JP2015181617A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance reliability in the event of power interruption in a "pinball game machine of a type awarding profits when a specified region within a variable ball entrance is passed".SOLUTION: If power supply is interrupted during a specific game and is restored afterward, the machine resumes the specific game from a point where the power supply is interrupted. If a specific period when the possibility of a game ball passing a specific region becomes higher occurs during the specific game, the machine can conduct specific performance to indicate whether a ball game passes a specific region during the specific period or not. If the power supply is interrupted during the specific period and is restored afterward, the specific performance reflecting a status of passage of the game ball through the specific region before interruption of the power supply is conducted during the specific period of the resumed specific game.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board on which a game area is formed.

  A variable entrance is provided based on the fact that a variable entrance is provided that can be changed between a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball can enter, and a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is known a ball game machine that executes a specific game in which can enter a ball. Among such ball game machines, there is a ball game machine that gives a game profit to a player based on a game ball passing through a specific area in a variable entrance during a specific game. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, a big hit game is executed in which the variable entrance is ready to enter, and if the game ball passes a specific area during the big hit game, the big hit after the big hit game ends A ball game machine (Patent Document 1) that increases the probability that a symbol will stop display, or if a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a small hit symbol, a small hit game that allows the variable entrance to enter the ball for only a short time is executed. When a game ball passes through a specific area during the small hit game, a ball game machine (Patent Document 2) that executes a big hit game in which a variable entrance is allowed to enter for a long time is known. It has been.

  In addition, the majority of gaming machines, including the above-mentioned “type of ball game machines that give profits by passing through a specific area in the variable entrance,” the state of their own at the time of the occurrence of a power interruption that cuts off the power supply Is stored (so-called backup), and when power supply is restored, it has a function of returning to the state at the time of the occurrence of power interruption.

Japanese Patent No. 5035648 JP 2007-097690 A

  However, in the case of the “ball game machine of the type that gives a profit by passing through a specific area in the variable entrance” as described above, when the power supply is restored after the interruption of power, the progress of the specific game is Even when returning to the state at the time of the occurrence of interruption, there were some effects during the specific game that did not return to the state at the time of occurrence of interruption. In this case, there is a problem that the performance in accordance with the progress state of the specific game is not performed, and there is a possibility that the player may be distrusted or lost, and the reliability of the ball game machine is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a “ball game machine of a type that provides a profit by passing through a specific area in a variable entrance”, the reliability at the time of occurrence of an electrical interruption is increased. For the purpose.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A variable entrance that can be changed between a state where a game ball cannot enter and a state where a game ball can enter,
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a state in which entry is possible;
Profit granting means for granting a predetermined game profit to a player based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the variable entry slot passes through a specific area during execution of the specific game;
Production control means for controlling production during the specific game;
With
The specific game execution means is
When the power supply is interrupted during the specific game, and then the power supply is restored, the specific game is resumed from the time when the power supply is interrupted,
The production control means includes
When a specific period in which the possibility of passing a game ball to the specific area occurs during the specific game, a specific effect indicating whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period can be executed. ,
When the power supply is cut off within the specific period and then the power supply is restored, the specific effect reflecting the passing situation of the game ball to the specific area before the power supply is cut off is resumed. The game is executed within the specific period of the game.

  In such a ball game machine, when the progress of the specific game resumed by the restoration of power supply is within a specific period, the player determines whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period. Can be recognized immediately. As a result, in the specific game after the restoration of power supply, it is possible to prevent the specific game from proceeding without being able to recognize whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period, and distrust the player. It can suppress giving a feeling and a loss. Therefore, in the “ball game machine of the type that gives a profit by passing through a specific area in the variable entrance”, it is possible to improve the reliability when the power interruption occurs.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine is
The production control means includes
As the specific effect, a first specific effect indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area, and a first effect indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area in a simpler manner than the first specific effect. The second specific effect, the third specific effect indicating that the game ball has not passed through the specific area, and the game ball passing through the specific area in a simpler manner than the third specific effect. A fourth specific effect indicating that there is no
When the specific period occurs without the power supply being cut off after the specific game is started, the first specific effect or the third specific effect is executed within the specific period,
When the power supply is interrupted within the specific period and then the power supply is restored, the second specific effect or the fourth specific effect may be executed within the specific period of the restarted specific game. Good.

  According to such a ball game machine, when the progress of the specific game is within the specific period when the specific game is resumed by the restoration of power supply, the second simpler than the first specific effect. The fourth specific effect that is simpler than the specific effect or the third specific effect is executed. In this way, it is possible to reduce the time required for the restoration process and the like, and to prompt the player to recognize whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period. Therefore, in the “ball game machine of the type that gives a profit by passing through a specific area in the variable entrance”, it is possible to improve the reliability when the power interruption occurs.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine is
A main control unit having the specific game execution means;
A sub-control unit having the effect control means;
With
The main control unit, when the progress status of the specific game when the specific game is resumed by restoring power supply is within the specific period, specific information indicating whether or not the specific area has been passed To the sub-control unit,
Based on the fact that the sub control unit receives the specific information transmitted from the main control unit, the effect control means may execute the specific effect within the specific period.

  According to such a ball game machine, whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period even if the sub-control unit does not store the progress status of the specific game at the time of occurrence of the power interruption. Can be recognized and a specific effect can be executed. In addition, even when the sub-control unit stores the progress status of the specific game at the time of occurrence of power interruption, the progress status of the specific game at the time of power-off occurrence stored by the main control unit and the sub-control unit is inconsistent. The consistency between the progress control of the specific game and the progress control of the performance can be improved by checking whether or not there is. As a result, in the “ball-type game machine of the type that gives a profit by passing through a specific area in the variable entrance”, it is possible to improve the reliability when an electric interruption occurs.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the reliability when a power interruption occurs in a “ball game machine of a type that gives a profit by passing through a specific area in a variable entrance”.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the 1st example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st symbol display apparatus and 2nd symbol display apparatus of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the presentation display apparatus of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the starting port unit of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the distribution area | region of 1st Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with the effect display apparatus of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the symbol stop of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the opening pattern of the special winning opening of 1st Example, and the operation pattern of a distribution member. It is a flowchart which shows the specific area related process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot end of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol fluctuation effect process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the round effect of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the round effect of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the game progress situation evacuated and memorize | stored at the time of the power failure generation | occurrence | production of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the sub side power activation of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the round production at the time of the electric power restoration of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the effect during a small hit at the time of the electric power restoration of 2nd Example.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the following pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) will be described.

A. First Example:
A-1. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper plate part 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. The game ball is thrown into the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 7). A speaker 5 y is provided on the left side of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle.

A-1-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launching device unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down from above the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and an effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background image can be displayed in a variable manner and stopped. Various effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the effect display device 27, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the effect display device 27. Among these, the first symbol display device 28 can display the normal symbol and the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the second symbol display device 32 can display the second special symbol in a variable manner. It has become. Detailed configurations of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 will be described later. In the following, the first special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “first special figure”, and the second special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “second special figure”.

  In the game area 11, a normal symbol operating gate 36 is provided on the left side of the central device 26, and a normal symbol gate switch 36s (see FIG. 7) detects the passage of a game ball inside the normal symbol operating gate 36. ) Is provided. A ramp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the game area 11, a start port unit 17 is provided below the central device 26. As will be described later, the starting port unit 17 is configured by combining two starting ports up and down, and the first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is a size of a game ball receiving opening that allows game balls to enter. Is a fixed (non-variable) entrance where the game ball can always enter, and the second start port 17b provided on the lower side has a pair of left and right The wing piece is a variable entrance that is configured to be openable and closable. The detailed configuration of the start port unit 17 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  In the game area 11, a first grand prize device 60 is provided on the right side of the central device 26. The first grand prize winning device 60 includes a first grand prize winning opening 60d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 60e that opens and closes the first grand prize winning opening 60d, and a first grand prize winning solenoid 60m that operates the opening / closing member 60e. (Refer to FIG. 7). When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the first grand prize winning device 60 starts operating, the first grand prize winning solenoid 60m opens the opening / closing member 60e, and the first grand prize winning opening 60d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the first big winning opening 60d with a high probability, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is executed. Further, a first grand prize opening switch 60s (see FIG. 7) is provided inside the first big prize opening 60d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d. .

  In the game area 11, a second big prize device 65 is provided below the start port unit 17. The second grand prize winning device 65 includes a second big prize winning opening 65d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 65e that opens and closes the second big prize winning opening 65d, and a second big prize winning solenoid 65m that operates the opening / closing member 65e. (Refer to FIG. 7). When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the second grand prize winning device 65 starts to operate, the second big prize winning solenoid 65m opens the opening / closing member 65e, and the second big prize winning opening 65d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the second big winning opening 65d with a high probability, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is executed. In addition, a second big prize opening switch 65s (see FIG. 7) is provided inside the second big prize opening 65d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 65d. .

