JP4414990B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and relates to a gaming machine that initializes stored information related to a gaming state before power interruption when power is turned on.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine having a main control unit that performs main control of a game and a sub control unit that performs effect control according to a command from the main control unit. Important control of the game such as big hit determination is performed by the main control unit, and control related to effects such as sounds / lamps and special symbols pseudo-design is performed by sub-control.

  By the way, for example, a backup RAM for storing the game state is mounted in the main control unit so that the game state can be remembered even when the power of the gaming machine is turned off during the game (when the power is cut off). As a result, when the power is turned on again, if it matches the checksum at the time of power interruption, it is possible to return to the gaming state before power interruption.

  On the other hand, a RAM clear switch for clearing the backup RAM is provided because it may be inconvenient if it returns to the state before power interruption, such as when starting from a big hit game.

  If the RAM clear switch is pressed at power-on or if the checksum at power interruption does not match, the main control unit sends an initialization notification command to the sub-control unit, and the backup RAM is cleared. This is notified by voice or the like. If the RAM clear switch is not pressed at the time of power interruption and the checksums match, the main control unit transmits a power recovery command to the sub control unit.

As described above, when the RAM clear switch is operated and the stored contents of the backup RAM are initialized when the power is turned on, the initialization is notified to the outside (hereinafter, this notification is referred to as “initialization notification”). There is a gaming machine configured to do this (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In addition, as an initialization notification, a sound indicating that initialization is in progress is output from the speaker, or the light emission pattern of various LEDs and lamps is changed to a special one, and is being initialized to the symbol display section on the game board A character or the like indicating that is large is displayed. By performing the initialization notification, it is possible to easily recognize that the hall personnel are in the initialization notification.
JP 2003-62277 A

  By the way, if the execution time of the initialization notification becomes long (for example, 30 seconds or more), notification of errors that may be caused by fraudulent acts such as a big prize opening error or a prize ball payout error during the execution of the initialization notification. Even if is executed, the error notification is erased by the initialization notification, and it becomes difficult for the hall personnel to recognize that the error notification is being performed. As a result, there is a risk that fraudulent acts may be carried out with the intention of informing the initialization that the hall personnel are not aware of the error notification.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably recognizing an error notification to the outside when an error occurs during the initialization notification.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main control means for controlling the main game, and an initialization notification for notifying that the main control means is being initialized based on a predetermined command from the main control means. And a sub-control unit that controls execution of the command, wherein the sub-control unit receives an error notification command for executing an error notification during execution of the initialization notification from the main control unit. An error notification flag setting unit that sets an error notification flag, an error notification flag determination unit that determines whether the error notification flag is set when the initialization notification ends, and an error notification flag. After the setting, the error cancellation determination unit that determines whether or not the error that triggered the setting of the error notification flag has been canceled, and the error cancellation determination unit cancels the error. If it is determined that the error notification flag is cancelled, the error notification flag canceling unit cancels the error notification flag, and if the error notification flag determination unit determines that the error notification flag is set, the initialization notification is terminated. An error notification execution unit that performs error notification, and when the error occurs, the error notification flag is set and a predetermined time is set until the error is released, and the predetermined time has elapsed. The error is automatically canceled later, the predetermined time is set longer than the execution time of the initialization notification, and when the error occurs, at the end of the initialization notification The error is not canceled, and the error notification is executed by the error notification execution unit following the end of the initialization notification . According to the present invention, the sub-control means receives a command from the main control means and notifies that the main control means is being initialized. Further, when the sub control unit receives an error notification command for executing the error notification from the main control unit, the error notification flag setting unit sets the error notification flag. Further, it is determined whether or not the error notification flag is set by the error notification flag determination unit. If the error notification flag is set when the initialization notification ends, the error notification is executed by the error notification execution unit following the end of the initialization notification. As described above, when an error occurs during initialization notification, initialization notification and error notification can be shifted in time by executing error notification following the end of initialization notification. As a result, since the error notification is not erased by the initialization notification, the error notification can be surely recognized by the outside (for example, a person involved in the hall). Further, the error notification execution unit of the sub control means transmits an error notification execution command for executing error notification to the effect control means. Then, the effect control means executes the effect related to the error notification based on the error notification execution command. In this way, by separately providing the effect control means in addition to the sub control means, it is possible to reduce the control burden (processing burden) in the sub control means and to complicate the effect on the error notification in the effect control means. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the open / close plate that opens or closes the special winning opening, the count switch that detects the winning ball to the special winning opening, and the operation of the open / close plate anda jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot gaming repeated closure and opening of the special winning opening, the said error is more winning a game ball to the count switch after the jackpot certain time after the game ends It is a big prize opening error that occurs when it is detected.

