JPH10137398A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can minimize power consumption even when a power source is continuously turned on during a period other than business hours, such as night-time. SOLUTION: A prize generation control device 29 for controlling, in accordance with a game, electronic elements such as a display control device 27, a special pattern changing and displaying device, an illumination lamp LED 12, a discharge control device 28, an ejection control device and the like, makes a driver 51 or the like for supplying a power to the electronic elements so as to drive them and a game progress managing means for managing the progress of a game into non-operating state while maintaining energization of the game progress managing means so as to restrain power consumption in such a case that a power save mode transient condition is satisfied, and has a prize generation IC 43 and a ROM 44 serving as a power saving control means for deenergizing the driver or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine having electronic components operated by electric power, and more particularly to a gaming machine useful when power is continuously supplied even during non-business hours.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional technique will be described with reference to a pachinko game machine which is a typical game machine. This pachinko gaming machine plays a game by forming a game area on the surface of a game board and causing a hit ball (game ball) to flow down in the game area. In this game area, a symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the variable display game, a decorative display of a special game (that is, a bonus-giving game) performed in the event of a big hit in the variable display game, or in a normal state. A special figure fluctuation display device that performs various displays such as a demonstration display for preventing burn-in, and a bonus (bonus) is given to a player by opening and closing in the above-mentioned special game and improving a winning probability of a game ball. A variable winning device, a special figure starting port in which the winning of a game ball triggers the above-described variable display game, and various members including various decorative lamps / LEDs for performing decoration in the game are provided. . The pachinko gaming machine is also provided with an accessory control device for controlling a pachinko game and a decorative display, an ejection control device for controlling the ejection of game balls, a display control device for controlling the above-described variable display device, and the like. ing.

[0003] In this pachinko gaming machine, a special game is performed with a variable display game, such as "111" or "222", in which the symbols are arranged in a predetermined symbol mode as a jackpot. The jackpot probability, that is, the probability of executing the above-mentioned special game is defined by the accessory control device, and the jackpot is generated at a predetermined probability. For this reason, the accessory control device generates a random number corresponding to a predetermined probability, and determines whether or not a jackpot is based on the generated random number.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to enhance the interest of the game, when a specific condition is satisfied in the above-mentioned variable display game, for example, the special figure change display device is set to "777".
If you have a special symbol mode such as or "333", after letting the player play a special game as a jackpot,
Further, the player is allowed to play a game under advantageous conditions. The advantageous conditions include, for example, a probability change mode (probability change mode) that makes it easier to obtain the next big hit by increasing the big hit probability, and more variable changes by shortening the change display time in the variable display game. A time-saving mode (time-saving mode) in which a display game is played, and the like.

In general, in this type of pachinko gaming machine, the power of the gaming machine is turned off at the end of business and turned on at the start of business the next day. As described above, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on / off every business, the state (random number) of the pachinko gaming machine returns to the initial state every time the power is turned on. There are game shops that consider the occurrence probability to be biased. In such a game store, the pachinko gaming machine is left without being turned off even after the business hours, since it does not want to fluctuate the jackpot probability based on the power on / off.

[0006] When the power is turned off, a player who is playing a game in the above-mentioned probable change mode or the time saving mode becomes invalid, and the probable change mode or the time saving mode is wasted. For this reason, a player may stop playing a game immediately before closing a store or may not enter a game store. Therefore, in a time zone immediately before the store closes, the ability of the game store to attract customers decreases.

In order to improve this point, the state of the pachinko game machine at the end of business hours (the above-described probable change mode and the time saving mode) by leaving the game machine without turning off the power.
There is an amusement store that provides a service that carries over to the start of business the next day and allows the player to continue playing from the state at the end of business.

[0008] As described above, a game store providing a service that carries over a game state to the start of business the next day, or
All gaming stores that do not like the fluctuation of the jackpot probability due to power cut-off continue to supply power to the gaming machine for a long time outside business hours.

[0009]

As described above, a pachinko gaming machine is constituted by a variable display device such as a special figure change display device, a decorative lamp, or a power-operated electronic component such as a display control device or a discharge control device. Electronic component elements. In addition, amusement stores are equipped with hundreds or more pachinko machines. Therefore, if the power of the pachinko gaming machine is continuously turned on without being turned off, the demonstration display of the variable display device and the lighting of the decoration lamp are performed, so that a large amount of power is consumed, the cost increases, In addition, power is wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a gaming machine capable of minimizing power consumption when the power is continuously turned on outside of business hours such as at night. The purpose is to do.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, and the invention according to claim 1 has the following features.
In a gaming machine having game control means for controlling a game and controlling electronic component elements operated by electric power in accordance with the game, the game control means supplies power to the electronic component elements, A driving unit for driving an element, a game progress management unit for managing the progress of the game, and an inactive state while maintaining the game progress management unit in an active state when a power saving transition condition is satisfied. Power saving control means.

Here, the game control means controls both the period during which the player is actually playing the game and the period during which the player is not playing the game and performing a demonstration display or the like. Also,
The electronic component element is a single electronic component that is not involved in the progress of the game, a device having the electronic component, or the like, and indicates a component including an output electronic component that operates with electric power. Further, the power saving transition condition indicates a condition prescribed in advance for transition to the power saving state, such as input of a signal instructing transition to the power saving state or acquisition of time information. The active state indicates an operation state in which power is supplied, and the inactive state indicates a stopped state in which power is not supplied.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the game progress management means includes a random number updating means for updating a random number for determining a privilege grant to a player, and the power saving control means includes a power saving transition. When the condition is satisfied, the driving means is made inactive while the random number updating means of the game progress management means is maintained in active state.

