JP5348640B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a game effect with sounds and images whose effect modes change over time for each game or over a plurality of games, and in particular, when power is restored after a power interruption occurs during the game. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that simplifies processing when power is turned off and when power is restored by restarting from the beginning of a predetermined game effect without restarting the effect from the middle of the effect when the power is turned off.

Generally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, a game including at least one pattern change and stop is set as one game, and the game is advanced one game at a time along with a game effect that excites the game. .
Such game effects have various effect forms ranging from effects that affect game results to simple effects that do not affect game results, and mainly include images that contain sound and light including vibration. It is transmitted to the player via an output form such as.

  Game effects by sound and images are pre-recorded or programmed sound data, pre-recorded or programmed image data (including LED lighting patterns, etc.) is reproduced at a predetermined timing during the game, sound suppression, light The light emission mode, the output pattern such as strength and the like, and the production mode such as a story by image display change with the passage of time. In addition, such game effects have various effect periods such as effects that are completed as long as the game is played and effects that are performed over a plurality of games.

As a game effect completed as far as the game is concerned, there is a slot machine that performs an effect that combines an effect that affects the game result and an effect that does not affect the game result.
Specifically, as an effect that affects the game result, an effect that notifies the operation order of a plurality of (for example, three) stop buttons for stopping a plurality of (for example, three) reels during rotation. And other effects that do not affect the outcome of the game.
For example, in the patent document 1, in the effect of informing the operation order of the stop buttons, the left, middle, and right stop buttons provided corresponding to the left, middle, and right reels, which stop button is the first, second, The third operation is notified by sound and image (including lamps such as LEDs), and at each timing when the stop button is operated, an effect of changing the sound and image to prompt the next operation is performed. It has become.
During this time, other effects such as background music and background images that do not affect the game result are combined.

  In addition, as an effect performed over a plurality of games, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 displays a predetermined video and performs a game effect in which a story gradually develops every time the number of games overlaps. As long as the game is not completed, the player has a sense of expectation, and by increasing the variation of the production, the player is not bored.

JP 2002-355356 A JP 2002-224282 A

By the way, in the middle of such a game effect, the power may be cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like.
In a general gaming machine, when a power interruption occurs during a game, information related to the game at that time is temporarily saved (stored) in a storage means such as a RAM to which backup power is supplied, and enters a dormant state. When the power failure is restored and the power is restored, the game information saved (stored) in the RAM or the like is loaded (referenced) and the game is resumed.
However, in such a case, although the game is resumed, there is a problem as to how the game effect should be resumed.

The game effect by sound and image is composed of sound data and image data reproduced from a predetermined timing, and is not limited to a game effect that is completed for each game. Since the mode changes with the passage of time, it is necessary to memorize exactly how far it has been played when the power is turned off in order to resume exactly where it was during the production when the power was turned off. There must be.
Then, the sound data and image data related to the game effects that change with the passage of time are subdivided, such as time-sequentially divided into frames, and the frames played back when the power is turned off are stored. A complex process is required to restart from the beginning.
Further, in providing such a complicated process, a great deal of labor and time must be spent to verify (debug) the strict restart, which has been a factor of reducing the development efficiency of the gaming machine.

On the other hand, in an effect that affects the result of the game, such as an effect that informs the operation order of the stop button as described above, the player forgets the previous notification content while the power is turned off, and is erroneous after the power is restored. In some cases, a game profit that should be originally enjoyed may be lost.
For this reason, some kind of remedy is required in the case of an effect that affects the outcome of the game, even if it does not accurately store how far it has been played when the power is turned off.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such a conventional problem, and at least in the case of an effect that affects the game result after the power is restored after a power interruption due to a power failure or the like, The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that reduces the processing burden by simplifying the storage process and the resuming process in an effect that does not affect the game result while the game profit is surely enjoyed by re-outputting the effect.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is a game effect determined during the game, including a change and a stop of each of the symbols having a plurality of rows, and is produced with the passage of time. In addition to performing a game effect with sounds and images whose aspects change, the order of operations performed on a plurality of operation means provided to stop the variation of the symbols for each column is determined based on the game based on the sounds and images. A gaming machine that provides a notification through an effect, and when a power interruption occurs during the game, a game information storage means for storing game information that can identify the game, and a game information storage means when the power is restored Game effect resuming means for resuming the game effect with reference to the stored game information, and restoring the plurality of rows of symbols to the state when the power is cut off when the power is restored. A symbol state return means for causing the plurality of rows of symbols to return to either the fluctuating state or the stopped state, and the game effect resuming means includes one or more of the symbols. Regardless of whether or not it has already been notified when the power is cut off, at least the sequence of operations performed on the operation means provided to stop the symbol when the state returns to the fluctuation state. The notification is made again through a game effect by sound.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, after the power is restored due to a power failure or the like, after the power is restored, at least in the effect that affects the game result, the effect by sound is output again to ensure the gaming profit. In the production that is enjoyed and does not affect the game result, the storage process and the restart process can be simplified to reduce the processing load.

