JP3775721B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball game machine, and in particular at the time of return after the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, the return notification information for the normal symbol and the return notification information for the special symbol for notifying the return of the main power supply, respectively. It is related with what was made to display individually on the display part.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a control device for controlling the ball ball game is provided, and this control device detects the launch control of the game ball by the launch handle operation and the winning to the winning means. Detection control, control of gaming objects such as symbol starting means and open / close-type winning means (large winning means) provided on the game board, renewal control of lottery values for drawing when winning the symbol starting means, winning Game ball payout control for winning means, symbol display control for changing the symbols in a plurality of symbol display units of the symbol display means provided on the symbol display, sound control and lamp control at the time of winning or big win Various controls are executed.
[0003]
By the way, if a main power supply is cut off due to a lightning strike during a game, for example, even if a jackpot game is running, the control device will not operate and various controls will stop. One has to interrupt the game. In this case, there is an announcement from the hall side that "a power failure has occurred", and the player will wait until the main power supply is restored. And when it recovers from a power failure and the main power supply is restored in each pachinko machine, the control device of the pachinko machine starts the control operation, so that the player can resume the game.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this way, when the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, the fluorescent lights on the hall side are lit, so the power supply to the pachinko machine is resumed and the player can resume the game, In particular, many players who have not experienced a power outage during the game are not sure whether or not the game can be resumed immediately by operating the launch handle, and will now wait without resuming the game. There is a problem that the restart is delayed.
[0005]
At this time, on the hall side, the announcement of the store clerk informs that it is possible to resume from a power failure and may indicate that the game can be resumed, but if the player hears this announcement, the game will not resume. The resumption of the game by the player is greatly delayed beyond the power outage period. As a result, there are problems such as a decrease in game efficiency of the player and a decrease in profitability on the hall side. Furthermore, in the event of a power outage, even if a jackpot game is being executed, the control device will not operate, so information indicating that it is a jackpot state, winning ball information, paying ball information to be paid out, etc. All of the game information will be erased.
[0006]
Therefore, when the game is resumed at the time of recovery from the power failure, the jackpot game cannot be executed in a state immediately before the power failure, and there is a problem that trouble occurs between the player and the hall side.
The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to display the return notification information for notifying the return of the main power supply when the main power supply is recovered separately for the normal symbol and the special symbol, and by the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It is possible to resume from the middle of the interrupted game control without difficulty, and to improve the profitability of the hall side.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The ball game machine of claim 1First starting meansFirst symbol control means for causing the first symbol display means to variably display and stop the first symbol on the condition that the game ball is detected;Second starting meansThe second symbol control means for causing the second symbol display means to variably display the second symbol for a predetermined period of time on the condition that the game ball is detected, and to stop, and the stop symbol after the variation of the second symbol is the jackpot symbol In a ball game machine equipped with a profit state generating means for generating a state advantageous to the player when a big jackpot is generated, the first symbol at the return after the main power supply is cut off during the variation of the first symbol The return notification information indicating that the fluctuation control has been restored is displayed on the first symbol display means, and the fluctuation control of the second symbol is restored at the time of restoration after the main power supply is cut off during the fluctuation of the second symbol. Return display control means for displaying return notification information indicating that the second symbol display means is provided, the return display control means includes return notification information indicating that the fluctuation control of the first symbol has been recovered, and fluctuation of the second symbol. Check that control has returned. Those that are configured to display a return notification information each independently indicating the.
[0008]
On condition that the first starting means has detected a game ball, the first symbol control means displays the first symbol on the symbol control means for a predetermined time and then stops. The second symbol is transferred to the symbol control means by the second symbol control means on condition that the second starting means, which is released when the hit occurs when the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the first symbol becomes a hit symbol, is detected. Display the change for a predetermined time and stop. Further, the profit state generating means generates a state advantageous to the player when a big hit occurs when the stop symbol after the change of the second symbol becomes a big hit symbol.
[0009]
  And at the time of recovery after the main power supply is cut off due to power failure etc., the return display control meansReturn notification informationThe1st, 2ndWhen displaying on the symbol control means, when the main power is cut off while the first symbol is changingIndicates that the fluctuation control of the 1st symbol has returnedWhen the main power is turned off while the return notification information and the second symbol are changingIndicates that the variation control of the 2nd symbol has returnedThe return notification information is displayed independently. At this time, the player who has been waiting for the return from the power failure can restart the ball game at an early stage based on the displayed information. In addition, the display of the return notification information,FirstDesign andSecondIt can be easily understood which of the symbols is subjected to variation control.
[0010]
Here, when the main power supply is turned off in the profit state occurrence state, a display blocking means for blocking the operation of the return display control means is provided so as not to display the return notification information at the time of return (claim 2). ), When the main power supply is restored, the symbol fluctuating operation is not performed, and in the case of a prize ball payout operation by jackpot, the return of the main power supply can be easily understood by the payout operation without displaying the return notification information. . Further, since the return notification information is not displayed, the display control of the first and second symbol control means can be simplified.
[0013]
  In addition, a main control means is provided, the main control means transmits a control signal to the first and second symbol control means by one-way communication, and at least relates to a predetermined gaming state when the main power is cut off. A backup means capable of holding game information is provided in the main control means (claims)3) Is advantageous to the player by the lottery function for drawing the first symbol and the second symbol by adopting one-way communication when the control signal is transmitted from the main control means to the first and second symbol control means. Or, fraud related to determination of an unfavorable state can be surely prevented.