According to the present invention, when an error occurs during initialization notification, the error notification can be reliably recognized outside.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is an example of a ball game machine will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion of the pachinko machine (game machine) 10 that is a gaming machine according to the first embodiment mainly includes an outer frame 12, an inner frame 14, a front frame 16, An upper plate 18, a lower plate 20, a locking device 22, a firing handle 24 and the like are provided.

  The outer frame 12 is obtained by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 14 is entirely made of plastic and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 12. A locking device 22 is provided at the center of the right end of the inner frame 14.

  The front frame 16 is a specific example of the front door of the present invention, occupies about 2/3 of the entire front portion of the pachinko machine 10, and is pivotally supported at the left end of the inner frame 14 so that it can be opened and closed. Has been. The front frame 16 is entirely made of plastic, and corresponds to the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 3) formed on the game board 26 so that the game board 26 (see FIG. 3) can be seen from the front. It has an opening 30 formed in a substantially circular shape. A glass plate 32 is attached to the back surface of the front frame 16 by a glass frame (not shown). Then, based on the player, the game area 28 formed on the game board 26 is positioned behind the glass plate 32. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the glass plate 32 is attached to the back side of the front frame 16 has been described as an example. However, for example, the glass plate 32 may be attached to the front side of the front frame 16 with a glass frame. Further, instead of the glass plate 32, a transparent resin plate can be attached to the front frame 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the upper left side and upper right side of the front frame 16, a sound guide section for guiding the sound output from the main speaker (not shown) to the outside of the front frame 16. 34 are provided. Each sound guide section 34 includes a cylindrical sound guide section main body 32 and a plurality of slits 38 formed in the sound guide section main body 36.

  Further, an upper plate portion 18 is provided below the front frame 16. The upper plate 18 is provided with a production button 40 and a ball lending operation unit 42.

  A lower dish portion 20 is provided below the upper dish portion 18. A launching handle 24 for launching a game ball is provided on the lower right side of the lower plate part 20. The firing handle 24 is provided with a firing lever 44 and a firing stop button 46, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sub-speakers 48 for outputting predetermined sound effects are provided on the lower left and right sides of the lower plate part 20.

  The inner frame 14 has an opening (not shown) that matches the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 3). A game board 26 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the inner side surface of the inner frame 14. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the game area 28 of the game board 26 through the opening of the inner frame 14 and the opening 30 of the front frame 16.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The game board 26 is held by the inner frame 14 and the back side thereof is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown). In the game board 26, a substantially circular game area 28 is formed by an outer rail 50 and an inner rail 52 provided on the surface of the game board 26. Inside the game area 28, a central device 54, an ordinary electric accessory 56 having a start port 56B, a warp entrance 58, a number of obstacle nails 60, a windmill 63, and the like are disposed. Yes.

  The central device 54 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 28 and includes an effect symbol display device 62, a center accessory 64, and a lamp device 66.

  The effect symbol display device 62 is display-controlled based on control signals from a main control board 102 (see FIG. 4) and a sub-control board 106 (see FIG. 4) described later, and has a substantially rectangular video screen. ing. A pseudo special symbol (pseudo symbol) which is a pseudo symbol of the special symbol is displayed on the video screen. Specifically, a pseudo special symbol display area is formed on the video screen of the effect symbol display device 62 to display one or a plurality of pseudo special symbols while changing them one after another in a predetermined direction and then to stop display. Yes. That is, a left pseudo special symbol display area that displays a left pseudo special symbol (left pseudo symbol), a central pseudo special symbol display region that displays a central pseudo special symbol (central pseudo symbol), and a right pseudo special symbol (right pseudo symbol) The right pseudo special symbol display area for displaying is formed side by side along the arrangement direction that is substantially in a horizontal row (not shown). In each pseudo special symbol display area, a symbol variation direction is set in a direction (vertical direction) substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, and a plurality of pseudo special symbols are sequentially displayed in that direction.

  The effect symbol display device 62 causes each pseudo special symbol displayed in the display area of the video screen to change and stop display when the game ball enters the start opening 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56. is there. For example, when the pseudo special symbol is “7, 7, 7” with the same three-digit symbols and stopped and displayed (determined display), the large winning device 84 described later arranged in the variable winning device 80 described later is large. The winning opening 86 is opened. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56, each pseudo special symbol is changed, and the pseudo special symbol is aligned with the same three-digit symbol, so that "big hit" The specific value is given.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, two types of big hits are set in advance. Specifically, there is a probability variation jackpot that is established by arranging three odd-numbered pseudo special symbols such as “7, 7, 7”. In addition, there is a normal jackpot that is established by arranging three digits of the same even-numbered pseudo special symbols such as “8, 8, 8”.

