JP5597802B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having an effect of performing a probable promotion during a big hit game.

Most recent pachinko machines have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. Depending on these functions, how to produce a variety of high-quality displays, sounds, and lamps and to enhance the interest is an important factor that determines the popularity of gaming machines.
In particular, as an effect that maintains the expectation of the probability variation function, if the symbol that has been confirmed and stopped through reach is a normal symbol, all symbols may be restarted again and changed to a probability variation symbol. and so on. Nowadays it is often called “probability promotion production”.
In addition, a re-lottery effect that is generally performed immediately after the big hit is referred to as “front lottery”, and a game that is performed after the big hit game is digested is referred to as “post-lottery”. Particularly in recent years, “promotion during mid-hit games”, in which special effects are performed during big hit games and promoted with certainty, is gaining popularity (Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-313111 A

However, there is one problem, and during the jackpot game, when the promotion effect during the jackpot game has not occurred, the player thinks that the next time will be a symbol combination game with a normal probability, so it can be won by the jackpot game Even if it can be expected that the number of game balls will exceed the allowance of the dollar box, the game machine will be consumed as it is without intentionally replacing the dollar box, considering that the game ball will be consumed immediately after the big hit game ends I try to load it on the saucer or dollar box. This is because there is no need to raise or lower the dollar box, and the game can proceed smoothly.
Therefore, if the promotion effect during the big hit game occurs when the tray or the dollar box is piled up, the dollar box is replaced in a hurry. Since a pile of dollar boxes will be replaced, even if a familiar store clerk performs, there is a possibility that a lot of game balls may be lost, and the player adds to the exchange of dollar boxes while feeling unpleasant joy. In some cases, the game balls that were spilled or worsted could not be recovered, resulting in a disadvantage.
In addition, if the tray is forcibly loaded, an overflow notification for notifying that the allowable amount of the tray has been exceeded will be performed mainly by voice. It is expected that it will be very unpleasant not only for the parties but also for the players who are playing games around them.

  On the other hand, with regard to the symbol combination game, a general pachinko gaming machine is stopped during the big hit game, so the number of symbol holding storage tends to reach the upper limit. Even if you win the starting gate with the reserved memory reaching the upper limit, you can get and store random numbers for symbol combination games with only a small number of prize balls compared to the big winning opening that is released during the big hit game Since it will not be done, it will be a “useless prize” for the player. Originally, the game ball is inserted into the starting port, which is the basis of the gaming characteristics of pachinko machines, and for that purpose, it is provided in a position and shape that can expect stable winning compared to other winning ports. Therefore, during the jackpot game, “useless winnings” are frequently generated and witnessed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is intended to promote the cancellation of the full state of the saucer while further enhancing the interest of expressing the jackpot promotion effect, so that both the player and the game shop can smoothly advance the game. . Another object of the present invention is to give interest to winning at the starting point when the symbol holding memory which is not meaningful during the big hit game is full.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a gaming ball tray capable of holding a gaming ball on the front surface of the gaming machine,
A main control device for giving various instructions for controlling the entire gaming machine;
A payout control device for paying out game balls;
A sub-control device that performs predetermined display, sound and lamp control based on the instruction content instructed from the main control device;
A symbol combination game in which symbols are variably displayed due to the game ball entering the starting port,
A jackpot game that facilitates the acquisition of a game ball when the symbols are fixed and stopped in a predetermined sequence by the symbol combination game;
With
A fullness detecting means for detecting whether or not the game ball held in the game ball tray is a predetermined amount or more;
When detecting that the fullness detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the main control device sends a full error command to the sub-control device,
In the gaming machine that performs a full error notification when the full control command is received,
According to the result of the symbol combination game, in the symbol combination game after the jackpot game, a probability variation function that varies the probability that the symbols are fixedly displayed in a predetermined arrangement,
The sub-control device
As the full error notification, at least by voice to inform that the saucer is full,
When the full error command is received during the jackpot game,
If the probability variation function does not operate after a big hit game, the first full error notification is performed,
When the probability variation function is activated after a big hit game, the gaming machine is characterized in that a second full error notification using a voice different from the first full error notification is performed.

  The full error command is one of commands sent to the sub by the main control. For example, a command indicating an effect pattern at the time of symbol variation, a command for specifying display contents at the start of jackpot, and a command for specifying display contents in each round There are a command indicating the probability state, a command indicating the number of symbols stored, etc. Among them, there is a full error command as one of the commands indicating the error contents. When the sub-control device receives the full error command, the sub-control device issues a notification for recognizing the player that the full error is caused by voice, LED, liquid crystal display device, or the like. In general, there are many configurations that make notification mainly by voice notification.

The second full error notification provides information other than the full error by making it different from the normal full error notification. For example, an error announcement voice is changed, a character is displayed on the display screen, a lamp has a lighting pattern different from a normal one, and the like. Therefore, it is not always necessary to directly notify the probability variation, and the discriminating power is arbitrary.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, even if the player who tries to forcibly place the game is aware that the amount of winnings during the big hit game exceeds the allowable amount of the dollar box and the saucer, the player is full. While notifying the full error with the error signal, to notify that the next symbol combination game will change the probability, to stop the excessive loading, promptly exchange the dollar box, prompt the cancellation of the saucer full state, It is possible to provide smooth game progression.

