JP4633810B2 - Game machine, production method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine, an effect method, and a program that change the probability of jackpot.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board enters a specific start winning opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the display unit move from top to bottom. A game machine is widely used in which, when the same or related symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line), the game becomes a big win, the big winning opening is opened, and the big win game can be played.

  In such gaming machines, the main control board operates in each mode of jackpot, probability change, time reduction, and normal, and there are those that produce effects for each mode according to the command output from this main control board. There was something that made the game more interesting and made the game more interesting until the jackpot was finalized.

  Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine that maintains a sense of expectation of a game by not displaying a display of whether the mode after the jackpot is a time-saving mode or a probability-changing mode up to a predetermined number of revolutions (for example, , See Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2004-337366 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, the mode is not notified until the predetermined number of revolutions, so that the expectation of the game can be maintained. There was a problem of losing interest, such as stopping the game. In addition, since the mode can be understood even for a customer who wants to play a new game on the game table, there is a problem that a game by a new customer is not started indefinitely.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine, an effect method, and a program capable of improving the fun of a game for a player who continuously plays a game and a new player in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention stores data at the time of gaming in a gaming machine having a display means for displaying a gaming state of a gaming machine whose probability of jackpot varies. Storage means for holding the data stored by the backup power supply from the power supply unit even when the power supply is shut off, and the stored contents of the storage means by the backup power supply when the power supply is restored after the power supply is momentarily interrupted The recovery means for recovering the game by recovering the stored data, and the power supplied to each part from the power supply part, the current time input from the time measuring means is instantaneous when the predetermined change state notification time is reached The power-off means for cutting off and the display content of the display means are controlled, and the game state being executed is in the normal state regardless of whether the game state is high or low. The probability state is not displayed on the display means, and the probability change state is displayed on the display means at the time of recovery of the game by the recovery means after the probability change state notification time when the power cut-off means momentarily cuts off the power. Probability change state notifying means for performing control to be displayed is provided.

  In addition, the probability variation state notifying unit includes the power supply disconnecting unit, and based on the time measured by the timing unit, the power variation is instantaneously interrupted when the probability variation state notification time is reached.

  In addition, the probability change state notification means instantaneously cuts off the power supply only when the game state being executed has a high probability when the probability change state notification time comes.

  In addition, the presentation method of the present invention is a presentation method for a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying a gaming state of a gaming machine whose probability of jackpot varies, and stores data at the time of gaming, and when the power is shut off In the storage step of storing the data stored by the backup power source from the power supply unit in the storage unit and the recovery unit, when the power supply is restored after the power supply is momentarily interrupted, the backup power source stores the data stored in the storage unit. The restoration process for restoring the stored data to restore the game, and the power to be supplied from the power supply unit to each unit by the power-off means, the current time input from the time measuring means is the predetermined change state notification time determined in advance. The display contents of the display means are controlled by the power-off process for instantaneously shutting off when it becomes and the probability change state informing means. In any of the low probabilities, in the normal state, the state of the probability is not displayed on the display means, and after the probability change state notification time when the power is momentarily cut off by the power-off step, the game by the restoration step is performed. A probability variation state notifying step for performing control to display the probability variation state on the display means at the time of recovery.

  Moreover, the program of this invention makes a computer perform said method.

  According to the above configuration, the probability of jackpot at the time of gaming is not notified to the player, but the power supply is instantaneously interrupted at a predetermined time, and the probability is notified based on the data backed up at the time of recovery. Can do. A gaming machine normally performs a restoration process for restoring the state before the interruption after the power is cut off, and the probability can be easily notified by using this process. Thereby, the game can be performed without being aware of the state of the probability, and both the player who continuously plays the game and the player who newly plays the game will be interesting.

  According to the gaming machine, the production method, and the program according to the present invention, it is possible to play a game without being aware of the probability state, and it is possible to improve the fun of the game.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine, a production method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A launching unit (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2A) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103, and a game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a prize opening that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  An image display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the image display unit 104, a start winning opening 105 for starting winning is arranged. On the left side of the image display unit 104, a winning gate 106 is provided.

  The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and perform a lottery to open the start winning opening 105 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 107, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  The above-described image display unit 104 starts a change in display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins a specific winning opening (at the time of starting winning), and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big hit state, the predetermined winning opening 109 located below the gaming area 103 is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning gaming balls is paid out.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, an effect light portion (frame lamp) 111 is provided on two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. Each effect light unit 111 includes a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light unit 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

In addition, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. The effect light unit 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light unit 111 to three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction. it can.

