winning holes, and more particularly to a gaming machine that can accurately reproduce the winning ranking of the number of reserved balls at each starting winning hole when the power is restored after power is turned off.

  As a conventional pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening, a symbol display device starts to display a variation of the symbol, and a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not to cause a special prize state (bonus) If it is determined that the special prize state is to be generated in the jackpot lottery, the symbols are stopped in a specific combination after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the special prize state is generated after the symbols are stopped. When the special prize state occurs, the opening / closing of the grand prize opening is controlled with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls are paid out for each prize winning to the big prize opening. .

In such a pachinko machine, it has a first start port and a second start port, the game balls received in the first start port and the second start port are detected by the first and second start detection means, After the game ball is detected by the first start detection means or the second start detection means, the lottery means performs lottery according to the establishment of the lottery start condition, and after the game ball is detected by the first start detection means, the lottery start condition is satisfied. Until the lottery start condition is satisfied after the first holding means and the second start detecting means detect the game balls after the lottery means can hold the display of the lottery result within the first upper limit value. The second reservation means capable of retaining the lottery result display within the second upper limit, and the reservation order storage means for storing the reservation order of the lottery result display retained by the first reservation means and the second reservation means And reserve the lottery result display Gaming machine to perform the reserved the order is stored in the storage unit is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-209367 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the first and second start detection means detect the game balls received in the first and second start ports, and the first and second start After the detection of the game ball by the detection means, until the satisfaction of the lottery start condition, the display of the lottery result by the lottery means is reserved by the first and second reservation means that can be reserved within the first and second upper limit values, The reservation order storage means stores the reservation order of the lottery results displayed by the first reservation means and the second reservation means, and displays the lottery results according to the reservation order, so that the player knows the game contents. In a general gaming machine, the first and second start detection means, the first and second reservation means, the reservation order storage means such as an MPU provided in the main control unit, etc. This reservation order storage means comprising an information processing device Sending the stored reserved order as reserves order command to the performance control unit, and to perform the display processing of special symbols retained order display lottery result based on retained order command in the presentation controller.

  And it is common that the production control unit does not have a backup function to continue storing the reservation order command when the power is cut off, and is stored in the reservation order storage means by the main control unit when the power is turned off. If the reservation order disappears, the reservation control command cannot be sent from the main control unit to the production control unit when the power is restored after the power is cut off, and the lottery result display process based on the reservation order display or reservation order cannot be performed. There is an unresolved problem that the reservation order cannot be reproduced.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned unsolved problems of the conventional example, and in the case of having a plurality of start winning holes, even if a power interruption occurs, the winning ranking immediately before the power interruption occurs. The object is to provide a gaming machine that can accurately reproduce the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 according to the present invention includes a main control unit that transmits a predetermined control command in response to winning of a winning ball at a start winning opening, and the main control unit A gaming machine including an effect control unit for performing predetermined effect control based on a transmitted control command, and having a plurality of winning ball detection means for individually detecting winning balls that have entered a plurality of start winning holes. The main control section stores a predetermined number of winning ranks of the winning balls detected by the winning ball detecting means, and a winning rank storing means that can be stored and retained when the power is turned off, and the winning rank stored in the winning rank storing means. A winning / failing lottery means for performing a lottery determination according to the ranking, a winning ranking raising means for raising the winning ranking stored in the winning ranking storage means each time the lottery is performed by the corresponding rejection lottery means, and Stored in the winning rank storage means At least information sending means for sending to the effect control unit as an operation memory designation command representing a winning order, the display control unit displaying a prize rank when receiving the operation memory designation command Is sent to the winning rank display section.

  In the invention according to claim 1, a predetermined number of winning balls detected by a plurality of winning ball detecting means corresponding to a plurality of start winning ports is stored in the main control unit, and a winning that can be stored and retained when the power is cut off. A rank storage means is provided, and the prize rank storage means continuously holds the prize rank even when the power is cut off. When the power is restored after the power is cut off, the prize rank stored in the prize rank storage means from the information sending means is stored. By sending the operation memory designation command to the effect control unit, the effect control unit can accurately reproduce the winning ranking when the power is restored.

Here, the start winning opening means a hole or a gate provided on the surface of the game board for winning or passing a game ball, for example, a winning opening or an operating gate. Accordingly, winning includes not only winning but also passing.
Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to claim 2 according to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the winning rank storage means determines the number of winnings that can be won for each of the plurality of start winning holes. The winning rank storage means is configured to limit the upper limit value less than a predetermined number for storing the winning rank.

In the invention according to claim 2, the number of winnings that can be obtained for each of the plurality of starting winning holes is limited to an upper limit value that is smaller than a predetermined number for storing the winning ranks. Can be reliably prevented from occupying all of the winning ranks.
Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to claim 3 according to the present invention, when the information sending means has less than a predetermined number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage means, The present invention is characterized in that the operation memory designation command transmission process is terminated when the operation memory designation command is completely transmitted.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage means is less than a predetermined number, the operation memory is stored when the operation memory designation command for the stored winning rank is completed. Since the designated command transmission process is terminated, the command transmission time can be set to a transmission time corresponding to the number of winning orders, and useless transmission time can be saved.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the winning order storage means of the main control unit stores and holds the winning order of winning balls for a plurality of winning openings stored immediately before the power is cut off. When the power is restored after the power is turned off, the winning order stored in the winning rank storage means is sent to the effect control unit as an operation memory designation command indicating the number of reserved balls. It is possible to accurately reproduce the winning ranks of the winning balls at the plurality of start winning ports immediately before the player, and to reliably prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

Further, according to the gaming machine according to claim 2 according to the present invention, the number of winnings that can be obtained for each of the plurality of starting winning ports is limited to an upper limit value that is smaller than a predetermined number for storing the winning rankings. It is possible to reliably prevent the winning rank storage means from occupying the winning rank of one start winning opening.
Furthermore, according to the gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, when the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storing means is less than a predetermined number, the operation memory designation command for the stored winning rank is transmitted. Since the operation memory designation command transmission process is terminated when the winning is completed, the transmission time can be shortened and the useless transmission time can be omitted when the winning order is low.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that displays a symbol in a variable manner by using an effect symbol display device will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a game board surface in a pachinko machine showing an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game board, and the game board 1 is formed with a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by an outer band 2 and an inner band 3.

In the game area 4, nails and windmills (not shown) are disposed, and a center accessory 5 is disposed in the center. A first start winning port 6A is disposed below the center accessory 5, and a second start winning port 6B is disposed immediately below the first start winning port 6A.
Then, the normal symbol operating gates 7 through which the game balls pass at a predetermined distance are respectively arranged at the left and right positions of the first start winning port 6A, and the normal winning ports 8 are respectively arranged on the lower outer sides of these normal symbol operating gates 7. It is installed.

  Furthermore, when the symbols displayed in the three areas of the production symbol display device 11 become a big hit symbol under the second start winning opening 6B under normal conditions, it is opened in a predetermined pattern. Thus, a large winning opening 9 is provided for allowing a game ball to be won. Furthermore, an out port 10 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the above winning ports is provided below the large winning port 9.

  The center accessory 5 includes an effect symbol display device 11 that displays effect symbols and a normal symbol display device 12 configured by, for example, 7-segment LEDs. The effect symbol display device 11 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, and variably displays an effect symbol composed of a plurality of numbers, symbols, and the like. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 11 is a variable display device capable of displaying an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image, and can display various effect symbols.

  In addition, the effect symbol display device 11 is provided with a reservation ball display unit 11a as a winning rank display unit serving as a special symbol operation memory display unit for displaying a reservation ball. The reserved ball display unit 11a is a winning rank storage unit formed on the RAM of the main controller in accordance with the winning rank, with information on each winning ball winning in the first start winning slot 6A or the second start winning slot 6B. In response to this, for example, the winning ball at the first starting winning opening 6A is displayed as “◯”, for example, and the winning ball at the second starting winning opening 6B is displayed as “●”, for example. Then, the number of times the symbol can be changed is notified.