1 is a schematic front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, a flowchart of processing executed by the main control unit, (a) is a process when the power is cut off, (b) is a process when the power is restored. In the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flowchart of a process executed by the sub-control unit, (a) is a process when the power is turned off, and (b) is a process when the power is restored. In the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is a chart showing the relationship between the game state when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like and the contents of the effects by each effect means after the power is restored. In the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a timing chart for explaining the production mode by each production means after the power return after the power interruption occurs during the operation order notification production. In the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is an explanatory diagram for explaining the production mode by each production means after the power is restored after the power interruption occurs during the operation order notification production. In the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is an explanatory diagram for explaining the production mode by the production means after the power is restored after a power interruption occurs during a series of productions over a plurality of games. In the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, an effect mode by effect means after power is restored after a power interruption occurs during a series of effects consisting of a first half effect and a second half effect after a predetermined period from the start of the game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
There are various types of gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines. In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a spinning-reel game machine that can acquire medals as game media by rotating a plurality of rows of reels, and includes a game including at least one reel (symbol) rotation and stop. As a game machine that is a game effect that is determined during a game (at the start) and that uses a sound and an image that change the effect mode over time, and that is performed at a predetermined timing during the game. Has been.
Hereinafter, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of reels 31a to 31c that are pivotally supported so that the front side is open, and the front side of the case 1b. The front door 1a covers the door 7a so as to be openable and closable. The main controller 10 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and the speaker 7a, the display 7b, and the notification lamps 8a to 8 A sub-control unit 20 that controls lamps (for example, LEDs) such as 8c, and necessary machines and devices are accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front door 1a is a door body that is attached to the casing 1b of the slot machine 1 through a hinge or the like so that it can be opened and closed. The front door 1a is provided with a plurality of operation means related to game operations. Thus, the front portion of the slot machine 1 is configured.

As operation means, a medal slot 2 into which medals are inserted, a bet button 2a for throwing medals stored as credits in the apparatus into the game, and a start lever 4 for starting rotation of each reel 31 are rotated. Three stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c and the like for stopping the reels 31a, 31b, 31c are provided.
Further, the front door 1a is provided with a display window 9 on the upper side of each operation means so that the symbols displayed on each reel 31 can be visually recognized. In addition, on the left side of the display window 9, notification lamps 8a to 8b that notify the operation order of the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c by lighting in order, and a speaker that outputs sound effects, voices, and the like on the front door 1a. 7a, a display means such as a display 7b (for example, a liquid crystal television) for displaying a predetermined image is provided. Further, the front door 1a is provided with a plurality of decorative lamps made of LEDs and the like in addition to these effect means.

In the center of the housing 1b, a drum unit 3 including reels 31a to 31c, a motor (not shown) that rotates each reel 31, a sensor that detects a rotation position, and the like is provided.
In addition, a medal payout device 6 for storing and paying out medals is provided at the lower part of the housing 1b. The medal payout device 6 is provided with a hopper 6a for storing medals, and medals inserted from the medal slot 2 are detected by the medal selector 2b and guided to the hopper 6a.

In addition, a power supply device 11 that supplies power to each device including the main control unit 10 and the sub control unit 20 is provided at the lower portion of the housing 1b.
The power supply device 11 monitors the input voltage or frequency (alternating current), and when the power supply is detected to be cut off due to the voltage being equal to or less than a predetermined value or lacking a predetermined wave number, Power-off detection means for inputting to the sub-control unit 20 is provided.
Further, when the power supply device 11 detects the supply of power having a voltage exceeding a predetermined value or a frequency that is not missing due to power recovery, the power supply device 11 inputs a power recovery signal indicating power recovery to the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20. It has become.

[Main control section]
The main control unit 10 is composed of a main board on which a control chip in which a main CPU, main ROM, main RAM and the like are integrated, a board case for accommodating the main chip, and the like. By controlling each device such as the drum unit 3 and the medal payout device 6 based on a signal from the medal selector 2b, a slot machine game having the following contents is advanced.

Specifically, when a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 2, the medal is detected by the medal selector 2 b and a detection signal is input to the main control unit 10. When the bet button 2 a is operated, the operation signal is input to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 monitors the number of medals that can be played based on whether or not these signals are input, and also monitors the operation of the start lever 4.
When the start lever 3 is operated when the number of medals reaches the game, the main control unit 10 controls the drum units 3 to rotate and rotate the reels 31a, 31b, 31c.

  Furthermore, when the start lever 4 is operated, the main control unit 10 draws a winning target of the current game from among a plurality of lottery targets such as a bonus combination, a small combination, a replay (replay) combination, and a loser. The reels 31a, 31b, 31c that are rotating to stop at the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning object including the loss based on the timing at which the stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c are pressed are performed. Perform stop control.