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Accordingly, it is possible to give the player an uplifting feeling due to the attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  Inside the operation handle 113, a light emitting unit (not shown) is provided. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of LEDs that emit light when energized. The light emitting unit, for example, energizes the LED when it becomes a big hit state, and causes the LED to emit light. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player and the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the degree of attention of the player in the big hit state can be increased.

  The light emitting unit includes a reflecting member that reflects the light emitted from the LED, and a motor that rotates the reflecting member so as to change the direction of reflection by the reflecting member. The light emitting unit can increase the effect of causing the light emitting unit to emit light by reflecting the light emitted from the LED in multiple directions using the reflecting member.

  In this way, by causing the light emitting unit to emit light and conspicuous light emission from the light emitting unit, it is possible to let the player and the surroundings know that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the player who has hit the big hit state The degree of attention can be increased. Then, by raising the player's attention level, the player who has been in a big hit state is given an uplifting feeling by being noted, and the gaming machine of this embodiment is continuously or repeatedly used, The operating rate of the machine can be improved.

  On the upper side and the side of the image display unit 104 (on the right side in the drawing in FIG. 1), there are provided effects for the effects (hereinafter referred to as “movable accessories”) 115 and 116. The movable members 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the movable members 115 and 116 as if the blade is pulled out from the sheath and the removed blade is returned to the sheath again. The movable accessories 115 and 116 are driven by a solenoid or a motor.

In the frame member 110, an effect button (chance button) 117 that receives an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the effect button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the effect button 117 is displayed, for example, during a specific reach effect during the game.

  In the frame member 110, a cross key 118 is provided next to the effect button 117. The effect button 117 and the cross key 118 constitute an operation unit (see reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3). In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 2-1) that outputs sound.

(Internal configuration of control unit)
FIG. 2-1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 200 includes a plurality of control units. In the example shown in the figure, a main control unit 201, an effect control unit 202, a prize ball control unit 203, and a lamp control unit 204 are included. The main control unit 201 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The production control unit 202 controls the production operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 203 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out. The lamp control unit 204 controls lighting of the lamps provided on the game board and the frame.

  Based on the program stored in the ROM 212, the main control unit 201 executes a CPU 211 that executes basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 213 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 211 performs arithmetic processing, and an input / output interface (I / O) 214, 215 and the like. The main control unit 201 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board. Various commands set in the RAM 213 are sent to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203 at a predetermined timing. The data stored in the RAM 213 is retained by a backup power source, which will be described later, even when the power is turned off, and the state when the power is turned off can be recovered by reading.

  The main control unit 201 detects a starting winning port detecting unit (starting port SW) 221 that detects a winning ball that has won the starting winning port 105 via the I / O 214, and a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106. A gate detection unit (gate SW) 222, a normal winning port detection unit (normal winning port SW) 223 that detects a game ball won in the normal winning port 107, and a big win that detects a winning ball that won in the big winning port 109 A mouth detection unit (large winning mouth SW) 224 is connected. There may be provided a plurality of the normal winning openings SW223 such as the normal winning openings SW1 (223a) and the normal winning openings SW2 (223b) according to the arrangement positions of the normal winning openings 107. These detection units can be configured using proximity switches or the like.

  Detection results from the start winning port detection unit 221, the gate detection unit 222, the normal winning port detection unit 223, and the big winning port detection unit 224 are input to the main control unit 201.

  Further, the main control unit 201 drives and holds the start winning solenoid 105 that opens the start winning opening 105 (tulip) for a certain period of time via the I / O 214 and the large winning opening solenoid 231 that opens and closes the big winning opening 109. Control of lighting of the lamps 226 (for example, four are provided on the game board 101 of FIG. 1) is performed. The big prize opening solenoid 231 performs an operation of opening the big prize opening 109 for a predetermined time at the time of big hit. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  Next, the production control unit 202 controls production contents during the game. This effect control unit 202 is based on a command sent from the main control unit 201, and an effect control unit 202a that controls the contents of the effect, and an image / sound control unit that controls the image and sound instructed by the effect control unit 202a. 202b.