  The probable big hit and the normal big hit are big hits that have a relatively large number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) and the opening time of the big winning opening 86 is about 26 seconds. For this reason, the number of prize balls is relatively large. In each big hit, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 86, or a predetermined time (for example, 10) even if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the game balls do not enter. For example, when 26 seconds) elapses, the special winning opening 86 is closed and one round is completed.

  Further, the probability variation state that is a gaming state other than each big hit is a state in which the probability of shifting to big hits (meaning two kinds of big hits, probability variation big hits and normal big hits) becomes a predetermined high probability. The open time extended state, which is a gaming state other than each big hit, is a state in which the open time of the start port 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 is extended more than usual. For example, the normal opening time is about 0.1 seconds, while in the extended opening time state, it is extended to about 4 seconds. Note that the start opening 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 is opened by winning a normal symbol.

  In addition, after the probable big hit, the probability of shifting to the big hit becomes a special symbol probability fluctuation state in which the probability is higher than the normal gaming state. The variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened until the next big hit is generated or until the special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times), and the normal electric combination The opening extension function of the object is activated. In addition, after the normal jackpot, the probability of shifting to the big jackpot becomes a predetermined low probability state that is the same as the normal gaming state, and the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is reduced by a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). In addition, when the open extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the short game state is set.

  The center accessory 64 is mounted so as to protrude from the front peripheral portion of the effect symbol display device 62. The center accessory 64 has a pair of movable blade pieces 64A. The opening area of the warp entrance 58 is changed by the movement of the blade piece 64A.

  In addition, on the lower left side of the game area, a 7-segment display board (symbol display device) that controls display of this symbol (a special symbol symbol and a normal symbol symbol) based on a control signal from the main control board 102 68 is arranged. The 7-segment display board 68 displays a 7-segment display 70 that displays a special symbol main symbol, four normal symbol hold display LEDs 72, four special symbol hold display LEDs 74, and a normal symbol main symbol. And two normal symbol display LEDs 76.

  Here, in the case of a probable big hit, a predetermined symbol (for example, an odd number) is displayed on the 7-segment display 70. In the case of a big hit, the 7-segment display 70 displays another predetermined symbol (for example, an even number). During each big hit round, the symbol is displayed on the 7-segment display 70. When power is interrupted during the big hit, as will be described later, the main control board 102 plays a game based on the main symbol. Identify the state. Further, the main control board 102 determines a gaming state notification signal related to the specified gaming state and transmits it to the sub-control board 106.

  In addition, a normal symbol operation gate (game ball passage gate) 78 is disposed on the left side of the effect symbol display device 62. A gate switch 124 (see FIG. 4) is disposed inside the normal symbol operating gate 78. As a result, when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 78, the gate switch 124 is operated, and the normal symbol display LED 76 of the 7-segment display board 68 is variably displayed.

  Each normal symbol hold display LED 72 and each special symbol hold display LED 74 are composed of four round red LEDs, and are arranged close to the left and right sides of the 7-segment display 70. In this case, the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 78 is set to hold the normal symbols up to four, and the lights are sequentially turned on and shifted for each passage. In addition, the number of game balls that have entered the start opening 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 is also reserved for up to four special symbols, which are sequentially turned on and displayed in a shifted manner for each incoming ball. Each time the variable display on the 7-segment display 70 starts, the number of unstarted times is exhausted, and one special symbol hold display LED 74 is turned off. Further, each time the normal symbol display LED 76 starts to change the normal symbol, the number of unstarted times is consumed, and one normal symbol hold display LED 72 is turned off. Then, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70, a jackpot is generated, and a jackpot 86 described later is opened. Further, when the two normal symbol display LEDs 76 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined display mode (a winning symbol), a normal symbol hit occurs, and the starting port 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 is opened. The special symbol main symbol displayed on the 7-segment display 70 and the special symbol pseudo symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 indicate the same game result (lottery result). .

  The starting port 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 is disposed below the effect symbol display device 62 and is formed so as to open and close the pair of wing pieces 56A in a so-called tulip type. Inside thereof, there are provided a start port switch 120 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 130 (see FIG. 4) for operating the wing piece portion 56A. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces 56A are opened to the left and right, the opening area of the start port 56B is increased and the possibility of entering a game ball is increased, and the pair of wing pieces 56A is closed and the separation distance is reduced. The opening area of the start opening 56B is reduced, and the normal state is reduced where the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced.