In addition, the main control unit 10 stops the combination of symbols according to the winning target based on the preset operation order of the stop buttons 5 as well as the timing of pressing the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c. The reels 31a, 31b, and 31c that are rotating so as to be stopped are controlled.
For example, when a predetermined small role is selected as a winning target, the combination of symbols corresponding to this small role is stopped unless the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c are operated in the operation order required for the winning target. Each reel 31 is controlled so as not to occur.

Further, the main control unit 10 determines a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed on each reel 31, and performs control for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the medal payout device 6 in the case of a predetermined combination of symbols. Is paid out from the medal payout exit 6b.
Note that the main control unit 10 performs control to carry over the winning in the next and subsequent games unless the winning target is a bonus combination unless the winning combination is stopped by a combination of the corresponding bonus symbols.

Further, the main control unit 10 monitors the time from the start of the previous game (for example, the start of rotation of the reel 31) to the start of the current game (for example, when the start lever 4 is operated), and when a predetermined time or more has elapsed. In this case, the game time for starting the rotation of the reel 31 in the current game is managed.
As a result, a wait time (wait time) waiting for the reel 31 to start rotating may occur due to the operation of the start lever 4 when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the previous game.

  Further, when the winning target is a specific bonus combination (such as a super big bonus), the main control unit 10 delays the start of rotation of the reel 31 for a predetermined time or moves the reel 31 in a direction different from the normal rotation direction for a predetermined time. During the rotation, control for generating a so-called freeze state, which is a game state in which the operation of the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c is invalidated, can be performed.

Further, when a power interruption signal is input from the power supply device 11, the main control unit 10 performs a power interruption process for storing (saving) game information corresponding to the input time in a main RAM which is an example of a game information storage unit. Run.
Specifically, in the power-off process, when the power-off signal is input after the start lever 4 is operated and the internal lottery is performed and before all the reels 31 are stopped, the power-off during the game is performed. When the power interruption signal is input after all the reels 31 are stopped and before the start lever 4 is operated, the game information relating to the power interruption waiting for the customer is stored. Then, it enters a hibernation state and waits for the power to be cut off.

The game information related to the power interruption during the game includes, for example, game state information that can specify the game state at that time (for example, normal game, bonus game, assist time, replay time, etc.), and a winning that can specify the winning target The target information and information such as reel rotation information that can identify the rotating reel 31 and the stopped reel 31 are included.
Further, the game information related to the power interruption while the customer is waiting includes, for example, information such as a waiting time (wait time) in addition to the above-described game state information.

Such power-off processing is executed based on a flowchart as shown in FIG.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 monitors the voltage drop based on the presence or absence of a power interruption signal (S1), continues monitoring unless a power interruption signal is input (S1-No), and receives a power interruption signal. It is regarded as a voltage drop (S1-Yes), and game information corresponding to the input of the power interruption signal is stored (S2). After that, it loops in a dormant state (S3) and waits for power off.

Further, when a power recovery signal indicating power recovery is input from the power supply device 11, the main control unit 10 executes a power recovery process for loading the game information stored in the main RAM and restarting the game. In this power recovery process, based on the loaded game information, for example, the game is restarted by referring to the reel rotation information and starting the rotating reel 31 when the power is cut off, and this game information is sent to the sub-control unit 20. Send.
That is, when the power supply return signal is input, the main control unit 10 operates as a symbol state return means, and refers to the reel rotation information to determine the respective states of the reels 31a to 31c when the power is cut off. Judgment is made, and if the state when the power is cut off is rotating the reel, the rotation of the reel 31 is started after the power is restored. If the state when the power is cut off is stopped, the power is restored. After that, the reel 31 is kept in the stopped state, so that each reel 31 is returned to the state when the power is cut off when the power is restored.

Such a power recovery process is executed based on a flowchart as shown in FIG.
Specifically, when the power return signal is input, the main control unit 10 loads the game information saved (stored) in the RAM (S10), and transmits this game information to the sub-control unit 20 (S11). . Furthermore, the game is resumed based on the loaded game information, and the game is ready (S12).

In addition to the basic control for advancing the slot machine game as described above, the main controller 10 performs the progress of the slot machine game and the game effects performed via the effect means such as the speaker 7a, the display 7b, and the notification lamp. In order to synchronize with the sub-control unit 20, a control signal capable of identifying the progress of the game is output to the sub-control unit 20.
For example, a bet signal indicating that the bet button 2a has been operated, a start signal indicating that the start lever 4 has been operated, winning object information that can identify the winning object that has been won in the internal lottery, rotation of each reel 31 Reel rotation information that can identify each stop state, a stop signal that indicates that the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c have been operated, a bonus start signal that indicates that the bonus symbol has been stopped, and an operation of the stop button 5 that is required for the winning target Various control signals such as operation order information indicating the order are output.