The production control unit 202 a is an input / output interface between the CPU 241 that executes the production process, the ROM 242 that stores the production program, the RAM 243 that functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 241, and the main control unit 201. (I / O) 24
4 and an input / output interface (I / O) 245 between the image / sound control unit 202 b and an input / output interface (I / O) 246 between the lamp control unit 204. In addition, a real-time clock (RTC) 247 serving as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time is connected to the production control unit 202a. The real-time clock 247 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power is turned off. Various data set in the RAM 243 is sent to the image / sound controller 202b at a predetermined timing. The RTC 247 is not limited to being arranged in the effect control unit 202, and the arrangement position is not limited to being arranged in the main control unit 201 or arranged alone.

  The image / sound control unit 202b displays on the CPU 251 that executes image and sound generation and output processing, the ROM 252 that stores various image data such as background images, design images, and character images and various sounds, and the image display unit 104. Input / output interface (I / O) 254 between the RAM 253 for storing image data and sound output via the speaker 277, and the production control unit 202a, and input / output between the image display unit 104 and the speaker 277 And an interface (I / O) 255. These CPUs 241 and 251 constitute display control means for the image display unit 104 and the like.

  The effect button 117 is connected to the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 via the I / O 244, and the operation of the effect button 117 is input to the effect control unit 202a.

  Based on the command sent from the main control unit 201, the effect supervision unit 202a reads the program stored in the ROM 242, determines the content of the effect, and outputs an instruction to the image / sound control unit 202b. The CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b performs various image processing and sound processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, and character image display processing based on the instructed contents of the rendering, and necessary image data. The audio data is read from the ROM 252 and written to the RAM 253. The background image, the design image, and the character image written in the RAM 253 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  In this case, when the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 253 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. . The effect control unit 202 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board.

  For the image display unit 104, the effect control unit 202 displays the contents of the effect during the game, for example, movement display of symbols, reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are aligned), and various display information at the time of jackpot Is generated and output. When the game is interrupted for a certain time, a screen waiting for the customer is displayed and output. Further, as will be described later, a probability change state notification as to whether or not it is in the probability change mode is displayed at a predetermined time based on the time of the RTC 247. In addition, the effect control unit 202 outputs data for outputting sound from the speaker 277.

  The lamp control unit 204 inputs / outputs between the CPU 261 that executes processing for lamp lighting, the ROM 262 that stores control data such as lamp lighting, the RAM 263 as a work area of the CPU 261, and the production control unit 202a. An interface (I / O) 264, an effect light unit 111, movable accessories 115 and 116, and an input / output interface (I / O) 265 between the frame lamp 111 are configured.

The lamp control unit 204 controls lighting of the effect light unit 111 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, or the like based on control data such as lamp lighting output from the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202. Is output. In addition, data for controlling the operation of the movable accessories 115 and 116 is output.

  Next, the prize ball control unit 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 282. The prize ball control unit 203 includes an input / output interface (I / O) between the CPU 281 that executes the prize ball control process, the RAM 283 that functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 281, and the main control unit 201. ) 284 and an input / output interface (I / O) 285 between motors and switches for prize ball operation. The prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by, for example, a prize ball board.

  The prize ball control unit 203 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of winning a prize to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291 connected via the I / O 285. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The winning ball control unit 203 controls the paying unit 291 to pay out the number of winning balls corresponding to the game balls won in each winning port (start winning port 105, normal winning port 107, large winning port 109). Do it. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to detection units at various places for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out via the I / O 285, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, the prize ball control unit 203, and the lamp control unit 204 configured as described above operate based on the power supplied from the power supply unit 271. The power supply unit 271 receives a power-off command signal S1 from the production control unit 202 (production control unit 202a). The effect control unit 202 outputs the power-off command signal S1 when it is time to notify the probability variation state described later. As a result, the power supply unit 271 outputs a power-off signal S2 to the main control unit 201 via the prize ball control unit 203. When the power-off signal S2 is input, the main control unit 201 temporarily cuts off the power supply and performs a return process described later.

  The production control unit 202 notifies the image display unit 104 of whether or not it is in the probability variation mode when the power supply is momentarily interrupted and restored by the restoration process by the main control unit 201. The configuration is not limited to notifying the probability change state using the image display unit 104, but is configured to connect a gaming state notification lamp (not shown) to the main control unit 201 shown in FIG. 2-1, and the main control unit 201 is a power source. It is also possible to notify the probable change state by controlling lighting of the game state lamp at the time of recovery after the momentary interruption. For example, when the probability is high, control is performed to blink the game state lamp after recovery.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, the prize ball control unit 203, and the lamp control unit 204 configured as described above are provided on different printed circuit boards (main control board, effect control board, prize ball board, and lamp board). It is done. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

  FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the power supply unit. The power supply unit 271 operates by receiving an external power supply (for example, AC 24V). As this external power supply, a direct current power supply for operation is generated by a direct current voltage generation circuit 273 via a power supply disconnection circuit 272 provided on a power supply line, and a main control unit 201, an effect control unit 202, and a prize ball control unit 203. And supplied to the lamp control unit 204, respectively. This DC voltage generation circuit 273 has a backup power supply 273a inside, and even when the external power supply is cut off, the main control unit 201 (particularly the RAM 213 that stores the state when the power supply is cut off) A backup power supply Bup is supplied to the control unit 203.