The front view of the pachinko gaming machine 50. The front view of the game board 1. FIG. The back view of the pachinko machine 50. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the pachinko gaming machine 50. The flowchart of the starting process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The flowchart of the interruption (INT) process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The flowchart of the interruption (NMI) process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the power supply device 85. FIG. The flowchart of the start winning confirmation process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The flowchart 1 of the success / failure determination process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. (A) Flowchart 2 of the success / failure determination process executed by the main controller 80. (B) Flowchart 3 of the success / failure determination process executed by the main controller 80. The flowchart of the special game process which the main controller 80 performs. (A) In the enlarged view of the prize ball passage unit 88, the full switch 22 is not detected. (B) In the enlarged view of the prize ball passage unit 88, the full switch 22 is in the detected state. The block diagram which expanded the electric structure of the main control apparatus 80 and the payout control apparatus 81. FIG. (A) The timing chart which shows stop and resumption of a prize ball payout operation at the time of a full error executed by the payout control device 81. (B) A timing chart showing stop and restart of a ball lending payout operation performed when the payout control device 81 is full. The main-side state notification process 1 flowchart which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The sub-side state notification processing flowchart executed by the sub-integrated control device 83. The main-side state notification process 2 flowchart which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The main-side state notification process 3 flowchart which the main control apparatus 80 performs. 7 is a flowchart of main-side state notification processing 4 executed by the main control device 80. (A) Normal full error notification display example. (B) Special full error notification display example. The flowchart of the special game process which the main controller 80 of 4th Example performs. The flowchart of the modification of the main side state notification process 1 which the main control apparatus 80 performs.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following examples and the like, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 50, which is a kind of ball game machine, has a structure in which each part of the configuration is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame.
A hinge 53 is provided on the left and upper sides of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the other side of the hinge 53. The inner frame 70 opens and closes with respect to the outer frame 51. It has a possible configuration.

A plate glass 61 is detachably provided on the front frame 52, and the game board 1 shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the inner frame 70 at the back of the plate glass 61.
Speakers 66 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52 and on the lower left and right sides of the outer frame, and game sounds generated from the pachinko machine 50 are output to improve the player's preference. In addition, in order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 52.
An upper plate 55 and a lower plate 63 are integrally formed below the front frame 52. A launch handle 64 is attached to the right side of the lower plate 63, and the launch device (not shown) is moved by rotating the launch handle 64 in the clockwise direction, so that a game ball supplied from the upper plate 55 is provided. Is fired toward the game board 1.

On the left side of the lower plate 63, an effect button 67 that can be operated by the player is provided. The player operates the effect button 67 during a predetermined period and is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 described later. The content of the game changes or the game sound output from the speaker 66 changes.
The pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine and includes a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 for reading and writing a prepaid card. The pachinko machine 50 includes a lending button 57 and a checkout button 58. And a CR settlement display device having a balance display 59.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 1 is provided with a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by known guide rails 2a and 2b. A large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed in the game area 3.
A center case 5 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 3. The center case 5 includes a warp entrance, a warp passage, a stage, and a window 5a for facing a screen 6a of a production symbol display device 6 (which is a liquid crystal display device and displays a pseudo symbol), as in the known case. Yes.
On the upper side of the window 5a, a dot matrix normal symbol display device 7 and a 7-segment special symbol display device 9 and a normal symbol hold memory display device 8 comprising four LEDs are installed, and on the lower side a special symbol hold memory display. A device 10 is installed.

A normal symbol operating gate 17 is arranged on the left side of the center case 5.
Below the center case 5, there is disposed a composite winning device 13 in which the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 are unitized.
The first start port 11 is a so-called chucker and can always enter the ball.
The second starting port 12 is an electric tulip, and it opens and closes in the same manner as a known electric tulip. However, since the first starting port 11 is above, a game ball cannot be entered in the illustrated closed state. However, when the game ball hits the normal symbol lottery performed when the normal symbol operation gate 17 is passed and the normal symbol hitting is displayed on the normal symbol display device 7, the second start port 12 is opened and it is easy to enter the ball. become.

An attacker-type large winning opening 14 is disposed below the composite winning device 13, and an out hole 15 is provided therebelow.
In addition, a first left winning port 31 and a second left winning port 32 are provided on the left side of the composite winning device 13, and a first right winning port 33 and a second right winning port 34 are provided along the guide rail 2b on the right side. It has been. Note that the first left winning port 31, the second left winning port 32, the first right winning port 33, and the second right winning port 34 are normal winning ports in which the winning rate does not always change.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the pachinko machine 50, an inner frame 70 for detachably attaching the game board 1 is housed in the outer frame 51 described above. The inner frame 70 is provided with a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a dispensing device 73 from above. With this configuration, if there is a winning game ball at the winning slot on the game board 1, a predetermined number of gaming balls can be discharged from the ball tank 71 via the tank rail 72 to the above-described upper plate 55 by the payout device 73. .
Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 50 (see also FIG. 4), a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a production symbol control device 82, a sub integrated control device 83, a launch control device 84, and a power supply board 85 are provided. It has been.

