JPH04263884A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To confirm its face even if a display state gets out of order, and to cope with the case when it gets out of order by providing a confirming means for confirming whether the display state of a variable display device controlled by a variable display control means is correct or not. CONSTITUTION:A control means is shown in a subroutine program. By S93, a motor reference pattern of a rotary drum is decided, and when it is decided to be YES, the processing advances to S94, and whether a motor sensor is tuned on or not is decided. In the case it is decided to be turn-on, the step NO. in one picture pattern is set to '0' as shown in S95, and also, the processing for setting the present picture pattern NO. to '0' is executed. Subsequently, by S96A, whether a value of a sensor turn-on counter is >='0' or not is decided. As long as the operation is executed normally, a decision of NO is executed in both S96A and S97B and in S97C, the value of the sensor turn-on counter is updated to '0'. On the other hand, in S97B, when the sensor turn-on counter is >='-13', the processing advances to S100, and a warning flag (motor error) is set.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to pinball gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and coin gaming machines.
A state in which a variable display device capable of variably displaying multiple types of identification information is provided, and a predetermined gaming value can be awarded when the display result when the variable display device is stopped becomes predetermined specific identification information. Regarding the pinball game machine that will become.

0002

[Prior Art] In this type of pinball game machine, the variable speed is changed based on a predetermined condition being satisfied, such as a hit ball entering the starting winning area, for example. The variable display device displays a variable display, and the variable display device is controlled to stop based on the fulfillment of a predetermined stop condition such as the press operation of a stop switch after a predetermined time has elapsed or before the elapse of a predetermined time, and the variable display device that has stopped is controlled to stop. When the display result of the display device becomes predetermined specific identification information, the variable winning ball device is brought into a state in which a predetermined gaming value can be given, such as driving the variable winning ball device to a first state advantageous to the player. was there. This variable display device was intended to give players a sense of anticipation as to what kind of identification information would be displayed as a result of the game when the game stopped.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As a method of controlling this variable display device, it is necessary to determine whether or not the display result when the variable display device is stopped is to be the specific identification information, and whether the identification information itself when the variable display device is stopped is A predetermining means is provided for predetermining the contents related to the display result when the variable display device such as the like is stopped before the stop, and the display result is made in accordance with the contents determined by the predetermining means. It is conceivable to control variable display. If the content determined by the advance determination means is the content that becomes the specific identification information, a predetermined game value is given, such as opening a variable winning ball device or paying out a predetermined number of prize balls. It is possible to make it possible.

However, in the pinball game machine configured as described above, if the display control means etc. of the variable display device goes out of order and the display result is inconsistent with the content determined by the advance determination means, the above article Since control is performed as to whether or not a gaming value can be awarded based on the decision made by the pre-determining means, the display result when the actual variable display device is stopped and the gaming value can be assigned. There may be a discrepancy between game control and whether or not the game is played. In particular, even though the content determined by the advance determination means does not correspond to specific identification information, the display state of the variable display device becomes incorrect and the display result at the time of stop happens to become predetermined specific identification information. In such a case, the player looks at the displayed results and expects that the game will be controlled to a state in which it is possible to assign gaming value, but in reality it is not in a state in which it is possible to assign gaming value. The game is not controlled, and in such a case, there is a drawback that the player's expectations may be disappointed and trouble may arise between the player and the gaming parlor.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a pinball game machine that is capable of confirming that even if the display state of the variable display device goes out of order and dealing with the problem. do.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention has a variable display device that can variably display multiple types of identification information, and the display result when the variable display device is stopped is based on predetermined specific identification information. a pinball game machine that is in a state where a predetermined game value can be awarded when the variable display device is stopped; The variable display device is caused to display a variable display based on the satisfaction of a predetermined variable start condition, and the variable display device is controlled to stop based on the satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition, and the identification information at the time of stop is determined by the predetermining means. A variable display control means for controlling the display so that the display is in accordance with the determined content, and a confirmation means for confirming whether the display state of the variable display device controlled by the variable display control means is appropriate. It is characterized by containing.

[0007]

[Operation] According to the present invention, by the function of the advance determination means,
Contents related to the display results when the variable display device is stopped are determined in advance. Further, variable display control means is provided for controlling the display so that the identification information when the variable display device is stopped is in accordance with the content determined by the predetermining means, and the variable display control means displays the A confirmation means confirms whether the display state of the controlled variable display device is appropriate.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a pinball game machine, will be explained, but the present invention is not limited to this. It includes everything that you do.

FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a game board 10 of a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a pinball game machine. A game area 1 into which pachinko balls are hit is formed on the front surface of a game board 10 of a pachinko game machine. This gaming area 1 is provided with a variable display device 14 that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information, and a variable winning ball device 4 is provided below the variable display device 14. The variable display device 14 includes identification information display sections 15a, 15b, which can variably display multiple types of identification information.
15c is provided. When a pachinko ball wins in any of the starting winning holes 3a, 3b, and 3c formed in the gaming area 1, up to four starting winnings are memorized, and based on the starting winning memory, identification is performed. The information display units 15a, 15b, 15c start variable display,
The identification information display sections 15a, 15b, and 15c are configured to be controlled to stop in sequence based on the player's pressing operation of a stop operation button (not shown) after a predetermined time has elapsed or before the elapse of a predetermined time. . In addition, the variable display is 1
Each time the process is repeated, the starting winning memory is decremented by one. If the display result of the variable display device 10 at the time of stopping becomes a predetermined specific combination (specific identification information), it will be a jackpot, and the opening/closing plate 5 of the variable winning ball device 4 will open and the first The drive is controlled to the following state. Note that the display result of the variable display device 14 may be the specific identification information, and a predetermined number of prize balls or points may be immediately given to the player. Note that the variable display device 1
4 may be displayed variably at all times and controlled to stop after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or the player presses a stop button, with the condition that the pachinko ball starts winning. In this case, it is desirable to notify the variable start by switching the variable display speed, brightness, etc. and changing the variable display mode in accordance with the starting winning. Note that the stop operation button for the player may not be provided, and in that case, the stop control is performed only after a predetermined time has elapsed.