  The variable winning device 80 is disposed below the ordinary electric accessory 56 and includes a substrate 82 and a large winning device 84. Here, the grand prize winning device 84 is disposed substantially at the center, and has a grand prize winning opening 86 opened in a strip shape, an opening / closing plate 88 for opening or closing the special winning prize opening 86, and opening / closing the opening / closing plate 88. And a count switch 126 (refer to FIG. 4) for detecting a winning ball.

  A windmill 63 is disposed on the lower left side of the central device 54. Further, a pair of side lamps 90 are respectively disposed on the lower left portion and the lower right portion of the game area.

  Further, an out port 92 is provided below the game board 26, and a back ball preventing member 94 is provided below the out port 92. The back ball preventing member 94 prevents the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 28 from returning to the launch position again. A foul ball prevention member 96 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 52.

  Next, an electronic control device that constitutes the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the electronic control unit includes a main control board (main control means) 102, a payout control board 104, a sub control board (sub control means) 106, and a launch control board 108. I have.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 102 includes a CPU 102A, a ROM 102B, a backup RAM 102C, a backup RAM initialization unit 102D, an initialization notification command transmission unit 102E, a RAM clear timer 102F, and an initialization notification end. A command transmission unit 102G and an error notification command transmission unit 102H are provided.

  Further, the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 sets a normal electric accessory solenoid 130 described later, a large prize opening solenoid 132 described later, a symbol display device 134 described later, and the sub control board 106 based on the data stored in the ROM 102B. Control. In addition, the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 controls the entire game and mainly determines a game state such as determination of success or failure, and controls to realize a game environment (effect mode) according to the determined game state. The control board 106 and the payout control board 104 are directly controlled. Further, the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 sends the effect display board (effect control means) 110, the amplifier board (effect control means) 112, the decoration drive board (effect control means) 114, and the effect button board 116 via the sub control board 106. Control indirectly.

  The ROM 102B of the main control board 102 stores a program for realizing overall game control executed by the CPU 102A.

  The backup RAM 102C of the main control board 102 always stores game information (game state). In particular, when the pachinko machine 10 is disconnected, game information (for example, whether it is a big hit game, a probable change game, or a short-time game) immediately before the disconnection is stored.

  In addition, the backup RAM initialization unit 102D of the main control board 102 is activated by receiving a control signal from the CPU 102A or pressing a RAM clear button (not shown) provided in the CPU 102A, etc. Initialize the stored contents.

  The initialization notification command transmission unit 102E of the main control board 102 sends an initialization notification command to the sub-control board 106 when the backup RAM 102C is initialized by the backup RAM initialization unit 102D, such as when the power is turned on. To send.

  The RAM clear timer 102F of the main control board 102 is set at a predetermined time simultaneously with the transmission of the initialization notification command. For example, simultaneously with the transmission of the initialization notification command, the RAM clear timer 102F is set to a time of 35 seconds. When the RAM clear timer 102F is set to a time of 35 seconds, the RAM clear timer 102F counts down from 35 to 0 in order.

  In addition, when the RAM clear timer 102F reaches 0, the initialization notification end command transmission unit 102G of the main control board 102 transmits an initialization notification end command for ending the initialization notification to the sub-control board 106. In particular, even when the RAM clear timer 102F is 0 when the supply of power from the power supply board 176 is stopped and the power is cut off, and then the supply of power from the power supply board 176 is resumed to restore power. The initialization notification end command transmitting unit 102G transmits an initialization notification end command for ending the initialization notification to the sub-control board 106.

  Further, when it is determined that an error has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, the error notification command transmission unit 102H of the main control board 102 transmits an error notification command for notifying an error to the sub control board 106.

  Here, the error of the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  Errors that occur in the pachinko machine 10 include a communication error, a CR unit unconnected error, a payout device error, a ball running out error, a pan full error, a motor empty running error, and the like.

  A communication error occurs when the dispensing control board 104 cannot confirm the connection with the main control board 102 within 30 seconds after the power is turned on.

  The CR unit unconnected error occurs when the connection with the CR unit (Card Reader device) cannot be confirmed.

  The dispensing device error occurs when the sensor before dispensing or the sensor after dispensing continues for 3 seconds. The payout is not performed normally.

  The ball break error occurs when the tank switch is OFF for 1.5 seconds. The supply of game balls from the pachinko hall island facilities is stopped.

  The lower tray full error occurs when the lower state of the lower tray full switch is OFF (the lower tray portion 20 is full in the OFF state) for one second. This is a state in which the player has not pulled out the game ball of the lower plate part 20.