  These control signals include, for example, a bet signal when the bet button 2a is operated, a start signal, a winning target signal, and operation sequence information when the start lever 4 is operated, and reel rotation information when the reel 31 is stopped. When the individual stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated, the bonus start signal is transmitted to the sub-control unit 20 almost in real time, for example, when the combination of bonus symbols is stopped.

[Sub-control section]
The sub-control unit 20 is configured as a computer, and by controlling the display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b, the sub-control unit 20 performs an image effect including light emission and an acoustic effect including vibration, and a game effect determined at the start of the game. However, a game effect by an image and sound whose effect mode changes with the passage of time is performed as a series of effects during the game or over a plurality of games.

The sub-control unit 20 includes a sub CPU, sub-ROM, sub-RAM, and the like (not shown), and the sub-CPU executes a program stored in the sub-ROM to control the display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b. Then, a predetermined image is displayed on the display 7b, and a decorative lamp including the notification lamp 8 is caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 7a.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 20 determines the current game state of the slot machine 1 based on the control signal from the main control unit 10, and displays the control unit 20a so as to perform an effect according to the game state. The sound control unit 20b is instructed, and the display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b receiving the instruction output (reproduce) image data and sound data according to the instruction.

  The display control unit 20a includes, for example, an image control processor (VDP or the like), a VRAM, an image ROM that stores image data, and the like, and in accordance with instructions from the sub-control unit 20, characters such as letters, numbers, and figures, In addition, image data such as the background is displayed on the display 7b, and the notification lamp 8 and other decorative lamps are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.

In the image ROM, for example, character data such as “bonus confirmation”, “a”, “ta”, “ri”, and numbers such as “1”, “2”, “3” indicating the operation order of each stop button 5 are stored. Data, characters such as graphic data such as “△”, “□”, “◇”, and image data such as background images displayed as the background are stored, and these image data are stored for each scene. It is output as a game effect that changes the appearance mode over time by being output with pre-programmed timing, order, layout (including layers), and actions (enlargement / reduction, movement, rotation, deformation) It has become.
In addition, these image data are managed by the production number which can specify a scene (scene), and the image number which can specify the frame division in a scene, for example (refer FIGS. 8-10).

The sound control unit 20b includes, for example, a PCM sound source, a sound ROM that stores sound data, an amplifier, and the like, and reproduces sound data and outputs it from the speaker 7a according to an instruction from the sub-control unit 20.
In the sound ROM, for example, single sound, sound effect data such as a melody (song) over a plurality of bars, “bonus confirmation”, “left”, “middle”, “right”, etc. corresponding to the position of each stop button 5 Sound data such as sound data recorded from the sound is stored, and these sound data are output in a preprogrammed timing and order for each scene (scene), so that the production mode changes with time. Sound is played as a game production.

With such a configuration, the sub-control unit 20 executes a game effect based on images and sounds based on the control signal received from the main control unit 10 as follows.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 20 performs an effect lottery in which an effect (scene) corresponding to the winning target specified from the winning target information is determined by lottery during the game (for example, when the game receiving the winning target information is started). ) And perform the winning game effect.
In this effect lottery, the game effect is determined to be an effect for one game only or a series of effects performed over a plurality of games.

For example, when the winning target specified from the winning target information is a bonus role, a game effect is determined by lottery from a group of effects (scenes) with high expectation of bonus winning, and is linked to the determined game effect. The display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b reproduce the image data (including the light emission pattern) and the sound data.
When the determined game effect is a short effect for one game only, for example, by inputting a stop signal indicating the operation of the third stop button 5, the game effect is ended, and the determined game effect is In the case of a series of long effects performed over a plurality of games, for example, by inputting a stop signal indicating the operation of the third stop button 5 in the third game, a series of effects performed over the three games is performed. It is supposed to be terminated.

  Further, the sub-control unit 20 regards the game state in which the bonus winning is carried over (during bonus internal winning) when the winning target specified from the winning target information is a bonus combination and the bonus start signal is not yet input. The image data and sound data associated with the bonus confirmation effect can also be reproduced.

Further, the sub-control unit 20 reproduces image data and sound data associated with the frozen state when the winning target specified from the winning target information is a winning target related to the frozen state (for example, a specific bonus combination). It is like that.
In the game effect related to the freeze state, for example, as long as the game is received, the effect during the freeze state (first half effect) and the subsequent bonus confirmation effect (from the start of the game (reception) to a predetermined time) A series of productions consisting of the latter half production).

Further, when the operation order information is received at the start of the game, the sub-control unit 20 reproduces image data and sound data associated with the operation order information.
Specifically, a notification image that affects the game result and an effect image that does not affect the game result are displayed on the display 7b, and a notification sound that affects the game result is displayed from the speaker 7a. Is output, and the notification lamp 8 is lit in a notification mode that affects the outcome of the game.