A specific winning hole 6 is provided inside the variable winning ball device 4, and the pachinko balls entering the variable winning ball device in the first state enter the specific winning hole 6. For example, if the repeat condition is satisfied, the variable winning ball device 4
After the control in the first state is completed, the variable winning ball device 4 is operated again.
Repeated continuation control is performed to repeatedly control the state to the first state. The upper limit of the number of times this repetitive continuation control is performed is set to 16 times. The current number of times of this repeated continuation control is displayed on the opening number display 7 or the like. In addition, starting prize opening 3a
, 3b, 3c, the number of starting winnings stored is displayed by the starting winnings memory display 8. Further, the number of winning balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 4 is displayed by the winning ball number display 18. Further, in the figure, 11 is a normal winning hole, and 9 is an out hole for collecting out balls.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing various devices provided on the back side of the game board. On the back side of the game board 10, winning ball collection cover bodies 20a and 20b are provided for guiding winning balls to a predetermined location. These winning ball collection cover bodies 20a and 20b have a structure that can be divided, and are configured to be compatible with different models by simply replacing one of the divided bodies. The winning balls entered into the starting winning hole 3a are guided by the winning ball collection cover 20b and detected by the starting winning ball detector 20a consisting of a microswitch. On the other hand, the respective winning balls that have entered the starting winning holes 3b and 3c are detected by starting winning ball detectors 21b and 21c each consisting of a microswitch. on the other hand,
When a pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 4 enters the specific winning hole 6, it is detected by the specific winning ball detector 22. Further, if the pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 4 enters a normal winning hole other than the specific winning hole 6, it is detected by the 10 count detector 23 consisting of a proximity switch. Note that 9 in the figure is an out port. The variable display device 14 is of a so-called drum type in which three drums are rotated by three stepping motors to variably display identification information formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drums. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be a digital display using D, and
It may be a leaf type display, an electroluminescence display, or even a dot matrix display. Furthermore, a so-called roulette type display may be used in which a plurality of lamps and LEDs are arranged and variable display is performed while the lamp LEDs are circulated and turned on while running. Alternatively, it may be of a disc type in which a plurality of types of identification information are written on each of a plurality of disc-shaped discs, and the identification information of one place on each disc is displayed. Furthermore, it may be a combination of two or more of the various variable display members, such as a drum type or a digital type. In this embodiment, the number of display sections is three, but it may be one or two.
The number may be four or more. Although not shown, a solenoid for driving the variable winning ball device 4 is attached to the winning ball collection cover body 20b.

FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the variable display device 14. Inside the drum mechanism storage section 35,
Rotating drums 49a, 49b, and 49c are provided. The rotating drums 49a, 49b, 49c are configured to be rotated by stepping motors 48a, 48b, 48c, respectively. The stepping motors 48a to 48c are provided with motor mounting plates 47a to 47a, respectively.
It is attached to 47c. In addition, the rotating drum 49a~
49c includes a non-reflective portion 3 for detecting the drum position.
1a to 31c are formed respectively. Through holes 51a to 51c are formed at positions corresponding to the non-reflective portions 31a to 31c of the drum mechanism storage box 35, respectively, and drum sensors 30a to 30c made of reflective photosensors are installed in the through holes 51a to 51c, respectively. inserted. These drum sensors 30a to 30C are connected to a relay terminal plate 54.
The circuit board 52 is fixed to the circuit board 52 . and,
By detecting each of the non-reflective portions 31a to 31c using the drum sensors 30a to 30c, the rotation angle of each rotating drum 49a to 49c from the reference position can be controlled.

FIG. 3(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence between the figures drawn on the outer periphery of the rotating drum constituting each display section of the variable display device and the count value of the step counter.

The rotating drums 49a to 49c rotate counterclockwise in the drawing. An information display section is formed on the left side in the figure and is configured to be visible to the player. In the figure, the numbers 0 to 17 surrounded by circles are numbers corresponding to 18 types of symbols. Further, in the figure, 0 to 240 are count values of a step counter corresponding to the center of the symbol, and are used for control described later. Further, in the figure, 30a, 30b, 30c are drum sensors, and non-reflective portions 31a, 31b, 31 provided at predetermined locations of each drum 49a, 49b, 49c.
This is for detecting the passage of c, and the detection signal is used for control described later.