[0014] Here, giving a privilege to a player means performing a special game that is easily called a "big hit" and which can easily obtain a profit for the player.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the game progress management means includes a specific game state holding means for holding a specific game state advantageous to a player, and the power saving control means comprises:
When the power saving transition condition is satisfied, the driving means is set to the inactive state while the specific game state holding means of the game progress management means is maintained in the active state.

Here, the specific game state indicates a state in which the player can play a game more advantageously than a normal game state. More specifically, a probability change mode in which the execution probability (big hit probability) of the special game is changed to a higher probability than the normal game state, and a game (variable display game) time for determining whether or not to execute the special game. And a time saving mode in which the number of executions of this game is increased.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the power saving control means has a specific game state invalidating means for invalidating the specific game state held by the specific game state holding means based on an instruction. I do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a notifying means for notifying the control state of the power saving control means to the outside.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game progress managing means, the actual probability that the privilege providing game has actually been performed is based on the number of executions of the privilege providing preliminary game and the privilege providing game since the power-on. It is characterized by having actual probability acquisition display means for acquiring and displaying the acquired actual probability.

Here, the privilege-added preliminary game refers to a preliminary game for determining whether or not to perform the privilege-added game, and more specifically, a variable display for matching the symbols variably displayed. Games and the like correspond.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. Is a block diagram illustrating a part of a power saving mechanism controlled by the accessory control device, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the accessory control device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 1 faces from the back side into a window of a frame-shaped front frame (not shown) provided to be openable and closable on the front of the pachinko game machine. On the front surface of the game board 1, a game area 3 surrounded by a guide rail 2 and the like is formed. A special figure starting port 4 is provided slightly below the center of the game area 3. The special figure starting port 4 is a winning port that functions as a specific winning port for the special figure changing display device 5, and a prize of a game ball to the special figure starting display 4 is variable by the special figure changing display device 5. This is set as a start condition of the display game. Further, the special figure starting port 4 is provided with a special figure starting switch 6. The special figure start switch 6 includes a proximity switch or the like, and detects a winning of a game ball to the special figure start port 4.

The special figure change display device 5 functions as a variable display means in a variable display game (corresponding to a bonus-providing preliminary game), and is provided substantially at the center of the game area 3. The special figure fluctuation display device 5 is configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and its display area is, for example, “right symbol”,
It is divided into three regions consisting of "medium symbol" and "left symbol". In the variable display game, the special figure variable display device 5 variably displays (variable display) the symbols displayed in each area for a predetermined period of several seconds to several tens of seconds. Then, a special game (benefit grant) in which a bonus is granted to the player when a symbol in each region at the time of stoppage is arranged in a predetermined specific symbol mode (for example, “666” or “111”) is set as a jackpot. Play). In addition, when the game is completed in a specific symbol mode defined separately (for example, a specific symbol such as “777” or “333”), a transition is made to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the next jackpot is obtained. Easy to use. For example, in the present embodiment, the probability change mode in which the jackpot probability in the game after performing the special game is increased, and the execution time of the variable display game for determining whether or not to perform the special game are shortened to reduce the execution time of the variable display game. Is set as the specific game state in which the number of executions per unit time is increased. It should be noted that the special figure fluctuation display device 5 displays a demo screen of the pachinko gaming machine in a normal state other than the variable display game.

At the upper edge of the special figure change display device 5, a special figure start storage display 7 is provided. The special figure start storage display unit 7 informs the player of the number of winnings stored by continuously winning the special figure starting port 4 during the variable display game, that is, the number of variable display games to be executed. It is composed of four lamps (LEDs) corresponding to the maximum storage number of four. Therefore, one lamp corresponds to one variable display game. In addition, the special figure start storage and display unit 7
Also functions as a power saving mode indicator, and lights or flashes in the power saving mode (described later) together with the accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44 (see FIG. 4) described later, and the pachinko gaming machine is in the power saving mode. Is notified to the outside.

On the other hand, below the special figure starting port 4,
A special variable winning device 8 is provided. The special variable winning device 8 is for the special game described above,
have. The door plate 9 is a horizontally long rectangular plate-like member, and is pivotally mounted on a shaft by a driving source such as a solenoid or a motor. By controlling the tilting state of the door plate 9, the special fluctuation winning device 8 can be switched between a closed state in which game balls are not received and an open state in which game balls are easily received, and the open state. If so, the player can easily gain profit. Therefore, in the above-mentioned special game, a privilege is given to the player by opening and closing the door plate 9.

The special variable winning device 8 is provided with a count switch 10 and a continuation switch 11. These count switch 10 and continuation switch 1
Numeral 1 denotes a proximity switch, a count switch 10 detects the number of game balls that have won the special variable winning device 8, and a continuation switch 11 is called a V zone provided in the special variable winning device 8. A game ball that has passed a specific area is detected. Based on the detection signal of the continuation switch 11, it is determined whether or not to continue the special game.

In addition, the game board 1 is provided with a decoration lamp / LED 12 for displaying a game operation state during the game and for performing a decoration display when the variable display game is executed.
In the present embodiment, the operation result display 13 ′ is provided on the surface of the decoration lamp / LED 12 at the upper left of the game board 1.
Are arranged. The calculation result display 13 'is based on the actual probability of the special game, that is, the total number of executions of the special game (privilege-giving game) with respect to the number of variable display games (privilege-giving preliminary game) performed after the power-on time. Function as actual probability display means for displaying the probabilities obtained by the above. The calculation result display 13 'is composed of, for example, a three-digit seven-segment LED. The calculation result display 13 'displays the denominator of the actual probability.
Even if it is set to 20, if the probability that a jackpot has actually occurred is 1/200, the value "200" is displayed. In addition, the molecule (“1 /” portion) is printed.