The main control device 80, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. In FIG. 3, the launch control device 84 is not drawn, but the launch control device 84 is provided below the payout control device 81.
Further, an external connection terminal plate 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and a signal indicating a game state and a game result is sent from the external connection terminal plate 78 to a hall computer 87 (not shown). Conventionally, external connection terminal boards for transmitting signals to the hall computer 87 are for boards (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer 87) and frames ((frame side). Two terminals (terminals for outputting signals output from the front frame 52, the inner frame 70, and the outer frame 51) to the hall computer 87 are used. In this embodiment, one external connection terminal board 78 is used. A signal indicating the game state and the game result is transmitted to the hall computer 87 via the.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 is configured with a main controller 80 as a center. Note that the power supply circuit is not shown in this block diagram. Although not shown in detail, all of the main control device 80, the payout control device 81, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. However, in this embodiment, the launch control device 84 and the power supply board 85 are not provided with a CPU, ROM, or RAM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the launch control device 84 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.
The main controller 80 includes a first start port switch 11a that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second start port switch 12a that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, and a normal A normal symbol operation switch 17a for detecting a game ball that has entered the symbol operation gate 17, a count switch 14a for counting game balls that have entered the big winning port 14, a first left winning port 31, and a second left winning port 32 Detection signals from the left prize opening switch 31a for detecting the game ball entered in the game, the right prize entry switch 33a for detecting the game ball entered in the first right prize entry port 33 and the second right prize entry port 34, etc. are relayed on the game board. It is input via the terminal board 74.

The main control device 80 operates in accordance with the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals and outputs them to the payout control device 81 and the sub integrated control device 83.
The main controller 80 also displays the special symbol display device 9 and the normal symbol display device 7 connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 90, the special symbol hold storage display device 10 and the normal symbol hold storage display device 8. Control the lighting of.
Further, the main control device 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b via the game board relay terminal board 74, and the second by controlling the universal electrification solenoid 12b. The opening and closing of the start port 12 is controlled. In addition, the ordinary electric utility is an ordinary electric utility.
In addition to the above, the output signal from the main control device 80 is a test signal terminal, and management signals such as symbol variation and jackpot are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall main computer.

The main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 can perform bidirectional communication.
The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 20 in accordance with a command sent from the main control device 80 and pays out a prize ball. In the configuration of FIG. 4, the payout control device 81 is configured to control the payout motor 20 via the back wiring relay terminal plate 75 and the payout relay terminal plate 76. In the present embodiment, the detection signal of the payout switch 21 for counting game balls to be paid out as winning balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the winning balls. . In addition, it is also conceivable to use a configuration in which the detection signal of the payout switch 21 is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 and both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 count the prize balls.

The payout control device 81 is configured to receive signals from the full switch 22 and the ball-out switch 23, and when the signal indicating that the lower plate 63 is full is input from the full switch 22 and from the ball-out switch 23. When a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls is input to the ball tank 71, the payout motor 20 is stopped, and the payout operation of the prize ball is stopped. Note that the full switch 22 and the ball break switch 23 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the state is cleared, and the payout control device 81 causes the payout motor 20 to stop being output. Restart the drive.
In addition, the payout control device 81 communicates with the CR unit 56 (also referred to as a game ball lending device) via the CR unit terminal plate 24 (also referred to as a game ball lending device connection terminal plate), whereby the payout motor 20 is communicated. Operate and discharge the rental balls. The paid-out lending ball is detected by the payout switch 21, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 24 is also connected to the settlement display device 25 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The settlement display device 25 has a ball switch 57 for requesting a game ball to be rented, and a request for payment. A return switch 58 is connected.

The payout control device 81 transmits information relating to the winning ball, information indicating the open / closed state of the frame (inner frame 70, front frame 52), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78, and also to the launch control device 84. In response to this, a fire stop signal is transmitted.
The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 30 to launch the game ball into the game area 3.
In addition to the payout control device 81, a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch switch 28, and a launch stop switch signal from the launch stop switch 29 are input to the launch control device 84.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output by the player pressing the launch stop switch 29. Is output. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game ball cannot be fired, and if the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball can be launched even if the player touches the launch handle 64. There is no such thing.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes them to data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and so on. Is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82, and the sound control and lamp control are distributed to each control part (function unit as a sound control device and a lamp control device) included in itself. Then, the function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device converts the data for the lamp control. Based on the operation of the lamp driver, various LEDs and various lamps are controlled. As for audio output, the volume can be adjusted by the volume adjustment switch 83a.
In addition, an effect button 67 is connected to the sub integrated control device 83, and when the player operates the effect button 67, a signal is input to the sub integrated control device 83.

Bi-directional communication is possible between the sub integrated control device 83 and the production symbol control device 82.
The effect symbol control device 82 displays the effect symbol display based on the data and commands received from the sub integrated control device 83 (both those transmitted from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub integrated control device 83). The device 6 is controlled to display an effect image such as a pseudo symbol on the screen 6a.

Next, the operation of the power-on process of the main control CPU of the main controller 80 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 5, after a security check (not shown) is completed, the main control CPU first executes a power-on process.
Here, after the RAM initial setting process (S1) is performed, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear signal is input, that is, whether or not the RAM is erased (S2). (S6) is performed, and an initial screen designation command is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S8).

If the determination is negative (S2: no), it is determined whether or not the RAM guarantee value is 1 (S3). If the RAM guarantee value is not 1 (S3: no), the RAM is erased (S6), the initial screen designation command is transmitted (S8), and if the RAM guarantee value is 1 (S3: yes), the SUM value creation process (S4) is performed. It is determined whether or not the SUM value is 0 (S5).
If the SUM value is not 0 (S5: no), the RAM is erased (S6), and the initial screen designation command is transmitted (S8).
If the SUM value is 0 (S5: yes), a power recovery process (S7) is performed to return to the gaming state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM. When the power is restored by the power restoration process, the standby screen is displayed without transmitting the initial screen designation command.
In the present embodiment, the power-on process is terminated by executing S8 or S7, and the remaining process is started.

