JP6085766B2 - Enclosed game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an enclosed game machine that collects a launched game ball in a game machine and guides it to a launch position again.

  In recent years, in order to strengthen anti-fraud measures, attention has been paid to encapsulated gaming machines that connect to a pedestal machine equipped with an IC card read writer and perform a game by cyclically using a predetermined number of game balls enclosed inside. Collecting. In this enclosed game machine, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed so that the player cannot touch, and the game balls launched (used for games) by the launch device toward the game board are inside the game machine. It is collected and fired again by the launching device, and the number of the player's balls is managed as data.

  In other words, a player can insert an IC card into an IC card read writer and receive a rental ball based on data stored in the inserted IC card. When playing a game, The stored ball data is temporarily stored in the enclosed game machine, and the value of the held ball data is updated according to the launch of the game ball or the award of the prize ball. When the game ends, the value of the ball possession data at that time is stored in the player's IC card, and prize exchange is performed based on this value.

  Also, with current pachinko machines, in order not to give a disadvantage to the player due to a sudden power failure, the gaming state immediately before the power is turned off, and the number of game balls that have not been paid out despite being won (the number of outstanding payments) ) Is stored, and the game can be resumed from the gaming state immediately after the power is turned off after the power is restored, or the unpaid prize balls are paid out after the power is restored. The same control is performed.

  In addition, in enclosed game machines, the number of game balls that can be launched by the enclosed game machine itself (the number of player's balls) is not paid out to the outside of the machine. Therefore, when the power is cut off, the displayed valuable data disappears, and there is a problem that the player has the illusion that the valuable data has been erased, but the valuable information is displayed. The display device is a liquid crystal display panel in which a ferroelectric liquid crystal having spontaneous polarization is encapsulated, and information indicating the number of balls that can be fired is stored in the IC card whenever the number of game balls that can be fired is updated. There is an invention to make. <Patent Document 1>

JP-A-7-39628

  In the case of enclosed game machines, even if the power is cut off to repair a power outage or malfunction, there will be no problem if the power is cut off for a short period of time. If there is no prospect of time power recovery, there is a problem that the player cannot wait until the power recovery of the enclosed game machine returns.

  In such a case, in the case of a gaming machine in which game balls are actually paid out, since the acquired game balls exist at hand, it is possible to exchange the game balls for prizes and finish the game (unpaid portion) (Even if there is a prize ball, you can return with minimal damage), but in the enclosed game machine, the number of game balls acquired is managed as data by the enclosed game machine itself, so at that time If the acquired game ball cannot be exchanged for a prize, and the game is terminated after the acquired game ball is terminated, a large damage will be incurred.

  In addition, if the seat is removed until the power is restored, if the power supply is resumed before returning to the seat, the number information of the ball may be stolen by another person while the seat is removed. Therefore, there is also a problem that the seat cannot be removed until the power supply is resumed.

  Each time the number of balls held is updated as in Patent Document 1, the number of balls held is stored in a table machine (hereinafter referred to as a table unit) equipped with an IC card read writer as needed, and the card loses power. If the configuration can be removed from time to time, the player will not suffer significant damage, and the seat will not be removed until power supply is resumed.

  However, the number of game balls that can be fired is updated every time a game ball is fired or a game ball is added to the winning hole according to the winning ball. If the update information is stored in the inserted IC card, the communication control between the enclosed game machine and the inter-unit unit becomes extremely complicated, and the communication is always continued, causing a failure. End up. In addition, the player's ball information is information that must be handled with great care as valuable value information.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a sealed game machine that stores data on the number of game balls that can be fired, and even if the supply of power is interrupted and there is no prospect of return, the control is complicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an enclosed gaming machine that does not increase the frequency of breakdowns, does not incur significant damage to the player, and can avoid a situation in which the player cannot leave the gaming machine until power is restored. To do.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 is:
It is possible to accept the input of a recording medium on which valuable information is recorded, and is connected to a unit that reads the valuable information recorded on the received recording medium so as to be able to communicate with each other. A game machine that encloses a number of game balls inside and performs a game using the game balls in a cyclic manner, and updates and manages information on the number of balls that can be fired as the game progresses. ,
A lending unit that obtains information from the unit when a player is instructed to lend a game ball, and increases the number of balls held within the range of the information;
When payment is instructed by the player, the payment means for transferring the information on the number of balls to the unit;
When the power of the gaming machine is cut off, backup means for storing and holding information on the gaming state immediately before the power-off, and allowing the game to be resumed based on the information after the power is restored;
In an enclosed game machine comprising:
Emergency ball information transfer means for transferring the information on the number of balls to the unit even if no payment instruction is given by the player,
The configuration is such that the information on the number of the balls to be managed other than the emergency ball information transfer means and the payment means is not transferred to the unit,
The emergency ball information transfer means shifts the information on the number of balls to the unit due to the detection of the occurrence of power interruption to the enclosed game machine,
The number of the balls to be managed by the enclosed game machine after the power is restored is managed by the enclosed game machine immediately before the number information of the held balls is transferred to the unit by the emergency ball information transferring means. The number of the holding balls to be a value obtained by subtracting the number of the holding balls transferred to the unit by the emergency holding ball information transfer means ,
Progress stopping means for stopping the progress of the game;
Progress resumption means for resuming the progress of the game stopped by the progress stop means,
The progress stopping means stops the progress of the game before restarting the game based on the information stored in the backup means when the power is restored.
The progress restarting means is an enclosed game machine that restarts the progress of the game stopped by the progress stopping means due to the input of a specific signal from the unit.

  “Updating and managing information on the number of balls that can be fired according to the progress of the game” means that the number of game balls that can be fired according to the launch of the game ball and the winning of the game ball into the winning opening It is sufficient that the updated value is stored by subtracting or adding the value, and the updated value is stored. The number of game balls that have been fired and the number of game balls that have entered the winning or out port are counted and circulated in the aircraft. A configuration for managing the number of game balls to be played is desirable.

  The lending means only needs to have a configuration that can be implemented when a valid recording medium or cash is put into the unit, and a ball corresponding to a predetermined amount according to a single lending instruction operation by the player. It is a configuration in which lending is performed, and a configuration in which the operation unit for lending instruction and the unit are directly connected is desirable. Further, the operation unit for the lending instruction may be provided in the unit, or may be provided in a touch panel type operation display device including another operation unit and a display unit arranged in the enclosed game machine. In this case, the electrical connection between the operation display device and the unit is configured to allow mutual communication.

  The settlement means is configured to subtract a predetermined number from the number of game balls that can be fired and send the subtracted value to the unit by one settlement instruction. It is desirable that the enclosed game machine is provided with a game ball number display device that displays the number of game balls that can be fired, and displays the number of game balls that can be fired after subtraction. In addition, it is good also as a structure which subtracts all the number of game balls which can be fired by one payment instruction | indication (it transmits the subtracted value to a unit), and makes the number of game balls which can be fired 0. In addition, the adjustment instruction operation unit may be provided in the unit, or may be provided in a touch panel type operation display device including another operation unit and a display unit arranged in the enclosed game machine. In this case, the electrical connection between the operation display device and the unit is configured to allow mutual communication.

  The backup means only needs to be capable of storing the gaming state immediately before the power is cut off. For example, the power supply device or the like includes a capacitor as a power storage substrate, and the main control device or the like is always charged while receiving power from the power reception substrate. The power is supplied to the RAM, and when the supply from the power receiving board is stopped, the RAM stores the memory by supplying the charged power instead of the power from the power receiving board. The control device including the RAM having such a backup function is not necessarily only the main control device, and may be configured to be provided in the payout control device, the sub integrated control device, and the effect symbol control device.

  Further, a RAM clear switch for clearing various information stored in the RAM having the backup function is provided, and the power is turned on in accordance with the operation of the RAM clear switch, so that the data is stored in the RAM having the backup function. The power supply starts up in a state in which various information is cleared.

Due to the detection of the occurrence of power interruption to the enclosed game machine , the emergency ball information transfer means is implemented, but when the unit receives information on the number of balls held by the emergency ball information transfer means The unit is preferably configured to input the received information to the card and then eject the card. In addition, when the information on the number of balls held is transferred to the unit by the emergency ball holding information transfer means after the power supply is cut off, a configuration may be used in which transfer is performed using a backup power supply.

  In addition, an emergency ball information transfer determining means for determining whether or not to operate the emergency ball information transferring means is provided, and the emergency ball information transfer determining means is a gaming state immediately before power-off or a game ball immediately before power-off. You may make it the structure which determines whether it operates according to a number.