Next, the back mechanism of the pachinko game machine will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 20 has a machine frame 21 surrounding the entire machine.

An external information terminal 22 is provided on the upper right side of the back mechanism. This external information terminal 22
Has a terminal circuit 23 for relaying the input of AC power and the transmission and reception of signals with a management device 33 (information management means, see FIG. 3) which is installed in a game store and performs management. ing. This external information terminal 22 is
Together with the accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44 (see FIG. 4) to be described later, it functions as a notifying unit. Further, the terminal circuit 23 includes a main switch 24 for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20 and a state where the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20 is turned on (the main switch 24 is on). When shifting the power saving mode 20 to the power saving mode in which the power consumption is suppressed, or when the pachinko gaming machine 20 in the power saving mode is returned to the normal state, the power saving mode switch 25, and in the power saving mode, A state reset switch 26 for resetting only specific information advantageous to the player is connected, and these main switch 24, power saving mode switch 25, and state reset switch 26 are opened from an opening provided in the case of the external information terminal 22. I'm coming.

A display control device 27 is provided substantially at the center of the back mechanism. The display control device 27 controls the display of the special figure variation display device 5 and includes a driving driver, a display font ROM, a ROM, a RAM, a CPU (all not shown), and the like. Have been. A discharge control device 28 is provided at a lower right portion of the back mechanism. This discharge control device 28 controls the discharge of game balls in a pachinko game, and controls the number of game balls to be discharged.

An accessory control device 29 is provided at the lower left of the back mechanism. The accessory control device 29 controls a pachinko game, a decoration display, and the like. The accessory control device 29 is provided with a calculation result display 13. The calculation result display 13 is provided with the calculation result display 13 'described above.
In the same manner as described above, it functions as an actual probability display means for displaying the actual probability of a special game.
It is composed of an ED. Then, the calculation result display 13 displays the denominator of the actual probability. Note that the numerator ("1 /") is also printed on the calculation result display 13. Note that this operation result display 13
And at least one of the above-described operation result display units 13 'may be provided. A firing control device 30 is provided below the accessory control device 29. The launch control device 30 controls the strength of the launch when launching a game ball into the game area 3 described above. The firing control device 30 is electrically connected to a volume of a firing operation handle (not shown), and fires a game ball with a strength corresponding to a rotation amount of the firing operation handle.

Next, the accessory control device 29, the discharge control device 28, and the firing control device 30 will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the accessory control device 29 includes a state reset switch (S
W) 26 and an ON / OFF signal of the power saving mode switch (SW) 25 are input. In addition, a power-saving mode instruction signal 37 is input from a management device 33 that performs management in a game arcade, and a switching circuit 34 is connected. The switching circuit 34 has a first transistor 34a and a second transistor 34b. First transistor 34a
Is connected to a relay supply power supply 38 with a discharge control device power supply relay circuit 35 interposed therebetween.
8. Turn on / off the power supply. Second transistor 34b
Are connected to a relay supply power supply 38 with a firing control device power supply relay circuit 36 interposed therebetween.
0 is turned on / off.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the accessory control device 29 includes a CPU 41 for performing control necessary for pachinko games and the like.
And an accessory IC 43 having a built-in RAM 42 for temporarily storing data necessary for setting and controlling a work area, a ROM 44 storing a control program and the like, and dividing an output signal of a clock generation circuit 45 by dividing the output signal. A frequency dividing circuit 46 for issuing a reset interrupt of the CPU 41;
A low-pass filter 48 for receiving various information signals, and transmitting a signal from the low-pass filter 48 via the bus B to the accessory for the accessory. A buffer gate 49 for outputting to the IC (CPU 41), an output port 50 for receiving a signal from the CPU 41 via the bus B, and a control signal input via the output port 50 are driven to generate various drive signals. A driver 51 for outputting to both relay circuits 35 and 36, a relay circuit 52 for turning on / off the power from the control power supply circuit 47 to the display control device 27, and a sound generator for generating sound effects necessary for the game 53
, An amplifier 54 for amplifying the audio signal from the sound generator 53, and a speaker 55 for generating a sound by the output signal of the amplifier 54.

The low-pass filter 48 includes an emission control device 28, a special figure start switch 6, a count switch 10, a continuation switch 11, a power saving mode switch 25, a state reset switch 26, and a management device 33 (power saving mode instruction signal 37. Signals are included. The driver 51 also functions as display information (commands and the like) to the display control device 27 and a display power supply signal to the relay circuit 52, the external information terminal 22, the special variable winning device 8, and a power saving mode display. Special figure start storage display unit 7, decorative lamp / LED 12, calculation result display 13 (13
′), Control signals for the emission control device power supply relay circuit 36, the discharge control device power supply relay circuit 35, the discharge control device 28, and the like are output.