Subsequently, the description of the residual process is started.
Here, interrupts are prohibited (S9), and it is determined whether the NMI flag is 0 (S10).
If the NMI flag is 0 (S10: yes), the initial value random number update process 1 (S11), the initial value random number update process 2 (S12), and the initial value random number update process 3 (S13) are executed to release the interrupt inhibition. (S14). In this embodiment, the initial value random number 1 is a process for updating the initial value of the jackpot symbol determination random number acquired by the first start port switch 11a, and the initial value random number 2 is set by the second start port switch 12a. The initial value random number 3 is a process for updating the initial value of the winning symbol determination random number acquired by the normal symbol operation switch 17a.
If there is an INT interrupt during the remaining process, the interrupt prohibition is canceled (S14), and then the process jumps to the interrupt (INT) process shown in FIG.

  In this process, various random numbers used for the special symbol success / failure determination are updated (S21), the timer count is updated (S22), and a game ball detection signal or frame from a detection switch installed at a winning opening or the like is updated. Input processing such as signals from the switches provided in the apparatus (S23), special symbol game processing (S24) related to notification of success / failure and execution of jackpot game, normal symbol success / failure determination and normal electric accessory (second start Mouth) Normal symbol game processing (S25) related to the control of 12, production control command display processing to the sub-integrating device 83 for controlling the display of the production image, electrical decoration, voice output, etc. (S26), the special symbol display device 9 Data output processing (S27) is performed for display control and opening / closing control of the variable winning opening (ordinary electric accessory 12, large winning opening 14).

Then, the interrupt count counter is incremented by 1 (S28), and it is determined whether or not the interrupt count exceeds a predetermined number (S29).
Since the INT interrupt is performed periodically (every 2 ms or every 4 ms) by the timer, counting the number of interrupts is the same as measuring the elapsed time after the power-on processing (see FIG. 5) is performed. It will be.
If the number of interruptions exceeds the predetermined number (S29: yes), that is, "the time measurement by the timer means has passed the predetermined time".

The predetermined time (predetermined number of times) is set to be equal to or longer than a time obtained by subtracting the time required for the security check of the main control CPU from the time required for the security check of the prize ball control CPU 31a.
If the interrupt count exceeds the predetermined count (S29: yes), a prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 81 (S30).

The prize ball command is a command generated based on a game ball detection signal (see S23) from a detection switch installed at a winning opening, and has a data configuration that can specify the number of payouts (number of prize balls). Yes.
When the prize ball command is sent from the main controller 80, the prize ball control CPU of the payout control device 81 drives the payout motor 20 via the payout relay terminal board 76, and the number specified by the prize ball command. The prize ball is paid out.

When the interrupt count does not exceed the predetermined count (S29: no), the prize ball command generated as described above is stored in, for example, the RAM (S31).
Here, instead of storing the prize ball command, the number of prize balls may be stored, or the number of prize balls for a plurality of winning prizes may be added and stored.
When S30 or S31 is executed, the process returns from the interrupt (INT) process to the remaining process.

On the other hand, the power failure detection circuit 110 provided in the power supply device 85 (see FIG. 8) detects a power failure and outputs a power failure detection signal 111. When this signal is input to the main controller 80, a reset signal is sent to the main control CPU. (NMI signal) 112 is provided. In this embodiment, NMI (non-maskable interrupt) is used as the reset signal, and hence the reset signal is hereinafter referred to as an NMI signal.
When there is an NMI signal 112, the main control CPU immediately interrupts the current program regardless of the residual process and the main process, and jumps to the interrupt (NMI) process shown in FIG. Forcible interrupt processing is performed by jumping to interrupt (NMI) processing without shifting to the next step.
In this interrupt (NMI) process, the address of the current program is stored in the register (S35), the NMI flag is set to 1 (S36), and the process is restarted from the address stored in the register (S37).

When S9 is executed in the remaining process after the restart of this process, since the NMI flag is 1 (S10: no), the process proceeds to the backup process, a SUM value is created (S15), and the RAM guaranteed value is set to 1. In this manner (S16), the RAM write protection process (S17) prohibits the writing of the RAM.
If power is restored after backup processing is performed in this way, power-on processing is performed. However, since the RAM guarantee value is 1 here (S3: yes), the above-described S4 and S5 are executed, and Since the SUM value is not 0 (S5: yes), a power recovery process (S7) is performed.

If there is an INT interrupt during the remaining process executed after the power-on process, the interrupt prohibition is canceled (S14) and the process jumps to the interrupt (INT) process and performs this process. When there are winnings at various winning openings, the payout cannot be made immediately, but the main controller 80 can detect and store the winning.
With respect to the detected winning, since the winning ball command is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the paying control device 81 after the time required for the winning ball control CPU of the payout control device 81 to elapse, the winning ball command is paid out. The control device 81 is not missed.
Therefore, the player does not suffer the disadvantage that the winning ball is not paid out even though the player has won.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing power supply of the power supply device 85.
As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply device 85 includes a power supply circuit 113, a power failure detection circuit 110, a backup power supply circuit 114, a power reception circuit 116, a power switch 117, and a RAM clear switch 115.
The power supply circuit 113 generates and supplies operating power for each control device, actuator, and the like based on the main power supply AC24V supplied via the power receiving circuit 116. In addition, a power switch 117 is connected to the power receiving circuit 116 to switch the supply of the main power AC 24V from the power receiving circuit 116 to the power circuit 113 to conduction / non-conduction.