[0014]
Since the backup information provided in the main control means can store and hold at least game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off, based on the game information stored at the time of recovery from a power failure, It can be resumed without any trouble from the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure. Here, the control signal corresponds to a control command for instructing a control operation, but may be various control signals other than the control command.
[0015]
  When the return notification information is a character string (claim)4) Displays the return information by the character string when the main power is restored, so that any player who has a change in the design of the 1st symbol or the 2nd symbol can be clearly notified of the recovery from the power failure. can do.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko machine called a so-called card-type ball game machine installed in an island structure of a pachinko hall, and an island structure provided in the pachinko hall In the length direction, a plurality of card-type ball lending machines 1 and a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are alternately arranged, and the card-type ball lending machine 1 is electrically connected to the pachinko machine 2.
[0017]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 2 that is a card-type ball game machine has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 3 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The outer frame 3 is detachably attached to the island structure (not shown) in a state where the card-type ball lending machine 1 is sandwiched. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side. A glass door 6 having a window portion 6a and a front plate (not shown) of a ball tray (upper dish) 8 are provided in correspondence with the front side of the game board 5. ) Are pivotally attached to each other so that they can be freely opened and closed. Below the front frame 4, there are provided a lower tray 9 for storing game balls overflowing or extracted from the ball receiving tray 8 and a firing handle 11 of the launching means 10.
[0018]
The launching means 10 includes a launching handle 11 that can be rotated, and a launching motor 13 (see FIG. 5) that launches a game ball by the striking rod 12 with a striking force corresponding to the pivoting angle of the launching handle 11. Yes. An operation panel 14 for lending the ball to the card-type ball lending machine 1 is provided on the right side of the ball tray 8, and this operation panel 14 displays a card remaining amount display portion 14a for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number. And a ball lending switch 14b for instructing ball lending of a predetermined amount of game balls, and a return switch 14c for instructing the return of the card at the end of the game.
[0019]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 15 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in a substantially annular shape, and a color liquid crystal is provided in the game area 5 a inside the guide rail 15. Display 16, symbol starting means (symbol starting and winning means)And corresponds to the second starting means) 17, Opening and closing type winning means (Big prize winning means)18, a plurality of normal winning means 19 (in this case, in addition to the upper normal winning means 19, for example, six normal winning means 19 on the left and right side portions of the openable winning means 18), two gates (passage openings,First starting means20 and the like are arranged at predetermined positions.
[0020]
  The liquid crystal display 16 has a display function for displaying a background image, moving images of various characters, and the like, and further, a normal symbol display means for displaying a normal symbol composed of two symbols (this corresponds to the first symbol).(This corresponds to the first symbol display means)Special symbol display means that functions as 22 and displays a special symbol (this corresponds to the second symbol) in a variable manner(This corresponds to the second symbol display means)The symbol display means 21 which functions as 23 is provided.
[0021]
  The normal symbol display means 22 has, for example, two (left and right) symbol display portions 22a to 22b arranged in the left-right direction at the lower right portion of the symbol display means 21, and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 20. That is, on the condition that the gate 20 has detected a game ball, the normal symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display units 22a to 22b for a predetermined time, and determined by the lottery value that is drawn when the game ball passes through the gate 20. The stop symbol pattern is displayed and stopped. Here, the normal symbol described laterIndicates that the fluctuation control has been restored.The return notification information is displayed on the symbol display units 22a to 22b, and a special symbol is displayed.Indicates that the fluctuation control has been restored.The return notification information is displayed on the symbol display parts 23a to 23c. That is, these return notification information can be displayed independently.
[0022]
The special symbol display means 23 has, for example, three (left, middle, and right) symbol display portions 23a to 23c arranged in the left-right direction, and the symbol display portion is provided on the condition that a game ball wins the symbol start means 17. The special symbols are variably displayed (scrolled) on the symbols 23a to 23c for a predetermined time, and stopped with a stop symbol pattern determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol starting means 17. The symbol starting means 17 is an electric tulip provided with a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 17a that can be freely opened and closed. Will be opened for a predetermined time, making it easier to win.
[0023]
The open / close winning means 18 includes an opening / closing plate 18a that can be opened forward. When the special symbol stopped after the special symbol display means 23 is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” starts. Then, the opening / closing plate 18a is opened forward. There is a specific area 18b inside the openable winning means 18, and when the winning ball passes through the specific area 18b, the special game is continued. After the opening / closing plate 18a of the open / close winning means 18 is opened, when a predetermined time elapses, or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls wins and the opening / closing plate 18a is closed, The special game ends when it does not pass 18b, but if it passes the specific area 18b, the special game is continued up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) and controlled to a profit state advantageous to the player. The
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the back side of the front frame 4, a back mechanism plate 30 for holding the game board 5 from the back side is detachably attached, and an opening 30 a is formed in the back mechanism plate 30. On the upper side, a prize ball tank 33 and a tank rail 34 extending therefrom are provided. Dispensing means 35 connected to the tank rail 34 is provided on the side of the back mechanism plate 30, and below the back mechanism plate 30. A passage unit 36 connected to the dispensing means 35 is provided. The game balls paid out from the payout means 35 are paid out to the ball tray 8 via the prize ball payout passage of the passage unit 36.