For example, when the operation order information for requesting the operation order in the order of the stop button 5b (middle), the stop button 5a (left), and the stop button 5c (right) is received, the display unit 7b affects the game result. As the notification image that affects the game, the numerical data indicating the requested operation order is displayed, such as “2” on the left side of the screen, “1” on the center, and “3” on the right side, and the game result is not affected. Background data consisting of a predetermined moving image is displayed as an effect image (see FIG. 8).
With such a display, each stop button 5 corresponding to the screen position is guided to be operated in the order of the displayed numeric data “1”, “2”, “3”.

  In addition, a notification sound that affects the game result is output from the speaker 7a. For example, immediately after receiving the operation order information, a “medium” voice is first urged to prompt the user to operate the stop button 5b (middle). "Left" audio data that prompts the user to operate the stop button 5a (left) to be operated secondly at the timing when the data is output and then the stop signal indicating the operation of the stop button 5b (middle) is received. Sound is output and then "right" audio data is output to prompt the user to operate the stop button 5c (right) to be operated third at the timing of receiving a stop signal indicating the operation of the stop button 5a (left). (See FIG. 8).

At this time, in the display device 7b, in synchronization with the sound output of these sound data, each numeric data “1 to 3” located on the screen corresponding to the sound data “left to right” performs an enlargement operation. (See FIG. 8).
Similarly, in the notification lamp 8, the corresponding notification lamps 8a (left), 8b (middle), and 8c (right) are sequentially arranged in the order of the sound data "left to right" in synchronization with the sound output of the sound data. Light.
By following such a notification effect, for example, the reel 31 stops at a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined small combination, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the medal payout device 6, so that the gaming profit is ensured. Will be enjoyed.

As described above, the sub-control unit 20 controls the display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b, so that a game effect by sound and image determined during the game is performed during the game or over a plurality of games. It is like that.
Further, the determined game effect output timing can be set to a predetermined timing such as at the start of the game or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, or like the game effect related to the operation order information described above. Any timing linked to the player's operation can be used.

Further, in addition to the basic control for performing the game effect synchronized with the slot machine game as described above, when the power interruption signal is input from the power supply device 11, the sub control unit 20 displays the game information corresponding to the input. Then, a power-off process is performed for storing (saving) in the sub-RAM which is an example of the game information storage unit.
Specifically, in the power-off process, game information that can identify the content of the effect being executed is stored, and then the game enters a sleep state and waits for power-off.

The game information that can specify the content of the effect being executed includes, for example, a game that can specify the gaming state at that time (for example, normal game, bonus game, assist time, replay time, reel rotation, waiting for customers, etc.) Information such as state information, an effect number that can identify an image effect being executed, received winning object information, reel rotation information, operation order information, and a stop signal are included.
In addition, since the non-operated stop button 5 and the operated stop button 5 are specified from the received operation sequence information and the stop signal, these are stored as operation sequence progress information indicating the progress of the operation sequence. It will be. In addition, since the reel 31 in the rotating state and the reel 31 in the stopped state are specified from the reel rotation information, this can be stored as operation sequence progress information.
The game information that can specify the content of the effect being executed includes the effect number that can specify the image effect (scene) being executed, but the image number that can specify the frame division in the scene (scene) is included. I can't.

Such power-off processing is executed based on a flowchart as shown in FIG.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 20 monitors the voltage drop based on the presence or absence of the power interruption signal (S20), continues monitoring unless the power interruption signal is input (S20-No), and receives the power interruption signal. It is regarded as a voltage drop (S20-Yes), and game information corresponding to the power interruption signal input is stored (S21). After that, it loops in a dormant state (S22) and waits for power off.

Further, when a power supply return signal indicating power supply return is input from the power supply device 11, the sub-control unit 20 operates as a game effect restarting means, and loads (refers to) the game information stored in the sub RAM to generate a game effect. Execute power recovery processing to resume. In this power recovery process, the loaded game information and the game information transmitted from the main control unit 10 are compared and collated. If the collation matches, the game effect is resumed based on the loaded game information. In the case of disagreement, the game information transmitted from the main control unit 10 is prioritized, and the game effect is resumed based on this.
Also, when the game effect is resumed based on the loaded game information, for example, the image effect that was executed immediately before the power-off is resumed based on the effect number, and the stop button that has not been operated yet from the operation sequence progress information In order to prompt the user to operate the extracted stop button 5, a notification image (numerical data) indicating the requested operation order is displayed on the display 7b, and sound data indicating the operation order is output.