A method for controlling the rotation of the drums 49a to 49c will be outlined below. When the variable display device starts changing, the target stop symbol, that is, the combination of identification information at the time of stop is determined, and the stop symbol is controlled to become that stop symbol. This drum rotation control is performed following the control according to the drum control table (pre-stored in the microcomputer described later) at the basic time.
It is broadly divided into drum stop control at a constant speed of msec/step (approximately 27.78 revolutions/minute). This variable display device is controlled to stop in the order of the left symbol drum 49a, the middle symbol drum 49b, and the right symbol drum 49c, and the scheduled stop symbols of the left symbol drum 49a and the middle symbol drum 49b are If the jackpot conditions are met, if you are in the reach state,
In addition, when the scheduled stop symbols of all the stop symbol drums satisfy the jackpot conditions, the right symbol drum 49c is controlled to return to the symbol position at the start of the fluctuation after the basic time elapses, and continues for 10 msec. /
Step (approximately 27.78 revolutions/minute) A fixed speed of 40 symbols (drum approximately 2.2 revolutions) is sent, and then 10
The stop control is shifted to a constant speed of msec/step, and the stop control is performed when the drum position of the right symbol drum 49c matches the stop symbol. Therefore, the time elapsed from the start of the fluctuation of the right symbol drum to the stop is changed in 18 steps as follows depending on the relationship between the symbol position at the time of the fluctuation start and the stop symbol position.

5.100 seconds (2.700 seconds) + 4.800 seconds + 0 to 2.040 seconds (intended time)
(Fixed 40 symbols) 0.1
20 seconds (1 symbol feed)

Due to this variable method of the right symbol drum 49c in 18 steps per reach state or jackpot, it becomes impossible for the player to predict the stop symbol of the right symbol drum 49c from the symbol stop timing.

The drum control table has a basic time (drum variation time according to the drum control table) of 5.100 seconds for standard mode and 2.700 seconds for shortened mode, and changes when the basic time has elapsed. There are 18 types of tables so that the positional relationship in which 0 to 17 symbols are sent is more accurately reached than the initial symbol position. The total number of feeding steps for each table is determined by its function, and in the symbol feeding number and time adjustment section within the table, the total required time (basic time) is determined by the temporal distribution of the drum rotation speed. 100 seconds (2.7
00) seconds. Therefore, no matter which table is selected, the target position will be reached in 5.100 seconds (2.700 seconds) as a variation time due to the drum control table. When the basic time according to this drum control table has elapsed, the left symbol drum 49a moves one symbol before the target stop symbol, and the middle symbol drum 49b
Select the table and start the fluctuation so that the right symbol drum 49c reaches 6 symbols in front and the right symbol drum 49c reaches 11 symbols in front, and from the time the basic time has passed, the rate continues to be constant at 10 msce/step (approximately 27.78 rotations/min). The system moves to speed stop control, and each drum is stopped when the drum position matches the target stop symbol position. Therefore, the stopping order is that the left symbol drum 49a stops first, and then after 0.6002 seconds, the right symbol drum 49b stops.
stops, and after 0.602 seconds, the right symbol drum 49c stops (however, in reach state,
This does not apply to the fluctuation of the right symbol drum 49c when the jackpot is scheduled to stop).

[0019] Also, the specific method of selecting a control table is as follows: First, select the desired stop symbol position No. Position NO. of the current design. (Symbol position number at the start of fluctuation) and further subtract the number of fixed feed symbols unique to each drum 49a, 49b, 49c for determining the stop order, and then the number of moving symbols for each symbol (0 to 49c) is subtracted. 17
) and select the drum control table corresponding to that value. By the above calculation, each symbol drum 49a, 49b, 49c will reach the above-mentioned position when the basic time has elapsed. This calculation of the number of moving symbols can be expressed as follows.

[0020]
- 1: In the case of drum 49a Number of moving symbols = Stopped symbol NO. -Current pattern No. - 6: For drum 49b

-11: Case of drum 49c FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in a pachinko game machine.

The microcomputer 60 has the function of controlling the operations of various devices as described below. For this reason, the microcomputer 60 is composed of, for example, several chips of LSI, and includes an MPU 61 that can execute control operations according to a predetermined procedure;
It includes a ROM 62 that stores operation program data, and a RAM 63 in which necessary data can be written and read.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 60 includes an input/output circuit 64 that receives an input signal and provides input data to the MPU 61, receives output data from the MPU 61, and outputs it to the outside, and a sound generator 65 that receives sound data from the MPU 61. A power-on reset circuit 66 that gives a reset pulse to the MPU 61 when the power is turned on, a clock generation circuit 67 that gives a clock signal to the MPU 61, and a clock signal from the clock generation circuit 67 is frequency-divided to generate a reset pulse periodically (for example, every 2 msec). ) includes a pulse frequency divider circuit (regular reset circuit) 68 provided by the MPU 61 and an address decode circuit 69 that decodes address data from the MPU 61.

The address decode circuit 69 decodes the address data from the MPU 61 and decodes the address data from the ROM 62 and RAM.
63, an input/output circuit 64, and a sound generator 65, respectively.

In this embodiment, the ROM 62 is a programmable ROM so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, the program data for the MPU 61 stored therein can be changed if the need arises. is used. The MPU 61 provides control signals to various devices in accordance with the program data stored in the ROM 62 in response to the output of each control signal described below.

The microcomputer 60 is given the following signals as input signals.