  By providing this emergency ball information transition judging means, for example, if the power supply is cut off during the big hit game and all the number information of the ball is transferred to the card unit side, it is managed by the gaming machine after the power is restored. Since the information on the number of held balls is 0, it is necessary to issue a rental instruction through the unit, add information on the number of held balls, and fire the game ball. However, the big hit game progresses during that time, and the number of game balls that should be originally acquired cannot be acquired.

  However, if the game state immediately before the power interruption is the big hit game state by the emergency ball information transition judging means, if the emergency ball information transition means is not implemented, the game ball can be launched immediately after the power is restored. And the player will not suffer any damage.

  The emergency ball information transition determining means may be implemented based on the number of game balls that can be fired stored just before the game state immediately before the power-off described above.

  Furthermore, instead of transferring the number information of all the balls to the unit by the emergency ball information transfer means, the predetermined number of balls is left on the gaming machine side, and the other ball number information is stored in the card. It is good also as a structure which transfers to a unit. Even in this configuration, when the power is cut off during the big hit game, the game ball can be launched immediately after the power is restored (without the lending operation), so that the player is not damaged. However, in this case, the backup means stores the number of balls.

  Further, when the emergency ball information transferring means is implemented, a configuration in which a signal indicating the number of transferred balls has been transmitted to an external management device (for example, a hall computer other than the unit) is preferable. In this case, the signal indicating the number of transferred balls may be output directly from the enclosed game machine to the outside, or may be output to the outside via the unit that has received the number information of the held balls from the enclosed game machine. May be.

  The signal output to the unit according to the implementation of the settlement means and the signal output to the unit according to the implementation of the emergency ball information transfer means may be the settlement means even if the signals indicate the same number of balls. Or it is a signal which can discriminate | determine emergency holding ball information transfer means, Each signal may be the form containing the information which shows each means, and signal form itself may differ.

  The “specific signal” is the same card that was ejected from the unit when the enclosed game machine was powered off (when receiving a signal in response to the implementation of the emergency ball information transfer means). It is a signal that is input from the unit to the enclosed game machine when it is inserted, and when a different card is inserted into the unit, a signal different from the specific signal may be input to the enclosed game machine. In the case of a different card, the unit may not output a signal itself, or the unit may not accept (cannot insert) a different card.

  “Because a specific signal is input” means that when a specific signal is input, the progress of the stopped game may be resumed immediately, or after a specific signal is input, When a rental instruction is given by the player, the progress of the stopped game may be resumed.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is:
The enclosed game machine according to claim 1,
When the progress of the game is stopped by the progress stop means, a signal indicating that the progress of the game is stopped is output outside the unit or another machine different from the unit. It is an enclosed game machine.

  It is a configuration capable of outputting a signal indicating the state of the gaming machine from the enclosed gaming machine to a management device (for example, a hall computer) outside the machine, and the management device indicates the state of the gaming machine via the unit. It is good also as a structure which outputs a signal.

The gaming machine according to claim 3 is:
In the enclosed game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A return state confirmation means for confirming the gaming state immediately before the power is turned off after the power is restored;
Progress stop execution determining means for determining whether or not the progress of the game is stopped by the progress stop means,
The progress stop execution determination means determines whether or not to stop the progress of the game by the progress stop means according to the confirmation result by the return state confirmation means.

  The progress stop execution determining means determines whether to stop the progress of the game not only according to the game state immediately before the power is cut off but also based on the number of balls immediately before the power is cut off (the number of balls held before being transferred by the emergency ball information transferring means). A configuration that determines whether or not to perform is suitable, and if the player is not playing a game when there is no big hit game, probable change, time saving, fluctuation, and no pending storage state Although the probability is high, in addition to this, it is possible to determine that the game has not been played immediately before the power is turned off by adding the condition that the number of possessed balls is zero.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is:
In any one enclosed game machine of Claim 1, Claim 2, or Claim 3,
The progress resuming means confirms that the progress of the game has been stopped by the progress stopping means after a predetermined time has elapsed or the release switch provided on the gaming machine has been operated even if a specific signal is not input from the unit. It is an enclosed game machine characterized by resuming the progress of a game that has been stopped under conditions.

  The progress resuming means can resume the progress of the game stopped by the progress stopping means without receiving a specific signal from the unit, and a predetermined time has elapsed after the progress of the game is stopped by the progress stopping means. In such a case, the game that has been stopped when the release switch of the gaming machine is operated is resumed.

  The sealed type gaming machine according to claim 1, interrupted power supply to the gaming machine, even when the prospect of power restoration is not stand, to avoid a situation where not away from the gaming machine, a game It is possible to prevent the person from suffering a great deal of damage and to simplify the control to suppress the frequency of failure.

  The information on the number of possessed balls will not be stolen, but if the gaming state immediately before power-off for borrowing is a big hit gaming state, the power supply of the gaming machine will be resumed while the seat is removed When the seat is removed, the big hit game progresses, and there is a problem that the number of game balls that can be originally acquired cannot be obtained. Even if the power is cut off, the progress of the game is stopped until a specific signal is input from the card unit, so even if the supply of power is resumed while taking off the seat, The problem that the number of game balls that can be originally acquired cannot be acquired can be prevented.

  In the enclosed gaming machine according to claim 2, since a signal indicating that the progress of the game is stopped is output to the outside (for example, the hall computer), the progress of which gaming machine is controlled by the management device. Clearly knows whether or not it has stopped, making management easier.

  In the enclosed game machine according to the third aspect, it is not necessary to stop the progress of the game when the game is not a big hit game, is not in a probable or short-time state change, is not in a change state, and there is no reserved memory. On the contrary, there is a high probability that the player is not playing a game, and if the progress of such a game machine is stopped, there will be a problem that the stop of the progress of the game will continue for a long time, With this configuration, such a situation can be prevented.

  In the enclosed game machine according to claim 4, since the acquired game ball is configured not to be lost, even if the game state immediately before the power cut is advantageous to the player, it does not wait for the power to be restored. There may be a player who ends the game. In such a case, a specific signal is not transmitted any time from the unit (the same card as before the power cut-off is not inserted), so that the progress of the game remains stopped. However, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being left without being restored.

The front view of enclosed game machine 50. FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mechanism of circulation of the game ball in the enclosed game machine 50 from the back. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an enclosing game machine 50. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the enclosed game machine 50. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of power failure generation | occurrence | production. The flowchart 1 which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of power activation. The flowchart 2 which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of power activation. The modification 1 of the flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of a power failure generation | occurrence | production. The modification 2 of the flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of power failure generation | occurrence | production. The modification of the flowchart 2 which shows the flow of the process which the main control apparatus 80 performs at the time of power activation. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the unit between units 100 performs at the time of card insertion. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the inter-unit unit 100 receives a ball rental request. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the inter-unit unit 100 receives a card return request. 7 is a flowchart showing a ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / release control device 84; The flowchart which shows the adjustment process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. The flowchart which shows the flow of the card | curd discharge process which the inter-unit unit 100 implements when a card | curd discharge | release command signal is received from the enclosure type game machine 50 at the time of a power failure. The flowchart which shows the flow of the card | curd discharge process which the inter-unit unit 100 implements when the card | curd discharge | release command signal is not output from the enclosure type game machine 50 at the time of a power supply cutoff.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms belonging to the technical scope of the present invention, and the contents described in the respective examples are appropriately combined. It goes without saying that it is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of an encapsulated gaming machine 50 in which a game ball is enclosed in the machine and played without the game ball being paid out of the machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosed gaming machine 50 is arranged adjacent to the inter-unit unit 100 (corresponding to the unit of the present invention). The inter-unit unit 100 is provided with a card insertion slot 100a and a cash insertion slot 100b. An IC card (corresponding to the recording medium of the present invention) is inserted into the card insertion slot 100a or cash is inserted into the cash insertion slot 100b. The ball lending button 102a provided in the enclosed game machine 50 can be operated.

  The enclosed game machine 50 has a structure in which each part is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame holding frame. A hinge 53 is provided on the upper left and right sides of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 is attached to the hinge 53. The inner frame 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 51. .

  A front frame 52 is attached to the inner frame 70 by a hinge 53 or the like so that it can be opened and closed. A plate glass 61 is detachably provided on the front frame 52. A game board 1 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged.