In resuming the image effect (including the light emission pattern) that was executed immediately before the power was turned off, only the effect number is stored in the power-off process, and the image number indicating the frame division in the scene is not stored. Therefore, the scene corresponding to the production number is reproduced from the top of the scene, that is, the frame image corresponding to the first image number.
In this way, when resuming the image production, the playback is started from the beginning of the scene without resuming from the middle of the image production performed immediately before the power is turned off, so that the storage process at the time of power interruption and the resumption at the time of power restoration The processing burden related to the processing is reduced.
Further, the stop button 5 that has not been operated is extracted from the operation sequence progress information, and a notification image (numerical data) is displayed on the display 7b to prompt the user to operate the extracted stop button 5, and sound data is output. As a result, the player can reconfirm the operation order, so that no erroneous operation is performed after the power is restored, and the gaming profit can be surely enjoyed.
That is, if the reel 31 is rotating when the power is cut off, the main control unit 10 has already been informed when the stop button 5 can be operated by starting the rotation of the reel 31 after the power is restored. Since the operation order is notified again, it is possible to prevent a player's operation mistake.

In order to notify such an operation sequence, it is preferable to output at least audio data. This is because after the power is restored, the display control unit 20a takes longer to start than the sound control unit 20b due to reading of image data or the like, and therefore may not be able to follow the game progressed by the main control unit 10. is there. Therefore, the sub-control unit 20 waits for the start of the sound control unit 20b that is activated faster than the display control unit 20a, and performs control so that the notification related to the operation order is preferentially performed from the sound control unit 20b.
As a result, when the reel 31 starts to rotate after the power is restored and the stop button 5 becomes operable, the operation order is promptly notified, so that a player's operation mistake can be prevented. .
Further, the main control unit 10 can also resume the rotation of the reel 31 that has not stopped yet after the sound control unit 20b rises (after the assumed start-up time has elapsed).
In addition, not only such priority control of the sound control unit 20b but also control can be started sequentially from the one with shorter start-up time. In other words, the sub-control unit 20 can monitor the rising of each of the display control unit 20a and the sound control unit 20b, and can start the control in order from the one that has been activated first, and cause the game effect to be performed.
As a result, when the reel 31 starts to rotate after the power is restored and the stop button 5 becomes operable, the operation order is notified at the earliest timing in order from the one that has been started first. It is possible to prevent an operator's operation mistake.

Such power return processing is executed based on a flowchart as shown in FIG.
Specifically, when the power return signal is input, the sub control unit 20 loads the game information saved (stored) in the sub RAM and receives the game information from the main control unit 10 (S30). Next, the loaded game information and the received game information are compared and collated. When the collation does not match (S31-No), the game effect is resumed based on the received game information (S37).
On the other hand, in the case of collation match (S31-Yes), the game effect is resumed based on the loaded game information.
When resuming the image effect (including the light emission pattern), the image effect that was executed immediately before the power is turned off is reproduced from the top frame image based on the effect number (S32).
Further, it is determined from the reel rotation information included in the game information whether or not the reel 31 is rotating immediately before the power is turned off (S33). When the reel 31 is rotating (S33-Yes), further operation sequence progress information is obtained. Is loaded (S34).
Based on the loaded operation sequence progress information, it is determined whether or not the operation sequence is still being notified (S35), and if it is being notified (S35-Yes), the stop button 5 that has not been operated from the operation sequence progress information is displayed. The extracted voice data that prompts the operation of the extracted stop button 5 is output (S36), and then the game effect is enabled (S38).
On the other hand, when the reel 31 is not rotating (S33-No), when not informing (S35-No), when the game effect is resumed based on the received game information (S37), the game effect is enabled thereafter. (S38).

Such processing at the time of power recovery is determined in advance for each game state when the power is cut off.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the contents of the effects by each effect means after the power return is different depending on the game state when the power is cut off. For example, the game state when the power is cut off is When the operation order is being notified, the result of the game will be affected. Therefore, when the power is cut off from the speaker 7a in any case during the production of only one game and during the production of a plurality of games. Even if already notified, the operation order is notified again.
On the other hand, the display 7b redisplays the numerical data (operation order display) at the screen position corresponding to the operation order as a notification image that affects the game result, but the background image does not affect the game result. Since there is no effect image, and the frame allocation at the time of power-off is not stored, playback is started from the first frame image of the stored effect number.
In addition, the notification lamp 8 turns on again the notification lamp corresponding to the operation sequence that was turned on immediately before the power failure occurred.
In addition, other lamps (LEDs) do not accurately store the extent to which a series of light emission pattern effects have progressed, and thus restart from the beginning of the output data relating to the light emission pattern effects. To do.

Further, when the game state when the power is cut off is in the bonus internal winning with the bonus winning carried over, it is sufficient to perform an effect to inform the player of the bonus winning. The sound is output from the head of the sound data determined inside (for example, sound data for bonus determination).
Similarly, on the display device 7b, a predetermined background image is superimposed on a character such as “bonus confirmed”, which becomes the top frame image of the stored effect number without restarting the game effect in the middle of the effect image. The display is resumed from the bonus confirmed image, and the other lamps (LEDs) are also resumed from the beginning of the output data related to the bonus confirmed effect.