[0025]
The opening 30a of the back mechanism plate 30 is fitted with a back cover 37 mounted on the back side of the game board 5 and a winning ball discharge basket (not shown) for discharging the winning game balls to the winning means 17-19. Are combined. A main control board 39 is arranged inside a case 38 attached to the back cover 37, and a symbol control board 40 is arranged on the front side thereof. Below the main control board 39, a lamp control board 42 is provided in a case 41a attached to the back cover 37, and a sound control board 43 is provided in a case 41b adjacent to the case 41a.
[0026]
A power supply board 45 and a payout control board 46 are provided inside the case 44 mounted on the back mechanism plate 30 below the cases 41a and 41b. As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 80 and an initialization switch 85 are arranged on the power board 45. However, the portions of the case 44 corresponding to these switches 80 and 90 are notched, and each of these switches 80 and 85 can be operated simultaneously with a finger.
[0027]
Further, a launch control board 48 is provided inside the case 47 attached to the rear side of the launching means 10. That is, these control boards 39-40, 42-43, 45-46, 48 are each comprised of independent boards, and control boards 39, 40, 42, 43, 46 excluding the power supply board 45 and the launch control board 48. Are provided with microcomputers (hereinafter simply referred to as microcomputers) 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, 46a each having a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (see FIG. 6).
[0028]
The main control board 39 and the other control boards 40, 42, 43, 46 are electrically connected via a connector with a plurality of signal lines, and each control board 40, 42, 43, 46 is connected from the main control board 39. In addition, various control commands (which correspond to control signals) for executing a predetermined game operation can be transmitted by one-way communication. By adopting the one-way communication of the control command, it is possible to reliably prevent fraud related to stoppage of normal symbols and special symbols, and to remarkably reduce the control load of the main control means 50, thereby simplifying transmission control. it can.
[0029]
Next, various functions achieved through a plurality of control programs stored in advance in the control device of the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. However, these various functions are achieved by the microcomputer described above. The main control means 50 configured on the main control board 39 mainly controls game control related to input / output of signals to various game parts and game ball detection switches provided on the game board 5, and also performs symbol control to be described later. A control command is transmitted and output to the means 60, the payout control means 70, the lamp control means 71, the sound control means 72, etc. as necessary. Here, each of the payout control means 70, the symbol control means 60, the sound control means 72, and the lamp control means 71 corresponds to a sub-control means.
[0030]
The ROM of the microcomputer 39a provided on the main control board 39 stores a main game control program that mainly controls the game operation of the game board 5. The game information stored in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a (which corresponds to backup means) is always backed up so that it can be stored. Here, the game control program will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 7, a main game program that is repeatedly executed every predetermined time (for example, about 2 msec) to execute the actual game control and When this game program ends within a predetermined time from the start of control, a processing time adjustment program that adjusts the processing time until the predetermined time is reached, and when the main power is cut off when a power failure occurs or when the store is closed, A backup processing program for storing and holding game information related to the game state, a game return program for returning the game information stored and held when the main power supply is restored to the original state, and the like are stored.
[0031]
In addition, a game information storage memory is provided in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a, and the game information stored in the game information storage memory is always backed up so that it can be stored. The symbol control unit 60 configured on the symbol control board 40 executes display control for displaying various moving images and background images on the liquid crystal display 16 based on the symbol control command transmitted from the main control unit 50. The normal symbols of the symbol display units 22a to 22b are controlled to vary, and the special symbols of the symbol display units 23a to 23c are controlled to vary so that the instructed stop symbols are displayed. To control.
[0032]
On the payout control board 46, payout control means 70 is configured. The payout control means 70 receives payout control commands from the main control means 50 and controls payout of game balls by the payout means 35. The ROM of the microcomputer 46a provided on the payout control board 46 stores a payout control program for mainly controlling payout of game balls. The payout information stored in the RAM 46b of the microcomputer 46a is always backed up so that it can be stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the payout control program includes a main payout program for paying out game balls via the payout means 35 based on the payout control command received from the main control means 50, and when a power failure occurs or when the store is closed. A backup processing program that stores and holds the payout information when the main power is cut off, a payout return program that returns the payout information stored and held when the main power supply is restored, and the like are provided.
[0033]
The lamp control means 71 configured on the lamp control board 42 receives a lamp control command from the main control means 50 and controls lighting of the lamp group LP including a number of display lamps provided on the game board 5 and the like. The sound control means 72 configured on the sound control board 43 receives a sound control command from the main control means 50 and controls sound output for various sound effect sounds to the speaker SP. The launch control means 73 configured on the launch control board 48 controls the launch of the game ball by driving the launch motor 13.
[0034]
The main control unit 50 includes a lottery unit 51, a determination unit 52, a profit state generation unit 53, a probability variation unit 54, a symbol determination unit 55, a command transmission unit 56, and the like. The lottery means 51 uses a lottery counter to update the numerical value within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 299) with a minute update cycle (for example, about 2 msec cycle), and to the symbol starter 17 for the special symbol. By extracting a numerical value when winning a game, a lottery regarding winning / winning is performed, and a numerical value when a game ball wins the gate 20 regarding a normal symbol is also selected. Here, the lottery when winning the symbol starting means 17 or the gate 20 corresponds to the lottery related to the game operation, and the state advantageous to the player and the disadvantageous state are alternatively determined.