  Speakers (not shown) are provided on the upper left and right of the front frame 52, and the game sound generated from the enclosed game machine 50 is output to improve the player's preference. Further, in order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame side decorative lamps (not shown) that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 52. In addition, a winning display device 20 is arranged at the lower right portion of the front frame 52, and when a game ball wins a winning slot described later, the number of acquired gaming balls set for each winning slot is displayed.

  On the lower right side of the front frame 52, a launch operation unit 107 for launching a game ball is disposed, and a handstand 71 is attached below the launch operation unit 107. The hand table 71 is a table on which a player's hand performing a constant launch operation is placed. The firing operation unit 107 includes a firing strength adjustment switch unit 108, a sliding operation unit 107a that a player operates to launch a game ball, a firing stop switch 111 disposed on the upper part of the sliding operation unit 107a, A firing intensity fixing switch 110 that is operated to fix the intensity, and a launch intensity display unit 107b that indicates the launch intensity as a numerical value are configured. The firing intensity increases as the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in the right direction. In the present embodiment, the firing strength is adjusted using a sliding switch, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the firing strength is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the so-called launching handle may be used.

  A cylinder lock 36 for operating a slide lock that can regulate the opening of both the inner frame 70 and the front frame 52 is arranged on the upper right of the firing operation unit 107 (the right end of the enclosed game machine 50), and a key can be inserted. It has become. The cylinder lock 36 is a variable lock that can freely change the type of key for unlocking. By using such a variable lock in the enclosed game machine 50, the game store can All the gaming machines arranged in the store can be set as a store-specific key (one type).

  On the left side of the firing operation unit 107, a control unit 8 serving as an interface with the player is provided. The control unit 8 includes an operation unit device 102 (touch panel type liquid crystal display) serving as a touch panel type liquid crystal display, a counting switch 105 (corresponding to a part of the settlement means of the present invention), and a game ball number display device. 106 is arranged. On the touch panel of the operation unit 102, the operation result of the ball lending button 102a (corresponding to a part of the lending means of the present invention), the return button 102b, the screen switching button 102c, the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b. An operation result display unit 102d is provided. It should be noted that buttons (ball lending button 102a, counting switch 105, return button 102b) for lending a ball from an IC card, paying a ball and returning the IC card, etc. may be arranged in the inter-unit unit 100. By combining operations such as ball lending and settlement in the inter-unit unit 100, it is possible to clearly distinguish operations related to effects related to games.

  The front plate portion provided with the control unit 8 can also be opened and closed from the inner frame 70 by the hinge 53 or the like, but since the front frame 52 is installed so as to cover the front plate portion, only when the front frame 52 is opened. The front plate part can be opened.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the state of the game area 3 of the game board 1 located in the back of the glass plate 61. The game area 3 is a substantially circular area surrounded by the guide rails 16, and a large number of game nails are planted. A game ball launched from a launching device arranged at the upper left of the game board 1 Immediately after that, the game area 3 is made to flow down.

  A center case and a window in which a warp passage, a stage, and the like are formed are provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 3, and a liquid crystal screen of the effect symbol display device 6 is disposed behind the window. In addition to these, in the game area 3, the normal symbol operating gate 17 that can always win, the first starting port 11, the second starting port 12 configured as an ordinary electric accessory, and the general winning port 13 are provided. , An attacker-type large winning opening 14 and the like (winning opening) and an out opening 15 are provided, and the first special figure display device, the second special figure display device, and the normal symbol display are provided at the lower right of the game area 3. A device, a first special figure reservation number display device, a second special figure reservation number display device, a general figure reservation number display device, and the like are provided.

  By configuring the game board 1 as described above, when a game ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 17 (the normal symbol operation switch 17a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device displays the normal symbol. Starts a variable display and drives a normal electric solenoid 12b (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, according to the mode of the normal symbol stopped after a predetermined time. When the normal electric combination solenoid 12b is driven, the blade member of the normal electric combination opens almost synchronously, and the ball enters the second start port 12 (detection of the second start port switch 12a (see FIG. 3)). It is configured to be possible. In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the opening time during which the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory is driven is normally 0.2 seconds (once), and in the short time state (open extended state), 1.8 seconds (2 Times).

  When the game ball enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the first special symbol starts changing in the first special symbol display device, and the predetermined time is reached. Stop later. In addition, when a game ball enters the normal electric combination that is the second start port 12 (the second special figure start switch 12a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the second special figure display device displays the second special figure. The symbol starts to change and stops after a predetermined time.

  During the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the effect symbol display device 6 displays the effect mode linked to the change of each special symbol. In addition, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed with priority on the suspension of the second special symbol regardless of the order of entering the first starting port and the second starting port. Specifically, when there is a reserved memory of the first special symbol, the variation of the second special symbol is stopped and there is no second special symbol reserved memory, and the variation for the first special symbol reserved memory is started. To do.

  A special prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is driven in accordance with the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the big prize opening solenoid 14b is driven, the door member of the big prize opening 14 opens almost synchronously, and a game ball enters the big prize opening 14 (the count switch 14a (see FIG. 3)) Detection).

  In addition, various random numbers such as success / failure random numbers acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 17 are stored as reserved memory. While being stored (stored) in the main control device 50, a process of transmitting various commands resulting from entering the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 to the sub integrated control device 83 (see FIG. 3) is performed. Thereafter, the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the first start port 11 is the first hold memory, and the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the second start port 12 is the second hold. The reserved memory stored when the game ball has passed through the memory and normal symbol operating gate 17 will be described as the normal figure reserved memory.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum number of lightings by the ordinary figure hold number display device, the first special figure hold number display device, and the second special figure hold number display device is 4 (the maximum hold memory number is 4). It has become. Even if the number of reserved memories is 0, it is acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 17. Various random numbers such as pass / fail random numbers are stored in the main controller 50 in the same manner as when there is a stored number less than the maximum value.

  If the first special figure start switch 11a or the second special figure start switch 12a detects a game ball and the number of the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory in that case is less than 4, the extracted jackpot determination random number The big hit symbol determining random number, the small hit symbol determining random number, the reach determining random number, and the variation pattern determining random number are stored in the storage area as the first or second reserved memory.

  The various stored random numbers are compared with a value set in advance by the success / failure determination process (big hit determination), and the determination result of the big hit determination random number is the first special figure display device and the second special figure. It is displayed on the display device and the effect symbol display device 6.

  In addition, the pachinko machine in this embodiment is comprised as a probability fluctuation machine. More specifically, the games by the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment are roughly classified into a game in which the big prize opening 14 is closed and a jackpot game in which the big prize opening 14 is opened. , Categorized roughly, normal probability state (hereinafter, normal state) and high probability state (hereinafter, probability) Fluctuating state).

  The special symbol consists of a probability variation symbol and a non-probability variation symbol, and the probability variation state is set so as to be able to transition after the jackpot game in the probability variation symbol, and the probability in any game state of the normal state and the probability variation state If a big hit is made with the fluctuating symbol, after the big hit game ends, the state shifts to a probability fluctuation state. Similarly, the normal state is set to be transitionable after the jackpot game with the non-stochastic variation symbol is finished, and if either of the normal state or the probability variation state is a big hit with the non-stochastic variation symbol, after the jackpot game ends, Transition to normal state.

  After the transition to the normal state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened by a specified number of times (for example, 100 times), and the short state is reached when the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated. If the variation time of special symbols and normal symbols (the time from the start of variation until the result is displayed) is shortened, the number of times the variation display is performed within a certain time is increased.

  Specifically, in the short time state of the present embodiment, the special symbol display time is shortened along with the special symbol variation time, but the normal symbol variation display is shortened. Then, the regular symbol is confirmed and displayed many times within a certain time. Therefore, the number of times that the normal symbol hits within a certain time increases, and the number of times of operation of the ordinary electric accessory also increases. In addition, since the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory is set to be long (opening extension function), it becomes easy to win a large number of game balls. By making it easier for a large number of game balls to win in this way, the number of times of special symbol variation display is further increased. Can play a variety of games.

  In the probability variation state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened similarly to the time-short state, and the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is activated. The settings related to the shortening of various symbols and the function to open and extend the normal electric utility are the same as the short-time state, but the probability variation state increases the probability of hitting a special symbol in addition to the short-time state. The gaming state is advantageous to the player.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the mechanism of circulation of game balls of the enclosed game machine 50 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the circulation mechanism from the back. FIG. 2 shows a main device for circulating the game ball, a path for lifting the game ball, and a main control device. The flow that circulates after the game ball is fired will be explained in order.