In addition, the same can be said for the bonus internal winning even when the game state when the power is cut off is during the game effect related to the freeze state.
As described above, in the game effect related to the freeze state, a series of effects including a freeze state effect (first half effect) and a bonus finalization effect (second half effect) for a predetermined time set in advance from the start of the game are performed. Even if the power is cut off during any of the productions, it is sufficient to produce an effect for telling the player that a specific bonus has been won. For example, from the speaker 7a, from the beginning of the audio data of “bonus confirmation” The display 7b resumes the display from the bonus confirmed image in which a predetermined background image is superimposed on characters such as “bonus confirmed”, and other lamps (LEDs) also display output data related to the effect during the freeze state. Resume from the beginning.

The same applies when the game state when the power is cut off is in a waiting time. For example, the speaker 7a emits sound from the beginning of a predetermined game start sound, and the display unit 7b outputs a predetermined sound at the start. The display is restarted from the image, and other lamps (LEDs) are also restarted from the top of the output data at the start.
In this way, the game effect that affects the game result is notified again after the power is restored, and the game effect that does not affect the game result resumes from the beginning of the game effect determined in the game. It is like that.
Note that the game effects that do not affect the game result are not limited to the game effects determined in the game, and a predetermined game effect may be performed.

The contents of the effects produced by each effect means after the power is restored will be described with reference to specific examples shown in FIGS.
7 and FIG. 8 are specific examples when the game state when the power interruption occurs is in the operation order notification, and FIG. 9 shows a series of game states when a power interruption occurs across a plurality of games. FIG. 10 is a specific example when the production is in progress, and FIG. 10 is a specific example when the game state when the power is cut off is during the game production related to the freeze state.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in one game from the start of the game (A in FIG. 7) until all the reels 31 stop (D in FIG. 7), the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like in B in FIG. An operation that occurs and the power supply is restored by C or the like at C in FIG. 7, and requires an operation order in the order of the stop button 5b (middle), the stop button 5a (left), and the stop button 5c (right). It is a specific example when order information is received at the start of a game.

  Further, in this example, in accordance with the operation order information, the sub-control unit 20 first outputs “middle” audio data from the speaker 7a to prompt the user to operate the stop button 5b (middle), and the notification lamp 8b (middle). Is displayed on the display 7b, and the numeric data “2” is displayed on the left side of the screen, “1” is displayed on the center, and “3” is displayed on the right side. After a background image (effect number 1) composed of a predetermined moving image (for example, a moving image in which graphic data “Δ” increases with time) is displayed in an overlapping manner (FIG. 8 (i)), a stop button 5b (middle) Is operated to stop the reel 31b. Thereafter, in order to prompt the user to operate the stop button 5a (left), "left" audio data is output from the speaker 7a, and the notification lamp 8a (left) is lit and displayed. In the device 7b, the numeric data on the left side of the screen At the timing when “2” is enlarged and a frame image (image number 5) having five graphic data “Δ” in the background image is displayed (B in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (ii)), the power is cut off. FIG. 8 (iii) shows an example of occurrence of power failure, that is, an example in which the reels 31a and 31c are rotating and the power is cut off after the notification output timing for prompting the operation of the stop button 5a (left). It is.

In this case, when a power recovery signal indicating power recovery is input from the power supply device 11, the sub control unit 20 refers to the operation sequence progress information stored in the sub RAM and extracts the stop button 5a that has not been operated yet. Then, in order to prompt the operation of the extracted stop button 5, the “left” voice data is output again from the speaker 7 a, the notification lamp 8 a (left) is turned on again, and the display unit 7 b displays the numeric data “ 2 "is enlarged and displayed (C in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (iv)).
Such a game effect is performed regardless of whether or not the output has already been made when the power is cut off, so that even if the player forgets the previous notification contents during the power cut, the power is restored. Since the operation order will be notified again later, there will be no erroneous operation and the gaming profit will be enjoyed without fail.
At this time, the display of the background image is resumed from the frame image (image number 1) in which the graphic data of “Δ” becomes one.

  Next, in a specific example when the power is cut off during a series of effects over a plurality of games, as shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control unit 20 causes the display 7b to start from a predetermined output timing of the first game. , A background image consisting of a predetermined video (for example, a video in which the character data of “A”, “TA”, and “RI” increase by one character over time in order to suggest the possibility of winning (bonus winning)) After the display of the production number 2) is started (FIG. 9 (i)), the frame image (image number 2) to which the character data of “ta” is added in the background image of the second game is displayed ( FIG. 9 (ii)) shows a case where a power interruption occurs (FIG. 9 (iii)).

In this case, when the power supply return signal indicating the power supply return is input from the power supply device 11, the sub control unit 20 refers to the effect number stored in the sub RAM and, for example, the background image related to the effect number 2 is a frame image. The display can be resumed from (image number 1), and as shown in FIG. 9 (iv), the frame image of the background image unrelated to the background image related to the effect number 2 (image number 1: For example, “◇ The display can be resumed from the background image representing the graphic data "
In this way, by resuming from the beginning of a predetermined game effect without resuming the game effect at least in the middle of a series of effects, the processing load related to the storage process at the time of power interruption and the restart process at the time of power recovery is reduced. Will be.