First, in response to the starting winning ball detectors 21a, 21b, and 21c being turned on in response to a starting winning of a pachinko ball, a starting winning ball detection signal is given to the microcomputer 60 from the detection circuit 71. When a pachinko ball enters the specific winning hole 6 (see FIG. 1), the specific winning ball detector 22 turns ON, and in response, a specific winning ball detection signal is sent from the detection circuit 72 to the microcomputer 6.
given to 0. 10 pachinko balls in the variable winning ball device
If detected by the count detector 23, the 10 count detector 23 is turned on, and in response, the detection circuit 73 is turned on.
The 10 count detection signal from the microcomputer 60
given to. Each drum sensor 30a, 30b, 30c
As the non-reflective portions 31a, 31b, and 31c of each drum are detected, their detection signals are input from the detection circuit 74 to the microcomputer 60.

Next, the microcomputer 60 provides control signals to the following circuits and devices. First, stepping motors 48a to 48c are used to rotate each drum 49a to 49c via a motor drive circuit 75.
A control signal for driving the motor is given to the Furthermore, the drive circuit 76
A control signal for solenoid excitation is given to the solenoid 36 for driving the opening/closing plate 5 (see FIG. 1) of the variable winning ball device 4 to open and close through the controller. A lamp lighting control signal is applied to the various lamps 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b via a lamp drive circuit 77. Further, via the LED drive circuit 78, a control signal for displaying the starting winnings memory is given to the starting winnings memory display devices 8a to 8d, and the winning line display 17a
A line display control signal is given to 17f. The hit line indicators 17a to 17f are configured such that the display result when the variable display device is stopped is a combination of specific identification information (for example, 77
7) This is for lighting up and displaying the winning line.

Via the segment LED drive circuit 79,
A control signal for displaying the number of winnings is given to the number of winnings display 18, and a control signal for displaying the number of winnings is given to the winnings display 7. Furthermore, a sound generation control signal is provided to the speaker 7 via the amplifier 80. Note that a predetermined direct current is supplied from a power supply circuit 81 to the various devices and control circuits.

FIGS. 5 to 38 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4.

[0030] First, an outline of this flowchart will be explained. A random counter for generating random numbers, a random 1 counter for determining whether or not to win a jackpot, a random 2 counter for determining a symbol to display a win when a jackpot is determined, and a random 2 counter for determining a winning symbol. Random 3 counter and 3 to determine the out-of-line display symbol in case of
There are different types. Random 1 counter is 0-22
It counts up the number 2, and it is a random 2
The counter counts up a value from 0 to 27, and each time the program is executed once every 2 msec, the counter counts up by 1, and when it reaches the maximum value, it counts up again from 0. Repair. On the other hand, the random 3 counter is counted up using the remaining time after the control program is executed within 2 msec, that is, the reset waiting time. Then, a jackpot is determined only when the count value of the random 1 counter at the time of starting winning is picked up and the picked up random number is "3". On the other hand, the determination of winning symbols by the random 2 counter and the determination of losing symbols by the random 3 counter are determined by the value at the start of the variable display of the variable display device, that is, by the left symbol drum 49a.
The value at the start of rotation is picked up and determined by that value.

Each drum 49a, 49b, 4 for displaying a pattern
The rotation of 9c (see FIG. 3) is caused by a stepping motor, and as shown in FIG. 3, each drum 49a to 49c rotates in 216 steps of the stepping motor, and the drum control on the software described above rotates. According to the table, each step has an interval of 10 msec (27.77
8 rotations/min), 8msec intervals (34.722 rotations/min), 6msec intervals (46.296 rotations/min), 4ms
It changes with a combination of four types of speeds: ec interval (69.444 revolutions/minute). At the start of fluctuation, 8ms per step
Accelerate from ec interval, then 4msec interval or 6m
Rotation is performed at intervals of sec. In addition, each symbol stops at 1
The speed is decelerated to an interval of 10 msec per step, and the feed is controlled until the desired stop symbol is reached. Further, although this variable display device 14 displays three symbols using one drum, the center position of the displayed symbol matches the symbol data on the software. The basic time is set to 5.100 seconds when there is no memory of starting winnings, and 2.700 seconds when there is memory of starting winnings, that is, in the case of shortening.
After this basic time has elapsed, the left symbol drum 49a moves at a constant speed for 0.120 seconds (1 symbol variation), the middle symbol drum 49b moves for 0.720 seconds (6 symbol variations), and the right symbol moves at a constant speed. drum 49c for 1.320 seconds (11 symbol variations)
Rotate and stop. As mentioned above, when the left symbol drum 49a and the middle symbol drum 49b satisfy the jackpot conditions, that is, when the reach state and the actual jackpot are determined, the right symbol drum 49c is used for the basic time (5
．． 5 rotations in 100 seconds); 90 symbol variations (in the case of shortening, 2 rotations in a basic time of 2.700 seconds; 36 symbol variations), then at a constant speed for 4.800 to 6.840 seconds (
40-57 symbol fluctuation) and then stops.