  When the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in a state where the enclosing game machine 50 manages (stores) the game balls that can be fired, the ball feed solenoid 130 disposed in the launch device 87 is activated, and the game balls To the launch position. At that time, the subtraction sensor 131 provided in the launching device 87 detects the sent out game ball as a launch ball, and subtracts 1 from the holding ball counter (the number of game balls that can be launched). The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106, and is displayed by subtracting 1 in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the subtraction sensor 131.

  The game ball sent out to the launch position is launched into the game area 3 by the actuation of the launch solenoid 129 with a launch intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a. In the enclosed game machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the position of the launching device 87 (position for launching the game ball) is the upper left part when viewing the game area 3 from the front (the figure is the rear side because the figure is the back), so Unlike the machine, the launched game ball is not launched by the launch path formed by the guide rail, and the game ball shot by the launch solenoid 129 reaches the game area 3 immediately after the shot ball, Or it does not reach and becomes a foul ball.

  The game ball that has reached the game area 3 flows down the game area 3 and enters a winning opening such as the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or enters the out port 15. A game ball that has won a prize opening is detected by a winning detection sensor 124 that flows down the back surface of the game board 1 and is arranged in the guidance path, and a game ball that has entered the out slot 15 is detected by a non-winning detection sensor 125. Detected. The game ball that has become a foul ball is detected by the foul ball sensor 125b.

  When the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 detects a game ball, it is added as the number of out balls, and when the foul ball sensor 125b detects a game ball, it is added to a holding ball counter. Management of the game ball circulation is performed by the number of out balls and the number of shot balls (the number of balls detected by the subtraction sensor 131). In this embodiment, each sensor described above is connected to the payout launch control device 84, and the circulation of the enclosed game ball is managed by the payout launch control device 84, but is connected so as to be able to communicate with the payout launch control device 84. It may be configured to be managed by the main controller 80.

  The game balls detected by the winning detection sensor 124, the non-winning sensor 125, or the foul ball sensor 125 b flow down the guiding path connected to the ball polishing device 85. The ball polishing device 85 includes a cassette motor 114, a polishing motor 115, a cassette switch 116, and a polishing motor sensor 117, and uses a cassette equipped with a polishing cloth to polish a game ball. Also, the cassette loaded with the polishing cloth is detected.

  The polishing of the game ball is performed by operating the polishing motor 115 and moving the game ball to press against the polishing cloth. The polishing cloth can be replaced by a structure mounted on the cassette, and is operated so as to wind up the cloth at a constant cycle by using the cassette motor 114. Further, the cassette switch 116 detects the presence / absence of a cassette equipped with a polishing pad.

  The ground game ball is guided from the ball polishing device 85 to the lifting device 86 through a guide path. The lifting device 86 includes a lifting and launching motor 119, a lifting and launching motor monitoring sensor 121, and a lifting and lowering entrance sensor 120. Raise to launch ball tank 40).

  In the enclosed game machine 50 of the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 is launched to the launching ball tank 40 disposed on the upper part of the enclosed game machine 50 using the lifting launch motor 119. It has a configuration. In the lifting device 86, whether or not a game ball exists at the game ball launch position of the lift launch motor 119 and the exit of the lift path (the entrance of the launch ball tank 40) by the lift inlet sensor 120 and the launch inlet sensor 131. Whether or not is detected, the lifting and firing motor 119 is driven in accordance with the detection result. The game ball launched by driving the lifting and launching motor 119 changes the flying ball path by contacting the uppermost curved surface of the encapsulated ball launching and lifting path shown in the figure, and the flying ball speed is reduced and the launched ball Reach tank 40. The lift motor monitoring sensor 121 detects whether the lift motor 119 is performing a normal launch operation.

  With the above-described configuration, in the enclosed game machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 is placed in a standby state immediately after the lifting operation (launching the ball by the lifting launch motor 119). Move to the launch ball tank 40. Therefore, since there are not a plurality of game balls on the lifting path unlike a spiral lifting device or a belt lifting device, the number of game balls that have to wait for the game is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of enclosed balls to be circulated in the enclosed game machine 50.

  The game ball that has been lifted up to the launch ball tank 40 rolls to the launch device 87, and an appropriate amount sensor 123 and a full tank sensor 126 that are arranged in the enclosing ball number counting path that also serves as a guide to the launch device 87, The game ball is detected, and the number of game balls necessary for circulation is managed to notify when an excess or deficiency is detected. In this case, the notification outputs a signal to an external management device (hall computer 87) via an external connection terminal board 78, which will be described later, and the display device (the effect symbol display device 6 and the touch panel) provided in the enclosed game machine 50. The display type liquid crystal display 102) displays the excess or deficiency of game balls.

  Next, the inter-unit unit 100 will be described. When a player plays a game with the enclosed game machine 50, an IC card (or membership card) or cash is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 connected to the enclosed game machine 50 on a one-to-one basis, and a ball lending operation is performed. As a result, the game balls that can be launched by the enclosed game machine 50 are paid out and the game is played. The payout in this case is performed by adding to a ball counter that stores the number of game balls that can be launched.

  The game balls consumed (rented out) during the game and the payout ball information acquired by winning such as jackpots (acquired ball information for each player on the day) are linked to the IC card. Is stored once in the management device (hall computer 87) in the store, and then managed by a third-party management data management center provided outside, the number of incoming balls and the number of outgoing balls can be obtained. Clearly managed. Furthermore, the stored balls are stored in an external third-party storage server management server, which is a system that guarantees the player's storage.

  When the player finishes the game, he / she takes out the card from the inter-unit unit 100 (if there is a ball remaining, moves the ball to the inter-unit unit 100 and then removes the card) and settles the balance. At that time, the data is stored and managed by the POS management computer.

  In addition to the function of the conventional CR unit, the inter-unit unit 100 connected to the enclosed game machine 50 receives information such as the number of game balls emitted by the enclosed game machine 50, the number of game balls dispensed, and the game state. It is equipped with a function for monitoring fraud, a function for monitoring illegal boards, and a function for collecting various game information. In order to realize these additional functions, the inter-unit unit 100 and the enclosed game machine 50 are connected by a new interface cable different from the conventional one.

  In addition, in order to share security information and prevent unauthorized modification, the game machine management center (machine history management center) directly linked to the pachinko machine manufacturer will verify the fraud monitoring function of the inter-unit unit 100. It is possible to constantly monitor the unique ID of the board of the gaming machine installed in the office and notify when an abnormality is detected.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the enclosed game machine 50 will be described with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the main control device 80, the payout launch control device 84, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 all include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. .

  In the block centering on the main controller 80 shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 80 has a first start port for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start port 11 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. A switch 11a, a second start port switch 12a for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal symbol operation switch 17a for detecting a game ball that has entered the normal symbol operation gate 17, and a ball entering the big winning port 14 Detection signals such as a count switch 14a for detecting the played game ball and a general winning port switch 13a for detecting the game ball that has entered the general winning port 13 are input, and the front frame is connected via the back wiring relay terminal board 75. Detection signals from the closing switch 18 and the inner frame closing switch 19 are input, and a release switch 21 (corresponding to the release switch of the present invention) is directly input. Since the release switch 21 is a switch arranged in the main control device 80 and can be operated only from the back of the enclosed game machine 50, only the staff of the game hall can operate.

  The main controller 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 sub integrated controller 83. In addition, the main control device 80 displays the first special figure display device 9, the second special figure display device 10 and the normal symbol display device 7 connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 90, the first special figure. The lighting of the hold number display device 9a, the second special figure hold number display device 10a, and the universal figure hold number display device 8 is controlled.

  Further, the main controller 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening / closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b, When winning at the winning opening is detected, the number of acquired game balls set for each winning opening is displayed on the winning display device 20. In addition, the number of game balls won in each prize opening and the number of acquired game balls set in each prize opening are transmitted to the payout / emission control device 84 as serial signals (command format) at regular intervals.

  In addition to the output signal from the main controller 80 being output to the test signal terminal, a management signal such as symbol variation and big hit (also referred to as special game) is output to the external connection terminal board 78 to output the hall computer 87. And is also sent to the inter-unit unit 100 via the payout launch control device 84. The main controller 80 may be configured to connect a sensor (for example, a sensor that detects radio waves, magnetic force, and vibration) for detecting an external force that acts as an illegal act.

  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. 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 is the data for lamp control. Various LEDs and the lamp 26 are controlled by operating the lamp driver based on the above.