  The DC voltage generated by the DC voltage generation circuit 273 is monitored by the power supply voltage monitoring circuit 274, and when the supply of external power is cut off and falls below a predetermined threshold, the power cut signal S2 is output.

  The power-off circuit 272 includes a switch element 272a such as a TR that performs a switch operation based on a power-off command signal S1 output from the effect control unit 202, and a self-holding relay contact 272b. The relay contact 272b is configured by an openable / closable contact 272ba provided on the power supply line and a self-holding circuit 272bb.

  When the effect control unit 202 outputs a temporary power-off command signal S1 with a pulse or the like, the contacts 272ba and 272bb are opened via the switch element 272a. Thereafter, the contacts 272ba and 272bb automatically return when the power source is lost. After the contacts 272ba and 272bb are restored, the power supply can be resumed as usual because the external power supply itself is not a power failure. Thereby, when the power-off command signal S <b> 1 is supplied, the supply of the external power is interrupted, and the power-off signal S <b> 2 is output to the main control unit 201 and the prize ball control unit 203.

(Configuration of operation unit)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation unit. In FIG. 3, the operation unit 300 includes an effect button (indicated as “CHANCE” in FIG. 3) 117 and a cross key 118. The effect button 117 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment is realized by a convex button.

  The effect button 117 may be an input pad that employs a touch panel system in addition to the convex button. A cross key 118 is used to change cursors 301 to 304 that change the positions of characters and graphics displayed on the image display unit 104, and “ENTER” to determine the characters and graphics that are selected by operating the cursor keys 301 to 304. ”Key 305.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
An example of the basic operation of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201, and the winning status of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 203. The winning ball control unit 203 has the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning status. Make a withdrawal.

  In addition, every time a game ball wins at the start winning opening 105, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 repeatedly displays and stops the design of the image display unit 104. . When the big hit occurrence has been determined, the corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 is stopped in alignment with a predetermined symbol. At the same time, control for opening the special winning opening 109 is performed.

  The effect control unit 202 displays various effects in addition to the symbol change display on the image display unit 104 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, or at the time of reach notice. . In addition, a specific drive is performed for various types of accessories, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the effect light unit 111 are performed.

  When a big hit occurs, the big winning opening 109 is opened a plurality of times. For example, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out with 15 winning balls per winning game ball to the big winning opening 109. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is canceled and the normal gaming state is restored.

  In addition, the effect control unit 202 displays and outputs a customer waiting screen when the game is interrupted for a certain period of time. Further, based on the time measured by the RTC 247, the probability variation state is notified at a predetermined time.

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 4A is a flowchart of a main process performed by the main control unit (main control board). Based on the various types of processing shown in FIG. 4A, the operation of the effect control unit 202, prize ball control unit 203, and lamp control unit 204, which are peripheral units, is controlled.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4A, the main control unit 201 activates the illustrated process when the power is turned on. First, waiting for a time to stabilize the activation of the peripheral portion (for example, 1000 ms) is performed (step S401), and RAM 213 access permission is performed (step S402). Next, the state of the RAM clear switch is detected (step S403).

  If the detection result is ON (step S403: Yes), the process proceeds to step S407, and each process (steps S407 to S409) is performed. If it is OFF (step S403: No), then the state of the backup flag is detected (step S404). If the backup flag is ON (step S404: Yes), it is determined whether the checksum is normal (step S405). If the backup flag is OFF (step S404: No), the process proceeds to step S407.