The backup power supply circuit 114 charges the DC5V generated by the power supply circuit 113 and supplies it as a backup power supply (DC5V) to the backup target. The power failure detection circuit 110 outputs a power failure detection signal 111 and a reset signal (NMI signal) 112 to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 when the voltage (24V) of the main power supply drops below a predetermined voltage. Note that when the voltage of the main power source rises above a predetermined voltage, the output of both the power failure detection signal 111 and the reset signal 112 is stopped.
In the present embodiment, the power failure detection signal 111 and the reset signal 112 are transmitted to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, but this configuration is not necessarily required. The main controller 80 may transmit only to the main controller 80, and the main controller 80 may transmit a power failure command to the payout controller 81, or vice versa.

  The RAM clear switch 115 outputs a RAM clear switch signal according to the operation. Note that the RAM clear switch signal generation circuit for outputting the RAM clear switch signal by the operation of the RAM clear switch 115 is not necessarily provided in the power supply device 85, and either the main control device 80 or the payout control device 81 is provided. It is also possible to provide the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, respectively. In that case, the RAM can be cleared only for the main control device, or only the payout control device 81 can be cleared.

In the start winning confirmation process shown in FIG. 9, the main control device 80 places a game ball on the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 based on the detection signal of the first start port switch 11a or the second start port switch 12a. It is determined whether or not the ball has entered (S40).
If it is affirmative, read the jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol determination random number, the reach determination random number, the variation pattern determination random number, etc. from the corresponding counters to see if the special symbol hold memory is full (four in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not (S41).
If the reserved memory is not full (S41: no), each random number is stored as the special symbol reserved memory, and the number of lighting of the special symbol reserved memory display device 10 is increased by 1 (S42). If there are already four reserved memories (S41: yes), no reserved memories are stored, and the number of lighting of the special symbol reserved storage display device 10 is not increased.
In addition, the increase / decrease in the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol is transmitted to the effect symbol control device 82 via the sub integrated control device 83, and the number of lighting of the special symbol reservation memory display device 10 is displayed on the screen 6 a of the effect symbol display device 6. The same number of pseudo-hold indications are displayed. Of course, the pseudo hold display is not necessarily required.

In the success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 10, main controller 80 determines whether or not the condition device is operating based on the jackpot flag (S50).
If the determination in S50 is negative, the special symbol is not changing (S51: no), and the confirmed symbol is not being displayed (S52: no), whether or not there is a special symbol hold memory (the hold memory in S42 described above). Is determined (S53).
If there is this reserved memory (S53: no), the oldest special symbol reserved memory is read (the special symbol reserved memory is deleted from the reserved memory), and the probability change flag is set (high probability state) It is determined whether or not (S54).
If the determination is affirmative (S54: yes), the read jackpot determination random number is checked against the hit value recorded in the probability variation table (S56). If the determination is negative, the read jackpot determination random number is stored in the normal table. It collates with the recorded hit value (S55).
In this embodiment, as described above, the player wins with a probability of 1/350 in the normal probability state and wins with the probability of 1/35 in the high probability game state.

If the determination in S55 or S56 is a big hit (S57: yes), the big hit symbol is determined by the big hit symbol determination random number (S58), and the fluctuation pattern is determined by the fluctuation pattern determination random number (S59).
On the other hand, when it is off (S57: no), the variation pattern is determined based on the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number (S60). In the case of the present embodiment, the display of the special symbol in the case of losing is only one type of “-”, so the losing symbol does not need to be determined.

Subsequent to S59 or S60, data indicating the above-mentioned lottery result, specifically, data indicating any one of the normal jackpot, the probabilistic jackpot, the out of reach (with out, but with reach display), or out with no reach display. A variation start command (display control command) including variation pattern data designating the variation time is output to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the special symbol display device 9 is controlled to start the variation display of the special symbol (S61). ).
Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 83 can determine the jackpot symbol or the off symbol (hereinafter collectively referred to as a fixed symbol), the presence / absence of reach, and the variation time based on the variation start command.
Receiving the variation start command, the sub integrated control device 83 performs sound and lamp effect control in response to the special symbol variation display, and sends a variation start command to the effect symbol control device 82.

If the special symbol is changing (S51: yes), main controller 80 determines whether the symbol change time (based on the change pattern of S59 or S60) has elapsed as shown in FIG. 11 (a). (S62).
If the determination is affirmative, a symbol stop command is output to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the special symbol display device 9 is controlled to confirm and display the confirmed symbol (S63).
Receiving the symbol stop command, the sub integrated control device 83 ends the sound and lamp effects in response to the special symbol variation display, and sends a symbol stop command to the effect symbol control device 82.

The main controller 80 performs a confirmed symbol display setting process (S65) if the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a big hit (S64: yes), and sets a big hit flag by the conditional device operation start process (S66). set.
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (S67). If the determination is affirmative, the probability variation flag is cleared (S68). If the determination is negative (S67: no), it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set (time reduction state) (S69). If the determination is affirmative, the time reduction flag is cleared (S70).

When the special symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is not a big hit (that is, missed) (S64: no), a confirmed symbol display setting process (S71) is performed to determine whether or not an open extension flag is set (S72). . Note that the release extension flag is set during the high probability state and the time reduction state. If the release extension flag is set, the stored extension extension count is decremented by -1 (S73). If the count value becomes 0 (S74: yes), each flag is ended (S75).
In the process of S75, if the current state is a high probability state, the probability variation flag, the time reduction flag, and the release extension flag are ended, and if the current state is a time reduction state, the time reduction flag and the release extension flag are ended.