  In addition, a “distribution area 70” into which a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 65 d can enter is formed below the second large winning opening 65 d and on the back side of the game board 10. The distribution area 70 is provided with a configuration for distributing the game balls that have entered the distribution area 70 to either the “specific area 71” or the “non-specific area 72”. Moreover, in the game board 10, the part corresponding to the position of the distribution area | region 70 is formed with transparent boards, such as a colorless plastic board. Therefore, it is possible for the player to visually recognize how the game balls are distributed to the specific area 71 and the non-specific area 72 in the distribution area 70. The detailed configuration of the distribution area 70 will be described later with reference to another drawing. Not all game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 65d are guided to the distribution area 70, and among the game balls that have entered the second big prize opening 65d, the game balls are transferred to the distribution area 71 side. Only the moved game balls are guided to the distribution area 71, and the remaining game balls are discharged from a discharge port (not shown) provided on the back side of the second grand prize winning port 65d.

  An out port 48 is provided in the lower part of the game area 11, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided in the lower part of the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3A shows the first symbol display device 28, and FIG. 3B shows the second symbol display device 32. First, the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 of the first embodiment is constructed by incorporating 16 small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular area. Of these 16 LEDs, 5 LEDs constitute the normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining 11 LEDs constitute the first special symbol display unit 30. Further, the normal symbol display unit 29 is composed of one LED (normal symbol LED 29a) for displaying a normal symbol and four LEDs (normal symbol hold display LED 29b) for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols. It is configured. In addition, the first special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying the first special symbol (first special symbol LED 30a) and four LEDs for displaying the number of reserved first special symbols ( First special figure hold display LED 30b). In the following, the holding of the first special symbol (first special figure) is also referred to as “first special figure holding”, and the holding number of the first special figure is also referred to as “first special figure holding number”.

  The 2nd symbol display apparatus 32 shown in FIG.3 (b) becomes a structure which remove | eliminated the normal symbol display part 29 from the 1st symbol display apparatus 28 mentioned above. That is, the second symbol display device 32 is provided with a second special symbol display unit 33 composed of eleven LEDs, and the seven LEDs provided in the approximate center of the second symbol display unit 33 display the second special symbol. This is an LED for display (second special symbol LED 33a), and the remaining four LEDs are LEDs for displaying the number of reserved special symbols (second special symbol hold LED 33b). Hereinafter, the holding of the second special symbol (second special figure) is also referred to as “second special figure holding”, and the holding number of the second special figure is also referred to as “second special figure holding number”. If there is no need to distinguish between them, “first special figure hold” and “second special figure hold” are collectively referred to as “special figure hold”.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured using a liquid crystal display, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background image 27d of the background are displayed on the display screen. . The three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display in synchronization with the start timing of the special symbol variable display in the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33. The variation display is performed in various modes until the variation time elapses. Then, the variation display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is completed in synchronization with the end timing of special symbol variation display (special symbol stop display).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the start port unit 17 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. As described above, the start port unit 17 is provided with the first start port 17a and the second start port 17b. The first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is configured as a non-variable type (pocket type) inlet (general starting port) with a fixed size of the game ball receiving port, and the second starting port 17a provided on the lower side. The start port 17b is configured as a variable entry port (variable start port) having a pair of blade pieces 17w. The pair of wing pieces 17w can take two states, a substantially upright closed state (see FIG. 5A) and an open state rotated outward (see FIG. 5B). . As shown in FIG. 5A, the closed state of the second starter port 17b in which the pair of wing pieces 17w are almost upright is such that the game ball cannot enter the second starter port 17b and is exclusively used for the first start. In this state, the ball enters the mouth 17a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the open state of the second starting port 17b in which the pair of wing pieces 17w are opened outward is a state in which a game ball can enter the second starting port 17b. It is. In the starting port unit 17 of the first embodiment, when the second starting port 17b is opened, the second starting port 17b is easier to enter the game ball than the first starting port 17a.

  The game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passages provided in the respective ones. A first start port switch 17s is provided in the middle of the passage inside the first start port 17a, and a second start port switch 17t is provided in the middle of the passage inside the second start port 17b. The game balls that have entered the starting port 17a or the second starting port 17b are detected by the first starting port switch 17s (see FIG. 7) or the second starting port switch 17t (see FIG. 7), respectively.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the distribution area 70 of the first embodiment. As described above, the distribution area 70 is formed below the second big prize opening 65d and on the back side of the game board 10, and a game ball entered into the second big prize opening 65d can enter. It is an area. As shown in FIG. 6A, the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 65 d enters the distribution area 70 from the entrance 74. A distribution member 73 is provided below the entrance 74, a specific area 71 is provided below the left side (one side) of the distribution member 73, and below the right side (the other side) of the distribution member 73. Is provided with a non-specific region 72.

  The sorting member 73 is formed in an arrow shape on the tip side, and the base side is connected to the rotation shaft of the sorting motor 73m (see FIG. 7). Thereby, the distribution member 73 can perform the operation | movement which rotates right and left centering on the base side. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the sorting member 73 rotates to the left side (one side), the game balls that have entered the sorting area 70 are moved to the right side (the other side) of the sorting member 73. ) And a guide pin 75 projecting between the sorting member 73 and the non-specific region 72 and is guided to the non-specific region 72 (passes through the non-specific region 72).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the sorting member 73 is rotated to the right side (the other side), the game ball that has entered the sorting area 70 is left side of the sorting member 73 ( One surface) and a guide pin 76 projecting between the sorting member 73 and the specific area 71 are guided to the specific area 71 (pass through the specific area 71). The operation of the distribution member 73 will be described in detail later.

A-1-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. Under the control of the main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the control of the game effects using the design symbols, lamps, and sound effects, image display and audio An audio / video control board 230 that performs output, a decoration drive board 226 that drives various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f under the control of the sub-control board 220, and a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out balls and prize balls. , A launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls, a power board 280 that supplies power to these boards, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and a pachinko machine. Various peripheral LSIs such as a flash memory capable of retaining stored contents even after the power supply to 1 is cut off are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 detects a game ball that has passed through the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the first big prize port switch 60s, the second big prize port switch 65s, and the specific area 71. When a detection signal of a game ball is input from the specific region detection switch 71s, the non-specific region detection switch 72s that detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific region 72, the normal gate switch 36s, etc., Commands for instructing various operations determined according to the switches are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like. Further, when an operation signal is input from the reset switch RS, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 detects that the reset switch RS has been operated. The role of the reset switch RS will be described later.

  Further, the main control board 200 has a start opening solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the second start opening 17b and a first grand prize for opening and closing a first big prize opening 60d. The opening solenoid 60m, the second large winning opening solenoid 65m for opening and closing the second large winning opening 65d, the first symbol display device 28, the second symbol display device 32, etc. are connected via a relay terminal plate (not shown). The CPU 201 also controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the various solenoids 17m, 60m, 65m, the first symbol display device 28, and the second symbol display device 32. Further, a distribution motor 73m for operating the distribution member 73 is also connected to the main control board 200 via a relay terminal plate (not shown). The CPU 201 rotates the sorting member 73 by driving the sorting motor 73m.

  An audio / video control board 230 and a decoration drive board 226 are connected to the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and performs a game effect according to the result. That is, by sending a command for designating display contents and audio contents to the image / sound control board 230, or by sending drive signals of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f to the decoration drive board 226, the effect of the game I do.

  The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads out data (for example, sprite data or moving image data for displaying an effect design or a character image) used to display the instructed image from the image ROM 235 to generate an image, and Output to the display screen. Further, when receiving a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 reads out voice data corresponding to the command from the voice ROM 236, and outputs a voice based on the voice data from the speaker 5y via the amplifier board 224.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m, whereby the prize ball is paid out.

  The power supply board 280 converts 100V AC power supplied thereto into 25V DC power, and then supplies it to each control board and board. The power supply board 280 is connected to a power switch DS for turning on / off the power of the pachinko machine 1. The power supply board 280 is provided with a voltage drop detection circuit 281 for detecting a voltage drop of the supplied power. When the voltage drop detection circuit 281 detects a voltage drop of the supplied power, the voltage drop detection circuit 281 transmits a voltage drop signal indicating that to the main control board 200. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives the voltage drop signal, power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is interrupted by the power switch DS being turned off or a power failure or the like by an attendant or the like.

A-2. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate part 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided in the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the first symbol display device 28 provided at the lower left of the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided with the normal symbol LED 29a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29b. Yes. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol (repetition of turning on and off).

  When the launched game ball enters the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b, a big hit determination is performed to determine whether it is a big hit or missed. When a game ball enters the first starting port 17a, the first symbol display unit 30 of the first symbol display device 28 starts the variable display of the first special symbol and enters the second starting port 17b. In such a case, the second special symbol display unit 33 of the second symbol display device 32 starts the variable display of the second special symbol.