  Here, “hold” means that the special symbol executed by the winning when the first and second start winning openings 6A and 6B are newly won while the symbol changing pattern effect is being executed in the effect symbol display device 11. It means waiting for notification of the result of the symbol lottery. In addition, even if the winning winning openings 6A and 6B are won during the jackpot process, the effect symbol display device 11 is reproducing the moving image pattern of the jackpot process effect, and therefore is subject to suspension. However, there is a limit to the number of suspension (in the present embodiment, both the first and second start winning openings 6A and 6B are four), and any further winning winning openings 6A and 6B are subject to suspension. Must not.

A special symbol display device 15 for variably displaying special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures is disposed on the left side of the normal symbol operating gate 7 on the left side in the game area 4. The jackpot display is performed by making the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 15 a predetermined combination of symbols. The special symbol display device 15 is composed of, for example, a two-digit 7-segment LED.
When the game ball wins, the first start winning opening 6A detects the winning of the game ball by the detection signal of the first special symbol start switch 131 (see FIG. 2) inside the pachinko machine, and the effect symbol display device 11 Gives an opportunity to start displaying the variable. The variation display of the effect symbol and the special symbol is stopped after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a lottery result notification and effect are performed.

  The second start winning opening 6B is provided with an electric tulip 13, and this electric tulip 13 is normally in a closed state. The electric tulip 13 in the closed state and the first starting winning opening 6A on the upper side are used for the second start winning opening 6B. The winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 6B is blocked. When the game ball is won by opening the electric tulip 13 at the second start winning opening 6B, the winning of the game ball is detected by the detection signal of the second special symbol start switch 132 (see FIG. 2) inside the pachinko machine. An opportunity to start the variable display of the symbol display device 11 is given. The variation display of the effect symbol and the special symbol is stopped after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a lottery result notification and effect are performed.

Further, when the game ball passes, the normal symbol operation gate 7 detects the passage of the game ball by the detection signal of the internal normal symbol start switch 133, and gives an opportunity to start the variable display of the normal symbol display device 12.
When the stop symbol of the production symbol display device 11 is in a specific combination (that is, when it becomes a special prize), the special prize opening 9 is opened and closed installed on the entire surface of the special prize opening 9 in the special prize state thereafter. The member performs opening and closing operations. During the occurrence of the special prize state, the opening / closing member opens almost horizontally and accepts a large number of game balls. When the game ball wins, the big winning port 9 counts the number of game balls won by the detection signal of the big winning port switch 134 (see FIG. 2) inside the pachinko machine, and pays out the winning ball with the winning. The opening of the special winning opening 9 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, ten predetermined winning prize winning numbers, for example) are won. One opening of the grand prize opening 9 is called a round. The round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues until the maximum round.

  Hereinafter, a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery becomes a specified value after the end of the jackpot is referred to as a `` low probability state '', and a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is higher than the low probability state after the jackpot ends is `` It is called “probability fluctuation state”. In addition, the function of shortening the variation time of the production symbol, and the probability of drawing a normal symbol drawn with the passage of the normal symbol operating gate 7 is set to a high probability (for example, 10 times) compared with the normal lottery probability. In addition, a game in which two functions (hereinafter referred to as a time-shortening function) of extending the opening time of the electric tulip 13 at the second start winning opening 6B in comparison with the normal opening time (the opening time becomes longer) are operated. The state is referred to as “time-short operation state”, and the gaming state in which the time-short function is inactive is referred to as “time-short operation state”.

Next, the configuration of the game control device 200 in the pachinko machine will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game control device 200.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 200 mainly includes a main control unit 210, an effect control unit 220, a payout control unit 230 that controls payout of game balls, and a launch control unit 240 that controls the release of game balls. Consists of In order to prevent fraud, etc., each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board and can be directly or indirectly connected to transmit data to each other or in one direction.

The main control unit 210 transmits a control command and controls the entire game in accordance with a random number generated internally based on the detection of the game ball by winning at the start winning openings 6A and 6B, and also the second start winning prize While directly controlling the opening and closing of the electric tulip 13 and the special winning opening 9 of the mouth 6B, the normal symbol display device 12 is directly controlled.
The effect control unit 220 transmits a control command for controlling the symbol control unit 221 in accordance with the control command transmitted from the main control unit 210.
The symbol control unit 221 controls the effect symbol display device 11 in accordance with a control command transmitted from the effect control unit 220.
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, and input / output port 214.

  The input / output port 214 is an input port to which various switch signals are input, a normal symbol display output port for outputting to the normal symbol display device 12, and a special symbol display output for outputting to the special symbol display device 15. A port, a command output port for an effect control unit that outputs to the effect control unit 220 (sends a first control command such as a symbol designating command or a variation pattern command), and pays out a prize ball to the prize ball payout device A prize ball payout command output port for performing output to the prize ball payout control unit 230 for performing control, a big prize opening opening / closing apparatus output port for performing output to the big prize opening opening / closing apparatus 216 for opening and closing the big prize opening 9, A special symbol start port opening / closing device output port for outputting to the special symbol start port opening / closing device 217 for opening / closing the electric tulip 13 of the second start winning port 6B, and an external hall At least and an external information output port for outputting to the computer. The symbol designating command (first control command) is a control command for designating the stop symbol combination mode (short time, probability variation 1, probability variation 2, probability variation 3, small hit) of the effect symbol, and the variation pattern command ( The first control command) is a control command for designating the aspect of the screen variation such as reach, miss, special prize, etc. displayed on the effect symbol display device 11 and the effect time.

Although not shown, the external information output port includes at least a first signal generation unit that is a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit that is a second signal generation unit.
The first signal generator generates a signal that is output during the state so that a state such as the jackpot information signal can be identified. The output time varies depending on the state and the like. When the jackpot (probability variation jackpot) that causes the probability variation state to occur without notifying that the probability variation state occurs is determined, the first signal generation unit can identify the jackpot that can be identified as the probability variation jackpot Since no signal is output (a jackpot signal output prohibition setting), the probability variation state can be set to the non-notification state. Specifically, the jackpot signal indicating that the jackpot is being output is output, but the probability changing signal indicating that the probability change occurring after the jackpot is ended is not output (notification prohibition means). Yes.

For example, the second signal generation unit detects a change in a state such as a symbol determination number information signal and generates a signal. Further, since the output time informs the detection, it is output for a preset period (specifically, for every 248 [ms] every detection, and at the same interval so that the output signals do not continue. Output).
The main control unit 210 is connected to the first and second special symbol start switches 131 and 132 provided in the first and second start winning ports 6A and 6B and the normal symbol operation gate 7 via the input / output port 214. Detection signals are input from the symbol start switch 133, the large winning opening switch 134 provided in the large winning opening 9, and other various winning opening switches 135 and processed.

The main control unit 210 transmits an effect control command (such as a symbol designation command or a variation pattern command) to the effect control unit 220 and controls the effect control unit 220 by command transmission.
The ROM 212 stores a program for controlling the pachinko machine executed by the main control unit 210. The ROM 212 further includes a model designation command for controlling the effect control unit 220, various parameter values for controlling the pachinko machine including the variation pattern command, and model discrimination information for discriminating its own model. And are stored.

The RAM 213 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 210, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, a shift register, and the like, as well as the first start winning opening 6A and the second A winning rank storage unit is provided as a winning rank storage means for storing the winning rank of the game balls in the start winning opening 6B.
The RAM 213 stores a control command scheduled to be output in a predetermined area, and when the power is turned off, the contents of the RAM 213 are restored to the state before the power is turned off, and the control command scheduled to be output from the RAM 213 is output. Thus, the gaming state is restored to the state before the power is turned off.