[0035]
Based on the lottery value supplied from the lottery means 51 when the game ball wins the symbol starting means 17 or the gate 20, the judging means 52 is “big hit” or “out” (including outreach) with respect to the special symbol. ”And whether the symbol is“ winning ”or“ out ”. The profit state generating means 53 is included in the game control when it receives a special determination result such as jackpot from the determining means 52, or when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display means 23 becomes a specific display such as a jackpot symbol. In accordance with a predetermined profit state generation routine, the open / close plate 18a of the open / close winning means 18 is operated as described above to execute a special game that gives the player a profit state.
[0036]
When the probability variation means 54 receives a special determination result of “big hit” from the decision means 52, the probability variation mode sets the probability variation mode when the “big hit” is a probability variation type big hit, or until the next or the next big hit, or Until the number of symbols changes a predetermined number of times, the lottery means 51 increases the number of specific numerical values to be a big hit as compared with the normal case, thereby increasing the big hit probability. Depending on the determination result from the determining means 52, the symbol determining means 55 is one of the winning normal symbols when the lottery value is “winning” from among a plurality of symbol variation patterns related to the normal symbols by a predetermined lottery program. When `` out '', one of the off-normal symbols is determined by lottery, and when the lottery value is `` big hit '', one of the big bonus special symbols is selected from among the symbol variation patterns related to a plurality of special symbols. When it is “out”, one of the special symbols for detachment is determined by lottery, and when it is “out of reach”, one of the detachment symbols is determined by lottery.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 9, the command transmission means 56 stores a command data table in which 2-byte control data consisting of control mode data and control action data is associated with the action contents, and is determined by the symbol decision means 55. A group of control commands such as a normal symbol change pattern and a change symbol designation command for instructing the start of a change, a left symbol designation command, a right symbol designation command, and a normal symbol stop command based on the symbol variation pattern A group including a symbol change pattern for special symbols, a change pattern designation command for instructing the start of variation, a left symbol designation command, a middle symbol designation command, a right symbol designation command, a special symbol stop command, etc. Are sequentially transmitted to the symbol control means 60.
[0038]
Here, the symbol “H” means a hexadecimal number. The symbol control means 60 includes a normal symbol control means (which corresponds to the first symbol control means) 61 for controlling the normal symbol display means 22 and a special symbol control means for controlling the special symbol display means 23 (this is the second symbol control means). 62 corresponding to the symbol control means), a return display control means 63 for displaying the return notification information when the power is returned, and a display switching control for stopping the display of the return notification information and switching to another display related to the game. Means 64 and the like, receives the symbol control command transmitted from the command transmitter 56, analyzes the received symbol control command, and based on the control command obtained by the analysis, each of the normal symbol display means 22 While controlling the normal symbol variation in the symbol display units 22a-22b, the special symbol variation in each symbol display unit 23a-23c of the special symbol display means 23 Control to.
[0039]
Next, the power supply board 45 that supplies DC power to each of the plurality of control boards 39, 40, 42 to 43, 46 will be described with reference to FIG.
A plurality of transformers 79 are provided for each island structure installed in the pachinko hall, and a low-voltage AC voltage (for example, 24 VAC) is supplied from each transformer transformer 79 to a plurality of (for example, five) pachinko machines 2. Has been.
[0040]
The power supply board 45 includes a toggle switch or the like, a manually operable power switch 80 for turning on / off the main power, a power supply unit 81, a power monitoring unit 82 including a microcomputer, a reset signal generating unit 83, a backup power source 84 etc. are provided. The power supply unit 81 generates DC32V from AC24V, generates a plurality of types of direct current such as DC12V used for sound output and lamp lighting, and DC5V used for control, and these direct currents are controlled by the control boards 39-40, 42-. 43, 46, etc.
[0041]
The power monitoring means 82 directly reads the supplied 24V AC and constantly monitors the supply voltage. When a power failure occurs or the main power is cut off by turning off the power switch 80, the “L” level indicates a voltage abnormality. Is output to the highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 39a of the main control board 39 and the highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 46a of the payout control means 70, and backup processing is performed by the highest priority interrupt.
[0042]
As a result, in the microcomputer 39a, the game information storage memory 39b stores and holds the game information related to the latest predetermined bullet ball game that is necessary for resuming the game control when returning from a power failure and should be stored and held. Is executed. At the same time, the microcomputer 46a similarly executes a backup process for storing and holding the payout information related to the payout of the latest game ball in the game information storage memory 46b.
[0043]
The reset signal generating means 83 is switched to the “L” level by delaying a predetermined minute time (for example, about 120 msec) required for the backup process from the time when the “L” level voltage abnormality signal VS is received from the power supply monitoring means 82. The system reset signal SR is output. This reset signal SR is supplied to the reset terminals of the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, 46a, respectively, and the CPUs of the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, 46a simultaneously stop the control operation as they are initialized.