[0032] As a method of determining the missing symbol according to the value of the random 3 counter, the value of the stopped symbol is determined by adding the value corresponding to the position immediately before the fluctuation of each symbol drum to the extracted random 3 counter value. determined. In other words, the stopping symbol of the left symbol drum 49a is the value obtained by adding the value immediately before the change to the extracted value of the first digit of the random 3 counter, and the stopping symbol of the middle symbol drum 49b is the value obtained by adding the value immediately before the change to the extracted value of the first digit of the random 3 counter. The value obtained by adding the numerical value immediately before the fluctuation to the extracted value is the value obtained by adding the numerical value immediately before the fluctuation, and the stop symbol of the right symbol drum 49c becomes the value obtained by adding the numerical value immediately before the fluctuation to the extracted value of the third digit of the random 3 counter.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the main program. First, step S (hereinafter simply S)
)1 performs stack pointer addressing. This stack pointer addressing is
This is to set the value of the stack to a predetermined value when it is reset every 2 msec. Next, the process proceeds to S2, where it is determined whether the RAM is normal or not. If it is not normal, the system initialization, that is, initial data is set in S8. The specific process of the system initialization in S8 is executed by the subroutine program shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 10, the reason for initializing in 6 stages is that it is too short to initialize everything within 2 msec, so S8 is executed 6 times in 6 stages. Configured to complete all initialization. The warning flag shown in S4 is a flag that is set when an abnormality occurs in a switch, motor, etc. For example, as will be described later, there is a stepping motor error (see S100), a 10 count switch is illegally pulled out, etc. A shift warning (if the
(See S122), Warning when the 10 count switch is short-circuited (See S150), Warning when the specific winning ball detector is short-circuited (See S154), Warning flag for restoring the stepping motor that has been stopped due to failure etc. (See S166).

In S7, random counter updating processing is performed. The random counters mentioned here refer to the random 1 counter and the random 2 counter.

The display timer in S9 shown in FIG. 6 is a timer that measures the time that becomes a reference when controlling the lighting and display of lamps and LEDs. Next, in S10, it is determined whether the number of resets is an even number. The number of resets is the number of times the reset signal is output from the pulse frequency divider circuit 68 every 2 msec, and the program is executed again from S1 every time the reset signal is output. If the number of resets is an even number, the process advances to S11, where the LED data is set/outputted and then S1
However, if the number of resets is an odd number, the process proceeds to S12, and after each process of lamp data set/output, sound code selection, and sound data output is performed, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, a winning storage area storage process is performed. Details of this winning storage area storage process will be described later.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a program for counting up the random 3 counter using the reset waiting time. The processes of S24 to S22 are repeatedly executed using the remaining time obtained by subtracting the processing time of S1 to S13 described above from 2 msec, that is, the reset waiting time. Random 3 by S14 to S22
It is configured so that "1" is added to the second digit, first digit, etc. of the counter, and if the value of the random 3 counter becomes larger than the maximum value (for example, 5831), the random counter is counted up again from 0. . Said S7 and S1
4 to S22 and S40 to S44, S47, and S described later
48 and S50 constitute a predetermining means for predetermining contents related to the display result when the variable display device is stopped. In addition, in this embodiment, the value content (hit or miss) is determined at the time of starting winning, and the specific display content is determined at the start of the variable display, but the display content is determined immediately before the variable display device is stopped. It may be determined at any point in time as long as it is determined. Further, the specific display contents may be determined directly at the time of starting winning or the like. FIG. 8 is a subroutine program showing specific control contents of S7 of the main program shown in FIG. The "maximum value" of this S31 is 222, and if the value of the random 1 counter becomes larger than 222, the value of the random 1 counter becomes "0" in S32,
Start counting up again from "0". The "number of symbols" in S34 refers to the number of winning symbols, and in the case of this embodiment, since there are 28 types of winning symbols from 0 to 27, this number of symbols is "27". When the value of the random 2 counter becomes larger than "27", the value of the random 2 counter becomes "0" in S35, and the count is counted up again from "0".

FIG. 9 is a subroutine program showing the output of the motor I/O. FIG. 11 is a subroutine program showing the specific contents of S13 of the main program shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 11 adds the winning memory number (starting opening winning number) in S158 shown in FIG. 29 described later (the process in FIG. 29 is part of the specific content of S6 in FIG. This is a process for determining the hit or miss regarding the starting prize when the process (which is carried out before the process in FIG. 11) is carried out. This winning memory number (
As can be seen from the processing in FIG.
It can take values from ~3. Note that storing the winning memory area shown in S41 is a process of storing the value of the random 1 counter in the current program processing in the winning memory area corresponding to the starting winning number, and storing the winning winning memory number (starting opening winning number).
is 2 or more, that is, if two or more starting winnings occur at the same time, the same value will be stored in the winning storage area corresponding to the number of starting winnings.

FIG. 12 is a subroutine program branched from S5 of the main program shown in FIG.
At the start of the variable, if the value of the random 1 counter in the memory area that is read out in the variable display of that time among the winning memory areas is the jackpot value (i.e. "3"), then the value of the random 1 counter in the winning memory area that is read out in the variable display of that time is the jackpot value (i.e. "3"), the random 2 in the program processing of that time. Set the jackpot symbol based on the count value of the counter (S5
0), and if it is not a jackpot, a process is performed to set a losing symbol based on the value of the random 3 counter (see S44). On the other hand, if the missing symbols set in S44 are the same symbols on the left and middle, the jackpot flag is set as "
"Reach" is set, and the winning column LED data is also set. By setting this winning row LED data, the winning line in which the winning symbols are lined up on the variable display device is lit and displayed by the winning line indicator. On the other hand, even if it is determined to be a hit by S43,
At S51, the winning flag is set to "jackpot" and the winning column LED data is set. Also, S
If the missing symbols set in step 44 happen to be the same symbols on the left, middle, and right, the right symbol is set to "1" in step S48.
It is incremented and controlled so that the jackpot symbols do not line up forcibly.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a program for preparing the variable display device for variable display. In S57, if there is a winning memory, shortening the control table for the next time is selected, and if there is no winning memory, the standard is selected.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a program for calculating how many symbols should actually be rotated to send symbols after the preparation for variable display is completed by the program shown in FIG. 13. .