  The first special symbol and the second special symbol are variably displayed until a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, and if the big hit determination result is a big hit, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, and the big hit determination result is out of place. In the event of a failure, it will be stopped and displayed with an off symbol. Then, a display (hereinafter also referred to as “determined display”) is performed to maintain the state in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed until a predetermined time elapses in order to determine the symbol that has been stopped and displayed. In the first embodiment, 100 kinds of big hit symbols (big hit symbols 1 to 100) and one type of off symbol are provided for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol as the symbols to be stopped and displayed (stop symbols). Is provided. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, each of the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 is composed of seven LEDs, and each symbol has a different combination of LEDs to be lit. Is set. In the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, each of the seven LEDs (the first special symbol LED 30a and the second special symbol LED 33a) blinks for a predetermined variation time to display the variation of the special symbol. When the variation time elapses, one of the symbols is stopped and displayed by lighting a predetermined combination of LEDs. When any of the big winning symbols is stopped (determined), the big winning game is started in which the first big winning port 60d and the second big winning port 65d are opened at a predetermined rate (a big win is generated). To do). During the big hit game, the game ball is paid out when the game ball enters the first big prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d.

  In the following, the game from the time when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner until the time when the variable display is completed and the jackpot symbol or the out-of-game symbol is confirmed, that is, the game until the result of one variation display is obtained. Also referred to as “symbol changing game”.

  The game balls entering the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are held on the first special symbol until the special symbol variable display triggered by the ball is started (the first special symbol hold). ) Or the second special symbol hold (second special figure hold) is stored in the storage area of RAM 203 (special figure hold storage area). The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can each be stored up to four, and the number of the first special figure hold (the first special figure hold number) can be stored in the first special figure hold display LED 30b. The number of second special figure hold (second special figure hold number) is displayed on the second special figure hold display LED 33b.

  Corresponding to the symbol variation game of FIG. 1 or the second special diagram, the effect display device 27 uses various effects using the effect symbols (identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, etc.) (hereinafter also referred to as “symbol variation effect”). Is done. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating one aspect of the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 27. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display constituting the effect display device 27, a left symbol display area in which the left identification symbol 27a is displayed, a middle symbol display region in which the middle identification symbol 27b is displayed, and a right identification symbol 27c are displayed. The right symbol display areas are formed, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed using these display areas. When the special symbol variation display is started in either the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c also start the variation display at the same time in the effect display device 27. To do. In the first embodiment, as an identification symbol, a symbol having nine numbers from “1” to “9” as a design is prepared.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identification symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is a special symbol (first special symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 described above. Or it is comprised so that it may interlock with the stop display mode of the 2nd special figure). For example, when the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed as “big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are the symbol combinations (spotted eyes) that have the same symbol. Stopped display. In addition, when the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed as “out of symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in the same symbol combination (separated pattern). . The identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed are in a stopped display (determined display) until the special symbol fixed display time elapses.

  Thus, the special symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other. In addition, when the first special figure or the second special figure during the variable display is stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more noticeable than the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, it is normal for a player to play a symbol variation game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In such a case, the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last time also stops at the same symbol, and the big hit game is started. ”The player pays attention to the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbol. Will do. In this way, the effect performed in a state in which the two identification symbols are stopped at the same symbol (a mode that can be a doublet) and the last identification symbol is variably displayed is called “reach effect”. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment interest by generating.

A-3. Control contents of pachinko machine 1:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the game control process. The game control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executing a program stored in the ROM 202. In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, by performing this game control process, “control for advancing the game” and “control when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is cut off” are performed. Below, “control for advancing a game” will be described first, and then “control when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is cut off” will be described.

A-3-1. Control to advance the game:
A-3-1-1. Processing by main control board 200:
As shown in FIG. 9, when starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first performs a power-on process (S50). In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power switch DS is turned off by an attendant or the like, or when a power failure occurs, the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is cut off. The occurrence process (S600) is performed as an interrupt process. In the power-on process (S50), a process reflecting the result of the power interruption occurrence process (S600) is performed. The power-on process (S50) and the power interruption occurrence process (S600) will be described later in the description of "A-3-2. Control when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is shut off". ,explain in detail.

  When the power-on process is performed (S50), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the “prize ball related process”, the “normal symbol game process”, the “second start opening closing process”, the “special figure hold related process”, and the “special symbol game”. Each process such as “process” and “big hit game process” is repeatedly executed as a timer interrupt process every 4 msec. During the game control process, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game.

  In the prize ball-related process (S100), a process for paying out a game ball as a prize ball is performed. That is, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the first grand prize port switch 60s, the second big prize) For the mouth switch 65s), it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered (passed). When a game ball enters (passes), the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives the prize ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and according to the result, a drive signal is sent to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device (not shown). Is sent out to actually pay out a prize ball.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not to perform a normal symbol game process following the prize ball related process (S100) (S150). This determination process is performed by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S150: yes), and if the second start port 17b is in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S150: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S150: yes), a process (ordinary symbol game process) for executing the normal symbol game described below is performed (S200). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S150: no), the normal symbol game process (S200) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S200), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. Here, the common figure hold stores information indicating the value of the random number determined per common figure obtained when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36. In the first embodiment, the number of stored numbers is stored. The upper limit value of (holding number) is “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol or with the off symbol. Subsequently, after the normal symbol variation time is set, the normal symbol variation display is started, and after the variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped at the determined symbol (the normal symbol LED 29a is turned on or off). Display. At this time, when the symbol of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (when the normal symbol LED 29a is lit), the start port solenoid 17m is operated to rotate the blade piece 17w provided in the second start port 17b to both sides. Thus, the second start port 17b is opened (see FIG. 5B).

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is open (S250). And when it is an open state (S250: yes), the process (2nd start port closing process) for making the 2nd start port 17b into a closed state from an open state is performed (S300). On the other hand, if the second start port 17b is not in the open state (S250: no), the second start port closing process need not be performed and is omitted.

  In the second starting port closing process (S300), when any of the following conditions is satisfied (when the starting port opening end condition is satisfied), that is, the opening time of the second starting port 17b has elapsed, or , It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the specified number of game balls have entered the second start port 17b is satisfied, and the release is performed when any of the conditions (start port open end condition) is satisfied. The process which makes the 2nd starting port 17b of a state closed is performed. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number (when the start port opening end condition is not satisfied), The second start port closing process (S300) is terminated with the second start port 17b open.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment is set to “electric support state” or “non-electric support state”. Compared to the “non-electric support state”, the “electric support state” has a higher probability that the result of the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination will be “hit” (probability per normal figure), and the normal symbol change time (normal figure change time) ) Is short and the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to be long. Therefore, in the electric support state, compared with the non-electric support state, the second start port 17b is frequently opened and the period of the open state is longer. This is an advantageous period for players who are likely to enter the game.

  In order to realize such a configuration, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is set to “electric support state”, the “variable shortening flag” and “open extension flag” are set to ON. When the gaming state is set to the “non-electric support state”, these flags are set to OFF. Then, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base map to a high probability (for example, “99/100”) and sets the base map change time to a short time (for example, “99/100”). For example, “1 second” is set, and based on the “open extension flag” being set to ON, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a long time (for example, “1.5 seconds × 3 times open = 4.5 seconds "). On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base drawing to a low probability (for example, “2/100”) and sets the base map variation time to a long time (for example, “ 20 seconds "), and based on the fact that the opening extension flag is set to OFF, the opening time of the second start port 17b is short (for example," 0.1 seconds × 3 times opening = 0.3 seconds "). )).

  Thus, when the process related to the closing of the second start port 17b is performed (S250 to S300), the process for storing the special figure hold (the special figure hold related process) is performed (S350). In the special figure hold-related process, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a, the number of hold of the first special symbol (first special figure hold number) reaches the upper limit ("4" in the first embodiment). If not, the determination random number is acquired and stored as the first special figure hold. Further, when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, the determination is made if the number of reserved special symbols (the number of second special figure reserved) has not reached the upper limit ("4" in the first embodiment). A random number is acquired and stored as a second special figure hold. Here, as the determination random number, in order to determine the big hit determination random number for performing the big hit determination or the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed as the first special figure or the second special figure when the result of the big hit determination is “big hit” The design pattern random number, the variation pattern determination random number for determining the variation pattern until the symbol is stopped and displayed are acquired.

  In this way, when the special figure holding related process is performed (S350), a process for executing the special symbol game (special symbol game process) is performed (S400). In the special symbol game process, the following process is performed when the big hit game is not being played. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol (either the first special figure or the second special figure) is being displayed in a variable display or a final display. If the special symbol is neither variable display nor final display, processing for starting the special symbol variable display (symbol variable game) is performed.

  In this process, first, when the second special figure hold is stored, the second special figure hold is read, and when the second special figure hold is not stored, the first special figure hold is read. When the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is read, it is determined whether or not the high-accuracy flag is set to ON.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment is set to either the above-mentioned “electric support state” or “non-electric support state”, and a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit) The determination result is set to either a “high probability state” having a high probability (a jackpot probability) or a “low probability state” having a lower probability than the high probability state. The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON when the gaming state is set to a high probability state (a state in which the probability changing function is activated).