[0044]
The backup power source 84 is composed of a charging capacitor or the like, and supplies DC5V output from the capacitor to the RAMs 39b and 46b of the microcomputers 39a and 46a for backup. That is, since 5V for backup is always supplied to these RAMs 39b and 46b, even if the main power is cut off and the DC 5V supply from the power supply unit 81 is stopped, the game information stored in the information memory is backed up. The memory is securely held by 5V. However, the backup operation by the backup power source 84 can be continued for a long time.
[0045]
The power supply board 45 is further provided with an initialization switch 85 made up of a push-type switch that can be operated manually by being brought close to the power switch 80. When the initialization switch 85 is pressed, An "L" level initialization signal CL is output to the microcomputers 39a and 46a. That is, when the initialization switch 85 is operated at the time of starting business, the initialization signal CL of “L” level becomes valid, and the game information stored in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a and the game information stored in the RAM 46b of the microcomputer 46a are stored. All of the payout information that has been made can be securely deleted.
[0046]
By the way, with respect to the normal symbol variation, for example, as shown in FIG. However, the section number <1> is the main power supply start, the section number <2> is during the customer waiting demonstration, the section number <3> is the normal symbol variation period, and the section number <4> is the symbol start from the confirmation of the normal symbol The period until the operation start of the means 17, the section number <5> is the operation period of the symbol starting means 17, and the section number <6> is the period from the end of the operation of the symbol starting means 17 to the start of the fluctuation of the next normal symbol.
[0047]
As for the special symbol variation, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, special symbol variation and jackpot operation are performed. However, section number <1> is the main power supply start, section number <2> is during the customer waiting demonstration, section number <3> is the special symbol change period, and section number <4> is the display after the special symbol is confirmed Period, section number <5> is a period from the time when the special symbol is confirmed until the first opening / closing type winning means 18 is opened, section number <6> is an opening period of the opening / closing type winning means 18 other than the last round, and section number <7> is This is the period from the closing of the open / close winning means 18 to the start of the next special symbol change.
[0048]
Next, game control executed by the main control means 50 based on the game control program will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. However, the symbol Si (i = 1, 2, 3...) In the figure is each step.
At the time of business start-up, when the power switch 80 is switched to the ON side with, for example, the thumb while pressing the initialization switch 85 with, for example, the index finger with the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 2 opened forward, the transformer 79 16 is supplied to the power supply board 45 through the power switch 80, and direct current is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the control boards 39 to 40, 42 to 43, and 46 at the same time. As shown, the reset signal generating means 83 supplies the "H" level system reset signal SR to the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, 46a, respectively.
[0049]
As a result, the game control by the main control means 50 is started, and the sub control means 60 and 70 to 72 also start control operations. When the game control is executed and the initialization switch 85 is in the ON state (S1: Yes), first, an initialization process for initializing each memory and register of the CPU is executed (S2). Next, all of the game information stored in the RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a and the payout information stored in the RAM 46b of the microcomputer 46a are erased (S3), and an initial symbol to be displayed on the symbol display means 21 is set. Or various initial value setting processes such as setting the control cycle for repeatedly executing the main process of the game control to 2 msec are executed (S4).
[0050]
  After that, until the control cycle (about 2 msec) is reached, the symbol data that determines the next symbol by updatingupdateThe process (S5) and the numerical value updating process (S6) for updating dummy numerical values not related to the game are repeatedly executed. That is, the extra time until 2 msec elapses is spent by repeating S5 and S6, and the main process of game control is surely executed every 2 msec. When about 2 msec elapses and a 2 msec interrupt signal is input from the unillustrated 2 msec signal generating means to the CPU of the microcomputer 39a as an internal interrupt, for example, a restart command (RST command) by an internal interrupt is executed, and the control time The adjustment S5 or S6 is forcibly stopped, and the game control is executed from S9 which is a processing step in the middle of the game control.
[0051]
However, even if the initial setting switch 85 is erroneously operated during a game in which the main power is turned on and the main process is being executed, the information erasure process described in S3 is not executed. Next, the main process (S9 to S18) of game control will be described. First, a drive signal is output to the solenoid that drives the opening / closing claw 17a of the symbol starting means 17 and the solenoid that drives the opening / closing plate 18a of the opening / closing prize winning means 18. A drive signal output process is executed (S9). Next, switch signal input processing for reading switch signals from various switches including the winning detection sensor is executed (S10). Next, a lottery value updating process for incrementing the lottery value by one is executed (S11).
[0052]
Next, an output process for outputting a payout control command to the payout control means 70 is executed (S12). Next, an output process for outputting a sound control command to the sound control means 72 is executed (S13). Further, an output process for outputting a lamp control command to the lamp control means 71 is executed (S14). Next, a process related to the normal symbol is executed to display the normal symbol variably on the normal symbol display portions 22a to 22b of the normal symbol display means 22 (S15). Next, a special symbol-related process such as outputting a symbol control command for causing the special symbol display means 23 to variably display the special symbol is executed (S16).
[0053]
Next, when the opening / closing claw 17a of the symbol starting means 17 is driven, an operation command output process for outputting a command for instructing the operation is executed (S17), and the opening / closing plate 18a of the opening / closing type winning means 18 is moved. In the case of driving, an operation command output process for outputting a command for instructing the operation is executed (S18). At this time, when about 2 msec has not elapsed since the start of the game control, the control time is adjusted by repeatedly executing S5 and S6 as described above. Every time 2 msec elapses during the execution of S5 and S6, the CPU is internally interrupted by a 2 msec interrupt signal, and the game control is restarted each time, and is repeatedly executed from S9.