  If the checksum is normal (step S405: Yes), a recovery process after power interruption (another routine) is executed (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, when the checksums do not match or otherwise (step S405: No), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In the processing after step S407, RAM clear is performed on the RAM 213 (step S407). Next, the cleared work area of the RAM 213 is set (step S408), and initial settings are respectively made for the peripheral parts (effect control unit 202, prize ball control unit 203, lamp control unit 204) (step S409). The process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, first, a timer interruption time (for example, an interval of 4 msec) is set for the real-time clock (RTC) 247 provided in the effect control unit 202. Next, a power-off monitoring process, which is various processes at the time of power-off, is executed (step S411), and a fluctuation pattern random number update process used for jackpot determination is performed (step S412), and interrupts are prohibited (step S413). ), The initial value random number used for jackpot determination is updated (step S414), and interrupts are permitted again (step S415). Thereafter, during a period in which power is supplied, the process returns to step S411, and the processes of steps S411 to S415 are continued.

  FIG. 4B is a flowchart of the process contents of the power-off monitoring process. The contents of step S411 in FIG. The main control unit 201 prohibits interrupts (step S421) and determines whether the power is off (step S422). If the power-off signal S2 is not input and the power is not turned off (step S422: No), the interrupt is permitted (step S423), and the above processing is terminated. If the power is turned off due to the input of the power-off signal S2 (step S422: Yes), the power-off processing is performed (step S424), and the above processing ends.

  FIG. 4-3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing content of the power-off processing performed by the main control unit. The contents of step S424 in FIG. 4-2 are shown. The main control unit 201 clears the output port (I / O 214, 215) as a power-off process (step S 431), and then creates a checksum from the contents of the RAM 213 at the time of power-off and stores it in the RAM 213. (Step S432). This process is performed during a period from when the power supply voltage supplied to the main control unit 201 is turned off due to the power supply being cut off (step S422: Yes) until the power supply voltage becomes zero. Next, the backup flag is turned on (step S433), access to the RAM 213 is prohibited (step S434), and the above processing is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing for the main processing. In the timer interrupt process, during the power supply period, the main process of FIG. 4-1 is interrupted for every predetermined period (for example, 4 msec) set in the RTC 247. First, a random number update process is performed (step S501), and a switch process at the time of starting port winning is performed (step S502). Thereafter, a special winning opening process is performed (step S503), a symbol process is performed (step S504), a prize ball process is performed (step S505), and these output processes are performed (step S506).

  In the switch process of step S502, every time the start port SW221 provided in the start winning port 105 detects a game ball, a random number is obtained for each hold number with a predetermined hold number (for example, four balls of a hold lamp) as an upper limit. In the big prize opening process of step S503, when the acquired random number is a numerical value corresponding to the big prize, it is determined that the big prize is won, and as described above, the big prize opening solenoid 231 provided in the big prize opening 109 is opened a predetermined number of times. Perform the process to be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the recovery process in the main process. The contents of the recovery process shown in step S406 of FIG. It operates at the time of recovery after power is cut off. First, a work area of the RAM 213 at the time of recovery is set (step S601). Next, the contents of the RAM 213 are read out, and it is determined whether the mode at the time of power-off is a big hit (step S602), whether it is a certain change (step S604), or whether the time is short (step S606).

  When the mode at the time of power-off is a big hit (step S602: Yes), a big hit state command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202 (step S603), and then the peripheral part (prize ball control unit 203, lamp control unit). 204) is set (step S609), the backup flag is turned OFF (step S610), and the recovery process is completed.

  When the mode at the time of power-off is not big hit (step S602: No), it is next determined whether or not the probability change is in progress, and when it is in the probability change (step S604: Yes), the probability control state with respect to the effect control unit 202 is determined. A command is transmitted (step S605), and the process proceeds to step S609. If the mode at the time of power-off is not changing reliably (step S604: No), then it is determined whether the time has been shortened. If the time has been shortened (step S606: Yes), the state control unit 202 is in a time-saving state. A command is transmitted (step S607), and the process proceeds to step S609. When the mode at the time of power-off is not short (step S606: No), a normal state command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202 (step S608), and the process proceeds to step S609.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the symbol processing. This is the processing content in step S504 in FIG. If the symbol process is a big hit (step S701: Yes), the process ends without changing the symbol. If it is not a big hit (step S701: No), it is determined whether the symbol is changing (step S702). If it is not changing (step S702: No), it is determined whether there is at least one holding number U. (Step S703). If there is no pending number (U = 0) (step S703: No), the process ends without changing the symbol.

  If the number of holdings is one or more (step S703: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting the number of holdings by one is set as a new holding number (step S704), and a variation content selection process (another routine) is performed (step S705). Next, a variation start command is set in the RAM 213 (step S706), and the symbol variation is started (step S707). Then, the measurement starts and ends the fluctuation period in which the symbols are changing (step S708).