  The effect symbol control device 82 receives 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 based on the input from the main control device 80). And effect images such as pseudo symbols are displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6. The sub integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83 via the production relay terminal board 65. The effect symbol control device 82 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the sub integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, a block centering on the dispensing control device 84 connected to the main control device 80 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication will be described. The payout launch control device 84 operates in accordance with the installed program and receives the command indicating the number of acquired game balls described above from the main control device 80. The number of game balls that can fire the requested number of acquired game balls. The value is added to the (ball counter) and the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. Further, based on a signal according to an operation to be described later or a signal according to the detection of the sensor, the addition of a rental ball, the launch of a game ball, the polishing of the game ball, the circulation of the game ball (encapsulated ball), and the like are controlled. .

  As described above, the touch panel type liquid crystal display serving as the operation unit device 102 connected to the pay-out and launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 includes a ball lending button 102a and a return button 102b. A screen switching button 102c, and an operation result display section 102d indicating the operation results of the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b. The power source of the touch panel type liquid crystal display provided in the enclosed game machine 50 is supplied from the inter-unit unit 100.

  Further, the touch panel type liquid crystal display has a function of displaying card information recorded on an IC card (or membership card) inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 and game information (game history, etc.) of the enclosed game machine 50. It also has.

  When the ball lending button 102a of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal requesting addition of the number of balls to be lapped as touch panel operation information is input to the payout launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100, and the payout launch control device 84 is The number of balls lent requested by the input is added to the ball counter, and the value of the ball counter after the addition is displayed on the game ball display device 106. At this time, the result of the lending operation is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d according to the addition status of the game ball number display device 106. For a single operation of the lending button 102a, the number of lending balls (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) is requested.

  When the return button 102b of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal for requesting a return operation of the IC card is input to the inter-unit unit 100 as touch panel operation information, and is input from the inter-unit unit 100 to the payout and emission control device 84. Depending on whether the state of the enclosed gaming machine 50 at that time is a state where the IC card can be returned or not, the return result and the return result are displayed on the operation result display unit 102d. If it can be returned, it is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d that it can be returned, and the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100.

  When the screen switching button 102c of the operation unit device 102 is operated, the switching circuit 101a is activated, and the information to be displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal display is changed from the information received from the inter-unit unit 100 to the effect symbol control device 82 of the enclosed game machine 50. Switch to information (including images) received from. In response to this switching, information from the inter-unit unit 100 is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6.

  The inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the effect symbol control device 82 and the operation unit apparatus 102 are connected to each other so as to be capable of mutual communication with the operation unit connection board 101.

  In the enclosed game machine 50, the operation unit relay board 103 is connected to the payout launch control device 84 so as to be capable of mutual communication, and the game ball number display board 104 is connected to the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be capable of mutual communication. Yes. The game ball number display board 104 is provided with a count switch 105 and a game ball number display device 106, and an operation signal of the count switch 105 is input to the payout and firing control device 84. Further, the number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106 according to the output of the payout launch control device 84.

  When the counting switch 105 is operated, all values stored in the ball holding counter are subtracted from the ball holding counter, and the subtracted value is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100 (a predetermined number is transferred to the IC card). Therefore, the numerical value of the game ball number display device 106 that displays the value of the ball holding counter is also subtracted. When the number of game balls that can be launched by the operation of the counting switch 105 becomes 0, the IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 can be returned. It should be noted that the signal indicating the number of balls held transmitted from the payout / release control device 84 to the inter-unit unit 100 in accordance with the operation of the counting switch 105 is a command that can be determined to be a signal in accordance with the operation of the counting switch 105. It is composed of a data part indicating the number of game balls (the number of possession balls) and a function part indicating the operation of the counting switch 105. The IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 has a function part. Information is stored. This makes it possible to discriminate between the information on the number of holding balls transferred to the unit by the adjusting means and the information on the number of holding balls transferred to the unit by the emergency holding ball information transferring means of the present invention. This corresponds to the configuration of “send to the unit”.

  Further, the discharge operation control device 84 is connected to the discharge operation unit 107 via the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Signals from the fixed intensity switch 110, the firing stop switch 111, and the touch sensor 112 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84, and the display of the firing intensity display device 109 is controlled by the dispensing launch control device 84.

  Further, detection signals of the cassette switch 116 and the polishing motor sensor 117 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the polishing relay substrate 113 connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The driving of the cassette motor 114 and the polishing motor 115 is controlled via

  In addition, detection signals from the lifting inlet sensor 120 and the lifting motor monitoring sensor 121 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the lifting relay board 118 connected to the polishing relay board 113 so as to communicate with each other. The payout launch control device 84 controls the driving of the lifting launch motor 119 described above.

  The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the inner frame relay board 122 from the inner frame relay board 122 so as to enable one-way communication. The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the appropriate amount sensor 123 and the winning detection sensor 124 described above. The non-winning detection sensor 125, the foul ball sensor 125b, the full sensor 126, and the night monitoring switch 127 are connected to each other, and a signal from each sensor or switch is input to the payout / emission control device 84.

  The night monitoring switch 127 is a device for judging fraud that involves opening the door at night (out of business hours). The backup power supply mounted on the power supply board is used to turn off the inner frame 70 even when the power is off. Opening can be monitored, and the payout / release control device 84 stores the number-of-opening information of the inner frame 70 at night, and outputs the number-of-opening information to the outside through the main control device 80 when the power is turned on.

  Further, detection signals from the subtraction sensor 131 and the launch inlet sensor 132 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the launch relay substrate 128 connected to the polishing relay substrate 113 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The payout and firing control device 84 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 130 and the firing solenoid 129 via the substrate 128.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a flow of processing at the time of occurrence of power interruption performed by the main controller 80 when the power of the enclosed game machine 50 is cut off will be described. When power is cut off, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the following processing is performed. First, the power-off flag is set to 1 (S10), the RAM judgment value is calculated and stored (S15), the occurrence information at the time of power-off is stored (S20), and the ball holding process to the inter-unit unit 100 is performed. Is instructed to the dispensing launch control device 84 (S25). When the power-off flag is set to 1, backup processing is performed, a SUM value is created, and after RAM guarantee value is set to 1, RAM writing is prohibited (corresponding to backup means of the present invention). In this embodiment, the value of the ball holding counter is not backed up.

  In the holding ball transfer process, all the values of the holding ball counter indicating the number of game balls that can be fired are subtracted, and the subtracted value is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100, whereby the IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 is transferred. The transmitted value is transferred (corresponding to the emergency ball information transferring means of the present invention). As a result of this ball movement process, the value of the ball holding counter provided in the payout launch control device 84 becomes zero.

  The signal indicating the number of balls held transmitted from the payout and launch control device 84 to the inter-unit unit 100 by the holding ball transfer process is a command that can be identified as a signal by the holding ball transfer process, and the number of game balls It is composed of a data part indicating (the number of balls to be transferred) and a function part indicating a ball transfer process, and the IC card inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 is stored including information on the function part. . This is because, according to the present invention, the information on the number of the holding balls transferred to the unit by the settlement means and the information on the number of the holding balls transferred to the unit by the emergency holding ball information transferring means can be discriminated. Corresponds to the "send to the unit" configuration.

  Note that the transfer of the ball holding data from the enclosed game machine 50 to the inter-unit unit 100 is not performed except when the counting switch 105 is operated and the ball holding transfer process (S25) is executed. . By reducing the movement of the ball data from the enclosed game machine 50 to the inter-unit unit 100 as much as possible, the ball counter counter process (a process of subtracting all the values) performed in accordance with the movement of the ball data is performed. To reduce the chance to perform, avoid the trouble caused by the overlap of the subtraction of the holding ball counter according to the detection of the subtraction sensor 131 and the total subtraction accompanying the transfer of the holding ball data, and protect the number of balls held by the player It has a structure that strives to.

  Subsequent to S25, a card discharge command signal is output to the inter-unit unit 100 via the payout and emission control device 84 (S30). The card ejection command signal is a signal for instructing a process for ejecting the IC card from the inter-unit unit 100 after the data migrated by the holding ball migration process is stored in the IC card.

  Subsequent to S30, a ball transfer ball number output process for outputting the number of balls urgently retreated to the IC card to the hall computer is performed (S35), access to the built-in RAM is prohibited (S40), and a power down is prepared. . The ball transfer ball number output process is a process of outputting a signal indicating the number of transferred balls to the management device outside the apparatus, and does not transfer the information on the balls. When the power is cut off, the IC card inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 is forcibly ejected in S30, but normally only when there is a player's return request (operation of the return button 102b). IC card is not ejected.