[0054]
By the way, when a power failure occurs in the middle of the game, or when the main power supply is cut off by turning off the power switch 80 at the time of closing the store, as shown in FIGS. The level voltage abnormality signal VS is supplied to the highest priority interrupt ports of the microcomputers 39a and 46a. As a result, in the main control means 50 and the payout control means 46, the backup processing is executed by the backup processing program, and then the CPU is stopped.
[0055]
The backup process control executed by the main control means 50 with the highest priority interrupt will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The game state is stored, that is, whether the normal symbol or the special symbol is changing, A predetermined gaming state such as whether or not a big hit is being stored is stored (S20). Next, when the opening / closing plate 18a of the open / close winning means 18 is open, it is immediately closed, but the number of remaining balls remaining in the open / close winning means 18 is detected and stored in the information memory (S21). When the winning ball is being paid out by winning, the driving of the payout motor is immediately stopped, but the number of remaining balls that have not passed through the detection switch is detected and stored in the information memory (S22).
[0056]
Further, when the payout control command is being transmitted to the payout control means 70, the payout control command transmission control is completed (S23). Of course, in this backup process, the game information for instructing the setting state of the probability variation mode set during the game is also stored and held in the information memory of the RAM 39b.
By the way, in the game control of FIG. 12, when the main power is turned on to the pachinko machine 2 without the operation of the power switch 80 or the initialization switch 85, that is, when the power is not turned on at the time of opening the store and when the power is restored from the power failure (S1). : No), the backup data restoration process is executed without initializing the CPU or erasing various stored information in the RAMs 39b and 46b (S7).
[0057]
In this backup data restoration process, for example, the probability fluctuation state immediately before the power failure is displayed by a display lamp based on the game information stored and held in the information memory, or the number of reserved balls by the normal symbol and the special symbol is displayed. The At this time, the payout control means 70 also performs the return process at the same time, and pays out unpaid game balls. Next, transmission processing for transmitting a group of control commands necessary for return control is performed for each of the sub-control means 60, 70 to 72 such as the symbol control means 60 (S8). Here, a group of control command transmission control (see FIG. 14) for the symbol control means 60 will be described.
[0058]
First, based on the backup information stored in the RAM 39b, when the main power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the special symbol is not being hit (S30: No), and the normal symbol is changing (S31: Yes), the normal symbol is related. The normal symbol return display command for displaying the return notification information, the left normal symbol designation command, the right normal symbol designation command, and the normal symbol stop command are sequentially transmitted (S32), and this control is terminated. That is, a group of these control commands is continuously transmitted. When the special symbol is changing (S31: No, S33: Yes), the special symbol return display command for displaying the return notification information regarding the special symbol, the left special symbol designation command, the middle special symbol designation command, and the right A special symbol designation command and a special symbol stop command are sequentially transmitted (S32), and this control is terminated.
[0059]
However, when the main power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, or when the special symbol is a big hit (S30: Yes), a return display blocking command for blocking the display of the return notification information is transmitted (S35), and the special symbol return state command The left special symbol designation command, the middle special symbol designation command, and the right special symbol designation command are sequentially transmitted (S36), and this control is terminated.
Next, the symbol variation control performed by the symbol control means 60 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0060]
When the normal symbol is changed and the normal symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50 (S40 / S41: Yes), as shown in FIG. "Fukki" is displayed on the normal symbol display portions 22a to 22b (S42). At this time, since the return notification information is displayed as the character string “Hokki”, the return from the power failure can be clearly notified by the character string. When the normal symbol stop command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41: No, S43: Yes), the display of the return notification information is automatically stopped (S44), and the normal symbol that is hit or missed is displayed. Is displayed (S45).
[0061]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 17B, in the normal symbol display units 22a to 22b, the display of the return notification information by the character string is stopped, and it is instructed by the received left and right normal symbol designation commands. A normal symbol “star, crescent moon” is displayed. By the way, when a special symbol is changed and a special symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41 / S43: No, S46: Yes), as shown in FIG. The character string “Returned from power failure, please resume the game” is displayed as part of the special symbol display portions 23a to 23c as the return notification information regarding the special symbol (S47).
[0062]
In this way, the return notification information “Fukki” consisting of a character string for a normal symbol and the return notification information “Recovered from a power failure ...” consisting of a character string for a special symbol are independently displayed on the symbol display means 21. Is displayed. When a special symbol stop command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41, S43, S46: No, S48: Yes), the display of the return notification information is automatically stopped (S49). The display is switched to a special symbol for detachment (S50).
[0063]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 18B, in the special symbol display units 23a to 23c, the display of the return notification information by the character string is stopped, and the received special symbol designation commands for the left, middle and right are received. The designated special symbol “7, 3, 1” is displayed. By the way, when a power failure occurs, the normal symbol and the special symbol are changing at the same time, and when the normal symbol return display command and the special symbol return display command are received from the main control means 50, FIG. As shown, the return notification information for the normal symbol and the special symbol is displayed at the same time. Here, S41 to S42, S46 to S47 and the like correspond to the return display control means 63, and S43 to S45 and S48 to S50 and the like correspond to the display switching control means 64.
