JP2010227711A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of simplifying the content of control when the processing means of various control devices (game control device 100 and discharge control device 200) are stopped upon power failure. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a stopping means (reset detecting circuit 152a) for outputting stopping signals for stopping the operation of the processing means of the game control device and discharge control device to the processing means of the game control device and discharge control device at the same time at a timing after a power-failure process is executed by the processing means of the game control device and discharge control device if the power-supply voltage is lowered to a second value. The discharge control device manages information on the number of prize balls. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game control device that transmits prize ball number information in response to the winning of a game ball at a winning opening of a game board, and a discharge control device that controls the discharge of a prize ball based on the received prize ball number information. In particular, the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the process for discharging the prize ball is executed as accurately as possible even if a power failure occurs.

  A conventional general pachinko machine has a ball discharge mechanism (for example, a discharge unit) in which a separately configured discharge control device is based on prize ball number information transmitted from a game control device that controls the progress of a game on a game board surface. By controlling the driving, a prize ball discharge (or a prize ball payout) for supplying a player with a prize ball as a game value was performed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such a pachinko machine, a game ball sensor (that is, a winning ball detection means) is provided at a winning opening provided on the surface of the game board, and when the game ball wins, the game control device sequentially increases the number of winning balls to the discharge control device. On the other hand, the discharge control device sequentially stores the transmitted prize ball number information, and the discharge control device controls the ball discharge mechanism based on the stored prize ball number information. There is a proposal of a pachinko machine that drives and executes the prize ball discharge.

  In such a type of pachinko machine, for example, the game control device is provided with storage means for storing information on the number of winning balls (winning information or winning ball number data itself), and each time a winning is detected, the storage means The stored value is increased by the winning amount, and the stored value of the storage means is decreased by the amount corresponding to the winning ball every time the number of winning balls is transmitted to the discharge control device, or the winning ball is detected. There has been proposed a means for reducing the stored value every time a prize ball is detected by providing means.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-075643

However, in the pachinko machine as described above, there is a possibility that problems such as failure to properly discharge the prize ball after power failure recovery may occur due to data loss or the like.
In addition, since separate power failure processing is performed by the processing means of each control device, the control contents are complicated in a configuration in which each control device is stopped separately according to the processing load and processing time of the power failure processing. It is highly conceivable.
Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine whose control content is simplified when the processing means of each control device is stopped in the event of a power failure. Yes.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 manages and controls the progress of the game in connection with the winning of the game ball to the winning opening of the game board, and information on the number of winning balls to be discharged. And a game control device for transmitting the prize ball number information,
In a gaming machine comprising: a discharge control device that operates at least a prize ball discharge by operating a ball discharge mechanism that discharges a game ball based on prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device,
A prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged based on the prize ball number information;
When the power supply voltage detects that the processing means of the game control device and the discharge control device has decreased to a first value at which power failure processing should be performed, the processing voltage of the game control device and the discharge control device is A power failure detection means for outputting a power failure detection signal for commanding execution of the power failure processing;
When the power supply voltage decreases to the second value, a stop signal for stopping the operation of the game control device and the discharge control device is sent to the game control device and the timing after the power failure processing is executed. Stop means for outputting simultaneously to the processing means of the discharge control device;
Backup power supply means capable of supplying backup power in the event of a power failure,
The discharge control device
Discharge execution value storage means for adding and storing prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device as a discharge execution value;
Each time the prize ball detection means detects a prize ball, a discharge execution value subtraction means for subtracting the prize ball number information corresponding to the detected prize ball number from the discharge execution value storage means, the backup power supply Supply means
In the event of a power failure, backup power can be supplied to the discharge execution value storage means so that the stored contents of the discharge execution value storage means can be retained.
The power failure detection means may be provided as a separate circuit (for example, a circuit in the power supply device) independent of the game control device or the discharge control device, but for example, a circuit in the game control device or the discharge control device. Or may be provided as a function of the processing means of the game control device or the discharge control device (that is, the processing means may also function as a power failure detection means).