  The payout control unit 230 includes a payout counting switch 141 that detects that a prize ball is paid out by the payout device 231, and a payout passage ball cut-off switch that detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the payout passage between the ball storage tank and the payout device 231. 142 and a tray full tank switch 143 for detecting that the game balls stored in the hit ball supply tray are full are connected, and the payout device 231 is controlled in accordance with these switch signals. In addition, the payout control unit 230 includes a connection terminal 232 with a card machine that controls the number of lent balls by inserting cash or a prepaid card.

The launch control unit 240 receives a rotation angle from the handle 241 for firing a hit ball, and controls the hitting speed of the hitting device 242 according to the rotation angle.
A power supply circuit 250 for supplying power is connected to the main controller 210, the effect controller 220, the symbol controller 221, the sound controller 223, the indicator light controller 224, the payout controller 230, and the launch controller 240. ing.

The power supply circuit 250 is supplied with a 24 volt AC power supply from an external power supply (not shown), converts the AC power supply into a plurality of constant voltage DC power supplies or coarse rectification DC power supplies used in a pachinko machine, and performs main control. Unit 210, production control unit 220, symbol control unit 221, voice control unit 223, indicator light control unit 224, payout control unit 230, launch control unit 240, and the like.
Further, when the power supply circuit 250 detects that the 24 volt AC voltage supplied from the outside has become equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value, the power supply circuit 250 sends a power-off detection signal indicating that the power supply has been cut off. 210 and the payout controller 230. Further, the power supply circuit 250 is equipped with a backup power supply 251 composed of an uninterruptible power supply, a battery, a capacitor, and the like, and when a power interruption is detected, the power supply circuit 250 is immediately switched from the external power supply line to the backup power supply 251. Backup power is supplied only to the control unit 210.

Thus, power is supplied to the RAM 213 from the power supply line directly connected to the CPU 211, so that information can be held. In place of the RAM 213 and the backup power source 251, a data rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as a flash ROM can be used.
The power supply circuit 250 is for supplying a power supply voltage to the main control unit 210, the effect control unit 220, the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 240, and the like. The power supply circuit 250 drives the power supply circuit 250. Are connected to a RAM clear switch 252 for clearing the RAM data of the main control unit 210, that is, for initializing the RAM 213. In addition, when connected to the main control unit 210, the production control unit 220, the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 240, etc., and the power switch is turned on, a predetermined power supply voltage is supplied to each device, and the RAM clear switch A RAM clear signal indicating the operation state of 252 is transmitted from the power supply circuit 250 to the main control unit 210.

  When the power of the pachinko machine is turned off, the backup power supply voltage for the RAM 213 is supplied from the power supply circuit 250 to the main control unit 210 in order to retain the data stored in the RAM 213. However, the production control unit 220, the payout control unit 230, and the launch control unit 240 that are supplied with the power supply voltage are not supplied with backup power. Therefore, when the power is turned off, the production control unit 220, the payout control unit 230, and the launch control unit. The calculation result stored in 240 and the read information are lost.

  When the RAM clear switch 252 is turned on when the power is turned on, the operation signal is transmitted from the power circuit 250 to the main control unit 210, detected by the CPU 211, and the data stored in the RAM 213 is cleared and initialized. . However, the RAM data can be cleared only when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on and the pachinko machine is operating normally, for example, the player operates the launch handle. When a game is being played, the operation of the RAM clear switch is not accepted.

  The effect control unit 220 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output port, like the main control unit 210. A control command (symbol designation command, operation memory designation command, etc.) transmitted from the main control unit 210 is received, and the liquid crystal display control command for presentation according to the symbol designation command, the first start winning opening 6A and the second according to the action memory designation command 2 A reserved ball display control command or the like for displaying a predetermined number of held balls in the start winning opening 6B in order of winning is generated and transmitted to the symbol control unit 221.

The effect control unit 220 further includes a sequencer that has at least two channels and generates a synthesized sound of each channel, and outputs a sound control command for outputting sound from the speaker 222 from the sequencer to the sound control unit 223. An indicator light control command for controlling the indicator light of the pachinko machine is output to the indicator light control unit 224.
In this way, the effect control unit 220 is useful for reducing the processing load of the main control unit 210 by performing specialized control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, and sound effect generation.

  The symbol control unit 221 receives the liquid crystal display control command transmitted from the effect control unit 220, and fluctuates / stops the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 11 according to the liquid crystal display control command, or the effect control unit 220 selects / The function has a function of receiving the transmitted notice designation command and displaying the notice, and further receiving the reserved ball display control command transmitted from the effect control unit 220, and the reserved ball display unit 11a formed in the effect symbol display device 11 A hold ball is displayed on the screen. Here, the holding ball display is “◯” when the ball is the holding ball of the first start winning opening 6A according to the winning rank stored in the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 built in the CPU 211 of the main control unit 210. Is displayed as “●” when the ball is the holding ball of the second start winning opening 6B.

Next, the mode of the stop symbol of the special symbol and the effect symbol will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an aspect of a special symbol stop symbol.
In the pachinko machine, as shown in FIG. 4, the types of jackpots or jackpots are “short-term jackpot”, “probable one big jackpot (first probability fluctuation state)”, “probability two big jackpots (second probability fluctuation state) ) ”,“ Probability 3 big hits (third probability fluctuation state) ”and“ Small wins ”are defined. Each type is identified by hit type numbers “0” to “4”.

  When the time and bonus is hit, the special symbol display device 15 is controlled to stop the time symbol, and the effect symbol display device 11 is controlled to stop the effect symbol. Here, the short time symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 11 is a combination of even numbers such as “222”, “444”, and “666”, for example. In addition, the maximum number of times the big winning opening 9 is opened at the time of a big hit, that is, the maximum number of continuations of the round, is 15 times.

  When the probable variation 1 big hit is reached, the special symbol display device 15 is controlled to stop the probable variation 1 symbol, and the effect symbol display device 11 is controlled to stop the effect symbol. Here, the probability variation 1 symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 11 is a combination of odd numbers such as “111”, “333”, and “555”. Further, the maximum number of continuations of the round is 15 times, and it is notified that the probability variation state is reached at the time of jackpot, and the control is performed so that the short-time operation state is established after the jackpot and the probability state becomes the probability variation state.

When the probable variation 2 big hit is reached, the special symbol display device 15 is controlled to stop the probable variation 2 symbol, and the effect symbol display device 11 is controlled to stop the effect symbol. Further, the maximum number of continuations of the round is two, and a notification is made that the probability variation state is reached at the time of the jackpot, and control is performed so that the short-time operation state is achieved after the jackpot and the probability state becomes the probability variation state.
When the probability variation 3 big hit is reached, the special symbol display device 15 is controlled to stop the probability variation 3 symbol, and the effect symbol display device 11 is controlled to stop the effect symbol. In addition, when the maximum number of continuations of the round is 2, the probability variation state is not notified at the time of the big hit, and the short-time non-actuated state at the time of the big hit (at the time when the symbol fluctuation pattern for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is started) Is controlled in such a way that the short-time non-actuated state and the probability state become the probability fluctuation state after the jackpot, and when the jackpot is in the short-time operating state at the time of the big hit (when the symbol variation pattern for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is started) Then, after the big hit, control is performed so that the short-time operation state is continued (short-time continuous control) and the probability state becomes a probability fluctuation state.