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a program for controlling the rotation stop of the variable display device. The specific processing contents of S59 in FIG. 15 are shown in the subroutine program in FIG. The determination in S72 of FIG. 16 as to whether or not the motor is at constant speed is determined by whether or not the constant speed flag is set. If it is determined that the motor is at a constant speed, the motor is controlled at a constant speed in S74, and if it is not at a constant speed, the process proceeds to S73, where the motor is accelerated or decelerated.

FIG. 17 is a subroutine program showing the specific contents of the program shown in S73 of FIG. The "1 step timer" shown in S75 is a timer for measuring the time required to rotate the stepping motor by one step, and is set in S78. If it is determined in S80 that the control based on the control table has ended, it is determined in S83 whether or not there is a reach operation, and if it is not in the above-mentioned reach state, "constant speed" is set in the motor control flag. However, if the vehicle is in the reach state, the number of steps is determined to be the reach rotation number in step S84, and the rotation control of the stepping motor in the reach state described above is performed. In addition,
The initial check in S85 is to set the symbol position to the state when the power is turned on in an initial operation check.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the specific contents of the program shown in S74 of FIG. The specific contents of S87 in FIG. 18 are shown in the subroutine program in FIG. The "motor reference pattern" shown in S93 of FIG. 19 is an excitation reference pattern for exciting the coil of the stepping motor, and since the stepping motor of this embodiment is one- and two-layer excitation,
There are eight excitation patterns including a reference pattern. Since one rotation of the drum corresponds to 216 steps of the stepping motor, the number of reference excitation patterns during one rotation of the drum is 216/8 = 27 times, and YES is answered 27 times by S93 during one rotation of the drum. A judgment is made. If YES is determined in S93, S9
Proceeding to step 4, it is determined whether the motor sensor is ON or not. As shown in FIG. 3, this motor sensor detects the non-reflective portions 31a to 31c of the drum.
It is determined to be ON once every time the drum rotates once. If it is determined that the motor sensor is ON, the drum has reached the reference position, so as shown in S95, the step NO. is set to 0 and the current pattern NO. A process is performed to set the value to 0. Step No. in 1 symbol. And the current design NO. To briefly explain the relationship, the number of steps corresponding to one symbol is 12, so the step number in one symbol. can take values from 0 to 11. Also, the number of patterns drawn on the drum is 18, so the current pattern is NO.
．． can take values from 0 to 17. And step NO. in 1 symbol. When the value reaches 12, the current symbol NO. 1 is added to the value of step NO. in one symbol. The value of is set to 0 and the result of addition is the current symbol NO. value is 1
If it reaches 8, the current symbol No. The value of is also set to 0. These processes are performed in detail in the motor output data set process shown in FIG. 20, but if it is determined that the motor sensor is turned on when the motor reference pattern is reached, the Instead, they are both set to 0 in S95.

Next, in S96A, it is determined whether the value of the sensor ON counter is greater than or equal to "0". The initial value of this sensor ON counter is set to "-20". If this is set to "0", S97 will be activated when the power is turned on or restored.
This is because B may be determined as an error. Note that if the initial setting value is smaller than the setting value of S97B, it will be "-20".
” may be a value other than ”. The sensor ON counter changes from the initial setting value "-20" to S94 at power-on or recovery.
A countdown is performed in S98 every time the motor sensor is determined to be OFF. Also, during variable display,
The value of the sensor ON counter when ON is determined in S94 is "-26" in the normal state. Therefore, as long as it is operating normally, S96A is
, S97B are both NO, and the value of the sensor ON counter is updated to "0" in S97C.

On the other hand, if the sensor ON counter is equal to or greater than "-13" in S97B, the process advances to S100 and a warning flag (motor error) is set. That is, if it is determined that the motor sensor is ON before the drum has rotated half a rotation, a motor error is set in S100. Possible causes of this error include, for example, dust adhering to the drum or a pattern sticker on which a pattern is drawn and stuck to the outer periphery of the drum peeling off. In addition, S97B
The setting value is not limited to "-13" and may be any value from -1 to -25, but it is desirable to set it to a value between -13 and -25.

Next, if it is determined YES in S94 and the value of the sensor ON counter is greater than or equal to "0", the sensor ON counter is incremented by "1" in S96B, and the sensor ON counter is incremented by "1" in S97A.
A determination is made as to whether or not it is less than 5. If the value is "5" or more, the process advances to S100 and a warning flag (motor error) is set. In other words, if the drum sensor remains ON for more than 5 times in the standard pattern, it is possible that the drum sensor is malfunctioning or the drum sensor connector is disconnected, so the motor error is set by S100. It will be done. In addition,
The setting value of S97A is not limited to "5" but may be any value greater than or equal to "1".