[0064]
When the normal symbol stop command is received, as shown in FIG. 19 (b), the display of the return notification information for the normal symbol is stopped, and when the special symbol stop command is received, FIG. 19 (c). As shown, the display of the return notification information for the special symbol is stopped. However, when the main power supply is turned off and the player is in a big hit state and a profit state has occurred, when a return display blocking command is received from the main control means 50 (S40: Yes, S41, S43, S46, S48: No, S51: Yes), the display of the return notification information is blocked (S52).
[0065]
As a result, the return notification information is not displayed on the special symbol display means 23. Then, based on the received symbol designation command, a special bonus symbol such as “7, 7, 7” is displayed on the special symbol display units 23a to 23c (S53). In this case, the payout control means 46 pays out the game balls that have not been paid at the time of the power failure. Therefore, the player can return from the power failure by paying out the game balls without displaying the return notification information again. It is easy to understand and the ball game can be resumed immediately. Further, since the return notification information is not displayed, the display control of the normal symbol control means 61 and the special symbol control means 62 can be simplified.
[0066]
By the way, when normal symbol control commands other than these return display command and stop command are received (S40: Yes, S41, S43, S46, S48, S51: No), the symbol is based on the received normal symbol control command. Fluctuation control is executed (S54).
[0067]
As described above, when the main power supply is cut off, game information related to a predetermined game state such as whether or not the normal symbol or special symbol is changing or whether or not the jackpot is being hit is backed up by the backup power source 84. If the normal symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50 when the main power is restored, the return notification information for the normal symbol is sent to the symbol display means 22a to 22b. When a special symbol return display command is received from the main control means 50, the return notification information for special symbols can be displayed independently on the symbol display means 23a to 23c, respectively, and the return from power failure The player who has been waiting can restart the pachinko machine 2 early based on the displayed information.
[0068]
In addition, since these return notification information is independently displayed on the dedicated display unit, it can be easily understood which of the normal symbol and the special symbol is variably controlled when the main power is restored. In addition, the RAM 39b (backup means) provided in the main control means 50 can store and retain at least game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off. Based on the game information, it can be resumed without any trouble from the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure.
[0069]
In addition, when the main power is turned off when the player is in a big hit state and the profit state has occurred, the return notification information is not displayed when the main power is turned off. In the case of a winning ball payout operation with a jackpot, the return of the main power supply can be easily understood by the payout operation without displaying the return notification information. Further, since the return notification information is not displayed, the display control of the normal and special symbol control means 61 and 62 can be simplified.
[0070]
The return notification information when the normal symbol changes is displayed with the character string “Hokki”, and the return notification information when the special symbol changes is also displayed with the character string “Recovered from power failure ...”, so any player It is possible to clearly notify the return from the power outage with a character string.
[0071]
A modification of the embodiment will be described.
1) The return notification information at the time of normal symbol change and the return notification information at the time of special symbol change display not only “Katakana” and “Hiragana” mixed with kanji, but also an image that makes the image return from a power failure, or the lamp lighting Alternatively, the user may be notified of the return by voice. However, when the player is in a profit state, the return notification information is not displayed, but the player may be notified that the return has occurred by lighting the lamp or by voice.
[0072]
2] The normal symbol display portions 22 a to 22 b for displaying normal symbols may be provided at any corner such as the lower left portion of the symbol display means 21. Further, the normal symbol display portions 22 a to 22 b may be provided on the game board 5 other than the liquid crystal display 16.
3) The display of the return notification information displayed on the normal symbol display units 22a to 22b and the special symbol display units 23a to 23c may be stopped by a symbol change stop command for stopping the change of the symbols. In this case, when the main power supply is cut off due to a power failure, if the normal symbol or special symbol is changing and the symbol change is continued with the return notification information displayed at the time of recovery from the power failure, By receiving the stop signal for stopping the symbol fluctuation, the symbol fluctuation can be stopped and the display of the return notification information can be automatically stopped.
[0073]
4] Instead of the capacitor used for the backup power source 84, various storage power storage elements such as a secondary battery capable of supplying storage holding power may be used.
5] A game information storage memory may be provided in each of the symbol control means 60, the sound control means 72, and the lamp control means 71, and power for holding the memory may be supplied from the backup power source 84 to the game information storage memory.
[0074]
6] In the command transmission control shown in FIG. 14, at the time of return after the main power supply is cut off while the fluctuation of the normal symbol or special symbol is stopped, the return display prevention command is transmitted and the return notification information is not displayed. You may do it.
7) The backup power supply 84 may be provided on the main control board 39 other than the power supply board 45, the control board such as the payout control board 46, the front frame 4, the back mechanism board 30, and the like.
8] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine, but an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball machine, and the like. The present invention can be applied to various ball game machines.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention of claim 1, 1st symbol control means and 2nd symbol control meansAnd profit status generating means,At the time of recovery after the main power supply is cut off during the fluctuation of the first symbol, the return notification information indicating that the fluctuation control of the first symbol has been restored is the first symbol display means. (twenty two) Display information indicating that the fluctuation control of the second symbol has been restored upon return after the main power supply is cut off during the fluctuation of the second symbol. (twenty three) To displayA return display control means is provided, and the return display control meansReturn notification information indicating that the variation control of the first symbol has been recovered, and return notification information indicating that the variation control of the second symbol has been recovered.Are displayed independently of each other, so when the main power is turned off,Return notification information indicating that the variation control of the first symbol has been restored, and return notification information indicating that the variation control of the second symbol has been recovered.Each of them can be displayed independently, and a player who has been waiting for a return from a power failure can restart the ball game at an early stage based on the displayed information. In addition, the display of the return notification information,FirstDesign andSecondIt can be easily seen that any of the symbols is subject to variation control.
[0076]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided display blocking means for blocking the operation of the return display control means so as not to display the return notification information at the time of return after the main power supply is cut off in the profit state occurrence state. Therefore, when the main power supply is restored, the symbol changing operation is not performed, and in the case of a winning ball payout operation with a jackpot, the return of the main power supply can be easily understood by the payout operation without displaying the return notification information. Further, since the return notification information is not displayed, the display control of the first and second symbol control means can be simplified. Other effects similar to those of the first aspect can be obtained.
[0079]
  Claim3According to the invention, the main control means is provided, and the main control means transmits a control signal to the first and second symbol control means by one-way communication, and at least a predetermined time when the main power is cut off. Since the main control means is provided with backup means capable of holding game information related to the gaming state, by adopting one-way communication when transmitting control signals from the main control means to the first and second symbol control means, It is possible to reliably prevent fraud related to the determination of a state advantageous to a player or an unfavorable state by a lottery function for lottering the first symbol and the second symbol.
[0080]
  Further, since the backup means provided in the main control means can store and hold at least game information related to a predetermined game state when the main power supply is cut off, it is based on the stored game information at the time of recovery from a power failure. In the middle of the game control interrupted by the power failure, it can be resumed without any trouble. Other claim 1Or 2Has the same effect as.
[0081]
  Claim4According to the present invention, since the return notification information is a character string, it is possible to clearly notify the return from a power failure for any player regardless of the symbol variation of the first symbol and the second symbol. Can do. Other claims 13The same effect as any of the above.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 6 is a power supply circuit diagram and various control signal circuit diagrams.
FIG. 7 is a chart of program contents included in the game control program.
FIG. 8 is a chart of program contents included in a payout control program.
FIG. 9 is a chart of symbol control commands stored in a command data table.
FIG. 10 is a time chart regarding normal symbol fluctuations and hitting operations;
FIG. 11 is a time chart regarding fluctuations in special symbols and hitting operations.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of game control.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of backup processing control of the main control means.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a group of display control command transmission controls.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of symbol variation control.
FIG. 16 is a time chart of a supply voltage and a control signal when the main power supply is turned off and at the time of recovery.
FIG. 17A is a diagram of a display example of return notification information regarding a normal symbol, and FIG. 17B is a diagram of a display example of a normal symbol when the return notification information display is stopped.
18A is a diagram of a display example of return notification information regarding a special symbol, and FIG. 18B is a diagram of a display example of a special symbol when the return notification information display is stopped.
FIG. 19A is a diagram of a display example of return notification information relating to a normal symbol and a special symbol; FIG. 19B is a diagram of a display example of a normal symbol in which the return notification information display for the normal symbol is stopped; (C) is a figure of the example of a display of a special symbol when the return notification information display for special symbols is stopped.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Pachinko machines (ball game machines)
17 Design starting means
20 gate
21 Symbol display means
22 Normal symbol display means
23 Special symbol display means
50 Main control means
53 Profit status generation means
60 design control means
39b RAM
61 Normal design control means
62 Special design control means
63 Return display control means
84 Backup power supply

Claims (4)

First starting means (20) first symbol control means stops by variably displayed for a predetermined time to the first symbol first symbol display means (22) on condition that it detects a game ball (61), first 2 The second symbol control means (62) for causing the second symbol display means (23) to be variably displayed on the second symbol display means (23) for a predetermined time to be stopped on condition that the starting means (17) has detected a game ball, and the second symbol control means (62). 2. In a ball game machine equipped with profit state generating means (53) for generating a state advantageous to a player when a big hit occurs when the stop symbol after the change of symbols becomes a big hit symbol,
At the time of recovery after the main power is cut off during the variation of the first symbol, the return notification information indicating that the variation control of the first symbol is restored is displayed on the first symbol display means (22), and 2 Return display control means (63) for causing the second symbol display means (23) to display return notification information indicating that the fluctuation control of the second symbol has been restored at the time of return after the main power supply is cut off during the fluctuation of the two symbols. )
The return display control means (63) independently displays return notification information indicating that the variation control of the first symbol has been recovered and return notification information indicating that the variation control of the second symbol has been recovered. A ball game machine characterized by being configured as described above.   Display return means (S51 to S52) for preventing the operation of the return display control means (63) so as not to display the return notification information at the time of return after the main power supply is cut off in the profit state occurrence state. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein:   Main control means (50) is provided, and the main control means (50) transmits a control signal to the first and second symbol control means (61, 62) by one-way communication, and at least the main power supply is cut off. The ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that backup means (39b) capable of holding game information relating to a predetermined gaming state at the time is provided in the main control means (50).   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the return notification information is a character string.

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