  If it is in the low probability state, the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read special figure hold will be a “big hit” with a low probability (for example, 1/300). For example, a jackpot determination is performed in which the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number becomes “big hit” with a high probability (for example, 1/30). Subsequently, based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number included in the read special figure hold, the fluctuation pattern from when the special symbol starts to display until it stops is determined. Furthermore, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, based on the symbol determination random number included in the special figure hold, the display is stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game from 100 types of big hit symbols (hit symbols 1 to 100). Determine the jackpot symbol. When the result of the big hit determination is out of place, only one type of out-of-line symbol is determined as it is as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game. In this way, the jackpot determination is performed based on the special figure hold, and when the fluctuation pattern and the symbols to be stopped and displayed (one of the 100 kinds of jackpot symbols or the off symbol) are determined, the fluctuation pattern is designated. A “variation pattern designation command” and a “stop symbol designation command” that designates a symbol to be stopped and displayed (collectively, these are also expressed as “variation start command”) are transmitted to the sub control board 220. Then, the variation display of the special symbol is started based on the determined variation pattern. When the variation display of the special symbol is performed based on the variation pattern, the determined symbol is stopped and displayed, and a “symbol stop command” indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. In the special symbol game process of S400, the process described below is also performed in addition to the process described above.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the symbol stop process of the first embodiment. The symbol stop process is a process performed after the special symbol is stopped and displayed (determined display) in the special symbol game process (S400 in FIG. 9). When the special symbol is stopped and displayed (ie, when the symbol stop process shown in FIG. 10 is started), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game. (S402). As a result, if the jackpot symbol is not stopped and displayed, that is, if the out symbol is stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game (S402: no), the symbol stop process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol as a result of the symbol variation display this time (S402: yes), a big winning opening during the jackpot game (the first grand prize winning) is to start the jackpot game. The opening pattern of the mouth 60d and the second grand prize opening 65d) is set (S404). Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, four types of big hit games (hit hit games) with different opening patterns of the big prize opening according to the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped (triggered by the big hit game) 1 to jackpot game 4) can be executed. Therefore, in the process of S404, the winning pattern opening pattern is set according to the type of the jackpot symbol that has been stopped.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the opening pattern of the big prize opening in the jackpot game of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the first embodiment, the first big winning opening 60d or the second big winning opening 65d is used when any big winning game is executed (even when any big winning symbol is stopped and displayed). Although the round game (1-16R in the figure) to be in the open state is performed 16 times, as shown by the bold line in the figure, the opening patterns of the second grand prize opening 65d in the third and 15th round games are different from each other (hereinafter referred to as the bold game). Then, the n-th round game is also called n round (n is 1 to 16)).

  That is, when the jackpot game 1 is performed with the jackpot symbols 1 to 25 being stopped and displayed, the first jackpot 60d is opened for a long time (for example, 30 seconds) in rounds 1, 2, 4 to 14, 16 In the third and fifteenth rounds, the second winning opening 65d is opened for a short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then opened for a long time (for example, 30 seconds) after being opened (for example, 3 seconds after being closed). An opening pattern is set. In the following description, the long opening state of the special winning opening is expressed as “long opening”, and the short opening state is also expressed as “short opening”.

  When the jackpot game 2 is performed by stopping and displaying the jackpot symbols 26 to 50, the opening pattern of the three rounds is different from the jackpot game 1, and the second big winning opening 65d is briefly opened in the third round. An opening pattern that does not open is set. Also, when the big hit game 3 is performed by displaying the big hit symbols 51 to 75 in a stopped manner, the 15-round opening pattern is different from the big hit game 1, and the second big winning opening 65d is shortly opened in the 15th round. An opening pattern is set in which the opening of things is not performed. In addition, when the big hit game 4 is performed by displaying the big hit symbols 76 to 100 in a stopped manner, the opening patterns of the third round and the 15th round are different from the big hit game 1 and the second big winning opening 65d in the third round and the 15th round. An opening pattern is set in which short opening is performed but long opening is not performed.

  Thus, when the opening pattern of the special winning opening is set (S404), the operation pattern of the distribution member 73 is set (S406). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the distribution member 73 normally maintains a state in which game balls are distributed to the non-specific area 72 (see FIG. 6B, hereinafter also referred to as “non-specific area distribution state”). And operate in a predetermined round during the jackpot game. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation pattern of the distribution member 73 is a state in which the game balls are distributed to the specific area 71 by reaching a predetermined time after the start of rounds 3 and 15 during the big hit game. There is provided an operation pattern (see FIG. 6C, hereinafter also referred to as “specific area distribution state”). It should be noted that the time when the distribution member 73 is in the specific area distribution state coincides with the time when the second big prize opening 65d is long open, and the second big prize opening 65d can be long open. (For example, from 3 seconds after the short opening is completed until 3 or 15 rounds are completed), the distribution member 73 is controlled to be in the specific area distribution state.

  Thus, when the operation pattern of the sorting member 73 is set (S406), the big hit flag is set to ON (S408). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is in progress, and the storage area is secured at a predetermined address in the RAM 203. Then, a “big hit game start command” indicating the start of the big hit game and the type of the big hit game (any one of the big hit games 1 to 4) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S410).

  When the big hit game start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in this way (S410), the special symbol game process of S400 of FIG. 9 is ended by ending the symbol stop process shown in FIG. When the special symbol game process is completed, the “big hit game process (S500 in FIG. 9)” is subsequently performed.

  The jackpot game process (S500) is a process performed when the jackpot flag is set to ON, that is, during the execution of the jackpot game. In the big hit game processing, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls the first big prize opening solenoid 60m and the second big prize opening solenoid 65m, and the first winning pattern opening pattern described above with reference to FIG. The special winning opening 60d and the second special winning opening 65d are set to an open state and a closed state. Further, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 directs the “round start command” that can identify the round game to be started (any of 1 to 16 rounds) to the sub control board 220 at the timing of starting each round game. Then, at the timing of ending each round game, a “round end command” that can identify the round game to be ended (any of 1 to 16 rounds) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. When the first grand prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d is in an open state, a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls are not yet passed before the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When entering the big winning opening, the big winning opening is closed and the round game is ended.

  In addition, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls the distribution motor 73m to identify the distribution member 73 in the operation pattern of the distribution member 73 described above with reference to FIG. 11 (3 rounds and 15 rounds). The area is assigned. In the big hit game process of S500, in addition to the process described above, the process described below is also performed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific area related process performed as part of the big hit game process (S500 in FIG. 9). The specific area-related processing is performed during the execution of 3 rounds and 15 rounds of the jackpot game. In these round games, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the specific area detection switch 71s has detected a game ball, that is, the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 65d passes through the specific area 71. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S502). As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 (S502: yes), a specific flag indicating that the game ball has passed the specific area is set to ON (S504). And after transmitting the specific area passage command which shows that the game ball passed the specific area 71 toward the sub control board 220, the specific area related process shown in FIG. 12 is complete | finished. If it is determined in S502 that the game ball has not passed through the specific area 71 (S502: no), the processes in S504 and S506 are omitted. In the big hit game process of S500 of FIG. 9, the process described below is further performed.

  FIG. 13 shows a big hit end process performed as part of the big hit game process (S500 in FIG. 9). The big hit end process is performed when the big hit game is finished. When the big hit end process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first sets the big hit flag to OFF in order to end the big hit game (S550). Then, a jackpot end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S552).

  Subsequently, whether or not the specific flag is set to ON, that is, in the jackpot game that ends this time (3 rounds or 15 rounds during the jackpot game), the game ball that has entered the second grand prize winning port 65d is in the specific area. It is determined whether or not 71 is passed (S554). As a result, when the game ball passes through the specific area 71 (S554: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON in order to set the gaming state after the big hit game to the electric support state (S556). ). In addition to this, in order to set the gaming state after the big hit game to a high probability state, the high-accuracy flag is set to ON (S558). That is, the game state after the big hit game is set to the electric support state and the high probability state. Subsequently, “70” is set as the value of the continuation counter (S560). The continuation counter is a counter in which the remaining number of symbol variable games is set until the “period in which the gaming state is set to the electric support state and the high probability state” ends. It is secured. The value of the continuation counter is decremented by “1” when the symbol variation game is performed once in the “period in which the gaming state is set to the electric support state and the high probability state”. If the value of the continuation counter becomes “0” by performing 70 symbol variation games during this period, the variation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to OFF, so that the gaming state is changed to the non-electric support state. When the high probability flag is set to OFF, the gaming state is set to a low probability state (the gaming state is set to a non-electric support state and a low probability state).

  Subsequently, the specific flag is set to OFF in preparation for passing the specific area 71 of the game ball during the next big hit game (S562). Then, the big hit game process shown in FIG. 9 is finished by ending the big hit end process shown in FIG. If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71 in the big hit game ended this time, the processing of S556 to S562 is omitted. That is, the game state after the big hit game is set to a non-electric support state and a low probability state.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the game ball passes the specific area 71 in 3 rounds or 15 rounds during the big hit game, the big hit game is played until 70 symbol variation games are performed. The game state after the end is set to the electric support state and the high probability state. On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 during the big hit game, the game state after the big hit game is set to the non-electric support state and the low probability state.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, in the 3rd round or the 15th round, the sorting member 73 adjusts the specific area sorting state (in accordance with the period during which the second big winning opening 65d can be opened long). A state in which a game ball can pass through the specific area 71). For this reason, the game ball cannot pass through the specific area 71 unless the second grand prize opening 65d is long open in the third round or the 15th round. Therefore, in the 3rd round and the 15th round, the player is expected to release the long second winning opening 65d. Then, when the long opening of the second big prize opening 65d is performed, the player is expected to have the game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 65d pass through the specific area 71. In the following, the 3rd round and the 15th round in which the second grand prize opening 65d is opened long, that is, the round in which the game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 65d can pass through the specific area 71 is specified. This is also called a “challenge round” because the player challenges the passage through the area 71.