  When the small hit is achieved, the special symbol display device 15 is controlled to stop the small hit symbol, and the effect symbol display device 11 is controlled to stop the effect symbol. In the special symbol display device 15, the probability variation 3 symbol and the small hit symbol are composed of a combination of one or a plurality of specific symbols, and cannot be distinguished from each other. In addition, the maximum number of continuations of the round is one, and control is performed so that the operation / non-operation of the short-time function and the probability state do not change after the small hit. It is to be noted that the jackpot and the jackpot are distinguished from each other by controlling the opening time and the number of times of the winning prize opening 9 in the probability variation 2 big win, the probability variation 3 big hit and the small winning, and also controlling the production in the production symbol display device 11 to the same content. It is also possible to create new game effects.

  The control command transmitted from the main control unit 210 includes a symbol designating command for designating any one of an off-stage design symbol, a time-short symbol, a probability variation 1 symbol, a probability variation 2 symbol, a probability variation 3 symbol, and a small hit symbol. . The symbol designation command is output at the start of special symbol variation. Then, as a result of determination based on a random number used in the jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as a hit-decision random number) for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot, in the case of a loss, designation of a loss effect design is determined, and in the case of a jackpot, Any one of time-short symbol designation, probability variation 1 symbol designation, probability variation 2 symbol designation, and probability variation 3 symbol designation is determined. The symbol designation does not directly designate the symbol to be displayed, but designates a symbol aspect corresponding to the selected hit type, and instead of the symbol designation command, hits information on the selected hit type. It may be transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a type designation command. Also, in the meaning of double check, if both the symbol designation command and the hit type designation command are transmitted, the symbol information can be surely confirmed.

  The control command further includes a variation pattern command for designating one of n (n = 1 to 104) types of variation patterns. The variation pattern corresponds to the gaming state. For example, the variation pattern 5 corresponds to a gaming state that is lost after displaying normal reach. When such a gaming state is determined by the main control unit 210, a variation pattern command for designating the variation pattern 5 is Is output. The variation pattern command is output when the variation of the special symbol is started together with the symbol designation command.

The control command further includes a symbol stop command for designating the stop of the effect symbol. The symbol stop command is output when the effect symbol is stopped.
The control command further includes a power-off / return designation command for designating power-off / reset and a RAM clear m designation command corresponding to each model m (m = 1 to 9). The power-off recovery designation command and the RAM clear designation command are output when the power is turned on.

Next, game control processing executed by the main control unit 210 will be described.
The CPU 211 is composed of a microprocessing unit or the like, operates based on a game control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [ms]), and is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 212. And the control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6 is executed.

First, when the power switch (not shown) of the pachinko machine is turned on, the power-on control process shown in FIG. 5 is executed.
In the power-on control process, first, for example, “2300H” is set in the stack pointer in step S1, then the process proceeds to step S2, the interrupt mode is set, and then the process proceeds to step S3, where the RAM clear switch After acquiring the switch information of 252, the process proceeds to step S 4 to perform standby processing for a predetermined time.

When the standby process is completed, the process proceeds to step S5, permitting access to the RAM 213 built in the CPU 211, and then proceeds to step S6 to set the interrupt controller and then proceeds to step S7.
In this step S7, it is determined whether or not the switch information of the RAM clear switch 252 is ON. If the switch information is ON information, the process proceeds to step S8, where the area other than the use prohibition area of the RAM 213 is cleared, and then The process proceeds to step S9, the initial setting at power-on is performed for the RAM 213, the process proceeds to step S10, a payout start instruction command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and then the process proceeds to step S11. After transmitting the power-on command to the effect control unit 220, the process proceeds to step S19 described later.

  On the other hand, when the result of determination in step S7 is that the RAM clear switch 252 is in the OFF state, it is determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information stored in the RAM 213 is valid, and the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 213. Is not stored, it is determined that the power is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S8. When the occurrence information of the power supply is stored, it is determined that the power is restored from the power supply, and the process proceeds to step S13. To do.

  In step S13, the checksum of the RAM 213 is calculated, and then the process proceeds to step S14 to determine whether or not the checksum is normal. When the checksum is not normal, the contents of the RAM are restored when the power is restored. Is not completely backed up, and it is determined that a part is destroyed and cannot be restored to the power-off state, the process proceeds to step S8, and when the checksum is normal, It is determined that the state can be restored, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the power-off occurrence information stored in the RAM 213 is canceled, and then the process proceeds to step S16 to execute the power-return command transmission process shown in FIG. Then, a payout start instruction command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and then the process proceeds to step S18 to initialize the RAM 213 when power is restored, and then proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the counter / timer circuit (CTC) is set as an interval timer having a 2 ms period, and then the process proceeds to step S20, where an interrupt is permitted and the process proceeds to a “game start” process.
Then, when the game starts, the shift register configuration winning rank storage unit stores the winning ranks of the winning balls to the first starting winning opening 6A and the winning balls to the second starting winning opening 6B formed in the RAM 213. The winning ranking storing process for storing the holding ball is executed as a timer interrupt process.

  This winning ranking storing process is executed as a timer interruption process for the main process described later. First, in step S31, whether or not the first special symbol start switch 131 detects the winning of the game ball to the first starting winning opening 6A. If the switch signal of the first special symbol start switch 131 is in the OFF state, it is determined that there is no game ball winning in the first start winning opening 6A, and the process proceeds to step S32. It is determined whether or not the second special symbol start switch 132 detects the winning of the winning ball in the start winning port 6B. When the switch signal of the second special symbol start switch 132 is OFF, the second start winning port 6B is determined. When it is determined that there is no winning of the game ball, the winning rank storing process is terminated and the process returns to the predetermined main program.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S31 is that the switch signal of the first special symbol start switch 131 is on, it is determined that a game ball has been won at the first start winning opening 6A, and the process proceeds to step S33. Transition. In this step S33, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls won in the first start winning opening 6A stored in the winning rank storage unit has reached the maximum reserved number, for example, “4”, and the number of reserved balls is the maximum reserved number. When the number “4” has been reached, the process proceeds to step S32 as it is, and when the number of retained balls is less than the maximum number of retained balls “4”, the process proceeds to step S34.

In this step S34, "0" is written after the end of the reserved ball written in the winning rank storage section, that is, the end of the code "1" or "2". After writing a code representing the reserved ball of the first start winning opening 6A, for example, “1” in the area, the process proceeds to step S35.
In this step S35, it is determined whether or not the writing position to the winning ranking storage unit is the head position. If it is not the head position, the process proceeds to step S36 and the operation memory designation command transmission process shown in FIG. After execution, the process proceeds to step S32. When the position is the head position, the process proceeds to step S37 to determine whether or not the big hit determination process is being performed in the effect control process of FIG. The process proceeds to step S36, and if the big hit determination process is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S32 as it is.

  If the determination result of step S32 is that the switch signal of the second special symbol start switch 132 is on, it is determined that a game ball has won the second start winning opening 6B, and the process proceeds to step S38. Transition. In this step S38, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls won in the second start winning opening 6B stored in the winning rank storage unit has reached the maximum reserved number, for example, “4”, and the number of reserved balls is the maximum reserved number. When the number of balls has been reached, the winning ranking storing process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main process, and when the number of held balls is less than the maximum number of held “4”, the process proceeds to step S39.

In this step S39, the storage area in which “0” is written after the tail of the reserved ball stored in the winning rank storage section, that is, the tail of the code “1” or “2” is written. After writing a code representing the reserved ball of the second start winning opening 6B, for example, “2”, the process proceeds to step S40.
In this step S40, it is determined whether or not the writing position to the winning ranking storage unit is the head position. If it is not the head position, the process proceeds to step S41 and the operation memory designation command transmission process shown in FIG. After the execution, the process is terminated and the process returns to the main process. When the position is the head position, the process proceeds to step S42 to determine whether or not the big hit determination process is being performed in the main process of FIG. If YES, the process proceeds to step S41. If the jackpot determination process is not in progress, the process ends and returns to the main process.