As a preferred mode, for example, as described in claim 2, the power failure detection means outputs the power failure detection signal with a delay to the processing means of the discharge control device rather than the processing means of the game control device. The structure provided with the power failure process delay control means to perform may be sufficient.
As a preferred mode, for example, as in claim 3, the discharge control device outputs the power failure detection signal with a delay to the processing means of the discharge control device rather than the processing means of the game control device. The power failure processing delay control means may be configured.

In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the information on the number of undischarged prize balls is stored in the storage means (discharge execution value storage means) of the discharge control device, and is backed up even during a power failure. For this reason, even after a power failure recovery, the data on the number of unreleased prize balls can be confirmed by the stored value of this storage means, and it is possible to reliably discharge the prize balls for that undischarged (additional prize ball discharge after a power failure) It becomes.
Moreover, there is an advantage that the control content is simplified as compared with the configuration in which the processing means of each control device is stopped separately.

Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, while the data of the award ball number information is stored in the predetermined area (discharge execution value storage means) of the storage means of the discharge control device, the prize in which the data of the predetermined area is discharged. By subtracting only the ball discharge amount, the information on the number of unreleased prize balls is stored and held in the predetermined area.
For this reason, at the time of recovery from a power failure, it is possible to prevent paying out more prize balls than are known by the discharge control device, and it is possible to prevent an unnecessary discharge error from occurring in the discharge control device.
Further, in the case of the gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, the power failure detection signal from the power failure detection means is delayed and outputted to the processing means of the discharge control device rather than the processing means of the game control device. Power failure processing delay control means is provided. As a result, the power failure process in which the function of the discharge control device substantially stops is executed with a delay from the point of time when the power failure is detected, so the discharge operation based on the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device is an operation due to a power failure. Since the game is continued until the stop, the possibility that all the payout operations of the predetermined number of prize balls to the player are executed more completely is increased. For this reason, it becomes difficult to generate complete discharge shortage (those that cannot be discharged even after recovery from a power failure).
In this case, the monitoring of the prize ball discharge (management of prize ball number information in the storage means, etc.) by the discharge control device is continued until the operation is stopped due to a power failure. As a result, for example, a prize ball that is paid out immediately before the start of the power failure and passes through the prize ball detection area just before the stoppage of operation can be detected as much as possible and subtracted from the stored value of the storage means. It will be possible to leak as much as possible. For this reason, when the unrejected prize ball is discharged after a power failure recovery, the stored value of the storage means of the discharge control device includes the number of prize balls actually paid out, and extra prize balls are paid out. Failures that are issued are less likely to occur, and damage to the amusement store can be minimized.
In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a problem that the prize control number information transmitted from the game control device immediately before the operation stop due to a power failure cannot be received by the discharge control device due to a communication delay (that is, missed prize number information). The problem of complete shortage of emissions due to the disappearance of information on the number of award balls due to a malfunction is solved.
This is because if the processing means of the discharge control device starts the above-described power outage processing at the same time as detecting the power outage, a power failure occurs while the award ball number information is being transmitted from the game control device to the discharge control device. In such a case, the function of the processing means (the function of writing the received data of the number of winning balls information to the storage means, etc.) without being stored in the state where the winning ball number information is completely formed as data (uncompleted data remains) ) Will be stopped by the power failure process, and the prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls being transmitted will be completely exhausted. Further, when the processing means of the discharge control device executes the power failure process prior to the processing means of the game control device, for example, the game control device has transmitted the award ball number information being transmitted just before the power failure. However, it is not received by the discharge control device, and eventually the information on the number of prize balls disappears without being discharged in any of the control devices, so that the prize balls are completely exhausted. There was also a fear. Since there is of course a certain communication delay between the transmission of the signal from the game control device and the reception of the signal at the discharge control device, the above problem is caused by the processing means of the discharge control device. It may also occur when a power failure process is executed simultaneously with the processing means.
However, in the gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, the lost or damaged prize ball number information due to the power failure as described above is unlikely to occur, and the unreleased prize ball number information is more completely stored and retained even during the power failure. The award ball remaining undischarged due to the power failure can be discharged more reliably after the power failure is restored.