  It should be noted that the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is a big hit game in which a round game in which the first grand prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d (variable ball entrance) is in an open state (a state in which a player can enter) is performed a plurality of times. Execute a specific game. In addition, based on the fact that the game ball that entered the second grand prize opening 65d passes through the specific area 71 during the challenge round (specific period), the game state is set to the electric support state and the high probability state as a predetermined game profit. Set. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “specific game execution means” and the “profit giving means” in the present invention.

A-3-1-2. Processing by the sub-control board 220:
Next, a process (game effect process) for executing a game effect (such as a symbol variation effect or a jackpot effect) in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 200 as described above will be described. The game effect is performed using effect devices such as various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f, the speaker 5y, and the effect display device 27. Specifically, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sends various driving signals to the various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f via the decorative driving board 226 in accordance with the progress of the game, so that the various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f are transmitted. Are made to emit light with light emission patterns corresponding to various effects. Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command (effect command) to the image / sound control board 230 in accordance with the progress of the game. When the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 receives the effect command from the sub-control board 220, the type of image data corresponding to the effect command, the display position of the image data, the enlargement / reduction ratio of the image data, etc. (drawing list) ) And the determined drawing list is transmitted to the VDP 234. When the VDP 234 receives the drawing list, the VDP 234 reads out image data from the image ROM 235 based on the received drawing list, and outputs the read image data to the effect display device 27 in the position and display method based on the drawing list. When the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 receives the effect command from the sub-control board 220, it determines the sound data (music data, etc.) corresponding to the effect command, and the determined sound data is sent from the sound ROM 236. read out. Then, sound (music or the like) based on the read sound data is output from the speaker 5y via the amplifier board 224. As described above, the image / sound control board 230 according to the present embodiment responds to the effect commands independently of the sub control board 220 after receiving the commands (effect commands) corresponding to the various effects from the sub control board 220. Image and audio output can be performed.

  Hereinafter, the “symbol variation effect processing” and the “hit effect processing” executed as part of the above-described game effect processing will be described. As described above, in the first embodiment, the “CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220” mainly plays a role in cooperation with the “decorative drive board 226” and the “CPU 231 and VDP 234 of the image / audio control board 230”. However, in the following description, it is assumed that the “CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220”, which is the execution subject of the game effect process, directly executes the game effect. First, the “symbol variation effect process” will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect process. In the symbol variation effect process, a process of executing the symbol variation effect corresponding to the symbol variation game is performed. When the symbol variation effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a variation start command is received (S700). As described above, the change start time command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the special symbol change display is started on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32. This is a command (variation pattern designation command, stop symbol designation command) for designating a special symbol variation pattern or stop symbol.

  When the change start command is received (S700: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command is a “hit symbol” (S702). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit symbol (S702: yes), the symbols (a discriminating symbol “ 1 ") is determined (S704). On the other hand, when the stop symbol of the special symbol specified by the change start command is not a big hit symbol (S702: no), the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are not arranged on the screen of the effect display device 27. In such a manner, symbols (for example, identification symbols “2”, “4”, “6”) to be stopped and displayed are determined (so as to be disjointed) (S706).

  Subsequently, the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined (S707). Here, an effect pattern table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. In the effect pattern table, after the variable display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started on the screen of the effect display device 27, the mode until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with a predetermined stop symbol is displayed. The effect pattern to be shown, that is, the effect pattern from the start to the end of the symbol variation effect is stored in association with the variation pattern of the special symbol. As the effect pattern, the types of image data and audio data used for the symbol variation effect, the light emission patterns of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4d in the symbol variation effect, and the like are stored. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command as the variation start command, the CPU 221 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command from the effect pattern table.

  In this way, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c to be stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 are determined (S704, S706), and when the effect patterns until the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed are determined (S707). Then, by starting the variable display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27, the symbol change effect is started (S708).

  Thus, when the symbol variation effect is started, it is determined whether a symbol stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S710). As described above, the symbol stop command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32. It is. As a result, when the symbol stop command is received (S710: yes), the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 is stopped and displayed with the symbol determined in the process of S704 or S706. The variation effect is ended (S712).

  Next, the “big hit effect process” will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect process. When the big hit effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not a big hit game start command is received (S800). As described above, the jackpot game start command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the jackpot game is started. When the jackpot game start command is received (S800: yes), the jackpot effect indicating that the jackpot game is being executed is executed (S802). For example, a moving image in which confetti dances is displayed on the effect display device 27 together with the characters “big hit”.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a round start command has been received (S804). As described above, the round start command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when each round game is started. When a round start command is received (S804: yes), a round effect corresponding to each round is executed.

  16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams conceptually showing round effects performed during the execution of the jackpot games 1 to 4. As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when any jackpot game of jackpot games 1 to 4 is executed, three rounds are challenge rounds in one round and two rounds ( A notice effect indicating that there is a possibility that the game ball is in a round that can pass through the specific area 71 is executed. That is, there are as many as 100 types of jackpot symbols, and the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 is provided in an inconspicuous position as compared with the liquid crystal display device 27. In many cases, the type of jackpot symbol that triggered the game is not recognized, and consequently the type of jackpot game (any one of the jackpot games 1 to 4) is often not recognized. For this reason, it is often not recognized whether round 3 and round 15 are challenge rounds. Therefore, in the 1st and 2nd rounds, regardless of whether the 3rd round is a challenge round or not, by executing the notice effect, the player's expectation that the 3rd round is a challenge round will be given Yes. As the notice effect, for example, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters of “coming challenge round?” Is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), if the jackpot game 1 is being executed, the third round is a challenge round, so the third round indicates that the challenge round is in progress and prompts the game ball to pass through the specific area 71. Perform a challenge production. For example, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters “Challenging the challenge round! Aim for a specific area!” Is executed. When a specific area passing command is received in three rounds (challenge round), that is, when the game ball passes the specific area 71, a passing effect indicating that effect is executed. For example, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 while enlarging or reducing the character “V” is executed. Then, in the remaining rounds (4 to 16 rounds), a successful effect indicating that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 is executed. For example, an effect or the like displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters “passing a specific area!

  On the other hand, in 3 rounds (challenge round), if the specific area passing command is not received (if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71), the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71 in 4 to 12 rounds. A failure effect indicating that this is executed. For example, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters “non-specific area passing through ... sorry” is executed. And in the 13th round and the 14th round, the notice effect which shows that 15 rounds may be a challenge round is performed. That is, as described above, since the player often does not recognize whether or not 15 rounds are challenge rounds, in the 13th and 14th rounds, the player has decided that 15 rounds are challenge rounds. Execute a notice effect that raises expectations. In the jackpot game 1, since the 15th round is a challenge round, a challenge effect is executed in the 15th round (challenge round). And in 15 rounds (challenge round), if a specific area passing command is received (when a game ball passes the specific area 71), a passing effect is executed. Thereafter, in 16 rounds, a successful performance is executed. On the other hand, if the specific area passing command is not received in 15 rounds (challenge round) (if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71), a failure effect is executed in the 16th round.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), if the big hit game 2 is being executed, the third round is not a challenge round, and therefore, in the third round, a non-challenge effect indicating that the round is not a challenge round is executed. For example, an effect or the like displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters “non-challenge round” is executed. Thereafter, from the 4th round to the 12th round, a normal performance indicating that a round game is in progress is executed. For example, an effect such as displaying the characters “4R” on the effect display device 27 is executed. And in the 13th round and the 14th round, the notice effect which shows that 15 rounds may be a challenge round is performed. Thereafter, if the big hit game 2 is being executed, the 15th round is a challenge round, and therefore, the challenge effect is executed in the 15th round (challenge round). When a specific area passing command is received in 15 rounds (challenge round) (when the game ball passes the specific area 71), a passing effect is executed, and a successful effect is executed in 16 rounds. On the other hand, if the specific area passing command is not received in 15 rounds (challenge round) (if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71), a failure effect is executed in the 16th round.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17A, if the big hit game 3 is being executed, the third round is a challenge round, and thus the challenge effect is executed in the third round. Then, in 3 rounds (challenge rounds), when a specific area passing command is received (when the game ball passes the specific area 71), a passing effect is executed, and a successful effect is executed in the remaining rounds (4 to 16 rounds). .