  In step S702, if the symbol is changing (step S702: Yes), it is then determined whether the changing time has ended (step S709). If the variation time has not ended (step S709: No), the process ends. If the variation time has ended (step S709: Yes), a symbol variation stop command is set (step S710). Is finished (step S711). At this time, the symbol variation time is reset (step S712), and another routine is stopped (step S713).

  Although the process ends as described above, the following steps are processed when a customer waiting display to be described later is performed. First, it is determined whether there is at least one hold number U (step S714). If the number of holdings is 1 or more (step S714: Yes), the process ends. If there is no pending number (U = 0) (step S714: No), a customer waiting command is set in the RAM 213 (step S715), and the process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the variation content selection processing. This is the processing content in step S705 of FIG. In the variation content selection process, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress (step S801). If the probability change is in progress (step S801: Yes), the high probability determination value is set in the RAM 213 (step S802). Step S801: No), a low probability determination value is set (Step S803).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S804), and if it is a big hit (step S804: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is a probable change (step S805). When the probability is changed (step S805: Yes), the probability variation jackpot is set (step S806). When the probability variation is not (step S805: No), the normal jackpot is set (step S807), and the process is terminated.

  If it is not a big hit in step S804 (step S804: No), it is determined whether it is a reach (step S808). If it is reach (step S808: Yes), reach lose is set (step S809). If it is not reach (step S808: No), it is set (step S810), and the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the stopping process. This is the processing content in step S713 of FIG. In the stop process, it is determined whether the symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S901). If the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (step S901: No), it is determined whether the value for time reduction (time remaining rotational speed) J is 0 (step S902). ). If the value J for time reduction is 0 (step S902: Yes), the process is terminated, and if it is not 0 (step S902: No), a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value J is set as a new J (step S903). Thereafter, if J is not 0 (step S904: No), the process ends. If J is 0 (step S904: Yes), the normal gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S905), and the process ends.

In step S901, if the symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S901: Yes), it is then determined whether the symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol (step S906). If it is a probability variation jackpot symbol (step S906: Yes), the probability variation gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S).
907), the jackpot is started (step S908), the opening is started (step S909), and the process ends.

  In step S906, if it is not a probable big hit symbol (step S906: No), the time-saving gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S910), and the initial value (for example, 100) of the time-saving value J is set (step S911), The process proceeds to step S908 and subsequent steps.

(Processing procedure of production control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the effect control unit 202 will be described. The effect control unit 202 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 201 and performs predetermined main effect processing (not shown) for effect display.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the effect display process performed by the effect control unit (effect control board). The effect display process is interrupted and executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the main effect process.

  First, it is determined whether the production is in progress (step S1001). If the production is not in progress (step S1001: No), it is determined whether a change start command is received from the main control unit 201 (step S1002). When the change start command is not received (step S1002: No), the process is terminated. When the change start command is received (step S1002: Yes), the waiting time for waiting for the customer is reset (step S1003), the waiting time for the customer is reset (step S1004), and the effect pattern selection process is performed (step S1005). Background selection processing is performed (step S1006), an effect is started (step S1007), and the processing ends.

  If the effect is being produced in step S1001 (step S1001: Yes), it is determined whether a change stop command has been received (step S1008). When the variable stop command is received (step S1008: Yes), the production is ended (step S1009), the customer waiting standby time is started and measurement of the customer waiting standby time is started (step S1010). When the change stop command is not received (step S1008: No), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 10-2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing content of the power-off process performed by the effect control unit. The effect control unit 202 determines whether or not it is a predetermined change state notification period (for example, 15: 00-15: 05) based on the timing of the RTC 247 (step S1021). If it is not the probability change state notification period (step S1021: No), the process is terminated. If it is the probability change state notification period (step S1021: Yes), the power-off command signal S1 is output (step S1022), and the process is performed. finish.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the background selection process. This is the processing content shown in step S1006 of FIG. The background is not a design such as a number used for a jackpot, but a background design for presentation superimposed on the design used for the jackpot. First, it is determined whether it is a big hit (step S1101), and if it is a big hit (step S1101: Yes), the background A that does not notify the probability change is set in the RAM 253 (step S1105), and the process is terminated.

  If it is not a big hit (step S1101: No), it is determined whether the probability is changing (step S1102). If the probability is not changing (step S1102: No), the process proceeds to step S1105, and if the probability is changing (step S1102: Yes), it is determined whether it is the notification period of the probability variation state (step S1103). For example, 15:00 to 15:05 is set as the notification period of the probability variation state. If the current time measured by the RTC 247 is outside the range of the probability change state notification period (step S1103: No), the process proceeds to step S1105, and if the current time is within the range of the probability change state notification period (step S1103). : Yes), the background B for notifying the probability change state is set in the RAM 253 (step S1104), and the process ends.