  If the confirmed symbol is being displayed in S52 (S52: yes), as shown in FIG. 11B, it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol display time set in the confirmed symbol display setting (S65 or S71) has elapsed. If it is determined (S76) and has passed (S76: yes), the special symbol display device 9 is controlled by the final symbol display end processing (S77) to end the special symbol finalization display, and the sub integrated control device 83 The production symbol control device 82 is instructed via, and the pseudo symbol confirmation display is ended.

In the special game process shown in FIG. 12, main controller 80 determines whether or not the condition device is operating based on the jackpot flag (S80).
If the condition device is operating (S80: yes), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 14 is open (S81).
The jackpot symbol is not being opened (S81: no), the jackpot start effect is not being performed (S82: no), not being in the interval (S83: no), and not being the jackpot end effect (S84: no). Then, the state of winning the jackpot is stored (S85), and the jackpot start command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 by the jackpot start effect process (S86), and the jackpot 14 is opened.

  The sub-integrated control device 83 starts a jackpot voice and lamp effect, and sends a jackpot start command to the performance symbol control device 82. Upon receiving the jackpot command, the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 to display a jackpot start effect (so-called fanfare screen). The big winning opening 14 is opened after the jackpot start effect.

If an affirmative determination is made in S82, S83, or S84, the process returns. If the determination in S81 is affirmative, it is determined based on the detection signal of the count switch 14a whether or not there are ten winning balls in the special winning opening 14 (S87). It is determined whether or not (S88). If a negative determination is made in S88, the process returns. If a positive determination is made in S87 or S88, the special winning opening 14 is closed (S89).
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is the final round (S90). If the determination is negative, the interval command is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 and the interval command is received from the sub integrated control device 83 by the jackpot interval process (S91). Waiting for the screen display of the effect symbol display device 6 to be changed under the control of the effect symbol control device 82, the special winning opening 14 is opened.

If the determination at S90 is affirmative, the jackpot operation is not continued, so the jackpot end effect process (S92) is executed, and then the condition device is stopped by the condition device stop process (S93) (the jackpot flag is cleared).
Then, if the jackpot symbol that is confirmed and displayed on the special symbol display device 9 in S65 and stored in S75 is a probability variation symbol (S94: yes), a probability variation flag / short time flag operation process (S95) is performed, and a probability variation flag and a short time flag are displayed. The open extension flag is set, and the open extension counter value is set to 10,000.
If it is not a probabilistic variable symbol (S94: no), the hour / hour flag and the release / extension flag are set by the hour / hour flag operation process (S96), and the value of the release / extension counter is set to a value corresponding to the symbol of the big hit (100 in this embodiment). Is). To do.
After the process of S95 or S96, a big hit end command is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S97).

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a prize ball passage unit 88 for guiding a game ball exceeding the allowable amount of the upper plate 55 to the lower plate 63, and a full switch 22 (also referred to as an overflow switch) provided in the prize ball passage unit. (A) and (b) show the operation principle for detecting the fullness of the game ball guided to the lower plate 63.
An overflow lever 89 is rotatably provided between the prize ball path provided in the prize ball path unit 88 and the full switch 22 so as to protrude into the prize ball path and to be retracted.

The full switch 22 of the present embodiment uses a known hinge-lever type push button switch, and a detection plate 86 is provided on the push button 90 so as to be rotatable. The push button 90 keeps protruding from the outer shape of the full switch 22 until a predetermined pressure is applied. Therefore, in the normal state, the detection plate 86 is pushed by the push button 90 and is slightly lifted from the outer shape of the full switch 22.
When pressure is applied to the detection plate 86 in the switch direction, it is also transmitted to the push button 90 that is in contact with it, and if the pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the push button 90 is depressed to detect.

In FIG. 13 (a), since the allowable amount of the lower plate 63 is not full, the game ball only passes even if it enters the prize ball passage unit 88, and pressure to push the overflow lever 89 is not applied. Therefore, the position protruding into the prize ball passage is maintained, and the full switch 22 is in an undetected state.
On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows a state in which the lower plate 63 is full and the game ball B that can no longer be stored is accumulated in the award ball passage, and the overflow lever 89 is retracted by the pressure of the game ball B. When the overflow lever 89 moves backward, the detection plate 86 moves backward, and when the detection plate 86 moves backward, the push button 90 is pushed down to detect a full state.

When the full switch 22 detects full, an overflow signal is transmitted to the payout control board 81 as shown in FIG. 14, and the payout control device 81 that has received the award ball or ball lending is shown in the timing chart of FIG. The payout motor 20 is stopped at the timing, and an error number indicating a full error is displayed on the error number display LED 81b mounted on the payout control device 81.
Also, the payout control device 81 transmits an overflow signal (described as a full switch signal in the figure) to the main control device 80.

The main controller 80 of the first embodiment that has received the overflow signal performs the main-side state notification process control 1 shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether an overflow signal has been received (S100). If the determination is affirmative (S100: yes), it is next determined whether the start port switch is ON (S101). Here, if the determination is affirmative (S101: yes), it is determined whether a big hit game is being played (S102). If no overflow signal is received (S100: no), the process returns to the return.