  Even if 14000 ms has elapsed since the start of the payout operation of the motor ball, the game ball payout operation, or when the passing of the game ball cannot be detected by the pre-payout switch or the post-payout switch, or during the payout operation, This occurs when the passing of the next game ball cannot be detected within 14000 ms after the passing of the game ball is detected by the switch after payout.

  When these errors occur, the error LED 146 is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a special prize opening error resulting from an illegal prize winning to the special prize opening 86 is targeted. In other words, fraudulent acts are often performed in which a fraudulent person uses a tool to pry open the big winning opening 86 on the game board 26 to win a game ball. In this case, there is a contradiction that the big prize opening switch 122 detects that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 86 even though the command for opening the big prize opening 86 is not transmitted. In such a case, the error notification command transmission unit 102H transmits an error notification command. Note that when this prize opening error occurs, the error display LED 173 is turned on.

  Further, in actual control, an error is not detected by a command for opening the big prize opening 86, but even if a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) elapses after a command for closing the big prize opening 86 is sent. If there is a prize at the prize opening 86, it is determined that there is a big prize opening error.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illegal winning at the big winning opening 86, and an error notification command may be transmitted by detecting an illegal winning at the starting opening 56B of the ordinary electric accessory 56 and other winning openings in the same manner.

  Further, the main control board 102 is electrically connected to the start port switch 120, the big prize port switch 122, the gate switch 124, and the count switch 126 via the relay terminal plate 118, respectively.

  Further, the main control board 102 is electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 130, the special prize opening solenoid 132, and the symbol display device 134 via the relay terminal board 128, respectively. The 7-segment display board 68 is an embodiment of the symbol display device 134.

  The payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the glass frame switch 138, the external tank switch 140, and the tank switch 142 via the relay terminal plate 136, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the error LED 146 via the relay terminal board 144. The payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the lower pan full tank switch 148. The payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the ball rental display board 152 and the ball rental apparatus 154 via the relay terminal board 150, respectively.

  The ball rental display board 152 is electrically connected with a ball rental switch 156 and a return switch 158, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the payout motor 162 and the payout switch 164 via the relay terminal plate 160, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the main control board 102 and the launch control board 108, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sub control board 106 is electrically connected to the effect display board 110, the amplifier board 112, the decoration drive board 114, and the effect button board 116.

  The sub-control board 106 controls game effects based on control signals from the main control board 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub control board 106 includes a CPU 106A, a ROM 106B, a first effect command transmission unit 106C, an initialization notification timer unit 106D, an error notification flag setting unit 106E, and an error notification flag determination. Unit 106F, error notification execution unit 106G, and error notification timer unit 106H.

  The CPU 106 </ b> A of the sub control board 106 receives the control signal from the main control board 102 and controls each board such as the effect display board 110, the amplifier board 112, the decoration drive board 114, and the effect button board 116.

  The ROM 106B stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board.

  In particular, the ROM 106B stores data relating to the first effect command for starting the first effect when the initialization notification command is received. Specifically, the ROM 106B has a program for outputting a warning sound indicating that initialization is being performed from the speaker 170 (48), a program for displaying a large character indicating that initialization is being performed on the effect display device 166 (62), and an LED / lamp. 172 (66) is blinking or lit in a prominent manner so that hall personnel around the pachinko machine 10 are in the process of initializing, and a specific LED / lamp 172 (66) is prominent. Flashes or lights up to send an emergency signal indicating that initialization is being performed to a management computer installed in the pachinko hall, a program for notifying the hall related people around the pachinko machine 10 that initialization is in progress Programs to be stored are stored.

  The ROM 106B stores data related to a normal effect that is not an initialization notification effect when an initialization notification end command is received. Specifically, in the ROM 106B, if the game state immediately before the power interruption is a big hit game state, a program for causing the speaker 170 (48) to output a sound indicating the big hit game, and the effect display device 166 (62) receive the big hit game. A program for displaying a pseudo symbol of a special symbol to be displayed, and a program for indicating that it is a big hit game by blinking or lighting all of the LED / lamps 172 (66) prominently are stored. In addition, the ROM 106B has a probability that the gaming state immediately before the power interruption is a probable gaming state with a high probability of winning a jackpot, a short gaming state when the variation time of a special symbol is shortened by a predetermined time, and a probability of winning a jackpot If it is a low-probability normal game state, reach state, etc., the speaker 170 (48), the effect display device 166 (62), and the LED lamp 172 (66) are provided so as to realize an effect corresponding to each game state. A program to be controlled is stored.