  On the other hand, in 3 rounds (challenge round), if a specific area passing command is not received (if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71), the game ball moves through the specific area 71 in 4 to 12 rounds. A failure effect indicating that it did not pass is executed. Thereafter, in the 13th round and the 14th round, a notice effect indicating that the 15th round may be a challenge round is executed. Then, if the big hit game 3 is being executed, the 15th round is not a challenge round, so the 15th round (challenge round) executes a non-challenge effect. Thereafter, in the 16th round, the failure effect performed in the 4th to 12th rounds is executed again.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, if the big hit game 4 is being executed, the third round is not a challenge round, and therefore, a non-challenge effect is executed in the third round. Thereafter, from the 4th round to the 12th round, a normal performance indicating that a round game is in progress is executed. Thereafter, in the 13th round and the 14th round, a notice effect indicating that the 15th round may be a challenge round is executed. If the big hit game 4 is being executed, the 15th round is not a challenge round, so the 15th round (challenge round) executes a non-challenge effect, and the 16th round executes a normal effect indicating that a round game is being played. .

  Returning to FIG. 15, after executing the round effect as described above (S806), when receiving a round end command indicating that the round game is ended (S808: yes), the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 is executing Round production (refer to Drawing 16 and Drawing 17) is ended (S810). When a jackpot game end command indicating that the jackpot game is to be ended after the end of the 16 round effects is received (S812: yes), the jackpot effect indicating that the jackpot game is being ended is ended (S814).

  As described above, by performing various round effects during the big hit game, “a challenge round may be executed soon”, “being in a challenge round”, “a specific area of a game ball “It is necessary to aim at passing 71”, “whether or not the game ball has passed a specific area in the challenge round (whether or not it is determined that a high probability state is set after the big hit game is finished)”, etc. Can be recognized. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes a challenge round effect (specific effect) during the challenge round (specific period). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 corresponds to the “production control means” in the present invention.

A-3-2. Control when power supply to pachinko machine 1 is cut off:
A-3-2-1. Processing by main control board 200:
Next, control when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is interrupted will be described. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 detects the voltage drop by the voltage drop detection circuit 281 of the power supply board 280 (when the voltage of the supplied power drops below a predetermined threshold), the voltage transmitted from the power supply board 280 In response to the decrease signal, the interruption processing shown in FIG. 9 is performed as an interruption process (S600).

  In the power interruption occurrence process (S600), when the power is restored after the occurrence of the power interruption, the game progress status, that is, stored in the RAM 203 so that the game progress status at the time of the power failure occurrence can be recovered. Various counter values, various timer values, and various flag setting statuses are saved in the flash memory 204 and stored.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a game progress state that is saved when a power interruption occurs. As shown in FIG. 18A, when a power interruption occurs when the big hit game is not being played, the following information is saved in the flash memory 204 as the game progress status. In other words, if the set gaming state (high probability state and electric support state, or low probability state and non-electric support state), high probability state and electric support state is set, the remaining period for the remaining period Is stored, the contents of special figure hold (various random numbers acquired as special figure hold) and the like are saved. Furthermore, if the special symbol is being changed (in the case of a symbol changing game), the type of the special symbol being displayed (the first special figure or the second special figure), the fluctuation pattern, and the time since the start of the change display The stop symbol (big hit symbol or missed symbol) determined at the time of start of fluctuation is saved.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, when a power interruption occurs during the big hit game, the following information is saved in the flash memory 204 as the game progress status. That is, the type of jackpot game being executed (any of jackpot games 1 to 4), if a round game is being executed, the round game being executed (any of rounds 1 to 16) and the elapsed time from the start of the round game If the round game is not being executed, the round game that ended immediately before and the elapsed time since the round game ended, the passing situation of the game ball specific area 71 (the game ball is in the specific area during the big hit game being executed) 71) or the like.

  After the power interruption occurrence process (S600) as described above in response to the occurrence of the power interruption, when the power is restored by turning on the power switch or the power failure being resolved by the clerk or the like, the power interruption occurrence process Reflecting the processing result of (S600), the power-on processing (S50) shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the power-on process (S50) shown in FIG. When the power-on process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first performs an initialization process (S52). In the initialization process, internal devices around the CPU 201 are initialized, and all areas of the RAM 203 are once cleared to zero. Then, various counters and various timer values are set to initial values, and various flags are set to initial states. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the reset switch RS is set to ON, that is, whether or not the power switch DS is turned on while the reset switch RS is pressed (operated). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the power switch DS is turned on with the reset switch RS being pressed (S54: yes), the pachinko machine is not restored to the game progress status at the time of the occurrence of the power interruption. Reset machine 1. That is, after the initialization process described above is performed, the power-on process illustrated in FIG. 19 is terminated without reading the game progress status at the time of the occurrence of the power interruption saved in the flash memory 204. Thereafter, the processing after S100 is performed following the power-on processing (S50) in FIG. If it carries out like this, after pachinko machine 1 is reset, a game can be advanced.

  On the other hand, if the reset switch RS is not pressed, that is, if the power switch DS is turned on without the reset switch RS being pressed, or the power failure occurs due to a power failure, the power failure is resolved. If the game progress is detected (S54: no), a game progress status return process is performed to restore the game progress status at the time of the occurrence of power interruption (S56). In this process, based on the game progress status (see FIG. 18) at the time of the occurrence of power interruption stored in the flash memory 204 in the power interruption occurrence process (S600), the storage contents (various counters and various Timer value, various flag states, etc.). For example, if a power outage occurs when the gaming state is a high probability state and the electric support state, the high probability flag, the fluctuation shortening flag, and the open extension flag are set to ON, and the high probability state and the electric support state are set. Is set to the value of the continuation counter. Also, if a power interruption occurs during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol type (first special diagram or second special diagram), the variation display variation pattern, and the variation display start time are determined. The stop symbol, the elapsed time from the start of the variable display, and the like are stored as data of the symbol variable game being executed. Also, if a power outage occurs during three rounds of the big hit game, the type of the big hit game, the round being executed (here, three rounds), the elapsed time since the start of the round, the passing situation of the specific area 71 of the game ball, etc. Are stored as data of the big hit game being executed.

  When the game progress status return process is thus performed (S56), it is determined whether or not a power interruption has occurred during the big hit game (S58). As a result, if power interruption has not occurred during the big hit game (S58: no), the power-on process shown in FIG. 19 is terminated, and the processes after S100 following the power-on process (S50) in FIG. Do. Thereby, a game can be advanced from the game progress status at the time of occurrence of power interruption.

  On the other hand, when a power interruption occurs during the big hit game (S58: yes), a big hit status transmission command (resumption information) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S60). The jackpot status transmission command includes information indicating the game progress status when the power interruption occurs during the jackpot game shown in FIG. 18B, and the game progress status when the power interruption occurs during the jackpot game. This is a command for transmitting (the progress status of the big hit game) to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, when a power interruption occurs, naturally, the power supply to the sub-control board 220 is also cut off, so that even if a game effect such as a symbol variation effect or a round effect is being executed, the game effect is forced. Will be terminated. At this time, it is also possible to store the game progress status on the sub-control board 220 side and return the effect corresponding to the game progress status. However, with such a configuration, there is a gap between the timing at which the game progress status is restored on the main control board 200 side and the timing at which the performance corresponding to the game progress status is restored on the sub control board 220 side. May end up. In addition, the game progress status immediately before the occurrence of power interruption is not transmitted to the sub-control board 220 side, and the game progress status stored on the main control board 200 side and the sub-control board 220 side may be different. is there. In such cases, an effect that is inconsistent with the actual game progress status (an effect with a habit) is executed, and the player is confused. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, even if power is restored after a power interruption, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits various commands (commands indicating the game progress status) from the main control board 200. Until it is played, the production according to the game progress status is not executed.

  However, if power is restored until various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200, the game progress status immediately after the power is restored will be It cannot be recognized. Especially during the big hit game, the player pays attention to the execution status of the challenge round and the passing situation of the specific area 71 of the game ball, so if the game progress status during the big hit game cannot be recognized, the player is distrusted. End up. Therefore, when power is restored after a power failure occurs during a big hit game (S58: yes), a special command different from the normal command, that is, a big hit status transmission command indicating the game progress status during the big hit game. Is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S60).

  When the big hit state transmission command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in this way (S60), the power-on process shown in FIG. 19 is terminated, and the processes after S100 following the power-on process (S50) in FIG. 9 are performed. . As a result, even if a power interruption occurs during the big hit game, the game can be advanced (restarted) from the progress status of the big hit game at the time of the occurrence of the power interruption. Of course, even if a power interruption occurs during the challenge round (specific period), the game can be advanced (resumed) from the middle of the challenge round.

A-3-2-2. Processing by the sub-control board 220:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a “sub-side power-on process” performed as part of the game effect process by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. This process is a process that is executed when power is restored by an attendant or the like turning on a power switch or eliminating a power failure after a power failure occurs.

  When the sub-side power-on process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first performs an initialization process (S900). In the initialization process, the internal devices around the CPU 221 are initialized and the entire area of the RAM 223 is cleared to zero. Then, various counters and various timer values are set to initial values, and various flags are set to initial states. Subsequently, an initial screen unrelated to the game progress status is displayed on the effect display device 27. For example, a “returning” character or the like is displayed (S902). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a big hit status transmission command has been received (S904). As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the jackpot status transmission command is a command that is transmitted from the main control board 200 when power is restored after a power failure occurs during the jackpot game. The progress status of the jackpot game at the time is included. Therefore, in the determination process of S904, it is determined whether or not power is restored after a power interruption occurs during the big hit game. Note that the determination process of S904 is repeatedly executed within a time during which the jackpot status transmission command may be transmitted from the main control board 200 after the power is restored.