  In the processing at the time of the occurrence of power interruption in FIG. 5, the power interruption flag is set as a forced interruption process when a power interruption signal is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU of the main controller 80. In this case, it is desirable to set the power-off flag to 1 on condition that the power failure signal has been received a predetermined number of times. In this configuration, it is possible to set the power-off flag after confirming that a power failure has occurred reliably by receiving a predetermined number of power failure signals.

  A power failure detection circuit (not shown) serving as a power failure detection means includes a comparator IC, a resistor, and the like. The negative input terminal of the comparator IC is supplied with DC5V power divided by the resistor, the positive input terminal is supplied with DC12V power divided by the resistor, and the output terminal is pulled up to DC5V by the resistor. Has been up. With the above configuration, the output terminal of the comparator IC changes the backup signal to be output from the high level to the low level when the voltage of the DC12V power supply decreases to 8.00 to 9.23V or less.

  The shutdown reset circuit changes the reset signal output from the high level to the low level after a lapse of a predetermined time (in this example, 100 ms) from when the backup signal output from the power failure detection circuit is changed from the high level to the low level. It is configured as a delay circuit. The enclosed game machine 50 according to the present embodiment can play a game by supplying AC 24V as a power source to a power supply device (not shown) from the outside, but may be configured to be able to play a game by supplying AC 100V.

  The above is the processing when the power interruption occurs in the present embodiment. With this process, even when the supply of power to the enclosed game machine 50 is interrupted, the holding ball information stored in the enclosed game machine 50 immediately before the power supply is interrupted has been transferred to the IC card. It is possible to leave the enclosed gaming machine 50 without waiting for the return. In this case, the game content backed up by the enclosed game machine 50 when the power is cut off does not include the information on the number of balls (the value of the ball counter). There will be no game balls. As a result, the number of balls is not duplicated and the hall is not damaged.

  Next, the flow of processing performed by the main controller 80 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIGS. Although not shown in FIG. 6, when the enclosed game machine 50 is turned on, a security check of the CPU is performed, and then the stack pointer is set to an initial value as shown in FIG. S100). In this embodiment, the initial value is set to 8000H. Subsequently, the interrupt mode setting (S105), access permission to the built-in RAM (S110), and clearing of the power-off flag (S115), which are necessary settings when the power is turned on, are performed.

  After S115, it is determined whether or not the signal from the RAM clear switch is on (S120). The RAM clear signal is a signal output by operating a power switch (not shown) for turning on the enclosed game machine 50 while pressing a RAM clear switch (not shown). It is. The RAM clear signal is read only once, and is not read thereafter.

  If S120 is an affirmative determination, a process is performed to initialize the RAM. If a negative determination is made, a process of returning the pachinko machine 50 using the gaming state information stored in the RAM is performed. This RAM contains information on the gaming state of the pachinko machine 50. As described above, even when the power supply (normal power supply) of the pachinko machine 50 is shut off, the information stored in this RAM is stored in a predetermined amount by the backup power supply. Retained for hours.

  Therefore, if the game state immediately before power-off is a big hit game, the game can be resumed from the big hit game, and if it is a high probability game state, the game can be resumed from a high probability game state. There is no penalty for the player. It should be noted that the player's ball holding information (the value of the ball holding counter) immediately before the power supply is not stored in the RAM that stores information relating to the gaming state when the power supply is cut off.

  As actual control, if S120 is negative (S120: no), it is determined whether the information generated when the power is shut off is normal (S125). If it is positive (S125: yes), a RAM determination value is calculated. (S130), it is determined whether it matches the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off, that is, whether it is a normal value (S135). If the determination is affirmative (S135: yes), the information generated when the power is shut off is cleared (S140).

  Following S140, it is determined whether or not to return to a predetermined gaming state by backup (S145). In S145, the gaming state to be restored by the power-on process is one of the big hit gaming state, the probability variation state (the probability of success / failure determination is high probability), the short time state, the special symbol variation state, and the reserved memory holding state. This is a process for determining whether or not it corresponds (may be duplicated) (corresponding to the return state confirmation means and the progress stop execution determination means of the present invention).

  If the determination in S145 is affirmative, the player may suffer damage depending on the player's situation at the time of return (for example, a situation in which the player cannot play immediately after the power is restored, such as being away from the seat). In this case, the game is stopped from proceeding from the gaming state immediately before the power is turned off. If the determination in S145 is negative, it can be determined that the player was not playing the game when the power was turned off (so-called vacant stand) Return to normal gaming state. In this embodiment, the number of balls held (the value of the ball holding counter) immediately before the power is turned off is stored in the RAM and is not backed up. However, if the ball counter is backed up, the ball holding counter By confirming that the value of 0 is 0, it can be determined definitely that it is an empty base.

  As actual control, if S145 is an affirmative determination (S145: yes), it is determined whether a specific signal is received (S150). This specific signal is a signal output from the inter-unit knit 100, and is output from the inter-unit unit 100 according to the card ejection command signal output in the process when the enclosed game machine 50 is turned off (S30 in FIG. 5). When the same IC card as the discharged IC card is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100, the signal is output from the inter-unit unit 100 to the enclosed game machine 50 (corresponding to a specific signal of the present invention). .

  If S150 is negative, that is, if a specific signal is not received (S150: no), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 7 to perform card insertion instruction processing (S250). In this card insertion instruction process, a voice message prompting to insert the card discharged at the time of power-off from the speaker 66 into the inter-unit unit 100 by transmitting a card insertion instruction signal to the sub integrated control device 84 (for example, “ Please insert the card you were using "). In addition, by displaying the same character message on the effect symbol display device 6, it is possible to further strongly urge the insertion of the card.

  Subsequent to S250, the hall computer transmits a progress stop state signal indicating that the progress of the game has been stopped from the game state immediately before the power is turned off, but through the payout control device 84 and the inter-unit unit 100. The process which outputs to 87 is performed (S255). It is determined whether or not an operation signal for the release switch 21 disposed in the main controller 80 has been received (S260).

  Since the release switch 21 is an operation switch disposed in the main control device 50 installed on the back of the enclosed game machine 50, only the staff of the game hall can perform the operation. The game was played by the player until just before the power was cut off, but if the staff of the game hall determines that the player will not return after a short while after the power is restored, the game will be forcibly canceled. The release switch 21 is used for the above. When the player cancels the progress stop state in a situation where the player does not return, depending on the restarted game state (if it is in a state other than the initial state), an operation to turn on the power again with the operation of the RAM clear switch will be performed. .

  If S260 is negative (S260: no), the process returns to the determination of S150 of FIG. 6, and if the result of the determination is negative, the above processing is repeated. If S150 results in an affirmative determination, that is, if the same card that has been inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 until just before the power is turned off is inserted (S150: yes), or if S260 is an affirmative determination, that is, the release switch 21 6 is operated (S260: yes), the process returns to FIG. 6 to determine whether or not the progress stop state signal (output is started in S255) is being output (S155). If the determination is affirmative (S155: yes), the process proceeds. The output of the stop state signal is stopped (S160).

  Following the processing of S160 or the negative determinations of S155 and S145 (S155: no, S145: no), a command for returning to the gaming state immediately before the power-off is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S165). The CPU peripheral device is initially set (S170), interrupt permission is set (S175), and the game is started. The start of the game here means that the main controller 80 starts executing the main routine.

  If S120 is an affirmative determination (S120: yes), it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned off (S180). If a negative determination is made, that is, if the RAM clear switch remains on (S180: no), the determination of S180 is repeated. If S180 is affirmative or S125 and S135 are negative (S180: yes, S125: no, S135: no), all the contents stored in the RAM are cleared to 0 (S185), and initial values of various random numbers are set ( S190), RAM initial value setting (S195) is performed, and the process proceeds to S170.

  The above is the process when the power is turned on. In this process, from the positive determination of S145 to the negative determination of S260 through the negative determination of S150 corresponds to the progress stop means of the present invention, and the positive determination of S150 corresponds to the progress restart means of the present invention. Further, in the present embodiment, the signal output from the inter-unit unit 100 in response to the insertion of the same card that has been inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 until immediately before the power is turned off after the power is restored is specified by the present invention. Corresponds to the signal.

  In S255, the process of outputting a progress stop state signal to the hall computer 87 indicating that the progress of the game is stopped from the game state immediately before the power is turned off but turned on is the “progress stop means” of the present invention. When the progress of the game is stopped by the above, it corresponds to “output a signal indicating that the progress of the game is stopped outside of the unit or another machine different from the unit”, and in S260 of FIG. The affirmative determination corresponds to “resuming the progress of a game that has been stopped on condition that a release switch provided on the gaming machine has been operated even if a specific signal is not input from the unit” of the present invention. To do.