It is a front view which shows the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the power supply system of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part detail of the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a timing chart which shows execution time, such as a power failure process. It is a timing chart which shows execution time, such as a power failure process. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part detail (other example) of the control system of a pachinko machine.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 a denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front surface with a guide rail 2.
The game area 3 includes an image display device 4 (referred to as a special figure display device or the like) having a display screen 4a for variably displaying identification information (hereinafter referred to as a special figure in some cases) for each of a plurality of variable display areas. And a special variable winning device 5 having a large winning opening 5b that is opened and closed by the open / close door 5a, and a special figure starting opening (a winning opening serving as a starting condition for the variable display of the special figure) having a pair of left and right opening / closing members. An ordinary variable winning device 6 which is provided on the left side of the large winning opening 5b in this case, and a normal symbol display (ordinary symbol indicator) 7 which displays a normal symbol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a normal symbol) which will be described later, and a through chucker. A general-purpose start opening (a winning opening serving as a starting condition for normal display), a general winning opening 9 and 10, a hitting direction changing member 11 called a windmill, a side lamp 12, and an out hole 13 , Special variable prize winning device And both sides and the lamp 14 and decoration 15 provided on the lower side are provided in.
Further, four special figure start memory displays 16 are provided on the upper part of the image display device 4. Also, a general winning opening 17 is provided on the upper surface of both sides of the special variable winning apparatus 5, and a normal start memory display 18 is provided on the right side of the large winning opening 5b.

  A special figure start switch 51 is provided in the winning flow path in the normal variable winning device 6, and a general figure start switch 52 (shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter shown in FIG. 1) in the passing flow path in the normal symbol starting port 8. Are the same). Further, the attacker V switch 53 does not pass through the continuous winning channel (the channel passing through the so-called special winning port) and the general winning channel (does not pass through the special winning port) in the large winning port 5b of the special variable winning device 5. An attacker count switch 54 is provided in each of the flow paths. Also, each of the general winning ports 9, 10, 17 is provided with winning port switches 55-60.

Here, the image display device 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can display still images and moving images in color, and may be a CRT.
The common figure display 7 is, for example, a display made of a liquid crystal or LED or the like having a 7-segment display unit for displaying a single digit. In this case, the normal symbol (common figure) is a single digit number. It is. In addition, in FIG. 3 mentioned later, LED is illustrated as a display element which comprises this general map display 7, and this display element is called general map LED7a.
Further, the special figure start memory display 16 or the general figure start memory display 18 displays the number of the special figure or general figure start memories as will be described later.
In addition, the special figure start switch 51 detects one game ball that has won the normal variation winning device 6 one by one, and the normal figure start switch 52 detects one game ball that passes through the normal symbol start port 8 one by one, The attacker count switch 54 detects one game ball that has won a general prize among the game balls that have entered the big prize opening 5b of the special variable prize winning device 5, and the attacker V switch 53 has a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 5b. Among them, so-called continuous winning (V winning) game balls are detected one by one. The winning opening switches 55 to 60 are for detecting one game ball that has won a prize in each general winning opening.

The game area 3 of the game board 1a is provided with a number of obstacle nails such as a normal ceiling nail and an armored nail, but is not shown here because it becomes complicated. Similarly, although not shown, the game board 1a may be provided with other various decorative lamps, LEDs, and the like.
In the present invention, any game area on the game board may be used, and an arbitrary configuration may be taken. A gaming machine other than a pachinko machine may be used. In this example, an example applied to a pachinko machine belonging to the so-called “first type” will be described.