  As a result of the determination processing in S904, if power interruption has not occurred during the big hit game (S904: no), the sub-side power-on processing shown in FIG. In this case, next, a normal command (a command indicating a game progress status such as a change start command, a symbol stop command, a big hit game start command, etc. described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15) is received from the main control board 200. Until then, the initial screen unrelated to the game progress status remains displayed. That is, if the game is not a big hit game, even if power is restored, a special command is not transmitted from the main control board 200, and a normal game effect is performed based on a normal command transmitted according to the game progress status. Run. In this way, when the power is restored, the main control board 200 does not need to send a special command, and the sub-control board 220 does not have to perform an effect corresponding to the special command. The processing burden at the time can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot status transmission command is received, that is, if a power interruption occurs during the jackpot game (S904: yes), the “power interruption corresponding to the received jackpot status transmission command is received. Execute after jackpot presentation. In other words, if a power interruption occurs during a big hit game, a big hit status transmission command (special command) is transmitted from the main control board 200 when power is restored (S60 in FIG. 19). The “big hit effect after power interruption” corresponding to the medium status transmission command is executed (S906). In this way, even if the progress status of the big hit game at the time of the occurrence of power interruption is not stored on the side of the sub-control board 220, the big hit effect corresponding to the actually restarted big hit game (the big hit effect after power interruption) Can be executed. Further, when the progress status of the big hit game is stored on the sub control board 220 side, the progress status of the big hit game at the time of the occurrence of power interruption stored on the main control board 200 side and the sub control board 220 side has a difference. Even if there is a case, it is possible to execute the jackpot effect corresponding to the actually restarted jackpot game (the jackpot effect after power interruption) by eliminating the trap. As a result, the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be further increased.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the jackpot effect after power interruption. Here, a description will be given by taking, as an example, a post-power-hit jackpot effect when power is restored after power-off occurs during the execution of the big-hit game 3. As shown in FIG. 21, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at “timing D1 during execution of the notice effect, that is, during execution of 1, 2, 13, 14 rounds”, “3 rounds or 15 rounds are A simple notice effect that simply indicates that there is a possibility of being a challenge round is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the execution of the effect is started is shorter than “the notice effect that was executed before the occurrence of the power interruption” (the amount of processing necessary for starting the execution of the effect is small). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the characters “Background image for displaying a predetermined character video” and “Soon Challenge Round?” Were displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling. After that, without displaying the “background image for displaying the predetermined character moving image”, an effect or the like is displayed on the effect display device 27 without scrolling the character in the blackout background image. Here, if a power interruption occurs at “timing D1 during execution of the notice effect, that is, rounds 1, 2, 13, and 14”, a big hit state transmission command is transmitted from the main control board 200. If not, the initial screen is displayed during the round (until the next normal command such as a round start command is received). If this happens, the player will be confused without being able to recognize the meaning of the round game. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D1, the simple notice effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that there is a possibility of a challenge round. As a result, the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be increased.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at “timing D2 before long release is performed in the challenge round (during the execution of the challenge effect)”, “long release immediately in the challenge round” Simple challenge effect 1 (fourth specific effect) that simply indicates that “is performed” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production is started is shorter than “the challenge production (third specific production) that was executed before the occurrence of the power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution). There are few). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the effect display device 27 is displayed while scrolling the characters “Background image displaying a predetermined character video” and “Challenging a challenge round! Aim for a specific area!” After recovering from the power interruption, without displaying the “background image that displays the specified character video”, the effect display device without scrolling the characters “Longly open during challenge round” on the blackout background image The effect displayed on 27 is executed. Here, if a power failure occurs at “timing D2 before long opening is performed in the challenge round (during the execution of the challenge effect)”, the main control board 200 does not transmit a big hit status transmission command. During the challenge round, the initial screen is displayed (until the next normal command such as a round start command is received). In this case, the player cannot recognize that the currently executed round game is a challenge round. For this reason, recovery without recognizing that the player may feel distrust by causing the player to feel that the challenge round has ended due to the occurrence of a power interruption or that a long release will soon be performed ( There is a possibility that the player may be disadvantaged to lose the timing of passing the game ball to the specific area 71 by advancing the challenge round after (resume). In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D2, the simple challenge effect 1 that can be started in a short time is executed. You can immediately recognize that you are in a challenge round and that a long opening will soon take place. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from giving the above-mentioned distrust and disadvantage to the player, and the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be improved.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, a power outage occurred at “timing D3 during the challenge round (during the execution of the challenge effect) that is long open and before the game ball passes the specific area 71”. When the power is restored later, the simple challenge effect 2 (fourth specific effect) that simply indicates “long open in the challenge round” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production is started is shorter than “the challenge production (third specific production) that was executed before the occurrence of the power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution). There are few). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the effect display device 27 is displayed while scrolling the characters “Background image displaying a predetermined character video” and “Challenging a challenge round! Aim for a specific area!” After recovering from the power interruption, an effect display device is displayed without scrolling the characters “Aim at a specific area immediately” in the blackout background image without displaying the “background image displaying the predetermined character video” The effect displayed on 27 is executed. Here, if power interruption occurs at “timing D3 during the challenge round (when the challenge effect is being executed) being long open and before the game ball passes through the specific area 71”, the main control is performed. If the big hit status transmission command is not transmitted from the board 200, an initial screen is displayed during the challenge round (until the next normal command such as a round start command is received). In this case, the player cannot recognize that the currently executed round game is a challenge round and is already open. For this reason, recovery (resume) without recognizing that the player may feel distrust by causing the player to feel that the challenge round has ended due to the occurrence of a power interruption, or that the player is being open for a long time. ) If the later challenge round is advanced, there is a possibility that the player may be disadvantaged that the timing of passing the game ball to the specific area 71 is lost. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D3, the simple challenge effect 2 that can be started in a short time is executed. It is possible to promptly recognize that “the challenge round is long open”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from giving the above-mentioned distrust and disadvantage to the player, and the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the power interruption occurs at “timing D4 during execution of failure production, that is, during the 4th to 12th and 16th rounds after the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 in the challenge round”. When power is restored after the occurrence, the simple failure effect 1 that simply indicates that “the game ball has not passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts to be executed is shorter than the “failed production executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution is small). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the effect display device 27 displays the characters “background image for displaying a predetermined character video” and the characters “non-passage of a specific area ... sorry ...” while scrolling. However, after recovering from the power interruption, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 without scrolling the character in the blackout background image without displaying the “background image displaying the predetermined character video” is displayed. Run. Here, if a power failure occurs during the execution of the failure production, that is, the timing D4 during the 4th to 12th and 16th rounds after the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 in the challenge round. If the big hit status transmission command is not transmitted from the main control board 200, an initial screen is displayed during the challenge round (until the next normal command such as a round start command is received). In this case, the player cannot recognize that the game ball has not passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round, and is confused. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D4 described above, a simple failure effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that “the game ball has not passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round”. As a result, the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be increased.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, power is restored after a power failure occurs at “timing D5 during execution of non-challenge round production, ie, 3, 15 rounds (non-challenge round) different from challenge round”. In this case, a simple non-challenge effect that simply indicates “not a challenge round” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts is shorter than “the non-challenge production that was executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the amount of processing required to start the production execution is small). . For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the “background image displaying a predetermined character video” and the characters “non-challenge round” are displayed on the effect display device 27 while being scrolled. Performs an effect such as displaying the effect on the effect display device 27 without scrolling the character in the blackout background image without displaying the “background image displaying the predetermined character moving image”. Here, if a power interruption occurs at “timing D6 during execution of a non-challenge round effect, ie, during execution of 3, 15 rounds (non-challenge round) different from the challenge round”, from the main control board 200 If the big hit status transmission command is not transmitted, the initial screen is displayed during the round (until a normal command such as a round start command is received next time). When this happens, the player cannot recognize what meaning the round game means and is confused. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the power interruption occurs at the timing D6 described above, a simple non-challenge effect that can be started in a short time is executed. It is possible to promptly recognize that it is a non-challenge round. As a result, the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be increased.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, when power is restored after power interruption occurs at “time D6 during execution of the pass effect, ie, after the game ball has passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round” A simple passage effect (second specific effect) that simply indicates that the game ball has already passed the specific area 71 in the round is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts is shorter than the “passing production (first specific production) that was executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution) There are few). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the “background image displaying a predetermined character video” and the character “V” are displayed on the effect display device 27 while being enlarged or reduced. Performs an effect such as displaying an effect on the effect display device 27 without enlarging or reducing the character in the blackout background image without displaying the “background image displaying the predetermined character moving image”. Here, if a power interruption occurs at “time D6 during execution of the pass effect, that is, the timing D6 after the game ball has passed through the specific area 71”, the main control board 200 sends a big hit state transmission command. If is not transmitted, the initial screen is displayed during the challenge round (until the next normal command such as a round start command is received). In this case, the player cannot recognize that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round, and is confused. Further, the player who recognizes that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 is given a distrust that the game ball has passed through the specific area 71 is invalid. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D6 described above, a simple passage effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that “the game ball has already passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused or distrusting the player, and to improve the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when a power interruption occurs.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the electric power after the power failure occurs at “timing D7 during execution of the success effect, that is, during execution of 4 to 16 rounds after the game ball passes the specific area 71 in the challenge round”. In the case of recovery, a simple success effect that simply indicates that “the game ball has already passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts to be executed is shorter than the “successful production executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the amount of processing required to start the production execution is small). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the characters “Background image for displaying a predetermined character video” and “Passing a specific area! High probability confirmed!” Are displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling. After recovering from the disconnection, an effect or the like is displayed on the effect display device 27 without scrolling the character in the blackout background image without displaying the “background image displaying the predetermined character moving image”. Here, if a power outage occurs at a timing “D7 during execution of a successful performance, that is, 4 to 16 rounds after the game ball has passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round”, the main control board If no big hit status transmission command is sent from 200, the initial screen will be displayed during the round (until a normal command such as the next round start command is received), and the game ball will be identified in the challenge round The player cannot recognize that the area 71 has been passed, and is confused. Further, the player who recognizes that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 is given a distrust that the game ball has passed through the specific area 71 is invalid. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when power is restored after the interruption of power at the timing D7 described above, a simple success effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that “the game ball has already passed the specific area 71 in the challenge round”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused or distrusting the player, and to improve the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when a power interruption occurs.