(Probability change notification timing example-1)
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of the probability change state notification timing. In the example shown in the figure, the jackpot probability has become a high probability (probability change state) at the end of the jackpot (time t1). It shall be. At this time t1, the normal background A is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  Then, at the time of notification of the probability change state described above (for example, 15:00), the effect control unit 202 outputs the power-off command signal S1, and the power supply to the main control unit 201 is momentarily cut off. Thereafter, the main control unit 201 immediately performs the recovery process shown in FIG. By this restoration processing, the main control unit 201 is restored to the state when the power is turned off, and the subsequent processing is resumed as usual. In the illustrated example, since a high probability state is present when the power is turned off, this state is output to the effect control unit 202 as a command.

  Then, when entering the probability variation state notification period T1 (probability variation state notification timing t2), the effect control unit 202 switches to the background B instead of the background A, and notifies the player that the probability variation state is caused by the background B. To do. Then, at 15:05, when the probability change state notification period T1 ends (time t3), the background B is switched to the background A, and the probability change state notification is stopped. During the probability change state notification period T1, not only the display of the pattern background B on the image display unit 104 but also the lamp control unit 204 for the lamp such as the effect light unit 111 and the like is different from the normal time. It is good also as a structure which controls the blinking lamp for the purpose.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for notifying the probability change state. After the time t1 in FIG. 12, the background image 1301 of the background A is displayed on the image display unit 104 after the jackpot ends. This background image 1301 is a normal background, not a background for notifying the probability variation state, and the player cannot know that the probability variation state is present. Then, the pattern 1302 is rotating on the background image 1301. In this way, the design 1302 is repeatedly stopped and rotated on the background image 1301.

  When the probability change state notification time (time t2) is reached, the symbol 1302 is switched to the background image 1303 of the background B for probability change state notification while being repeatedly rotated and stopped as before. This background image 1303 is an image different from the background image 1301, and is displayed only during the probability variation state notification period T1 (for example, 15: 00 to 15: 05).

  As described above, even in the probability variation mode, the probability variation state notification is not intentionally performed, so that the game can be continued without being aware of whether or not the probability is certain during the game. For example, when a gaming machine is in the probability variation mode, if the player is aware that the probability is certain, the game will be reduced to half of the fun of the next big hit, but the gaming machine is in the probability variation mode. If you are playing in a state where you don't know how to do it, you will be able to increase the fun and expectation when you win a big hit as a certainty.

  However, if the gaming machine as described above is in the probability variation mode and the state where it is hidden is continued, there is no way to notify the state of entering the probability variation. Therefore, as described above, by providing the probability variation state notification period only for a predetermined period, it is possible to notify the player whether or not the gaming machine is in the probability variation mode. It becomes possible to recognize whether or not there is. In the present invention, the power supply is instantaneously interrupted when the time of notification of the probability change state is reached, and the player is notified of the probability change state using the subsequent recovery process. Since the gaming machine normally performs a process of restoring the state before the power shut-off after the power is shut off, the probability can be easily notified using this restoration process.

(Probability change state notification example-2)
FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing another example of the probability change state notification timing. In this example, when the symbol variation is in progress at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification, the display timing of the background B for probability variation state notification is shifted until the next symbol variation time. Compared with the timing shown in FIG. 12, since the symbol fluctuates at time t <b> 2, the effect control unit 202 outputs the power-off command signal S <b> 1 when the symbol variation stops (timing t <b> 2 ′). Then, the probability variation state notification period T2 is started. Further, in the example of this figure, since the symbol fluctuates at the time t3 as to the end timing of the probability variation state notification period T2, it is terminated when the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped (timing t3 ′).

  In the configuration example of FIG. 14, the effect control unit 202 notifies the power-off command signal S <b> 1 at a timing for notifying whether or not the mode is the probability variation mode in accordance with the reception timing of the symbol variation start command transmitted from the main control unit 201. Is output. Therefore, when there is no change in the symbol, that is, when the player is not playing at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification, the probability variation state notification is not performed. If the player is playing a game at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification, the probability variation state notification is performed to notify whether or not the probability variation mode is in effect.