  When the game is started, main processing including jackpot determination shown in FIG. 7 is executed. In this main process, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the code “1” or “2” representing the reserved ball is written at the head of the winning rank in the winning rank storage unit stored in the RAM 213, and the reserved ball is determined. When the code “0” representing the absence of the ball is written, the process proceeds to step S61 described later, and when the code “1” or “2” representing the reserved ball is written, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In this step S52, random number acquisition processing is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S53, and the code representing the reserved ball written at the head of the winning rank storage unit of the RAM 213 represents the reserved ball of the first start winning opening 6A. It is determined whether or not the code is “1”. When the code is “1”, the process proceeds to step S54, the jackpot determination process corresponding to the first start winning opening 6A is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S56. When the code representing the holding ball is the code “2” representing the holding ball of the second start winning opening 6B, the process proceeds to step S55, and the jackpot determination process corresponding to the second starting winning opening 6B is executed, and then step S56. Migrate to

  Here, in the jackpot determination process corresponding to the first start winning opening 6A, for example, lottery of 3 types of big hits and misses of 2 land probability fluctuation, 15 round probability fluctuation, 15 round normal and off is performed, and the pattern fluctuation pattern To decide. On the other hand, in the jackpot determination process corresponding to the second start winning opening 6B, for example, a lottery of 15 kinds of probability variation and 15 round normal jackpots and off is performed, and a pattern variation pattern is determined. .

  In step S56, the code “1” or “2” representing the first reserved ball stored in the RAM 213 is deleted, and the code “1” representing the reserved ball written in the memory other than the first is stored. The winning ranking is advanced by sequentially shifting “2” or “2” one by one. In this winning rank advance processing, a code “0” indicating that there is no reserved ball in the lowest order, that is, the eighth storage area is written.

Next, the process proceeds to step S57, where it is determined whether or not the determination result of step S54 or S55 is a big hit. If it is not a big win, the process moves to step S61 described later, and if it is a big win, the process moves to step S58.
In this step S58, an electric accessory control process for opening the special winning opening 9 in a predetermined pattern is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S59 to control the prize ball payout control unit 230 to perform a payout operation. Is executed in a predetermined area of the RAM 213, and then the process proceeds to step S60.

In step S60, external information output processing for outputting an external information signal related to game control to the hall computer is executed via the external information output port, and then the process proceeds to step S61.
In step S61, a port output process for outputting the effect control command stored in the RAM 213 and the operation memory designation command generated in the process of FIG. 9 to be described later to the effect control unit 220 via the command output port for the effect control unit is executed. To do. First, a strobe signal is output to the effect control unit 220, and a control command including a mode and an event is output. As a result, a control command is output to the effect control unit 220. The control information from the main control unit 210 is also output as it is to the normal symbol display device 12, the special symbol start opening / closing device 217, and the like.

Next, the process proceeds to step S62, where it is determined whether or not a power-off detection signal is input from the power supply circuit 250. When it is determined that the power-off detection signal is input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S63.
In this step S63, a short time state necessary for restoring the contents of the RAM 213, a state designation command representing a probability variation state, an effect design designation command representing an effect design such as stop, hit, miss, etc., stored contents of the winning rank storage unit Generating a return information such as a working memory designation command indicating a probability change, a special game designation command indicating a probability change, a big hit, and a stop, and storing the generated return information in the RAM 213 and a power source indicating that a power failure has occurred The disconnection occurrence information is written in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, and backup processing for switching the CPU 211 to the power saving mode is executed. The backup process includes a process for setting a backup flag and a process for performing a checksum.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S61 that the power-off detection signal is not input (No), the process returns to step S51.
In addition, in the main control unit 210, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 7, the normal symbol start switch 133 is turned on, and when this switch information is input to the CPU 211 via the input port 214, When the normal symbol start switch 133 is detected to be on, for example, a lottery of numbers “0” to “9” is performed. When the lottery result is “7”, for example, the electric tulip 13 of the second start winning opening 6B is For example, the open state is controlled for 2 seconds. In the short-time operation state, the normal symbol lottery probability is increased (for example, 10 times) as compared with the normal state, and the opening time of the electric tulip is lengthened.

Next, the power return command transmission process executed in step S16 of FIG. 5 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the power return command transmission process, first, in step S71, a power return designation command indicating the power return state is transmitted to the effect control unit 220, and then the process proceeds to step S72. Then, a model identification code designation command for designating a model identification code such as analog, digital, full spec, middle spec or the like is read from a predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 220, and then the process proceeds to step S73.

  In this step S73, similarly, a state designation command representing a gaming state such as a time shortening state and a probability variation state is read from a predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, and this is transmitted to the effect control unit 220, and then the process proceeds to step S74. An effect symbol designating command for designating an effect symbol indicating stop, hit, miss, etc. is read from the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213 and transmitted to the effect control unit 220, and then the process proceeds to step S75.

  In this step S75, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation memory designation command indicating the ranking of the reserved balls stored in the winning ranking storage unit immediately before the power-off stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213 is read out. Then, the process proceeds to step S76, and the special game designation command indicating the probability variation, jackpot, or stoppage stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213 is read, and this is designated as the effect control unit 220. The command transmission processing at the time of power recovery is terminated after transmitting to the power source.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operation storage designation command transmission process executed in step S75 in the power return command transmission process is first stored in the winning rank storage unit stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213 in step S81. The first special symbol counter C1 for counting the reserved balls won in the first start winning opening 6A and the second special symbol counter C2 for counting the reserved balls winning in the second start winning port 6B, respectively. After clearing to “0” and performing initialization processing to clear to “0” the variable n indicating the reading position of the winning rank storage unit stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, the process proceeds to step S82.

  In this step S82, it is determined whether or not the total value of the count values of the first special symbol counter C1 and the second special symbol counter C2 has reached the maximum number of operating memories, for example, “8”. When the working memory number “8” is reached, the working memory instruction command transmission process is terminated as it is, and when the total value is less than the maximum working memory number “8”, the process proceeds to step S83.

  In this step S83, the variable n indicating the reading position of the winning rank storage unit stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 213 is incremented by “1”, and then the process proceeds to step S84, and the nth from the head represented by the variable n The code representing the second reserved ball is read, and the read code is a code “0” with no special symbol designation, a code “1” designating the first special symbol, or a second special symbol It is determined whether the code is “2” for designating a symbol.

  When the determination result is the code “0”, the operation memory designation command transmission process is terminated as it is, and when the determination result is the code “1”, the process proceeds to step S85 and the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is set to “1”. After updating the count value to count up by "", the process proceeds to step S86, and the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as the first special symbol operation designation command, and then to the step S82. Return. If the code is "2", the process proceeds to step S87, the count value is updated to increment the second special symbol counter by "1", and then the process proceeds to step S88 to specify the second special symbol operation designation. After transmitting the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 to the effect control unit 220 as a command, the process returns to step S82.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
First, for example, at the start of work, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on while the RAM clear switch 252 is turned on and power is turned on to the pachinko machine, the main control unit 210 performs the on-time control shown in FIG. Processing is executed.
In this on-time control process, in steps S1 to S6, stack pointer setting, interrupt mode setting, RAM clear switch 252 switch information acquisition, standby process, CPU 211 internal RAM 213 access permission, interrupt controller setting. The process proceeds to step S7 and the RAM clear switch 252 is in the on state. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S8 and all the storage areas other than the use-prohibited area of the internal RAM 213 of the CPU 211 are cleared. Then, the RAM 213 is initialized when the power is turned on, whereby various data backed up in the RAM 213 is erased and the initial state is restored. Thereafter, by sending a payout start instruction command to the payout control unit 230, the payout control unit 230 is set in an operating state, and by sending a command at power-on to the effect control unit 220, the effect control unit 220 is set in an initial state. The symbol control unit 221 causes the demonstration symbol display device 11 to display, for example, a demo symbol, and the reserved ball number display on the reserved ball display unit 11a is set to zero. In addition, the production control unit 220 transmits a power-on command to the audio control unit 223 so that the audio control unit stops the audio output to the speaker, and similarly, the indicator light control unit 224 is also turned on. By transmitting this command, the indicator light control unit 224 sets a blinking pattern in the customer waiting state, and the game board indicator light 225 and the main body indicator light 226 are controlled to blink.