  The same IC card that was inserted when the power was cut off was inserted into the inter-unit 100 after the power was restored, so that the same player as when the power was turned off can confirm the intention to resume the game. When the IC card is inserted, the ball counter does not reach the value immediately before the power is turned off, so that the game ball cannot be fired yet. Accordingly, the game may be resumed only at this time at the payout launch control device 84, and the main control device 50 may start executing the main routine when the player operates the ball lending button 102a. With this configuration, the actual game is resumed when the game ball can be launched, so that the player is not damaged due to the delay in preparation for launching the game ball.

  Further, since the number of balls transferred to the IC card in response to the occurrence of power interruption is stored in the inter-unit unit 100 by the ball holding transition process in S25 of the power interruption occurrence process of FIG. A configuration is also conceivable in which processing for automatically returning the number-of-balls data transferred to the IC card to the ball counter of the enclosed game machine 50 when the same IC card is inserted after the return is performed. With this configuration, it is possible to launch game balls by simply inserting the same IC card after power is restored, so that preparations for launching game balls were delayed in the same manner as described above while saving the time and effort of the player. Prevents the player from suffering damage.

  Next, a modified example of the process at the time of occurrence of power interruption shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the process at the time of power-off occurrence shown in FIG. 5, the holding ball transfer process (S25) is performed regardless of the state of the enclosed gaming machine 50 at the time of the power-off occurrence. In the example, the holding ball transfer process is performed in accordance with the state of the enclosed game machine 50 at the time of power interruption. In the first and second modifications described below, the value of the ball holding counter is backed up by the backup of the enclosed game machine 50 when the power is cut off.

  In the first modification shown in FIG. 8, following the power-off occurrence information storage in S360 corresponding to S20 in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the gaming state immediately before the power-off is a predetermined gaming state (S365). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a gaming state other than the big hit gaming state. If the determination is affirmative (S365: yes), the holding ball transfer process (S370), the holding ball transfer number output process (S375), the card ejection command signal output (S380), and the RAM access prohibition (S385) described with reference to FIG. If it is determined that a negative determination is made, that is, if the gaming state immediately before the power-off is a big hit gaming state (S365: no), the possession ball transition process (S370) and the possession ball transition number output process (S375) are skipped and S380. Proceed to

  S365 is a process for determining whether or not to execute the holding ball transfer process, and can be said to be an emergency holding ball information transfer determination unit that determines whether or not to operate the emergency holding ball information transfer unit. By carrying out this determination, if the power supply is cut off during the big hit game and all the information on the number of balls has been transferred to the card unit, the encapsulated gaming machine 50 is simply inserted again after the power is restored. Since the value of the holding ball counter managed by the player is 0, the ball lending operation is performed and the holding ball counter is added, and then the game ball must be fired. However, there is a possibility that the number of game balls that should originally be acquired cannot be acquired. However, on the condition that the gaming state immediately before power-off is a big hit gaming state, if the value of the ball counter is not transferred to the IC card (the value of the ball counter is backed up by the enclosed game machine 50 itself) ) When the progress of the game that has been stopped due to the insertion of the same IC card into the inter-unit unit 100 until the power is cut off, Since the value of the ball counter is restored by the backup, the game ball can be fired and the player is not damaged. This is a configuration that makes it difficult for a player whose power is cut off during a big hit game to leave without waiting for the power to return.

  In the second modified example of FIG. 9, following the storage of occurrence information at the time of power-off in S410 corresponding to S20 of FIG. yes). If an affirmative determination is made, that is, if the value of the ball counter is larger than the predetermined number (S415: yes), a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the value of the ball counter is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 by the ball transfer process. (S420), and the following processing is the same as in FIG. If S415 is negative (S415: no), S420 and S425 are skipped and the process proceeds to S430.

  In the second modification, for example, when the power is cut off during a big hit game with a large number of balls, game balls that can resume the big hit game immediately after the power is restored are backed up in the enclosed game machine 50. Most of the game balls acquired until the power is cut off are stored in the IC card. As a result, even if the player has to leave the seat before the power is restored, it is possible to resume the big hit game immediately after the power is restored, with a configuration that reduces damage to the player as much as possible. It is possible.

  The above is a modified example of the process at the time of power-off occurrence. In modified example 1, S365 corresponds to the above-described emergency ball information transfer determining means in modified example 2, and the value of the ball holding counter is set in an enclosed game machine. 50 has a backup function, but when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the value of the ball holding counter or a part of the ball holding counter is transferred to the inter-unit unit 100.

  Next, a modified example of the process at the time of power interruption shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a process performed when a specific signal (a signal indicating that the same IC card as that inserted when the power is cut off) is not received from the inter-unit unit 100 when the power is restored. As described above, in FIG. 10, even when a specific signal is not received, the determination for setting a predetermined condition and restarting the game is performed.

  Specifically, following the progress stop state output process (S505) corresponding to S255 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether the progress stop time is being measured (S510). If a negative determination is made (S510: no), a timer for measuring the time of the progress stop state is started by starting the progress stop state measurement (S515). Following S515 or the positive determination in S510 (S510: yes), it is determined whether or not the measurement time at which measurement is started in S515 has reached a predetermined time (S520). If a predetermined time elapses after the affirmative determination, that is, the progress stopped state (S520: yes), the process proceeds to S155 in FIG. 6 to execute the game restart process. If the negative determination is made (S520: no), the process returns to S155. Thus, the processing of FIG. 10 is repeated until S155 is affirmative (a specific signal is received).

  The above-described processing from S510 to S520 is the process according to the present invention. “The progress resumption means indicates that the progress stop means has stopped the progress of the game even if a specific signal is not input from the unit. It is the composition that satisfies “Restart the progress of a game that has been stopped under the condition”.

  When the player leaves the seat without waiting for the power to return by performing the processing of FIG. 10 (because the ball just before the power is turned off has been transferred to the IC card, and can be seated without suffering damage) ), The opportunity to receive a specific signal from the inter-unit unit 100 is lost. Even in such a state, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being stopped for a long time.

  Next, processing performed when the inter-unit 100 is inserted into the IC card will be described with reference to FIG. When the inter-unit unit 100 starts the card insertion process, it is determined whether or not a card has been inserted (S550). If the determination is negative (S550: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S550: yes), it is determined whether the progress stop flag is 1 (S555). The progress stop flag is a value that is stored by the control device of the inter-unit unit 100 and is set in response to the reception of the progress stop state signal output from the enclosed game machine 50 (main control device 80) in S255 of FIG. Yes, if the value is 1, the controller of the inter-unit unit 100 determines that the progress of the game is stopped, and if the value is 0, the progress of the game is not stopped.

  If S555 is affirmative, that is, if the connected enclosed gaming machine 50 has returned from power-off and the progress of the game has stopped (S555: yes), the card that was inserted when the power was cut-off (S560: yes), a specific signal is transmitted to the enclosed game machine 50 (S565), the progress stop flag is set to 0 (S570), and the process returns to S560. Is negative, that is, if the card is different from the card inserted at the time of power-off (S560: no), the inserted card is discharged (S575) and the process returns. In S575, a signal indicating that a different card has been inserted is transmitted to the enclosed game machine 50, and the enclosed game machine 50 issues a warning that the card is different in response to reception of this signal. In addition, the touch panel type liquid crystal display 102 (operation unit device) connected to the inter-unit unit 100 displays the same warning.

  If S555 is negative (S555: no), it is determined whether the inserted card is a membership card issued by the game hall (S580). If the determination is affirmative (S580: yes), the storage data indicated by the membership card is obtained. In order to display on the operation unit device 102 the value information and the possession ball data indicated by the IC card are transmitted to display on the operation unit device 102 (S585) and return, and if S580 is negative (S580: no). Transmit (S590) and return.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the ball lending request process executed when the inter-unit unit 100 receives a ball lending request by operating the ball lending button 102a will be described. When the ball lending request processing is started, it is determined whether or not a card is being inserted (S650). If the determination is negative (S650: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S650: yes), the operation signal ( It is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal has been received (S655). If the determination is negative (S655: no), the process returns; if the determination is affirmative (S655: yes), it is determined whether the inserted card is a membership card (S660); if the determination is affirmative (S660: yes), a lending request signal Is output to the payout / release control device 84, and the processing for adding 125 game balls to the ball counter according to the operation of one ball lending button 102a is performed. The stored ball data is subtracted (S665) and the process returns. If S660 is negative (S660: no), similarly, a ball rental request signal is output to the payout control device 84, and 125 game balls corresponding to one operation of the ball rental button 102a are added to the ball counter. And the process of subtracting the valuable value of 125 game balls from the valuable value indicated by the IC card (S670).