B. Next, the configuration of the discharge unit (ball discharge mechanism) of this embodiment will be described. Although not shown, this discharge unit is provided on the back side of the gaming machine.
The discharge unit includes a game ball channel (not shown) that is basically formed in the vertical direction so that the game ball flows down due to gravity, and a payout unit 15a (shown in FIG. 3) provided above the game ball channel. The same applies hereinafter) and a flow path switching unit 15b provided at the lower part of the game ball flow path. At the lower part of the flow path switching unit 15b, there is provided a discharge ball detection means for detecting a game ball to be discharged. As this discharge ball detection means, a ball rental detection for detecting a game ball discharged as a rental ball. A sensor 50b and a prize ball detection sensor 50a for detecting a game ball discharged as a prize ball are provided, among which a prize ball detection sensor 50a (more precisely, a first prize ball detection sensor and a second prize ball detection sensor). ) Corresponds to the prize ball detecting means of the present invention.
The game ball flow path is a game ball that is guided from a storage tank (not shown) on the upper back side of the gaming machine and passes through a bent connection unit (not shown) and flows down from the upper end side, and is formed in the flow path switching unit 15b. The bifurcation part (not shown) branches into two, one is a prize ball flow path (not shown) for passing a game ball discharged as a prize ball, and the other is discharged as a rental ball A ball rental channel (not shown) for passing game balls is provided. The branch portion is provided with a flow path switching valve (not shown) that can swing to a position where either the prize ball flow path or the rental ball flow path is closed with respect to the upstream side of the game ball flow path. When the path switching valve is driven by the flow path switching solenoid 35 and swings to one of the positions, the game balls discharged to the downstream side of the game ball flow path are It is configured to pass through either one of them.
Further, the discharge unit of this embodiment is a two-row type in which two rows of the game ball flow paths are provided, and components (flow path switching valve, discharge ball detection means, etc.) associated with the game ball flow path are also Two sets are provided correspondingly.

The payout unit 15a includes two sprockets (not shown) corresponding to two rows of game ball flow paths, a single ball discharge motor 42 (for example, a pulse motor) that collectively drives these, and the ball discharge motor. A gear mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the rotational output of 42 to the sprocket, and a stop member (not shown) for preventing inadvertent rotation of the sprocket due to gravity (ie, inadvertent discharge of the game ball). And a stopper solenoid 46 for driving the stop member.
The sprocket is arranged so that the outer peripheral portion is partially located in the game ball channel from an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the game ball channel, and between the teeth on the outer periphery (that is, the valleys). The game ball is sized so that one game ball fits into the part), and the game ball always passes through the sprocket with the rotation of the sprocket (ie, if the sprocket does not rotate). The game ball cannot pass through the opening.
The ball discharge motor 42 drives and controls the operation of rotating the sprocket by a predetermined amount (predetermined angle or predetermined rotation amount) to discharge a predetermined number of game balls downstream. The ball discharge motor 42 is controlled by the discharge control device 200.
The stop member is swingable so that the tip side on which the claw is formed moves forward and backward with respect to the gear of the gear mechanism. The base end of the stop member is biased by, for example, a tension spring (not shown), and the direction of the biasing force is set to press the claw against the outer periphery of the gear. Further, when the pawl of the stop member is pressed against the outer periphery of the gear, it engages with the teeth of the gear to prevent the rotation of the gear mechanism (that is, the rotation of each sprocket).
Further, the stopper solenoid 46 is disposed on the back side of the stop member, generates a force to attract the stop member (a force to retreat from the gear) when excited, and releases the stop member in a non-excited state. Is. The stopper solenoid 46 is also controlled by the discharge control device 200.

In the dispensing unit 15a configured as described above, when the stopper solenoid 46 is operated (excited) under the control of the discharge control device 200, the leading end side of the stop member swings in the backward direction due to the above-described attracting force. The state where the claw is engaged with the outer periphery of the gear is released, and the sprocket becomes rotatable. In this rotatable state, the ball discharge motor 42 is operated by the control of the discharge control device 200 and the sprocket rotates by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction, so that a corresponding number of game balls are sent downstream. , It will flow down the game ball channel due to gravity. Further, immediately after the predetermined amount of game balls are discharged, the rotation of the ball discharge motor 42 is stopped by the control of the discharge control device 200, and the stopper solenoid 46 is immediately inactivated (non-excited state). Returned. As a result, the front end side of the stop member is swung in the forward direction by the urging force, and the claw is engaged with the outer periphery of the gear, the rotation of the sprocket is blocked, and the amount of gravity exceeding the predetermined amount by the action of gravity. The malfunction that the game ball flows down is surely prevented. Even when the game ball is being discharged (that is, during the winning ball discharge or the rental ball discharge), the operation of the ball discharge motor 42 or the stopper solenoid 46 is stopped by the power failure process by the discharge control device 200. The flow of the game ball is immediately prevented by the action of the stop member described above.
Next, the ball rental detection sensor 50b is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a ball rental) that passes through the above-described ball rental channel, and the prize ball detection sensor 50a passes through the aforementioned prize ball channel. It is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a prize ball). The detection outputs of these sensors 50 a and 50 b are input to the discharge control device 200, and among these sensors, the detection output of the prize ball detection sensor 50 a is also input to the game control device 100. Further, one of these sensors 50a and 50b is provided for each game ball flow path corresponding to the fact that there are two game ball flow paths. In FIG. The sensor 50a is referred to as a first prize ball detection sensor, and the other prize ball detection sensor 50a is referred to as a second prize ball detection sensor.