After that, the counter / timer circuit CTC is set as an interval timer having a 2 ms cycle, and finally an interrupt is permitted to shift to the “game start” process. At this time, notification of model discrimination information is not performed.
When the rented game ball is loaded into the pachinko machine, the player operates the launch handle and controls the launch device 242 with the launch control unit 240 to launch the game ball onto the game board surface 1 to play the game. It can be performed.

  When the game ball started on the game board surface 1 by winning the game enters the first start winning opening 6A, a detection signal is output by the first special symbol start switch. In the main control unit 210, when a detection signal is input from the first special symbol start switch, “1” is written at the head position of the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 in the winning rank storing process shown in FIG. It is. At this time, “1” is written at the head position of the winning rank storage section, but since the jackpot determination has not yet been performed, the winning rank storing process is terminated without performing the operation memory designation command transmission process of FIG. The process returns to the main process in FIG.

For this reason, in the production | presentation control part 220, since an operation | movement designation | designated command is not received, a reservation ball display control command is not transmitted with respect to the symbol control part 221, The reservation ball display part 11a of the production symbol display apparatus 11 is non-displayed. Continue state.
In the main process of FIG. 7, it is determined that there is a reserved ball at the top of the winning rank storage unit, and a random number acquisition process is performed. Based on the acquired random number, the first held ball is a reserved ball of the first start winning opening 6A. Therefore, the jackpot determination corresponding to the first start winning opening 6A is performed. At this time, if it is determined that the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.

  When the jackpot is reached, the jackpot type, the combination of the special symbols and the stop symbols of the effect symbols, and the variation pattern at the jackpot are determined. Then, the effect symbols are variably displayed in a predetermined variation pattern, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the determined combination is stopped. After the production symbol is stopped, any one of a time bonus, a probability variation 1 big hit, a probability variation 2 big hit, and a probability variation 3 big hit occurs.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired random number value does not match the jackpot value but matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.
When a small hit is made, a combination of stop symbols of the effect symbols and a variation pattern at the time of the small hit are determined. Then, the effect symbols are variably displayed in a predetermined variation pattern, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the determined combination is stopped. After the production symbol stops, a small hit occurs.

During the big hit or the small hit, the big winning opening 9 is controlled to open with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and when a game ball wins the big winning opening 9, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out per winning.
At this time, the rank-raising process of the winning rank storage unit is performed after the jackpot determination, so that “1” written at the head is deleted and “0” is written at the lowest level, thereby winning rank All the storage areas of the storage unit are restored to the “0” state.

  However, if the winning is again made at the first start winning opening 6A during the big hit determination process, “1” is added to the top position of the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 in the winning rank storing process of FIG. Written. In this case, since the jackpot determination is in progress, the process proceeds from step S37 to step S36, the operation memory designation command transmission process of FIG. 9 is executed, and it is the holding ball at the first start winning opening 6A. The count value of the first special symbol counter C1 becomes “1”, and this count value is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as an operation memory designation command.

For this reason, when the production control unit 220 receives an operation memory designation command from the main control unit 210, the production control unit 220 transmits the operation memory designation command to the symbol control unit 221, and the symbol control unit 221 is based on the operation memory designation command. Then, a “◯” mark representing the reserved ball of the first start winning opening 6A is displayed at the lowest position of the reserved ball display section 11a of the effect symbol display device 11.
In this state, when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 7, the normal symbol start switch 133 is turned on, and the main control unit 210 performs the normal symbol lottery based on the on state of the normal symbol start switch 133. When the lottery symbol is a winning symbol, the main control unit 210 directly controls the driving of the special symbol start opening / closing device 217 so that the electric tulip 13 provided in the second start winning opening 6B is relatively short. Controlled to open time. When a game ball wins with the electric tulip 13 opened, the winning of the game ball is detected by the second special symbol start switch 132, and the second special symbol start switch 132 is turned on.

  As described above, when the second special symbol start switch 132 is turned on, the process proceeds from step S32 to step S38 in the winning rank storing process of FIG. 6, and is the first reserved ball in the second starting winning opening 6B. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S39, where “2” is written in the second storage area from the top of the winning rank storage section of the RAM 213. In this case, since it is not written at the head position of the winning rank storage unit, the process proceeds to step S41, the operation memory designation command transmission process of FIG. 9 is executed, and the first special symbol counter C1 is first executed. The count value is “1”, this count value is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as an operation memory designation command, and then the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 is “1”. Is sent to the effect control unit 220 as an operation memory designation command.

  For this reason, the production control unit 220 first receives the count value “1” of the first special symbol counter C1, and then receives the count value “1” of the second special symbol counter C2, thereby It is determined that there is a holding ball of the second starting winning port 6B next to the holding ball of the starting winning port 6A, and a “o” mark is displayed on the holding ball display unit 11a of the effect symbol display device 11 via the symbol control unit 211. Display in order of “●” mark. For this reason, the player can accurately grasp the winning order to the first start winning opening 6A and the second starting winning opening 6B by the mark displayed on the holding ball display portion 11a.

  During the game, when the number of winning balls in the first starting winning opening 6A reaches the maximum number of reserved balls 4, it is not counted as a holding ball, and the number of winning balls in the second starting winning hole 6B is 4 Even if it reaches, it is not counted as a holding ball. For this reason, for example, when the number of winning balls in the first start winning opening 6A reaches the maximum number of retained balls 4, in the winning rank storage section formed in the RAM 213, unless the reserved balls in the first starting winning opening 6A are digested, Writing of the reserved ball code “1” representing the first starting winning port 6A to the winning rank storage unit is prohibited, and there is no increase in the holding ball of the first starting winning port 6A, and the second start to the winning rank storage unit Only the reserved ball code “2” indicating the winning opening 6B is allowed to be written, only the reserved balls of the second starting winning opening 6B are increased, and the total number of held balls is the maximum storage number “8” of the winning rank storage unit. When “” is exceeded, the writing of the reserved ball code to the winning rank storage unit is prohibited, and the increase in the number of held balls in the second starting winning port 6B is also stopped.

Next, the operation when power is turned off and when power is turned off will be described.
When the player continues playing the game, the power-off state is detected when the voltage of the AC power supplied from the outside to the power supply circuit 250 drops below a predetermined voltage due to a power failure or the like. When this power-off state is detected, the power supply circuit 250 outputs a power-off detection signal to each control unit and switches the power supplied to the main control unit 210 to the backup power source 251. For this reason, the control state of the main control unit 210 is continued, and the power supply to the RAM 213 is ensured to enter the backup state.

  At this time, the main control unit 210 detects the power-off state by inputting the power-off signal from the power supply circuit 250 in the main processing of FIG. 7, and proceeds from step S62 to step S63 to perform backup processing. Execute. In this backup processing, a time specification necessary for restoring the contents of the RAM 213, a state designation command representing a probability variation state, an effect design designation command representing an effect design such as stop, hit, miss, etc., stored contents of the winning rank storage unit Generating a return information such as a working memory designation command indicating a probability change, a special game designation command indicating a probability change, a big hit, and a stop, and storing the generated return information in the RAM 213 and a power source indicating that a power failure has occurred The disconnection occurrence information is written in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, and the CPU 211 is switched to the power saving mode, and the main process and the interrupt process are stopped.