  If the game is a big hit game (S102: yes), it is then determined whether the game is a big hit game based on a hit with a probability variable symbol (S103). Note that the probability variation symbol referred to here indicates a symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 9, and for example, a normal symbol is displayed in the effect symbol 94 displayed on the screen 6a of the effect symbol display device 6 shown in FIG. Will be. The symbols displayed on the special symbol display device 9 are displayed in small figures and figures and numbers that are difficult to determine whether they are probable or normal even when viewed by a player without prior knowledge. Therefore, even if the promotion effect during the big hit game is performed with the effect symbol 94 in a state where the probability variation symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 9, a sufficient effect can be exhibited.

In the case of hitting with a probable variation symbol (S103: yes), a special error notification command for permitting full notification that also indicates promotion to a probable variation symbol is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S104).
In this embodiment, the notification is made only in the case of a probable variation symbol. However, as in the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the condition of S103 is omitted, and a special error notification is given even when a normal symbol is hit. It is good also as a structure which transmits a command. In this case, the sub integrated control device 83 described later performs a process of notifying the player that it is normal rather than a probability change.
When the start-up switch is OFF (S101: no), when a big hit game is not being played (S102: no), or when a normal symbol is hit (S103: no), an instruction to perform a normal full error notification is given. A normal error notification command is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S105).

Next, the status notification process of the sub integrated control device that receives the special error notification command and the normal error notification command will be described.
First, it is determined whether an error notification command has been received (S110). If the determination is affirmative (S110: yes), it is then determined whether a special error notification command has been received (S111). If no error notification command has been received (S110: no), the process returns.
When the special error notification command has been received (S111: yes), it is determined whether the probability change promotion notification has already been made by the jackpot promotion effect (S112). The configuration of the present embodiment is a configuration in which the sub integrated control device 83 uniquely determines at which stage (which jackpot round) the probability change promotion is notified. If the main controller 80 has decided, the determination at S112 may be included in the main-side state notification process described above.

When the probability change promotion has not been announced yet (S112: no), a special error notification (S113) is performed. As a notification example, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), a notification for promoting the release of the full state is performed while announcing the promotion to a certain change. For illustration, it is shown on the screen 6 a of the effect symbol display device 6, but only sound may be used, or any one of LED emission color and lighting pattern may be used. Of course, all of the above may be used for special notification.
In the case of the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the notification that prompts the release of the full state is provided while notifying that the state is normal.

When a normal error notification command is received (S111: no), or after a certain change promotion has already been performed (S112: no), a normal error notification (S114) is performed.
As a notification example, as shown in FIG. 21A, only the release of the full state is notified. In this case as well, it is conceivable to notify the user using not only the on-screen 6a of the effect symbol display device 6 but also voice and LEDs. Further, in this example, since the abnormal state is notified, it is displayed together with a warning mark and displayed more conspicuously than the effect symbol 94.

  The above is the configuration of the first embodiment, but during the jackpot game, the symbol combination game is stopped, so the starter (11, 12) that does not make much sense even when winning a prize, the saucer full error state At that time, and when the announcement of a promising promotion has not yet been made in the jackpot promotion effect, the player is also informed that the promotion will be promoted to a probable change, so the player can quickly change the dollar box and clear the full state Can move. In addition, the starting gates (11, 12) have a high rate of winning while maintaining a random winning pace compared to other winning gates. It is possible to appropriately generate the notification.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, in the determination of the main-side state notification process of the first embodiment, a notification is made when a winning opening is awarded in a state where the number of reserved memories for determining whether or not the hit has reached the upper limit. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be described.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the state notification process on the main side according to the second embodiment. First, it is determined whether an overflow signal has been received (S120). If the determination is affirmative (S120: yes), it is next determined whether the start port switch is ON (S121). If the determination is negative (S120: no), the process returns to the return.
Here, if the determination is affirmative (S121: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories in the special symbol reserved storage display device 10 is full (S122). In the case of an affirmative determination (S122: yes), it is determined whether a big hit game is being played (S123).
If the game is a big hit game (S123: yes), it is then determined whether the game is a big hit game based on a hit with a probability variable symbol (S124). In the case of hitting with a probable variation symbol (S124: yes), a special error notification command for permitting full notification that also indicates promotion to a probable variation symbol is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S125).

When the start-up switch is OFF (S121: no), when the reserved memory is not full (S122: no), when the big hit game is not being played (S123: no), or when the normal symbol is hit (S124: no) Then, a normal error notification command for instructing normal full error notification is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S126).
The processing of the sub integrated control device 83 that receives the special error notification command and the normal error notification command may be the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 17), and is therefore omitted.

  The above is the configuration of the second embodiment. By adding a condition that the number of reserved memories has reached the upper limit, there are many cases where the reserved memory has not reached the upper limit. It is possible to prevent the notification of the probable change promotion, and to eliminate the negative image of winning at the starting port when the number of reserved memories has reached the upper limit, thereby making a meaningful winning.

[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, a special error notification command is output to the main side of the second embodiment by a random number lottery for determination of the state notification process, and the other configurations are substantially the same as in the first embodiment. It is. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be described.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the state notification process on the main side according to the third embodiment. First, it is determined whether an overflow signal has been received (S130). If the determination is affirmative (S130: yes), it is next determined whether the start port switch is ON (S131). If the determination is negative (S130: no), the process returns to the return.
Here also, in the case of an affirmative determination (S131: yes), it is determined whether the number of reserved memories in the special symbol reserved storage display device 10 is full (S132). In the case of an affirmative determination (S132: yes), it is determined whether a big hit game is being played (S133).