The display control device 27, the special figure variation display device 5 connected to the display control device 27,
Electronic components such as the decorative lamp / LED 12, the emission control device 28, and the emission control device 30 and devices including these electronic components function as electronic component elements. In addition, while the accessory control device 29 controls the game,
It functions as a game control unit that manages the operation of the above-mentioned electronic component elements in accordance with the game, and the accessory IC 43 (CPU 4
1, the RAM 42) and the ROM 44 function as game progress management means for managing the progress of the game. The output port 50 and the driver 51 electrically connected to the accessory IC 43 function together with the accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44 as a driving means for driving the connected devices. Furthermore, when the power saving transition condition described later is satisfied, the accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44 deactivate the driving unit while maintaining the game progress management unit in an active state (that is, a powered operation state). State (i.e., a stopped state in which power is not supplied), and functions as power saving control means for suppressing power consumption.

The accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44 are held by random number updating means for updating a random number for determining whether or not to execute a special game given as a privilege to the player, and specific game state holding means. The specific game state invalidating means for invalidating the specific game state, and the special game is actually executed based on the number of times of execution of the variable display game (privilege provisional game) and the special game (privilege provision game) since the power-on. It functions as an actual probability acquisition unit that acquires the actual probability. In addition, the accessory IC 43 and the ROM 44, together with the special figure start storage and display unit 7 or the external information terminal 22, control the power saving control means, that is, whether the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the power saving mode or not. The calculation result display unit 1 functions as a part of a notification unit for notifying, and furthermore, the calculation result display unit 1
It functions as an actual probability obtaining and displaying means for displaying the actual probability described above together with 3, 13 '.

The RAM 42 holds a specific game state which is advantageous to the player (ie, a specific generation state in which the right to shift to the probable change mode, the time saving mode, and the special game state has been generated). It functions as state holding means.

In the present embodiment, when a power saving mode transition condition for shifting to a power saving state such as input of a power saving mode instruction signal 37 for instructing power saving or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied, Shift to power saving mode. And
In this power saving mode, only the mechanisms necessary for holding specific information and states related to the progress and control of the game, such as the accessory IC 43 of the accessory control device 29 and the special figure start storage display unit 7, are in the active state. And the other mechanisms, particularly those associated with relatively high power consumption displays, are deactivated by turning off power.

Thus, a random number for determining the occurrence of a jackpot and a specific game state (probable change mode, time saving mode, etc.) which is advantageous for the player can be held with minimum power. Therefore, in a game store that dislikes the fluctuation of the jackpot probability, or a game store that provides a service in which the state of the pachinko machine is carried over to the start of business on the next day and the player continues to play the game from the state at the end of business. In addition, unnecessary power is not consumed. Furthermore, due to the power consumption, etc., a game store that has refrained from carrying over the status of pachinko gaming machines to the start of business the next day will be able to perform this service. There will be more opportunities to enjoy games without worrying about time.

In the power saving mode, the operation result display 13 displays the actual probability. Thereby, the clerk of the game store can know the number of jackpots (the number of executions of the special game) from the time of turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20, and what is the difference with the jackpot probability defined on the program? Can be grasped.

Further, the special figure start storage display unit 7 functions as a power saving mode indicator in this power saving mode, and performs operations such as lighting or blinking so that the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the power saving mode. To the outside.
As described above, the notifying means (first notifying means) for notifying the control state by the power saving control means to the outside is provided, so that the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20 is turned on / off in the power saving mode.
The off state can be easily understood at a glance, and the state of the pachinko gaming machine 20 is not erroneously determined. further,
Since this notification means is also used as the special figure start storage display section 7 (start storage display means) composed of low power consumption electronic components such as LEDs, a dedicated display means is not required while suppressing power consumption.

In the power saving mode, a signal is output from the external information terminal 22 to the management device 33 to notify that the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the power saving mode. Then, the management device 33 can recognize which of the pachinko gaming machines 20 is or is not in the power saving mode among the many pachinko gaming machines 20. As described above, the notification means (second notification means) for notifying the information management means (management device 33) provided outside of the control state of the power saving control means is provided, so that the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the power-on state. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp whether the apparatus is in the power saving mode or the power-off state.

Hereinafter, control of the present embodiment for performing such an operation will be described with reference to FIGS. These figures are flowcharts showing the operations performed by the accessory control device 29. As shown in the general flowchart of FIG. 5, in the accessory control device 29, first, immediately after the power is turned on (that is, the main switch 2) in step S1.
4 immediately after the ON operation). If the power has just been turned on, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, a so-called initialization process for initializing the registers and the RAM 42 used by the CPU 41 of the accessory IC 43 is performed. When the initialization processing in step S2 is completed, a state of waiting for reset, that is, a state of waiting for input of a reset signal from the frequency dividing circuit 46 is set.

On the other hand, when the processing shifts to the processing of step S1 after the reset signal is input, in the previous operation cycle,
Since the processing in step S2 has already been performed, it is determined that the processing is not immediately after power-on, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, a random number update process is performed. This random number updating process is a process of updating random numbers for determining a jackpot or a miss in a variable display game. In this process, for example, the count is incremented (+1) every time the reset interrupt process is executed, and the jackpot probability (for example, 1/210)
When the value exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 209), the counter value of the carry counter that returns to 0 is updated. And
Move to step S4.

In step S4, a switch (SW) input process is performed. The switch input process is a process of monitoring inputs to various switches, and includes, for example, a special figure start switch 6, a count switch 10, and a continuation switch 11.
And the like, while removing chattering of the signal output from the above, and performing logical conversion on the signal. Then, control goes to a step S5. In addition, the above-mentioned special figure start switch 6
(That is, the game ball is in the special figure starting port 4)
), The counter value of the carry counter at the time of detection is obtained and stored as a random number for determination.