At this time, as described above, the RAM 513 retains the recovery information necessary for the power recovery written in the backup process without being lost because the backup power is supplied from the backup power 251 of the power circuit 250. Can do.
Thereafter, when the AC power supplied from the outside is restored and recovered from the power-off state, the main controller 210 performs the power-on control process shown in FIG. 5 and performs a predetermined initialization process. Since the RAM clear switch 252 is maintained in the non-operating state and is in the OFF state, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S12, the process does not proceed from step S7 to step S8, and the stored contents of the RAM 213 are cleared. There is no.

At this time, since the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 213 in the backup process at the time of power-off in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13, a checksum is calculated, and this checksum is calculated when the power-off. If it matches the checksum, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15.
For this reason, after the information on the occurrence of power interruption stored in the RAM 213 is erased, the process proceeds to step S16, and the command transmission process at power recovery shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

In this command transmission process at the time of power recovery, since various commands for restoring the control state of the pachinko machine required at the time of power recovery by the backup process when the power is cut off are stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 213, first, a power recovery designation command is issued. Supply to the effect control unit 220 and the payout control unit 230 to notify the return of the power supply.
When the effect control unit 220 receives the power-off / return designation command, the power-off / return designation command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 221, the voice control unit 223, and the indicator light control unit 224.

When the symbol control unit 221 receives the power-off / return designation command, nothing is displayed on the effect symbol display device 11 to prepare for reception of the next control command.
When the voice control unit 223 receives the power-off recovery designation command, the voice currently being played is muted.
When the indicator light control unit 224 receives the power-off / return designation command, the customer waiting state (demo) blinking pattern is set, and the game board indicator light 225 and the main body indicator light 226 blink in the customer waiting state (demo) blinking pattern. .

Next, a model discrimination code designation command, a state designation command, and an effect symbol designation command are transmitted from the main control unit 210 to the effect control unit 220 in this order, and are sequentially written in the RAM of the effect control unit 220.
Next, an operation memory designation command transmission process shown in FIG. 9 for transmitting an operation memory designation command from the main control unit 210 to the effect control unit 220 is executed.

At this time, for example, “1”, “2”, “1”, “1”, “2”, “0” are stored in order from the top in the reserved ball code stored in the winning rank storage unit of the RAM 213 when the power interruption occurs. , “0”, “0”.
In this operation memory designation command transmission processing, first, initialization processing is performed to clear the first and second special symbol counters C1 and C2 and to set the variable n to “0”. For this reason, in the initialized state, the count values of the first and second special symbol counters C1 and C2 are both “0”. Therefore, the process proceeds from step S81 to step S82 to step S83, and the variable n is set. Increment by “1” and n = 1.

  Since this variable n is “1”, the first reserved ball code stored in the winning ranking storage unit is read, and since this first reserved ball code is “1”, the process proceeds to step S85 and the first The count value of the special symbol counter C1 is incremented to “1”, and the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a first special symbol operation designation command.

  Next, since the total value of the count values of the first and second symbol counters C1 and C2 is “1”, the process proceeds to step S83 again, the variable n is incremented to n = 2, and the prize ranking storage unit Since the second reserved ball code is read from the head of the symbol, and the second reserved ball code is “2”, the process proceeds to step S87, and the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 is counted up to “1”. ", And the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a second special symbol operation memory designation command.

  Next, since the total value of the count values of the first and second symbol counters C1 and C2 is “2”, the process proceeds to step S83 again, the variable n is incremented to n = 3, and the winning ranking storage unit Since the third reserved ball code is read out from the head of this symbol, and the third reserved ball code is “1”, the process proceeds to step S85 and the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is incremented to “2”. And the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a first special symbol operation memory designation command.

  Next, since the total value of the count values of the first and second symbol counters C1 and C2 is “3”, the process proceeds to step S83 again, the variable n is incremented to n = 4, and the prize ranking storage unit Since the fourth reserved ball code is read from the head of this symbol, and the fourth reserved ball code is “1”, the process proceeds to step S85 and the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is counted up to “3”. And the count value of the first special symbol counter C1 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a first special symbol operation memory designation command.

  Next, since the total value of the count values of the first and second symbol counters C1 and C2 is “4”, the process proceeds to step S83 again, the variable n is incremented to n = 5, and the prize ranking storage unit Since the fifth reserved ball code is read out from the head of this symbol, and the fifth reserved ball code is “2”, the process proceeds to step S87 and the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 is counted up to “2”. ", And the count value of the second special symbol counter C2 is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 as a second special symbol operation memory designation command.

  Next, since the total value of the count values of the first and second symbol counters C1 and C2 is “5”, the process proceeds to step S83 again, the variable n is incremented to n = 6, and the prize ranking storage unit The sixth reserved ball code is read from the head of No. 1, and since this sixth reserved ball code is “0”, the operation memory designation command transmission processing is terminated as it is from step S84.

Finally, a special game designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 220, and the command return processing at the time of power recovery is terminated.
For this reason, the production control unit 220 performs predetermined initialization based on the power return designation command transmitted from the main control unit 210 when power is restored, performs model discrimination based on the model discrimination code designation command, and performs state designation command. To determine whether it is a time-shortening state, a probability variation state, or a normal state, and based on the production symbol designation command, it determines the stop, hit and miss state, and the special symbol based on the action memory designation command The winning ranking is determined, and based on the special game designation command, it is determined whether the probability is changing, the jackpot or stopped, and the determination result is written in a predetermined storage area of its own RAM (not shown). Thus, the game control state is restored by returning to the effect control state when the power is cut off and starting the control of the symbol control unit 221, the voice control unit 223, and the indicator light control unit 224. To accurately return to the game state at the time of power-off.

  Here, in the effect control unit 220, when the reception process of the operation memory designation command from the main control unit 210 is finished, the first special symbol operation memory designation command with the count value “1” and the second special symbol with the count value “1”. Symbol action memory designation command, first special symbol action memory designation command with count value “2”, first special symbol action memory designation command with count value “3”, and second special symbol action memory designation command with count value “2” Are stored in a special symbol storage unit as a winning rank storage unit formed in its own RAM (not shown) based on these commands, and the reserved ball codes “1”, “2”, “1” "," "1" and "2" are written, and the storage state when the power is cut off is accurately reproduced.

For this reason, by transmitting the reserved ball code stored in the special symbol storage unit to the symbol control unit 221, the symbol control unit 221 sequentially displays “O” and “O” on the reserved ball display unit 11a of the effect symbol display device 11. When “●”, “◯”, “◯”, and “●” are displayed and there are a plurality of start winning openings 6A and 6B, it is possible to accurately reproduce the winning order when the power is turned off.
In the state where “0” is written in each storage area of the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 built in the CPU 211 of the main storage unit 210 when the power is turned off and the reserved ball is “0”, In the working memory designation command transmission process executed by the main control unit 210 at the time of power recovery, when the first reserved ball code is read, it is “0”, so it is determined that there is no special symbol designation. By ending the operation memory designation command transmission process as it is, the production control unit 220 does not receive the operation memory designation command, so that eight memories in the special symbol rank storage unit formed in its own RAM (not shown). All the areas are maintained at “0”, the special symbol display command is not sent to the symbol control unit, and the reserved ball display is not performed on the reserved ball display unit 11 a of the effect symbol display device 11.

  In addition, when the power is turned off, the first special symbol code “1” and the second special symbol code “2” are written four by four in random order in the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 of the main storage unit 210. In this case, all of the first and second special symbol operation memory designation commands are processed by the operation memory designation command transmission process executed by the main controller 210 when the power is restored. At the stage of transmission, the count values of the first and second special symbol counters C1 and C2 become “4”, the total value of both count values becomes “8”, and the maximum number of operating memories is “8”. Therefore, the operation memory designation command transmission process is terminated as it is from step S82. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the operation memory designation command from being transmitted to the effect control unit 220 beyond the maximum number of operation memories.