C. Power Supply System FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. In FIG. 2, AC 24 V is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the outside, and the AC 24 V that is an external power source is indirectly distributed to the power supply device 150 via the terminal board 71. The power supply device 150 converts AC 24V into direct current, generates various DC voltages, and supplies them to each control device. Specifically, DC 32V for driving solenoid, DC 12V for driving lamps, sensor driving and backlight driving are generated as driving power sources, and DC 5V is used as a power source for control devices for operating each control device. Generate. Then, DC32V and DC5V are supplied to the launch control device 72 (not shown in FIG. 3), DC32V, DC12V and DC5V (including backup power supply) are supplied to the discharge control device 200, and DC32V, DC12V and DC5V (including backup power supply) are supplied to the game control device 100. DC12V and DC5V are supplied to the sound control device 133, DC32V, DC12V and DC5V are supplied to the decoration control device 132, and DC12V and DC5V are supplied to the display control device 131.

  Here, the launch control device 72 controls the launch device (not shown) according to the amount of rotation of the launch operation knob (not shown), and performs control to launch the game ball with the strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. It should be noted that a launch enable signal is input from the discharge control device 200 to the launch control device 72, and the launch enable signal indicates the launch operation of the launch device when any abnormality occurs on the discharge control device 200 side. It is a signal that enables a launch operation when the vehicle stops or the abnormality is resolved.

The discharge control device 200 controls to discharge a predetermined number of game balls (that is, prize balls) based on the game value discharge control information (information including the number of prize balls) transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 (details will be described later). To do).
Further, the discharge control device 200 performs control associated with ball lending while exchanging signals with the ball lending machine 80 (so-called CR sand unit). That is, a BRDY signal indicating completion of ball lending preparation from the ball lending machine 80 is received by the discharge control device 200 on the gaming machine 1 side, and a PRDY signal indicating completion of preparation on the gaming machine 1 side is received on the ball lending machine 80 side. As a result, ball lending control including the ball lending machine 80 becomes possible. In addition, the ball lending machine 80 transmits a BRQ signal requesting to lend a ball to the discharge control device 200, and based on the reception of the signal, the discharge control device 200 discharges the ball, and the ball discharge is completed. A series of ball lending control becomes possible by transmitting an EXS signal to the ball lending machine 80 side based on this.

The game control device 100 is a control device that performs overall control of the game, and in this case, also plays an important role in prize ball discharge control (details will be described later).
The display control device 131 controls the image display of the image display device 4 based on the display data (display control signal) transmitted from the game control device 100 and supplies power to the image display device 4. The decoration control device 132 controls the light emission of the side lamps and the like based on the decoration data (decoration control signal) transmitted from the game control device 100 and supplies power to the light emission decoration member. The sound control device 133 performs control related to the sound effect, such as generating a sound effect based on the sound data (sound control signal) transmitted from the game control device 100.