  The ROM 106B stores data related to an error notification execution command for starting an error notification effect when an error notification command is received. Specifically, the ROM 106B stores a program for displaying a character indicating an error (for example, “error occurrence”) on the effect display device 166 (62) as an error notification effect. The ROM 106B stores a program for outputting a warning sound of a special tone color that means an error from various speakers 170 (48) as an error notification effect. Further, the ROM 106B stores a program for blinking or lighting the error display LED 173 with a special light emission pattern meaning an error as an error notification effect.

  Moreover, 106 C of 1st effect command transmission parts transmit the 1st effect command which starts the 1st effect regarding initialization notification with respect to the effect display board | substrate 110, when the initialization notification command is received.

  Further, the initialization notification timer unit 106D measures the time (execution time) during which the initialization notification described later is executed. For example, in this embodiment, it is set to 35 seconds.

  Further, the error notification flag setting unit 106E displays an error notification flag when an error notification command for executing error notification is received from the error notification command transmission unit 102H of the main control board 102 during execution of initialization notification. Set. Specifically, when an error notification command is received from the error notification command transmitter 102H, the error notification flag is set to 1. When the error that has occurred is cancelled, the error notification flag is set to 0. Thus, the error notification flag is in a state of 1 or 0.

  Further, the error notification flag determination unit 106F determines whether or not the error notification flag is set when the initialization notification execution time is measured by the initialization notification timer unit 106D and the initialization notification ends. To do. That is, when the initialization notification timer unit 106D measures the time for executing the initialization notification, the initialization of the storage contents of the backup RAM 102C is completed and the initialization notification is terminated. Is 1 or 0.

  In addition, when the error notification flag is set, the error notification execution unit 106G sends an error notification execution command for executing error notification to each of the substrates 110, 112, 114 after the end of the initialization notification. To send. That is, when the error notification flag is 1, an error notification effect process based on the error notification execution command is executed by each of the substrates 110, 112, and 114, respectively. The details of the error notification effect process will be described later.

  Further, the error notification timer unit 106H measures the time (execution time) during which the error notification is executed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, an effect display device 166 (62) and an effect display ROM 168 are electrically connected to the effect display board 110. The effect display ROM 168 stores pseudo special symbol data that is variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 62. The effect symbol display device 62 is an embodiment of the effect display device 166.

  Here, when the effect display board 110 receives the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106 </ b> C of the sub control board 106, the effect display board 110 starts the first effect related to the initialization notification. Specifically, the effect display device 166 (62) displays a large character (for example, “in initialization”) indicating that initialization is in progress.

  Further, when the effect display board 110 does not receive the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106 </ b> C of the sub control board 106, the effect display board 110 starts a normal effect related to the gaming state before power interruption. Specifically, if the game state before the power interruption is a big hit game state, the effect display device 166 (62) displays a pseudo-design of a special symbol indicating the big hit game. Further, if the game state before the power interruption is the probability change game state, the short-time game state, the normal game state, or the reach state, the effect display device 166 (62) displays a symbol corresponding to each state.

  Further, when the effect display board 110 receives an error notification execution command from the error notification execution unit 106G of the sub-control board 106, the effect display board 110 starts the error notification effect. Specifically, characters indicating an error (for example, “error occurrence”) are displayed large on the effect display device 166 (62).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, various types of speakers 170 (48) that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 112. The sub-speaker 48 is an embodiment of various speakers 170.

  Here, when receiving the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106C of the sub control board 106, the amplifier board 112 starts the first effect related to the initialization notification. Specifically, a warning sound indicating that initialization is in progress is output from various speakers 170 (48).

  Further, when the amplifier board 112 does not receive the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106C of the sub control board 106, the amplifier board 112 starts a normal effect relating to the gaming state before the power interruption. Specifically, if the game state before power interruption is a big hit game state, a big hit sound indicating the big hit game is output from the various speakers 170 (48). Also, if the game state before power interruption is a probability change game state, a short-time game state, a normal game state, or a reach state, various speakers 170 (48) output sounds corresponding to the respective states.

  In addition, when receiving the error notification execution command from the error notification execution unit 106G of the sub-control board 106, the amplifier substrate 112 starts the error notification effect. Specifically, a warning sound having a special tone color indicating an error is output from the various speakers 170 (48).

  As shown in FIG. 6, various types of LEDs / lamps 172 (66) and error display LEDs 173 are electrically connected to the decorative drive board 114. The decoration driving board 114 receives a command from the sub-control board 106 and performs control related to game decoration. In addition, an operation switch 174 (40) is electrically connected to the effect button board 178. The lamp device 66 is an embodiment of various LEDs / lamps 172. The effect button 40 is an embodiment of the operation switch 174.