In step S5, a power saving monitoring process is performed. This power saving monitoring processing includes checking of power saving transition conditions for shifting from the normal state to the power saving mode, checking of return conditions for returning from the power saving mode to the normal state, and identification of specific information in the power saving mode. This is a process for performing an operation related to a power saving operation such as confirmation of the presence or absence of a reset.
9 through the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the power saving monitoring process will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this power saving monitoring process, first, a power saving mode input monitoring process of step S6 is performed. This power saving mode input monitoring process is specifically,
This is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in the power saving mode input monitoring process, first, in step S6a, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode. This determination is made, for example, based on ON / OFF of a flag set in the RAM 42 and indicating that the apparatus is in the power saving mode. Then, in the case of the power saving mode (for example, flag on), the process proceeds to step S6b, and in the case of not the power saving mode (for example, flag off, that is, the normal state), the process proceeds to step S6k.

In step S6b, it is determined whether there is an input from the power saving mode switch 25. If an input has been made (yes), it is determined to return from the power saving mode to the normal state, and the process proceeds to step S6i. If no input has been made (no), it is determined that the power saving mode is to be continued. To step S6c. In step S6c, the off data of the decoration lamp in the decoration lamp / LED 12 is set, and in step S6d, the off data of the decoration LED is similarly set. In step S6e, off data for various solenoids is set. In step S6f, the power saving mode display, that is, the special figure start storage display 7
(That is, drive data for displaying the power saving state).

In step S6g, the display control device 27
The relays of the discharge control device 28 and the firing control device 30 are set to the off state. That is, in this step S6g,
An off signal indicating drive off is set to the switching circuit 34 and the relay circuit 52. In step S6h, the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 20, such as a flag, is stored in the RAM 42, for example. At this time, information of a specific game state that is advantageous to the player such as the probability change mode and the time saving mode is also stored. Then, this step S6h
Is completed, the power saving mode input monitoring process ends, and the process returns.

Upon completion of the process in step S6h,
Accessory IC 43 and ROM 44 (that is, power saving control means)
Sets the power saving state of the pachinko gaming machine 20. In the present embodiment, in this power-saving state, there is a special-purpose IC such as a random number for determining the occurrence of a jackpot or a specific game state (probable change mode, time saving mode, or the like) advantageous to the player.
Specific information and states managed or controlled by the ROM 43 or the ROM 44 (that is, the game progress management means) are retained, and power is supplied to other mechanisms, particularly the decorative lamps / LEDs 12 and the special figure fluctuation display device 5 that consume large power. It becomes an inactive state in which supply is stopped. Thus, when the power is continuously turned on outside of business hours such as at night, power consumption can be minimized.

If it is determined in step S6b that the power-saving mode switch 25 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S6b.
At i, the power saving mode is reset (for example, flag on is set to flag off). In step S6j, the power saving mode display OFF data for stopping the power saving display of the power saving mode display (the special figure start storage display unit 7) is set. Then, the power saving mode input monitoring process ends, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6a that the mode is not the power saving mode and the process proceeds to step S6k, the power saving mode switch 2 is set in step S6k.
5 is determined. If there is an input (yes), it is determined to shift to the power saving mode, and the process proceeds to step S6m. If there is no input (no), it is determined that the normal state is to be continued and the process proceeds to step S6n. Transition.

In step S6m, the power saving mode is set (for example, a flag is set), and the power saving mode input monitoring process is terminated and the process returns. Step S6
In n, the relays of the display control device 27, the emission control device 28, and the firing control device 30 are set to the ON state. That is, in this step S6n, an ON signal to the switching circuit 34 and the relay circuit 52 is set. And
This power saving mode input monitoring process ends, and the process returns.

When the power saving mode input monitoring process in step S6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S7 to perform a reset signal input monitoring process (see FIG. 6). This reset signal input monitoring process is specifically performed according to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the reset signal input monitoring process, first, in step S7a, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (under the mode).
This determination is made by, for example, the above-described flag, and it is determined that the flag is on and the power saving mode is being performed. And
If it is in the power saving mode (yes), step S
7b, and if not in the power saving mode (no), the reset signal input monitoring process ends and the process returns.

In step S7b, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the state reset switch 26. If there is an input (yes), the process proceeds to step S7c, and if there is no input (no), the reset signal input monitoring process ends and returns. In step S7c, it is determined whether the state of the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the specific gaming state. This determination is made based on the game state information stored in step S6h described above. If information indicating that the player is in an advantageous state, such as a probable change mode or a time saving mode, is stored, the specific game is performed. It is determined that it is in the state. If it is in the specific game state (yes), the process shifts to step S7d to clear the specific game state, ends the reset signal input monitoring process, and returns. On the other hand, when it is not in the specific game state (n
In step o), the reset signal input monitoring process ends and the process returns.

By clearing this specific game state,
Only the random numbers for determining the execution of the special game (big hit) are updated. That is, the random number updating means for updating the random number is in the operating state (active state), and the driver 51
(Drive means) and the devices connected to the driver 51 are in a stopped state (inactive state). As described above, the specific game state holding means (RAM4
Since the means for invalidating the specific game state held in 2) based on the instruction (specific game state invalidating means) is provided, the first power saving mode in which only the random number update operation is activated, and the random number update operation And both of the second power saving mode in which both the specific game state holding operation and the specific game state holding operation are made active. As a result, different requests can be answered by one model, and the cost of the pachinko gaming machine 20 can be reduced. Further, since it is possible to select whether or not to perform the holding operation of the specific gaming state for each of the pachinko gaming machines 20, it is possible to hold the specific gaming state only for the pachinko gaming machines 20 that need to hold the information.