  FIG. 10 is a specific example when the power is cut off during the production related to the freeze state. In this example, the sub-control unit 20 starts the predetermined output timing (for example, the start timing of the freeze state) from the display 7b. After starting the display of a background image (effect number 3) consisting of a predetermined moving image (for example, a moving image in which graphic data of “□” increases with time) (FIG. 10 (i)), “□” "Is a timing when a frame image (image number 4) having four graphic data is displayed (FIG. 10 (ii)), and shows a case where a power interruption occurs (FIG. 10 (iii)).

In this case, when a power return signal indicating power return is input from the power supply device 11, the sub control unit 20 refers to the winning target information stored in the sub RAM, and the winning target information is a specific bonus related to the freeze state. For example, the background image (effect number 4) that is the latter half effect in the image effect related to the freeze state is restarted from the top frame image (image number 1: bonus confirmed image). (FIG. 10 (iv)).
In this way, by resuming from the beginning of a predetermined game effect without resuming the game effect at least in the middle of a series of effects, the processing load related to the storage process at the time of power interruption and the restart process at the time of power recovery is reduced. Will be.

As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, at least for the effects that affect the game results after the power is restored after a power failure due to a power failure, etc. In the production that does not affect the result of the game, the storage process and the restart process can be simplified and the processing load can be reduced.
Note that the power interruption described in the present embodiment refers to a state in which power supply is cut off even when the power switch provided in the slot machine 1 is in the “on” state, and the power switch is changed from “on” to “ The power recovery includes the state that the power switch is in the “on” state and the power supply is cut off and then the power is supplied, and the power switch is in the “off” state. It is a concept that includes a state of “ON” from.

  The preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention has been described above, but the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

For example, in the present embodiment, the operation order of the stop button 5 is notified as an effect that affects the game result, but the symbol corresponding to the winning target is based on the winning target information received by the sub-control unit 20. Information that can identify the symbols constituting the combination can be notified. In this case, the display unit 7b displays the types of symbols constituting the symbol combination, and the speaker 7a can output the name of the symbol. After such display and sound output timing, the power is cut off. At the time of power recovery after the occurrence, the sub-control unit 20 can display the symbol on the display unit 7b again, and can output the symbol name from the speaker 7a again.
Since the player can reconfirm the symbol corresponding to the winning object by such re-notification, the stop button 5 can be operated while gazing at the symbol on the rotating reel 31. it can.

Moreover, in this embodiment, although the sub control part 20 was operated as a game effect resumption means, the main control part 10 can also be operated as a game effect resumption means, and the main control part 10 and the sub control part 20 are It is also possible to operate as a game effect resumption means in cooperation.
For example, the game information stored in the main RAM by the main control unit 10 can be transmitted to the sub-control unit 20 when the power is restored, and the game effect can be resumed based on the game information received by the sub-control unit 20.
In the present embodiment, the slot machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied when a power interruption occurs during a game in a pachinko machine or other gaming machines.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a gaming machine in which a game including at least one symbol change and stop is one game.

1 slot machine 2 medal slot 3 drum unit 31 reel (design)
4 Start lever 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) Stop button (operating means)
6 Medal Dispensing Device 7a Speaker (Director)
7b Display (production means)
8 Notification lamp (Direction means)
9 Display window 10 Main controller (design state return means)
20 Sub-control unit (game information storage means, game effect resumption means)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that variably displays a plurality of rows of symbols, and that informs at least the order of operations performed on a plurality of operation means provided to stop the variation of each symbol for each row,
According to the order of operations performed on the plurality of operation means, a notification sound for notifying the operation means to be operated is output at a timing before the operation means is operated, and the preceding operation means is operated. A notification means for sequentially reporting the operation order of the plurality of operation means by outputting a notification sound for notifying the operation means to be operated next at a timing before the operation means is operated;
The notification sound is emitted for at least one row of the symbols in the plurality of rows, the corresponding operating means is operated to stop the fluctuation of the symbols, and the notification sound for the operating device to be operated next is displayed. Game information storage means for storing game information capable of specifying the game when a power failure occurs after the sound is output ;
Game effect resuming means for resuming a game effect with reference to the game information stored in the game information storage means at the time of power recovery;
A symbol state return means for returning the plurality of rows of symbols to the state when the power is cut off at the time of power recovery,
The symbol state return means includes:
Among the plurality of symbols , the symbols of other columns other than the column in which the operating means is operated are returned to the fluctuation state,
The game effect resumption means is
When the symbols in the other rows are returned to the fluctuating state, the notification sound that has already been output before the power is turned off and the operation of the corresponding operation means is completed is not output again, and the corresponding operation means operates. A notification sound that is not made and at least the sound output is completed before the power is cut off is caused to be output again by the notification means. Machine.

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