  Here, when receiving the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106C of the sub control board 106, the decoration drive board 114 starts the first effect related to the initialization notification. Specifically, the various LEDs and lamps 172 (66) blink or light in a special light emission pattern indicating that initialization is in progress.

  Further, when the decoration drive board 114 does not receive the first effect command from the first effect command transmission unit 106C of the sub control board 106, the decoration drive board 114 starts the second effect relating to the gaming state before the power interruption. Specifically, if the gaming state before power interruption is a big hit gaming state, the various LED lamps 172 (66) flash or light up with a light emission pattern indicating the big hit game. Further, if the gaming state before power interruption is a probability-changing gaming state, a short-time gaming state, a normal gaming state, or a reach state, the various LEDs / lamps 172 (66) flash or light in a light emission pattern corresponding to each state.

  Further, when receiving the error notification command from the sub-control board 106, the decoration driving substrate 114 starts the error notification effect. Specifically, the error display LED 173 blinks or lights up with a special light emission pattern indicating an error.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 102, the sub control board 106, the payout control board 104, and the launch control board 108 are power supply boards for supplying power to the respective boards 102, 104, 106, 108. 176 is connected.

  Here, when power is cut off, the power supply board 176 supplies power to the boards 102, 104, 106, and 108 based on commands from the main control board 102 or the sub control board 106, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a firing motor 180, a firing stop switch 182 (64), and a touch switch 184 are electrically connected to the firing control board 108 via a firing drive board 178. ing. In addition, a ball feed solenoid 186 is electrically connected to the launch control board 108.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described based on a flowchart.

  First, initialization notification processing in the sub control board 106 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not an initialization notification command has been received (S100). When the initialization notification command is received (S100: YES), the initialization notification flag is set to 1 (S110).

  Next, the time for executing the initialization notification is set in the initialization notification timer unit 106D of the sub-control board 106 (S120). For example, 35 seconds is set as the execution time of the initialization notification. Then, initialization notification is started (S130).

  Then, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not the error notification command transmitted from the error notification command transmission unit 102H of the main control board 102 has been received (S140).

  Next, when it is determined that an error notification command has been received (S140: YES), the error notification flag setting unit 106E of the sub control board 106 sets the error notification flag to 1 (S150).

  Then, the initialization notification timer unit 106D determines whether or not the time-up has been measured (S160).

  If the initialization notification timer unit 106D determines that the time-up has been measured (S160: YES), the initialization notification flag is canceled and set to 0 (S170). Then, the initialization notification ends (S180).

  Next, the error notification flag determination unit 106F of the sub-control board 106 determines whether or not the error notification flag is 1 (S190).

  If it is determined that the error notification flag is 1 (S190: YES), an error notification process is executed (S200). Details of the error notification process will be described later.

  Thus, even when an error occurs during the initialization notification, the initialization notification and the error notification do not overlap in time, and the error notification is started after the initialization notification is completed.

  On the other hand, when the initialization notification command is not received in S100 (S100: NO), the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not the initialization notification flag is 1 (S210). As a result, when the initialization notification flag is 1 (S210: YES), the process proceeds to S140, and it is determined whether an error notification command is received. If the initialization notification flag is not 1 in S210 (S210: NO), the process proceeds to S200, and an error notification process is executed.

  If it is determined in S140 that an error notification command has not been received (S140: NO), the process proceeds to S160. If it is determined in S160 that the time-up has not been measured (S160: NO), the process returns to S140, and it is determined again whether an error notification command has been received.

  In S190, if it is determined that the error notification flag is not 1 (S190: NO), the process ends without executing the error notification process.

Next, error notification processing in the sub control board 106 will be described.
This error notification process corresponds to S200 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not an error notification command has been received (S300).

  If it is determined that the error notification command has been received (S300: YES), the error notification flag setting unit 106E sets the error notification flag to 1 (S310). Then, error notification is started (S320). The error notification is executed in each of the boards 110, 112, and 114 that have received the error notification execution command from the error notification execution unit 106G of the sub-control board 106.

  Next, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not the cause of the error has been resolved and the error has been canceled (S330).

  Here, the cancellation of the error of the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  For example, a motor idle error that has occurred in the pachinko machine 10 is canceled when the passing of a game ball can be detected by a switch that has detected that the payout motor 162 is idle. In addition, the big prize opening error indicates that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 86 even after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has passed since the command for closing the big prize opening 86 is transmitted. Detected by 122. And it cancels | releases automatically, when predetermined time (example: 2 minutes) passes after game ball detection.

  Next, when it is determined that the error has been released (S330: YES), the error notification flag setting unit 106E sets the error notification flag to 0 (S340). Then, the error notification effect on each of the substrates 110, 112, and 114 ends (S350).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S300 that an error notification execution command has not been received (S300: NO), the error notification flag determination unit 106F determines whether or not the error notification flag is 1 (S360).