  If power is restored after a power interruption occurs at the timing from the end of the round game until the start of the next round game (between rounds), even if the big hit status transmission command is received, the big hit status The production corresponding to the transmission command is not executed. That is, in this case, at the start of the next round game, a round start command (ordinary command) is received and an effect corresponding to the round start command is executed. Even without this, the player can recognize the meaning of each round game. As a result, it is possible to reduce the processing burden when power is restored.

B. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is a “hit” in the jackpot determination, and if the determination result is “hit”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol and the jackpot game is started. In the second embodiment, in addition to this configuration, it is also determined whether or not it is “small hit” in the big hit determination, and if this determination result is “small hit”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hit symbol. A hit game is started. In the small hit game, as shown in FIG. 22, a game (specific period) in which the second big prize opening 65d is opened for a shorter time (for example, 2 seconds) than during the big hit game is performed (generated) twice. The distribution member 73 is placed in the specific area distribution state during the period in which the second big prize opening 65d is in the open state. Then, during the small hit game, the big hit game may be started when the game ball that has entered the second big winning opening 65d passes the specific area 71.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, during the small hit game, a prompting effect indicating that the game ball needs to pass through the specific area 71 is executed. For example, an effect or the like that is displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling the characters “Small hit! Aim for a specific area!” Is executed. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 71 during the small hit game, a passing effect indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area 71 is executed. For example, the character “V” is displayed on the effect display device 27 while being enlarged or reduced.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment as described above, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs during a small hit game, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 displays the progress status of the small hit game when the power interruption occurs. A small hitting / meeting state transmission command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the progress status of the small hit game when the power interruption occurs, based on the small hit status transmission command.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at “timing D8 before the game ball passes through the specific area 71 in the small hit game”, the game ball is moved to the specific area 71. A simple prompting effect (fourth specific effect) that simply indicates that it is necessary to pass is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts is shorter than “the prompting production (third specific production) that was executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution) There are few). For example, before the occurrence of a power interruption, the characters “Small hit! Aim for a specific area 71!” Are displayed on the effect display device 27 while scrolling. After the power is restored, the characters are not scrolled. An effect displayed on the effect display device 27 is executed. Here, if a power interruption occurs at the “timing D8 before the game ball in the small hit game passes through the specific area 71”, if the small hit state transmission command is not transmitted from the main control board 200, An initial screen is displayed during the small hit game. In this case, the player cannot recognize that the game ball needs to pass through the specific area 71. For this reason, there is a risk of causing the player to feel distrust by causing the player to feel that the small hit game has been terminated due to the occurrence of a power interruption, and recovering without recognizing that the small hit game is in progress There is a risk of giving the player the disadvantage of losing the timing of passing the game ball to the specific area 71 by advancing the small hit game after (resume). In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at the timing D8, a simple prompting effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that “the game ball needs to pass through the specific area 71”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from giving the above-mentioned distrust and disadvantage to the player, and the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when power interruption occurs can be improved.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at “timing D9 after the game ball in the small hit game passes the specific area 71”, the “game ball already in the small hit game” The simple passage effect (second specific effect) that simply indicates that “has passed the specific area 71” is executed. Here, “simple” means that the time until the production starts is shorter than the “passing production (first specific production) that was executed before the occurrence of power interruption” (the processing amount required to start the production execution) There are few). For example, before the occurrence of power interruption, the character “V” is displayed on the effect display device 27 while being enlarged or reduced. However, after restoration from the power interruption, the character is displayed on the effect display device 27 without being enlarged or reduced. An effect to be displayed is executed. Here, if a power failure occurs at the “timing D9 after the game ball in the small hit game passes through the specific area 71”, if the big hit status transmission command is not transmitted from the main control board 200, During the small hit game, an initial screen is displayed. When this happens, the player cannot recognize that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 in the small hit game, and is confused. Further, the player who recognizes that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 is given a distrust that the game ball has passed through the specific area 71 is invalid. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs at the timing D9, a simple passage effect that can be started in a short time is executed. Can recognize that “the game ball has already passed the specific area 71 in the small hit game”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused or distrusting the player, and to improve the reliability of the pachinko machine 1 when a power interruption occurs.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, the first big prize opening 60d and the second big prize opening 65d are opened during the big hit game, but only the second big prize opening 65d is provided. During the big hit game, the second big prize opening 65d may be open.

  In addition, the configuration of the distribution member 73 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. If the game ball that has entered the second grand prize winning opening 65d is distributed to the specific area 71 and the non-specific area 72, distribution is possible. Various members can be used for the number, shape, material, operation mode, and the like. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of holes are formed in the dish-shaped member and a part of the plurality of holes is the specific region 71 (so-called crune) may be employed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port 17a, first game port provided on the game board) are used. The game value as a result of the game is played by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the 2 start opening 17b, the first big prize opening 60d, the second big prize opening 65d, etc. Although the example which applied this invention to the pachinko machine 1 given to a person was demonstrated, this invention is applicable also to the type of game machine which gives a game value with the form different from "payout of a prize ball" . For example, by entering game balls into various winning holes, data indicating the amount (size) of game value corresponding to the entered balls is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that gives a game value to a player. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Note that pachinko machines that convert game values into data and give them to players include gaming machines that circulate and use a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine. A pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back of the game board through the mouth to the launch position and launch it again can be exemplified.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 17a ... 1st starting port (starting port), 17b ... 2nd starting port (starting port), 28 ... 1st symbol display device, 32 ... 2nd symbol display device, 60d ... 1st grand prize opening (first variable entrance), 65d ... 2nd big prize opening (second variable entrance), 70 ... distribution area, 71 ... specific area, 72 ... non-specific area, 75 ... Distributing members, 200... Main control board (main control section), 201... CPU (specific game execution means, profit granting means), 220... Sub control board (sub control section), 221.

Claims (3)

A variable entrance that can be changed between a state where a game ball cannot enter and a state where a game ball can enter,
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a state in which entry is possible;
Profit granting means for granting a predetermined game profit to a player based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the variable entry slot passes through a specific area during execution of the specific game;
Production control means for controlling production during the specific game;
With
The specific game execution means is
When the power supply is interrupted during the specific game, and then the power supply is restored, the specific game is resumed from the time when the power supply is interrupted,
The production control means includes
When a specific period in which the possibility of passing a game ball to the specific area occurs during the specific game, a specific effect indicating whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the specific period can be executed. ,
When the power supply is cut off within the specific period and then the power supply is restored, the specific effect reflecting the passing situation of the game ball to the specific area before the power supply is cut off is resumed. A bullet ball game machine that is executed within the specific period of the game. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The production control means includes
As the specific effect, a first specific effect indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area, and a first effect indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area in a simpler manner than the first specific effect. The second specific effect, the third specific effect indicating that the game ball has not passed through the specific area, and the game ball passing through the specific area in a simpler manner than the third specific effect. A fourth specific effect indicating that there is no
When the specific period occurs without the power supply being cut off after the specific game is started, the first specific effect or the third specific effect is executed within the specific period,
When the power supply is cut off within the specific period and then the power supply is restored, the second specific effect or the fourth specific effect is executed within the specific period of the restarted specific game. A ball game machine. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
A main control unit having the specific game execution means;
A sub-control unit having the effect control means;
With
The main control unit, when the progress status of the specific game when the specific game is resumed by restoring power supply is within the specific period, specific information indicating whether or not the specific area has been passed To the sub-control unit,
A ball game machine characterized in that, based on the fact that the sub-control unit receives the specific information transmitted from the main control unit, the effect control means executes the specific effect within the specific period. .

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