If a big hit game is being played (S133: yes), it is next determined whether the game is a big hit game due to a hit with a probability variable symbol (S134). In the case of winning with a probability variation symbol (S134: yes), a probability variation notification lottery is performed (S135).
In the present embodiment, a special error notification command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 that permits the full notification indicating that it is distributed with a probability of 60% (S135: 60%) and also promoted to a probability variable symbol ( S136). This distribution rate is arbitrary and is an example.
When the start-up switch is OFF (S131: no), when the holding memory is not full (S132: no), when the big hit game is not being played (S133: no), when the normal symbol is hit (S134: no), When it is assigned with a probability of 40% by the probability change notification lottery (S135: 40%), a normal error notification command for instructing normal full error notification is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S137).
The processing of the sub integrated control device 83 that receives the special error notification command and the normal error notification command may be the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 17), and is therefore omitted.

The above is the configuration of the third embodiment. However, by performing distribution by random number lottery, it does not occur only when the conditions are met, but a special full error is reported from there through a predetermined selection rate. Further irregularities can be given to the occurrence of special full error notification.
Further, depending on the setting of the selection rate, it can be used as a method for enhancing the sense of premiere or conversely determining the probability change, and it is possible to impart various game characteristics. Note that the determination (S132) that refers to the number of reserved storages, which is a condition of the second embodiment, is not necessarily required.

[Fourth embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the special error notification command is transmitted only once to the determination of the status notification process in the main side of the second embodiment, and the rest is abbreviated as the first embodiment. It is the same composition. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be described.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the state notification process on the main side according to the fourth embodiment. First, it is determined whether an overflow signal has been received (S140). If the determination is affirmative (S140: yes), it is next determined whether the start port switch is ON (S141). If a negative determination is made (S140: no), the process returns to the return.
Here also, in the case of an affirmative determination (S141: yes), it is determined whether the number of reserved memories in the special symbol reserved storage display device 10 is full (S142). In the case of an affirmative determination (S142: yes), it is determined whether a big hit game is being played (S143).

If a big hit game is being played (S143: yes), it is next determined whether or not the big hit game is due to a hit with a probability variable symbol (S144). If the winning pattern is a winning pattern (S144: yes), it is determined whether the notification flag is 0 (S145).
If the notification flag is 0 (S145: yes), the notification flag is changed to 1 (S146), and a special error notification command that permits full notification that also indicates that the symbol is promoted to a probabilistic symbol is sub-integrated control The data is transmitted to the device 83 (S147).

When the start-up switch is OFF (S141: no), when the reserved memory is not full (S142: no), when the big hit game is not being played (S143: no), when the normal symbol is hit (S144: no), When the notification flag is not 0 (in the case of 1) (S145: no), a normal error notification command for instructing normal full error notification is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S148).
The processing of the sub integrated control device 83 that receives the special error notification command and the normal error notification command may be the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 17), and is therefore omitted.
As shown in FIG. 22, the notification flag is returned to 0 after the big hit game end command transmission process (S97) of the special game process (S98). The other processes are the same as those in FIG.

The above is the configuration of the fourth embodiment. However, since the special error notification is performed only once during a single big hit game, the error notification that is originally undesirable for the game store is confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the act of making a full error state over and over again.
Note that the determination (S132) that refers to the number of reserved storages, which is a condition of the second embodiment, is not necessarily required. Also, the probability variation notification lottery (S135) of the third embodiment may be provided together. If all conditions are added, it can be set as the game machine which exhibits all the above-mentioned effects.
Further, although the present invention has been described with a pachinko gaming machine, the present invention can be appropriately applied to an arrangement ball gaming machine, a jigball game machine, a parrot gaming machine, and the like.

6: Production symbol display device, 6a: Screen 22: Full switch, 50: Pachinko machine 51: Outer frame, 52: Front frame 67: Production button, 80: Main control device 81: Dispensing control device, 82: Production symbol control device 83: Sub integrated control device, 85: Power supply device 86: Detection plate, 88: Prize ball passage unit 89: Overflow lever, 90: Push button 95: Example of full error display, 96: Example of special full error display

Claims (1)

A game ball tray capable of holding a game ball in front of the game machine;
A main control device for giving various instructions for controlling the entire gaming machine;
A payout control device for paying out game balls;
A sub-control device that performs predetermined display, sound and lamp control based on the instruction content instructed from the main control device;
A symbol combination game in which symbols are variably displayed due to the game ball entering the starting port,
A jackpot game that facilitates acquisition of a game ball when the symbols are fixed and stopped in a predetermined sequence by the symbol combination game,
A full detection means for detecting whether or not the game ball held in the game ball tray is a predetermined amount or more;
When detecting that the fullness detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the main control device sends a full error command to the sub-control device,
In the gaming machine that performs a full error notification when the full control command is received,
According to the result of the symbol combination game, in the symbol combination game after the jackpot game, a probability variation function that varies the probability that the symbols are fixedly displayed in a predetermined arrangement,
The sub-control device
As the full error notification, at least by voice to inform that the saucer is full,
When the full error command is received during the jackpot game,
If the probability variation function does not operate after a big hit game, the first full error notification is performed,
A gaming machine, wherein when the probability variation function is activated after a big hit game, a second full error notification using a voice different from the first full error notification is performed.

Images