  If it is determined in S360 that the error notification flag is 1 (S360: YES), the process proceeds to S330, and it is determined whether or not the error has been canceled. If it is determined in S360 that the error notification flag is not 1 (S360: NO), the process is terminated as it is.

  Next, error notification processing in each of the substrates 110, 112, and 114 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 11, it is determined by the effect display board 110 whether or not an error notification execution command has been received (S400). If it is determined that an error notification execution command has been received (S400: YES), an error notification effect on the effect display board 110 is executed (S410).

  Specifically, the effect display device 166 (62) is controlled by the effect display substrate 110, and characters indicating an error (for example, “error occurrence”) are displayed large on the effect display device 166 (62).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the amplifier board 112 determines whether an error notification execution command has been received (S500). If it is determined that an error notification execution command has been received (S500: YES), an error notification effect on the amplifier board 112 is executed (S510).

  Specifically, the various loudspeakers 170 (48) are controlled by the amplifier board 112, and a warning sound having a special tone color indicating an error is output from the various loudspeakers 170 (48).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not an error notification execution command has been received by the decorative drive board 114 (S600). If it is determined that an error notification execution command has been received (S600: YES), an error notification effect on the decorative drive board 114 is executed (S610).

  Specifically, the error display LED 173 is controlled to emit light by the decorative drive substrate 114, and the error display LED 173 blinks or lights up with a special light emission pattern that means an error.

  As described above, even when an error occurs during initialization notification, initialization notification and error notification can be shifted in time by executing error notification subsequent to the end of initialization notification. As a result, since the error notification is not erased by the initialization notification, the error notification can be surely recognized by the outside (for example, a hall related person).

  In particular, an error notification execution command for executing error notification is transmitted to each of the substrates 110, 112, and 114 by the error notification execution unit 106G of the sub-control board 106. And each board | substrate 110,112,114 produces the effect regarding an error notification based on an error notification execution command. In this way, by separately providing the substrates 110, 112, and 114 in addition to the sub-control substrate 106, the control burden (processing burden) on the sub-control substrate 106 is reduced, and errors in the substrates 110, 112, and 114 are reduced. The production related to the notification can be complicated.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main control board and sub control board which comprise the electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the sub control board which comprises the electronic controller of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the supply of the electric power in the electronic controller of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the launch control board which comprises the electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization alerting | reporting process in the sub control board which comprises the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the error alerting | reporting process in the sub control board which comprises the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the error alerting | reporting process in the effect display board | substrate which comprises the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the error alerting | reporting process in the amplifier board | substrate which comprises the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the error alerting | reporting process in the decoration drive board | substrate which comprises the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
102 Main control board (main control means)
106 Sub-control board (sub-control means)
106D initialization notification timer unit 106E error notification flag setting unit 106F error notification flag determination unit 106G error notification execution unit 110 effect display board (effect control means)
112 Amplifier board (production control means)
114 Decoration drive board (production control means)

Claims (2)

Main control means for controlling the main control of the game; and sub-control means for controlling execution of initialization notification for notifying that the main control means is being initialized based on a predetermined command from the main control means; A gaming machine having
The sub-control unit includes an error notification flag setting unit that sets an error notification flag when an error notification command for executing error notification is received from the main control unit during execution of the initialization notification, and the initialization An error notification flag determination unit that determines whether or not the error notification flag is set when the notification ends, and after setting the error notification flag, the error that triggered the setting of the error notification flag is released An error cancellation determination unit that determines whether the error has been canceled, an error notification flag cancellation unit that cancels the error notification flag when the error cancellation determination unit determines that the error has been canceled, and the error notification flag determination unit If it is determined that an error notification flag is set, an error notification is executed to execute the error notification following the end of the initialization notification. An execution unit,
Have
When the error occurs, the error notification flag is set and a predetermined time until the error is canceled is set, and the error is automatically canceled after the predetermined time has passed,
The predetermined time is set longer than the execution time of the initialization notification, and when the error occurs, the error is not canceled at the end of the initialization notification and the error notification is executed. The gaming machine is characterized in that the error notification is executed following the end of the initialization notification by a unit. An open / close plate that opens or closes the big prize opening, a count switch that detects a winning ball to the big prize opening, and a big hit game that executes a big hit game that repeatedly opens and closes the big prize opening by the operation of the opening / closing plate Execution means, and
The error, gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the more winning of game ball into the count switch after a certain time after the jackpot game end is big winning opening errors that occur when it is detected .

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