When the reset signal input monitoring process in step S7 is completed, the process proceeds to the information monitoring process in step S8 (see FIG. 6). This information monitoring process is specifically described in FIG.
Is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in this information monitoring process, first, data is acquired from the special figure start number storage area and stored in the counter A in step S8a. Here, the special figure starting number storage area is set in the RAM 42 as an area for storing, as data, the total number of executions of the variable display game (privilege provision preliminary game) since the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20 was turned on. The counter A is an area for calculation and is set in the RAM 42.

Next, the process proceeds to step S8b, where data is obtained from the jackpot count storage area and stored in the counter B. Here, the jackpot number storage area is set in the RAM 42 as an area for storing, as data, the total number of executions of the jackpot (corresponding to a bonus-giving game) since the power of the pachinko gaming machine 20 was turned on. The counter B is an area for calculation and is set in the RAM 42.

In step S8c, the stored value of the counter A is divided by the stored value of the counter B, and this divided value is stored in the operation value counter C. This operation value counter C is also stored in the RAM 4
It is set to 2. In step S8d, the value of the operation value counter C is read, and the read data is set as data for the operation result display 13 (13 '). At this time, “100”, “150”, “20”
A value rounded to a predetermined unit, such as "0",..., May be displayed, or the value of the hundredth to oneth digit of the value of the operation value counter C may be displayed as it is. When the data is set in step S8d, the information monitoring process ends, and the process returns.

As described above, the total number of executions (counter A) of the variable display game (privilege providing preliminary game) made based on the winning of the game ball to the special figure starting port (specific winning port), the big hit (the bonus giving game) ), The actual probability acquisition means for acquiring the actual probability of a jackpot based on the total number of executions (counter B) is provided, so that data can be easily acquired from existing data without performing special processing.

When this information monitoring process ends, the power saving monitoring process ends, and the routine goes to step S9 (see FIG. 5). In step S9, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode. That is, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode based on the power saving mode (flag or the like) set or reset in the above-described power saving mode input monitoring processing (S6). If it is in the power saving mode (yes), the process proceeds to step S32. If it is not in the power saving mode (no), the process proceeds to step S32.
Move to 10.

In step S10, a prize ball control process is performed. This prize ball control processing is processing relating to prize ball data such as the number of prize balls when a prize is won.
43 (CPU 41) outputs the prize ball data to the discharge control device 28. When the prize ball control process is completed, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a stop symbol creation process is performed. The stop symbol creation process is a process of creating a stop symbol to be displayed at the end of the variable display in the variable display game performed by the special figure variable display device 5, for example, a symbol such as a big hit or a missing symbol. A design based on the symbol is created. In addition, this stop symbol is
For example, it is determined based on a random number acquired in connection with winning the special figure starting port 4.

In step S12, time division processing is performed.
This time-division processing is performed in a special figure game processing (S1
3) The symbol control editing process (S26), the transmission command editing process (S27), and the data transfer process (S28). Specifically, in the first operation cycle, the special figure game process is selected, and in the next operation cycle after the reset, the symbol editing process is selected, and the subsequent third game process is selected.
In the operation cycle, one of the data transfer processes from the special figure game process is sequentially selected for each operation cycle, such as selecting the transmission command editing process. Hereinafter, each process will be described.

First, the special figure game process (S13) will be described. This special figure game process is specifically described in FIG.
Is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the figure, in this special figure game process, first, in step S
At 14, a branch is made according to the process number. In this branching process, an ordinary process (S15) to be described later is changed to an unauthorized process (S2
In the process of judging the branch up to 5), specifically, the process branches to the following processes. Step S15: Normal operation processing Step S16: High-speed fluctuation processing Step S17: Left symbol stop processing Step S18: Middle symbol stop processing Step S19: Reach stop processing Step S20: Right symbol stop processing Step S21: Loss processing Step S22: Big hit processing Step S23: Fanfare processing Step S24: Jackpot end processing Step S25: Unauthorized processing

In each of these processes, usually, an ordinary operation process (S15) is performed, a high-speed variation process (S16) is performed by winning the special figure starting port 4, and a left symbol stop process (S1).
7) The middle symbol stop processing (S18) is sequentially performed. And
When the left symbol and the middle symbol are aligned in the same symbol, the reach symbol stop process (S19) is performed, and then the right symbol stop process (S2).
0) is performed, and when the left symbol and the middle symbol stop at different symbols, the right symbol stop processing (S20) is subsequently performed. Furthermore, if at least one of the "right symbol", "middle symbol", and "left symbol" is stopped at a different symbol, a loss process (S21) is performed. If these three symbols are aligned with the same symbol, a jackpot process is performed. (S22), a fanfare process (S23), and a jackpot ending process (S24) are performed.

Next, the above-mentioned right symbol stop processing (S20) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the drawing, in the right symbol stop processing, first, a stopped symbol is checked in step S20a, and a big hit process is set in step S20b. Subsequently, in step S20c, a stop symbol is determined to determine whether or not the symbol is a big hit symbol. If it is not a jackpot symbol (no), step S2
After setting the losing process at 0d, step S20e
The process proceeds to step S20e if it is a big hit symbol (yes). Step S20e
Then, +1 is added to the value of the above-mentioned special figure start number storage area, and the right symbol stop processing is ended to return.