  Next, the flow of card discharge processing executed when the inter-unit unit 100 discharges a card according to the operation of the return button 102b will be described with reference to FIG. When the card ejection process is started, it is determined whether or not a signal requesting the return of the card according to the operation of the return button 102b has been received (S700). If the determination is negative (S700: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S700: yes), it is determined whether or not a card is being inserted (S705). If the determination is negative (S705: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S705: yes), it is determined whether the value of the ball holding counter is 0 (S710). If the determination is negative (S710: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative, a card ejection process is performed (S715), and the process returns. If the determination in S710 is negative, an instruction signal that prompts the operation of the counting switch 105 (prompts settlement) is performed on the operation unit device 102, and the notification signal is also performed on the effect symbol display device 6. Is transmitted to the enclosed game machine 50.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / discharge control device 84 of the enclosed game machine 50 will be described. By this processing, the number of game balls that can be launched stored in the enclosed game machine 50 is managed. When the holding ball addition / subtraction process is started, it is determined whether or not the subtraction sensor 131 has detected a game ball, that is, whether or not a game ball has been fired (S750). If the determination is affirmative (S750: yes), 1 is subtracted from the ball holding counter (S755). The ball counter is a device that stores the number of game balls that can be fired, and the value of the ball counter (the number of game balls that can be fired) is displayed on the game ball number display device 106.

  Following S755 or S750 negative determination (S750: no), whether or not the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, the count switch 14a, or the general winning port switch 13a has detected a game ball. Determination is made (S760). If the determination is affirmative (S760), the number of winning balls corresponding to the detected winning opening is added to the holding ball counter (S765). Following the negative determination of S765 or S760 (S765: no), the foul ball sensor 125b It is determined whether or not a game ball is detected (S770). If the determination is negative (S770: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S770: yes), 1 is added to the holding ball counter and the process returns.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the settlement process executed by the payout and launch control device 84 of the enclosed game machine 50 will be described. This process is performed according to the operation of the counting button 105 performed when the player finishes the game, and corresponds to the settlement means of the present invention.

  When the settlement process is started, it is determined whether or not a signal corresponding to the operation of the counting switch 105 has been received (S850). If the determination is negative (S850: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S850: yes), it is determined whether the value of the ball holding counter is greater than 0 (S855). If the determination is negative (S855: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S855: yes), the value of the ball counter is reset to 0 by subtracting all the values of the ball counter from the ball counter by the ball settlement process. The obtained value is transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 (S860). Subsequently, a signal indicating the number of game balls transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 is transmitted to the hall computer (S865), a signal indicating the end of the game is transmitted to the hall computer (S870), and the process returns. Note that. A predetermined number (not all) of the ball-holding counter may be transferred to the inter-unit unit 100 according to the operation content of the counting switch 105. For example, when the counting switch 105 is pressed down for a long time, the predetermined number is held. A value other than the predetermined number remaining in the ball counter may be transferred to the inter-unit unit (when there are more values than the predetermined number in the ball counter). Thereby, it is possible to continue the game with a simple operation after securing the acquired game ball on the IC card.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the card forced ejection processing 1 executed by the inter-unit unit 100 when the card ejection command signal (S30) is received from the enclosed game machine 50 when the power is turned off will be described. When the card forced discharge process 1 is started, it is determined whether or not a card discharge command signal has been received (S900). If the determination is negative (S900: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S900: yes), the enclosed gaming machine 50. 5 is executed (S905). If the determination is negative (S905: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S905: yes), the card is ejected. (S910) and return.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the flow of the forced card ejection process 2 performed by the inter-unit unit 100 when the enclosed gaming machine 50 is configured not to output a card ejection command signal when the power is turned off will be described. To do. When the forced card ejection process 2 is started, it is determined whether or not a ball-to-ball transfer signal output when the power is cut off is received from the enclosed game machine 50 (S950). The subsequent processes are the same as the card forced ejection process 1. It becomes.

  The above is the description of the embodiment. In the forced card ejection processes 1 and 2 described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a process for storing the card to be ejected before the card is ejected is performed. Based on this process, it is determined whether or not the card inserted when the power supply of the enclosed gaming machine 50 is restored is the same as the card ejected in response to the power-off occurrence process. The stored contents in the inter-unit unit 100 for identifying this card are erased when the same card is inserted, the release switch 21 is operated, or the progress stop state reaches a predetermined time.

  The value of the ball counter is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100 from the enclosed game machine 50 (specifically, the payout and launch control device 84 included in the enclosed game machine 50) when the player operates the counting switch 105. Only when the power source of the enclosed game machine 50 is interrupted for some reason, the occurrence of troubles related to the holding ball, that is, the valuable value is prevented by reducing the data transfer opportunity of the holding ball counter as much as possible.

  In this embodiment, the signal transmitted from the enclosed game machine 50 to the hall computer is transmitted via the inter-unit unit 100, but the game machine management signal output outside the machine is directly transmitted to the management device such as the hall computer. It is good also as a structure.

  As can be seen from the power-on process of FIG. 6, when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch is operated, the game progress is not stopped, and the game progress stop process is performed. This is only when the power is turned on without operating the RAM clear switch.

  As described above, according to the enclosed game machine of the present invention, even in a situation where the supply of power is interrupted and there is no prospect of recovery, the control is complicated and the frequency of failure is not increased. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player cannot leave the gaming machine until the power is restored. Therefore, it can be applied to an enclosed game machine in which inter-unit units are installed adjacent to each other.

21 Release switch 80 Main control unit 84 Discharge launch control unit 100 Unit between units 102 Operation unit (touch panel type liquid crystal display)
102a Ball lending button 102b Return button 105 Count switch

Claims (4)

It is possible to accept the input of a recording medium on which valuable information is recorded, and is connected to a unit that reads the valuable information recorded on the received recording medium so as to be able to communicate with each other. A game machine that encloses a number of game balls inside and performs a game using the game balls in a cyclic manner, and updates and manages information on the number of balls that can be fired as the game progresses. ,
A lending unit that obtains information from the unit when a player is instructed to lend a game ball, and increases the number of balls held within the range of the information;
When payment is instructed by the player, the payment means for transferring the information on the number of balls to the unit;
When the power of the gaming machine is cut off, backup means for storing and holding information on the gaming state immediately before the power-off, and allowing the game to be resumed based on the information after the power is restored;
In an enclosed game machine comprising:
Emergency ball information transfer means for transferring the information on the number of balls to the unit even if no payment instruction is given by the player,
The configuration is such that the information on the number of the balls to be managed other than the emergency ball information transfer means and the payment means is not transferred to the unit,
The emergency ball information transfer means shifts the information on the number of balls to the unit due to the detection of the occurrence of power interruption to the enclosed game machine,
The number of the balls to be managed by the enclosed game machine after the power is restored is managed by the enclosed game machine immediately before the number information of the held balls is transferred to the unit by the emergency ball information transferring means. The number of the holding balls to be a value obtained by subtracting the number of the holding balls transferred to the unit by the emergency holding ball information transfer means ,
Progress stopping means for stopping the progress of the game;
Progress resumption means for resuming the progress of the game stopped by the progress stop means,
The progress stopping means stops the progress of the game before restarting the game based on the information stored in the backup means when the power is restored.
The enclosed game machine, wherein the progress restarting means restarts the progress of the game stopped by the progress stopping means due to the input of a specific signal from the unit.
The enclosed game machine according to claim 1,
When the progress of the game is stopped by the progress stop means, a signal indicating that the progress of the game is stopped is output outside the unit or another machine different from the unit. Enclosed game machine. In the enclosed game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A return state confirmation means for confirming the gaming state immediately before the power is turned off after the power is restored;
Progress stop execution determining means for determining whether or not the progress of the game is stopped by the progress stop means,
The progress stop execution determination means determines whether or not to stop the progress of the game by the progress stop means according to the confirmation result by the return state confirmation means. In any one enclosed game machine of Claim 1, Claim 2, or Claim 3,
The progress resuming means confirms that the progress of the game has been stopped by the progress stopping means after a predetermined time has elapsed or the release switch provided on the gaming machine has been operated even if a specific signal is not input from the unit. An enclosed game machine characterized by resuming the progress of a game that has been stopped under certain conditions.

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