If the motor sensor is not determined to be ON when the motor reference pattern is reached, the sensor ON counter is decremented by "1" in S98. In other words, S is the number of times the motor reference pattern is used after the motor sensor is turned off until it is turned on again.
98 counts down. Under normal conditions, if the motor reference pattern occurs 27 times, the drum rotates once, so this sensor ON counter takes a value from 0 to 26. Then, in S99, if it is determined that the value of the sensor ON counter is "-55" or less, that is, if the non-reflective portion is not detected even if the drum rotates more than two times, the process advances to S100, and the warning flag ( motor error) is set. In this case, a motor error may occur when the stepping motor does not rotate due to a failure or forced stop due to external force. Change the setting value of S99 to “-
S100 if no non-reflective part is detected after the drum has rotated more than one rotation with an arbitrary value of 27" or less.
The reason for not performing error handling is that if the non-reflective part is located at the drum sensor when the power is turned on or restored, it may not be detected, and in that case, the initial value of the sensor ON counter will be "-20". S9 is set to
This is to prevent the inconvenience that the error processing in S100 is performed before the drum has rotated even once by setting the setting value of 9 to "-55". Note that the setting value of S99 may be any value less than or equal to "-27" provided that the initial setting value is taken into account. These steps S93 to S99 constitute a checking means for checking whether the display state of the variable display device controlled by the variable display control means is appropriate. FIG. 20 shows the step NO. of the stepping motor as the stepping motor rotates. (number of steps) or 1
Design step NO. And the current design NO. 3 is a flowchart showing a program for updating. The "motor output data" in S102 is the excitation pattern data of the stepping motor described above. By setting this motor output data, the coil of the stepping motor is actually excited and the stepping motor rotates. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a program for determining whether or not there is a jackpot after the basic time has ended and the stepping motor has been controlled to stop. Then, if it is not a jackpot, the process flag is returned to the "normal state", and if it is a jackpot, the first state of the variable winning ball device is repeated to control the opening of the variable winning ball device. Set the counter for the number of times of continuous control, that is, the number of times of opening, to "1", and set the number of openings LED (
The number of openings display (opening number display) is also set to "1", the time for opening the big winning hole, that is, the variable winning ball device is set, and the process flag is set to "big winning hole opening". In addition, the jackpot check in S105 is performed by checking whether the jackpot flag set in S46 or S51 of FIG. If it is not set or if it is set to reach, the process advances to S106. Furthermore, the basic time of S103 is S64 and S6 in FIG.
This refers to the release waiting time or the time before the first release set in step 6.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a program for controlling the opening of the variable winning ball device. In addition,
The specific number in S112 is "10", and the basic time in S113 is the grand prize opening opening time set in S107 in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a program for controlling closing of the variable winning ball device. If there is a V win while the variable winning ball device is being opened, if the number of openings has not reached the maximum, repeat continuation control is performed to repeatedly put the variable winning ball device into the first state in S121. If the number of openings has reached the maximum even if there is a V prize, S
The process advances to step 123, and no repeat continuation control is performed. In addition,
The basic time in S117 is the V reception time set in S114 in FIG.

FIG. 24 shows that the number of pachinko balls is 1 during the period when the variable winning ball device is in the first state due to jackpot control.
An interval period (see S123) is provided to end the jackpot control when the player does not win a prize or when the number of consecutive repetitions, that is, the number of openings reaches the maximum, so a program for timing this interval period is provided. It is a flowchart which shows. As shown in FIG. 24, the process of S125 is not performed until the basic time (post-release time set in S123) has not ended.
The number-of-opens LED (number-of-opens display) and the like remain lit, allowing the player to confirm.

FIG. 25 is a subroutine program showing specific details of the V switch check in S116. As shown in FIG. 25, the V switch and 10 count switch are checked for chattering, and the check program shown in FIG.
It is controlled so that it is determined that a pachinko ball has actually won a prize only if the switch is turned on both times after the execution is executed twice, and the switch is turned on momentarily due to noise etc.
The N state is controlled to be ignored.

FIG. 26 shows V of S130 and S135 in FIG.
This is a subroutine program showing specific details of checking the switch and the 10 count switch.

FIG. 27 is a subroutine program showing control for shifting the winning storage area.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing subroutine programs for checking switch-related states.

In S148 and S149, if the 10 count detection switch continues to be ON for a certain warning period, it is possible that the 10 count detection switch is short-circuited. warning flag is set. Similarly, if the V detection switch continues to be ON for a certain warning period, a V switch short warning flag is set in S154. On the other hand, in FIG. 29, the starting winning ball detection switch is checked. A total of three starting winning ball detection switches are provided, and the processes of S156 to S159 are performed for each one. When a pachinko ball enters the starting winning slot, a detection pulse is derived from the starting winning ball detection switch over a certain period of time, and the program shown in FIG. 29 is executed multiple times during the period when the detection pulse is being derived. Therefore, if it is determined that the starting winning ball detection switch is turned ON every time the process is executed multiple times, and the process in S158 is performed each time, the process in S158 will be performed multiple times for each winning pachinko ball. In order to prevent this, the step S157 is inserted and the process of S158 is controlled to be performed once with each derivation of the detection pulse of the starting winning detection switch. .

FIGS. 30 to 32 are flowcharts of subroutine programs that perform recovery control when the warning flag is set.

First, with reference to FIG. 30, recovery control when the warning flag is set regarding the V detection switch will be explained. In step S161, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the warning flag. If there is an abnormality, that is, if some warning flag is set, a check is performed in step S162 to see if the warning flag is a short circuit in the V detection switch. If the V detection switch is short-circuited, S
Proceed to 163. In case of short circuit of V detection switch, V
The detection switch continues to be in the ON state, and the V detection switch is turned OFF only when the amusement center staff completes the repair of the short circuit in the V detection switch in step S163.
Accordingly, a determination of YES is made. Therefore, the V short warning flag is cleared in S164. Next, S1
At step 65, it is determined whether the process flag is set to drum rotation. If the V-short warning flag is set while the drum is rotating, the drum will stop (see S77), and if the V-short warning flag is set while the drum is rotating, S1
Proceeding to step 66, a recovery flag for the stepping motor for rotating the drum is set as the short circuit in the V detection switch is recovered.