Next, the above described big hit processing (S22) will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the drawing, in the big hit process, first, in step S22a, it is determined whether or not the value of the probability change frequency counter is “0”. The probability variation counter is a counter for distinguishing the remaining number of times of the above-mentioned probability variation mode, and is set in the RAM 42. If the value of the probability variation counter is "0" (yes), the process shifts to step S22b, sets the normal mode, and shifts to step S22e. On the other hand, if the value is other than "0" (no), the process proceeds to step S22c, where the value of the probability variation counter is decremented by one, and then the process proceeds to step S22c.
At 22d, a specific state mode indicating a specific game state advantageous to the player is set, and the routine goes to Step S22e.

In step S22e, it is determined whether the stopped symbol is a specific symbol. The specific symbol here is a symbol set as a condition for shifting to the certainty change mode which is one of the specific state modes, for example, “777”.
Or "333". If the stop symbol is a specific symbol (yes), the process proceeds to step S22f, and the probability variation counter counts a predetermined number (for example, “2”).
Write. At this time, the above-mentioned predetermined number is added to the previous value and written. And step S
Shift to 22g. On the other hand, if the stop symbol is other than the specific symbol (no), the process skips step S22g and shifts to step S22g.

In step S22g, a fanfare process is set. In a succeeding step S22h, the value of the jackpot number storage area is incremented by one. Then, upon completion of the process in step S22h, the big hit process ends and the process returns.

Next, the symbol control editing process (S26) to the data transfer process (S28) will be described (see FIG. 5). The symbol control editing process of step S26 is a process of editing display data of various symbols such as a symbol during rotation and a symbol during reach in a variable display game or the like, for example, a symbol to be displayed on the special figure variation display device 5. The transmission command editing process of step S27 is a process of editing a command indicating the current state of the variable display game played on the special figure fluctuation display device 5, for example, symbol rotation, stop, and the like.

The data transfer process in step S28 includes the special figure game process (S13) and the symbol control editing process (S13).
26) and a process of outputting various commands and data edited or set in the transmission command editing process (S27) to the outside. Therefore, by performing this data transfer process, the display symbols and the like are transferred to the special figure change display device 5.

When any one of the special figure game processing (S13) and the data transfer processing (S28) is completed, the process proceeds to step S29, where the solenoid (SOL).
Performs external information processing. The solenoid process is a process of opening the special variable winning device 8 when a big hit occurs in the variable display game using the special figure variable display device 5,
This is a process of setting a drive signal for exciting or demagnetizing a solenoid provided on the door plate 9 of the special fluctuation winning device 8. The external information processing is a process for outputting information such as a jackpot signal to the management device 33, and is a process for setting the output information.

In step S30, lamp / LED processing is performed. This lamp / LED processing is processing for controlling the lighting state of the decorative lamp / LED 12 according to the state of the variable display game defined in the above-described special figure game processing (S13), for example, a state such as a jackpot or a miss. .
In a succeeding step S31, a sound output process is performed. This sound output processing is performed by the sound generator 53 and the amplifier 5.
4 is output from the speaker 55 in accordance with the game of the pachinko gaming machine.

Then, in step S32, an output process is performed. This output process is a process of outputting the data set in each of the above-described steps to an operation target such as a solenoid of the special variable winning device 8. It should be noted that it is determined in step S9 that the vehicle is in the power saving mode, and
When the process proceeds to step S32, the drive data set in steps S6c to S6g is output in step S32, and the pachinko gaming machine 20 is set in the power saving state. In this power saving state, supply of power to the special figure fluctuation display device 5, the decorative lamp / LED 12, and the like is cut off, and the minimum necessary mechanisms, that is, the accessory IC 43, the ROM 44, the special figure start storage display unit 7, and the like are provided. It is in a powered active state. Further, it outputs a signal to the management device 33 to notify that the pachinko gaming machine 20 is in the power saving mode.

In step S33, unauthorized monitoring and processing are performed. This fraud monitoring and fraudulent processing determines whether or not no-count fraud or ball-blocking fraud is performed at the time of a jackpot, and if it is determined that fraud has been performed, a clerk or the like is notified of the fact. This is a notification process.
When the process in step S33 ends, the process enters a reset waiting state. In this state, input of a reset signal from the frequency dividing circuit 46 is waited, and the process from step S1 is executed again by receiving the reset signal.

In the embodiment described above,
The example of shifting to the power saving mode or returning from the power saving mode by operating the power saving mode switch 25 has been described. However, shifting to the power saving mode or returning from the power saving mode is performed by the power saving mode instruction signal 37 from the management device 33. You can do so. As a result, a large number of pachinko gaming machines 20 can be managed collectively, and management can be made more efficient. In addition, a clock IC may be provided in each of the pachinko gaming machines 20 and a transition to the power saving mode may be made when a predetermined time is reached. Similarly, the time can be managed by the management device, and when a predetermined time has been reached, the mode can be shifted to the power saving mode or restored from the power saving mode.

In the embodiment described above, the variable display game is performed by winning the special figure starting port 4 (the special figure variable display device 5). In the example of the pachinko gaming machine that opens a special winning game by opening a special winning game, the special variable winning device 8 is opened on condition of winning a specific winning opening in a state in which the jackpot is won in the variable display game. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko game machine for performing a special game. Further, even gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines can be applied to gaming machines that use random numbers, such as pachislot gaming machines, or shift to an advantageous state for a player and play a game.

Further, by connecting a backup power supply for supplying power to the accessory control device 29, even if power supply to the gaming machine is cut off due to a power failure or the like, specific information and status can be maintained. The necessary accessory IC 43 and the like can be maintained in an active state, and the security of data retention can be improved.