  By the way, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, when the probability change state notification period T1 is reached in the main control unit 201 with either a high probability or a low probability, an instantaneous interruption occurs and the state of the probability at the time of recovery thereafter It was set as the structure which alert | reports. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at the time of low probability, it may be configured such that no instantaneous interruption occurs and the probability state is not notified. Specifically, in the process shown in FIG. 10-2, the effect control unit (effect control unit) 202 determines that the probability change notification period (step S1021) and the current jackpot probability is high. If so, the power-off command signal S1 is output (step S1022). However, if the current jackpot probability is low, the power cut command signal S1 may not be output. As a result, this high probability state can be notified only when there is a high probability in the probability variation state notification period T1.

  As described above, by providing a probability change state notification period for a predetermined period to notify whether or not the gaming machine is in the probability change mode, it is possible to clearly change the player during this probability change state notification period. It becomes possible to recognize whether or not. As a result, since the game can be performed without being conscious of the probability variation state, the expectation can be enhanced, while the probability variation state can be clearly known at a predetermined time.

  The probability variation state notification period can be arbitrarily set. For example, since it can be set as the time for attracting customers, if it is set to 5 minutes from 15:00 to 15:05 as described above, the ability to attract customers can be improved in this period. In addition, if the notification is made once per hour, or if notification is made in accordance with the opening time, it can be used for attracting customers at the time of opening.

  Note that the game machine production method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer such as the production control board. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the gaming machine, the production method, and the program according to the present invention relate to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that performs reach production, and in particular, is provided in the gaming machine that basically does not notify the probability variation state. Suitable for a main control board, an effect control board, a program to be executed by these boards, and an effect method.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a power supply part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the main process which a main control part (main control board) performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a power-off monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process at the time of the power-off which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process with respect to a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the recovery process in a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation content selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the effect display process which an effect control part (effect control board) performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process at the time of the power-off which an effect control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a background selection process. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the timing of probability change state alerting | reporting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of probability change state alerting | reporting. It is a timing chart which shows the other example of the timing of probability change state alerting | reporting.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Game board 104 Image display part 201 Main control part 202 Production control part 202a Production control part 202b Image / sound control part 203 Prize ball control part 211,241 CPU
212,242 ROM
213, 243 RAM
247 Real-time clock (RTC)
271 Power supply unit 272 Power supply cut circuit 273 DC voltage generation circuit 273a Backup power supply 274 Power supply voltage monitoring circuit S1 Power supply cut command signal S2 Power supply cut signal

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying a gaming state of a gaming machine whose probability of jackpot varies.
Storage means for storing data at the time of game, and holding data stored by a backup power source from the power source even when the power is shut off;
A recovery means for recovering the game by recovering the data stored in the storage content of the storage means by the backup power supply when the power supply is restored after the power supply is momentarily interrupted;
Power supply means for instantaneously interrupting power supplied to each part from the power supply part when the current time input from the time measuring means is a predetermined probability state notification time,
Regardless of whether the game state being executed is a high probability or a low probability, the state of the probability is not displayed on the display means in the normal state, and the power-off means A probability change state notification means for performing control to display the probability change state on the display means at the time of recovery of the game by the recovery means after the probability change state notification time when the power supply is instantaneously interrupted;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   2. The probability changing state notifying unit includes the power source disconnecting unit, and based on the time measured by the time measuring unit, the power source is momentarily interrupted when the probability changing state notification time is reached. Gaming machine.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the probability change state notification unit instantaneously cuts off the power supply only when the game state being executed has a high probability when the probability change state notification time comes. A game machine directing method comprising a display means for displaying a gaming state of a gaming machine whose probability of jackpot varies,
A storage process for storing data at the time of the game, and holding the data stored by the backup power supply from the power supply unit even when the power supply is shut off,
A recovery step of recovering the game by recovering the data stored in the storage content of the storage unit by the backup power source upon power recovery after the power supply is momentarily interrupted by the recovery unit;
A power-off step for causing the power-off means to instantaneously cut off the power supplied to each part from the power-supply section when the current time input from the time-measurement means is a predetermined change state notification time;
The display contents of the display means are controlled by the probability change state notification means, and the state of the probability is not displayed on the display means in the normal state regardless of whether the game state being executed is high probability or low probability. In addition, after the probability change state notification time when the power supply is momentarily interrupted by the power supply disconnection step, a probability change state notification step of performing control to display the probability change state on the display means when the game is restored by the recovery step;
A game machine directing method characterized by comprising:   A program causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 4.

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