Next, with reference to FIG. 31, recovery control when the warning flag is set regarding the 10 count detection switch will be explained.

First, in S167, it is determined whether the 10 count detection switch is OFF. In the case of this 10 count detection switch, there are two types of warning flags: one when the 10 count detection switch is short-circuited, and the other when it is illegally pulled out or moved.
When the count detection switch is ON, restoration control of the warning flag (shift) is performed, and when the 10 count detection switch is OFF, restoration control in case of short circuit is performed. First, if the 10-count detection switch has been shifted, the staff at the game center sets the 10-count detection switch back to its original position, then inserts one pachinko ball into the variable winning ball device and detects the 10-count detection switch. Detected by switch. Then, NO is determined in S167, and 10 is determined in S168 for the same reason as in S157.
It is determined whether the count detection switch is ON timing or not, and when it is ON timing, it is determined whether or not a warning flag (shift) is set in S169.
If set, the warning flag is cleared in S170. On the other hand, if a warning flag regarding an error in the stepping motor for rotating the drum is set, the warning flag is cleared in S173, and then a stepping motor recovery flag is set in S174.

Next, in the case of a short circuit of the 10 count detection switch, the 10 count detection switch remains ON.
The switch is turned off only after the repair of the 10 count detection switch by the staff at the amusement center is completed.At that stage, a YES determination is made in S167, a YES determination is made in S175, and a YES determination is made in S176. The short warning flag of the 10 count detection switch is cleared. Next, if the process flag indicates that the drum is rotating, the process advances to S174, where a stepping motor recovery flag is set.

Next, in S180 of FIG. 32, if any warning flag except the motor recovery flag is set, the stepping motor recovery flag is cleared in S181. On the other hand, it is determined in S182 whether any warning flag including the motor recovery flag is set, and if the set warning flag is the motor recovery flag, the motor sensor is initialized in S184. Ru. In the next program process, it is determined in the determination step included in S5 of FIG. 5 that the motor recovery flag is set, so the process of FIG. 12 is performed again to open the variable display anew. However, if the warning flag recovers from the motor error flag set state, the current symbol at the time of recovery cannot be confirmed, so the process in Figure 12 will be performed after initializing the motor and confirming the reference position of the symbol. . Note that if the motor error flag is set, it is possible that the motor or motor sensor is actually malfunctioning.
It may be possible to turn off the power, repair or replace it, and then turn on the power before the game becomes ready for play.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for setting LED data for controlling the LEDs, and FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for setting drum lamp data for lighting and displaying the drum lamp. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for lighting a lamp, FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for setting a sound code for generating sound from a speaker, and FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for setting a sound code for generating sound from a speaker. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for actually playing sound from the speakers according to the given sound code, and FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing processing for converting addresses.

In this embodiment, each time the drum rotates once and a non-reflective portion is detected, the pattern number is changed. is reset to "0" (see S95), and the pattern NO. at the final rotation of the drum is reset. In the above example, the drum is stopped when the drum matches the stop pattern, but instead, the non-reflective part is detected only during the initialization process when the power is turned on.
During the game, it is determined in advance how many symbols the drum should rotate from the symbol before the start of variable rotation before it stops, and the drum is controlled so that it stops after rotating for the determined number of symbols. It may be arranged not to be reset every rotation. For example, if you want the drum to rotate 5 times and 10 symbols, it will rotate for 100 symbols (18×5+10=100) and then stop. In addition, in this embodiment, by checking the detection state of the drum sensor while the drum is rotating, it is confirmed whether the display state is adapted to the predetermined content. It may be checked whether the state conforms to the predetermined content. In that case, if the system is not adapted, the game may be set to a prohibited state and an error notification may be made, or only an error notification may be made and the game is not prohibited.

[0064]

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention has a function of checking whether the display state of the variable display device is proper or not, it is possible to confirm if the display state of the variable display device is out of order.
It becomes possible to handle cases where something goes wrong.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game area of a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention, and various devices provided in the game area.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the back structure of the game board of the pachinko game machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the variable display device, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the variable display device, and (b) shows the count value of a step counter corresponding to the pattern of the rotating drum. It is an explanatory diagram.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine program for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main routine program for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main routine program for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program.

[Explanation of symbols]

14 Variable display device 4 Variable winning ball device 3a, 3b, 3c Starting winning hole 6 Specific winning hole 30a, 30b, 30c Drum sensor 31a, 31
b, 31c Non-reflective portion 60 Microcomputer

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A variable display device capable of variably displaying multiple types of identification information, and a predetermined gaming value when the display result when the variable display device is stopped becomes predetermined specific identification information. A pinball game machine that is in a state where it is possible to provide a variable display device, wherein the machine includes a predetermining means for predetermining contents related to a display result when the variable display device is stopped, and a predetermined variable start condition is satisfied. based on the variable display device, the variable display device is controlled to stop based on the establishment of a predetermined stop condition, and the identification information at the time of stop is in accordance with the content determined by the predetermining means. An elastic display device characterized in that it includes a variable display control means for controlling the display so that Ball game machine.