[0079]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a gaming machine having game control means for controlling a game and controlling an electronic component element operated by electric power in accordance with the game, the game control means includes the electronic component element. , A driving unit for supplying power to the electronic component elements, a game progress management unit for managing the progress of the game, and maintaining the game progress management unit in an active state when a power saving transition condition is satisfied. Power-saving control means for making the driving means inactive, while shifting to a power-saving mode when a power-saving transition condition is satisfied, and in this power-saving mode, the game progress management means Only the mechanisms needed to maintain the specific information and state to be managed or controlled are kept active; other mechanisms, especially those related to relatively high power consumption displays, are powered down. A non-active state by cutting off the supply of. This allows
If you keep turning on the power outside of business hours such as at night,
Power consumption can be minimized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the game progress management means has a random number updating means for updating a random number for deciding to give a privilege to a player, and the power saving control means comprises: When the power saving transition condition is satisfied, the driving means is set to the inactive state while the random number updating means of the game progress management means is maintained in the active state, so that only the random numbers can be continuously updated, and the jackpot probability is increased. For a game store that keeps turning on the power of the gaming machine, reluctant to fluctuate, the purpose can be achieved with minimum power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to reduce expenses at the game store.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the game progress management means includes a specific game state holding means for holding a specific game state advantageous to a player, and the power saving control means includes a power saving control means. When the transition condition is satisfied, the driving means is set to the inactive state while the specific game state holding means of the game progress management means is maintained in the active state, so that the specific game state can be held with minimum power. it can. Thus, when the store is closed in the specific game state, the specific game state can be carried over to the start of business the next day without wasting power. Furthermore, due to the power consumption, etc., a game store that has refrained from carrying over the status of pachinko gaming machines to the start of business the next day will be able to perform this service. The opportunity to enjoy the game without worrying about will increase.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the power saving control means includes the specific game state invalidating means for invalidating the specific game state held by the specific game state holding means based on an instruction. The power saving mode in which only the random number updating operation is activated and the power saving mode in which both the random number updating operation and the specific game state holding operation are activated can be realized by one model. As a result, different requirements can be answered by one model, and the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. Further, since it is possible to select whether or not to perform the holding operation of the specific gaming state for each gaming machine, it is possible to hold the specific gaming state only for the gaming machines that need to hold the information.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the notifying means for notifying the control state of the power saving control means to the outside is provided, the power on / off state of the pachinko gaming machine in the power saving mode is set. Easy to grasp.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the game progress management means performs the privilege-adding game based on the number of executions of the privilege-adding preliminary game and the privilege-adding game since the power-on. Since it has the actual probability acquisition display means for acquiring the actual probability and displaying the acquired actual probability, it is possible to know the number of times of execution of the bonus giving game (the number of big hits) since the power-on of the gaming machine, and to determine the specified big hit It is possible to grasp the difference between the probability and the actual jackpot probability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming board of a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a power saving mechanism controlled by the accessory control device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the accessory control device.

FIG. 5 is a general flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the accessory control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power saving monitoring process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a power saving mode input monitoring process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a reset signal input monitoring process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an information monitoring process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a special figure game process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a right symbol stop process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a jackpot process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 2 Guide rail 3 Game area 4 Special figure starting port 5 Special figure change display device 6 Special figure start switch 7 Special figure start storage display part 8 Special change winning device 9 Door plate 10 Count switch 11 Continuous switch 12 Decorative lamp LED 13 Calculation result display 20 Pachinko gaming machine 21 Machine frame 22 External information terminal 23 Terminal circuit 24 Main switch 25 Power saving mode switch 26 State reset switch 27 Display control device 28 Ejection control device 29 Role control device 30 Launch control device 33 Management device 34 Switching circuit 35 Emission control device power supply relay circuit 36 Launch control device power supply relay circuit 37 Power saving mode instructing signal 38 Relay power supply 41 CPU 42 RAM 43 Official object IC 44 ROM 45 Clock generation circuit 46 Frequency divider circuit 47 Power cycles Road 48 Low-pass filter 49 Buffer gate 50 Output port 51 Driver 52 Relay circuit 53 Sound generator 54 Amplifier 55 Speaker

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game machine having game control means for controlling a game and controlling an electronic component element operated by electric power in accordance with the game, wherein the game control means supplies electric power to the electronic component element. A driving unit for driving the electronic component element; a game progress management unit for managing the progress of the game; and a drive while maintaining the game progress management unit in an active state when a power saving transition condition is satisfied. A game machine comprising: a power saving control unit for setting a unit to an inactive state. 2. The game progress management unit includes a random number updating unit that updates a random number for determining a privilege grant to a player, wherein the power saving control unit determines whether a power saving transition condition is satisfied. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving means is set to an inactive state while the random number updating means of the game progress managing means is maintained in an active state. 3. The game progress management unit includes a specific game state holding unit that holds a specific game state advantageous to a player, and the power saving control unit performs a game when a power saving transition condition is satisfied. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving means is inactive while the specific gaming state holding means of the progress management means is maintained in an active state. 4. The power-saving control unit according to claim 3, further comprising a specific game state invalidating unit for invalidating the specific game state held by the specific game state holding unit based on an instruction. Gaming machine. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a control state of the power saving control unit to an outside. 6. The game progress management means acquires the actual probability that the privilege-added game was actually performed based on the number of executions of the privilege-added preliminary game and the privilege-added game from the time of turning on the power, and acquires the actual probability. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an actual probability acquisition display unit for displaying an actual probability.