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, when the power is turned off, the game information indicating the gaming state immediately before the occurrence of the power interruption is stored in the RAM 213 of the main control unit 210, and the stored game information is backed up even after the power is turned off. Since the backed up game information is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 by the power recovery command transmission process at the time of power recovery, only the RAM data of the main control unit 210 is backed up. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the backup power without requiring the RAM data backup.

In addition, when there are a plurality of start winning openings 6A, 6B, the winning order of the game balls to each start winning opening 6A, 6B when the power is cut off can be accurately reproduced when the power is restored, and the player feels uncomfortable. Giving can be surely prevented.
In addition, when a plurality of start winning openings are provided, an upper limit is set for the number of reserved balls for each starting winning opening, that is, the number of special symbol operating memories, and this upper limit is set to a value smaller than the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage section. By setting, it is possible to prevent only one winning ball from a plurality of starting winning holes from being stored in the winning rank storage unit, and in particular, an upper limit value of the number of special symbol operating memories for each starting winning port. Is set equal to or less than (the number of winning rankings in the winning ranking storage unit / the number of winning winning units), the number of held balls, that is, the number of special symbol operations, for each starting winning port stored in the winning ranking storage unit can be made equal.

  Further, it is stored when the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage unit is smaller than the maximum winning rank number in the operation storage designation command transmission process executed in the power return command transmission process at the time of power recovery. When transmission of the working memory designation command for the number of winning ranks is completed, it is not necessary to transmit data other than the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage unit by ending the working memory designation command transmission process. , Transmission time can be shortened.

  In addition, when the power is restored, the main control unit 210 sends a power return designation command transmission process, a model identification code designation command transmission process, a state designation command transmission process, a production symbol designation command transmission process, and the operation memory to the production control unit 220. By performing designated command transmission processing and special game designation command transmission processing, not only special symbol ranking but also time shortening state, probability fluctuation state, production symbol stop, hit, miss, changing, jackpot, stopping, etc. Since the game information at the time of power-off is transmitted, the effect control unit can accurately reproduce the game information at the time of power-off.

  In the above configuration, the first special symbol start switch 131 and the second special symbol start switch 132 correspond to the winning ball detecting means, the winning rank storage unit formed in the process of FIG. 6 and the RAM 213 corresponds to the winning rank storage means, The processing in steps S53 to S55 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the winning / not-lotting means, the processing in step S56 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the winning rank raising means, and the processing in FIGS. 8 and 9 corresponds to the information transmitting means.

In the above embodiment, the case where there are two start winning ports, the first and second start winning ports 6A and 6B, is not limited to this, but three or more start winning ports are provided. The present invention can also be applied to the case of providing.
In the above embodiment, the case where the backup power source 251 is provided in the power supply circuit 250 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control unit 210 may be provided with a backup power source.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the “◯” and “●” marks are displayed on the reserved ball display unit 11 a formed on the effect symbol display device 11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Marks of different colors can be applied or marks of different shapes can be applied. In short, it is only necessary to display the winning balls of a plurality of start winning openings in an identifiable state. Similarly, the codes to be written in the winning rank storage unit formed in the RAM 213 are not limited to “0”, “1”, and “2”, and any identifiable code may be written.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the effect symbol display device 11 is provided with the holding ball display unit 11a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a separate holding ball display unit is provided separately. In this case, a liquid crystal display may be applied, or a display in which a predetermined number of individual display units each having two colors of light emitting diodes arranged in a concave portion covered with a light-transmitting plate whose interior cannot be visually recognized is arranged. In other words, it is only necessary to be able to display the order of the winning balls with respect to the plurality of start winning holes in an identifiable manner.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the small prize is provided as the special prize state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the small prize may not be provided.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the low probability state and the short time non-actuated state are not generated after the big hit or the small hit, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be configured to cause a state and a short time inoperative state.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the jackpot determination is different between the case where the first start winning opening 6A is won and the case where the second start winning opening 6B is won is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the same jackpot determination may be performed.
In the above embodiment, the case where the first start winning opening 6A is a normal winning opening and the second starting winning opening is a winning opening provided with electric tulips has been described or not limited thereto. In addition, an electric tulip may be applied to the first start winning opening 6A, and a normal starting opening may be applied to the second starting winning opening, both of which can be provided with an electric tulip, or both can be used as a normal winning opening. It is.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the presentation control part 220 and the symbol control part 221 were mounted and comprised on the separate board | substrate, not only this but these can also be mounted and comprised on the same board | substrate.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the game control program stored in advance in the ROM 212 is executed in the execution of the game control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Instead, the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program showing these procedures into the RAM 213 and executed.

  Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that is a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other gaming machines such as an amusement game machine or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also applicable to.
For example, it is provided with an accessory device provided with a wing member that can be opened and closed at the center of the game board surface, and the wing member is opened and closed by winning a predetermined starting prize opening, during which a game ball wins in the accessory device, In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a special prize state is generated by winning a specific winning area provided in the accessory device.

It is the front view which showed typically the game board surface in a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a game control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the main control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of a special symbol. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power-on control processing procedure performed with the main control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the winning order storing process procedure performed with a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process procedure performed with a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the command transmission process sequence at the time of a power return performed by the main control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement memory designation | designated command transmission processing procedure of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game board, 4 ... Game area, 5 ... Center object, 6A ... 1st start winning opening, 6B ... 2nd starting winning opening, 7 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 9 ... Grand prize opening, 10 ... Out opening, 11 DESCRIPTION STANDARD DISPLAY DEVICE, 11a ... RESERVED BALL DISPLAY, 12 ... NORMAL SIGNAL DISPLAY DEVICE, 13 ... ELECTRIC TULIP, 131 ... FIRST SPECIAL SIGN START switch, 132 ... SECOND SPECIAL START switch, 133 ... NORMAL SIGN START switch , 210 ... main control unit, 211 ... CPU 212 ... ROM, 213 ... RAM, 214 ... input / output port, 216 ... special symbol start port, 217 ... grand prize opening / closing device, 220 ... effect control unit, 221 ... symbol control unit , 222, speaker, 223, audio control unit, 224, indicator lamp control unit, 225, game board indicator lamp, 225 ... main body indicator lamp, 230 ... payout control unit, 231 ... payout device, 240 ... launch control Department, 241 ... handle, 242 ... launchers, 250 ... power supply unit, 251 ... backup power supply, 252 ... RAM clear switch

Claims (3)

A main control unit that transmits a predetermined control command in response to winning of a winning ball at the start winning opening, and an effect control unit that performs predetermined effect control based on the control command transmitted from the main control unit A gaming machine,
Having a plurality of winning ball detection means for individually detecting winning balls that have entered a plurality of start winning openings;
The main control unit stores a predetermined number of winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors, and stores a predetermined number of winning balls stored in the winning rank memory, which can be stored when the power is turned off. In response to this, the winning lottery means for performing the lottery determination, the winning rank raising means for raising the winning rank stored in the winning rank storage means each time the lottery is performed by the corresponding reject lottery means, and the winning rank when the power is restored At least information sending means for sending the winning rank stored in the storage means to the effect control unit as an operation memory designation command;
The gaming machine is configured to send a display command for displaying a prize ranking to the prize ranking display section when the operation control designation command is received.   The winning ranking storage means is configured to limit the number of winnings that can be won for each of the plurality of start winning slots to an upper limit value that is smaller than a predetermined number that stores the winning ranking of the winning ranking storage means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The information sending means, when the number of winning ranks stored in the winning rank storage means is less than a predetermined number, the action memory designation when the sending of the action memory designation command for the number of winning ranks stored is completed 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to end the command transmission process.

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