D. Next, the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control system. This control system is roughly composed of a game control device 100 and other peripheral devices such as a power supply device 150 and a discharge control device 200.
Here, the game control device 100 is a circuit including a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer in some cases), and is realized by, for example, an accessory control unit (not shown) attached to the back surface of the game board 1a. Further, the power supply device 150 is realized by a unit provided on the frame side of the gaming machine, for example. Further, the discharge control device 200 is realized by a discharge control unit (not shown) provided on the frame side of the gaming machine, for example.
In FIG. 3, the game control device 100 includes a game microcomputer 110 made up of a one-chip microcomputer for performing an accessory control necessary for a pachinko game and the like, and a clock generation circuit for dividing a crystal oscillation frequency to obtain a predetermined clock (CLK) 101 and an input / output interface 102 for inputting / outputting various signals. The gaming microcomputer 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113, and is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip.
Here, the CPU 111 of the gaming microcomputer 110 constitutes processing means of the game control device of the present invention. The RAM 113 corresponds to storage means for storing prize ball number information in the game control device of the present invention.

The winning ball number information is information that can determine the presence / absence and number of winnings, the type of winning opening, the winning ball number data itself (principal ball data), or the number of winning balls. Specifically, in this case, a predetermined memory area (hereinafter referred to as a payout request remaining counter) is secured in the RAM of the gaming microcomputer 110, and the award ball data that has been transmitted to the discharge control device 200 is not discharged. (Payout request value) are stored in this memory area as prize ball number information.
For example, when five prize balls are won and the prize ball data is transmitted as prize ball number information from the game control device 100 to the discharge control device 200, a prize corresponding to five prize balls is displayed in the payout request remaining counter. Sphere data is added. On the other hand, when the prize ball discharge is detected by the prize ball detection sensor 50a, the prize control data for the number of discharges is subtracted from the payout request remaining counter by the processing of the game control device 100.

The input / output interface 102 receives detection signals from the above-described special figure start switch 51, universal figure start switch 52, attacker V switch 53, attacker count switch 54, and prize opening switches 1 to N (55 to 60). . The switches 51 to 54 and the winning opening switches 1 to N correspond to so-called winning ball detecting means. However, even if a game ball wins (passes) the usual figure start opening, normal prize ball discharge is not executed (the usual figure start opening is usually only for starting the usual figure change). The usual start switch 52 does not correspond to a winning ball detecting means. In this embodiment, the normal start switch 52 is removed from the winning ball detection means.
In addition, the input / output interface 102 has a half-end ball for detecting whether or not there is a game ball for discharging a winning ball and renting a ball (whether or not there is a sufficient game ball upstream of the discharge unit). Detection switch 24, overflow switch 122 for detecting a full state (excessive storage of balls) of a tray (not shown) provided at the lower front of the gaming machine, detecting that the glass frame supporting the glass on the front of the gaming machine has been opened A detection signal from the glass frame release switch 123 is also input. Further, detection signals from the first and second prize ball detection sensors 50 a for detecting the number of prize balls discharged are also input via the relay board 250.
It should be noted that n winning port switches 1 to N (55 to 60) are arranged when there are n general winning ports on the game board.
The half-end ball detection switch 24 and the overflow switch 122 are discharge preparation state detection means for determining whether or not the discharge precondition is satisfied. The discharge precondition in this case is that the game ball is detected by the half-end ball detection switch 24, and that the full state of the tray is not detected by the overflow switch 122, and all these preconditions are satisfied. Otherwise, even if undischarged prize balls remain, prize balls are not discharged. In other words, in this embodiment, information indicating whether or not the emission precondition is satisfied is transmitted as a part of the gaming value emission control information, and if the emission control device 200 does not confirm that the emission precondition is satisfied, The device 200 is configured not to discharge the prize ball. If the fulfillment of the discharge precondition is not confirmed in the game control device 100, the award ball information transmission described above (transmission from the game control device 100 to the discharge control device 200) is not executed, and as a result The ball may not be discharged (in this case, the information on the discharge precondition is not required to be transmitted).

On the other hand, from the input / output interface 102, the above-mentioned display control device 131, the decoration control device 132, the sound control device 133, the above-mentioned normal display LED 7a of the general display display 7, and the above-mentioned ordinary fluctuation winning device 6 are driven. Signals are output to the solenoid 134, the attacker solenoid 135 that drives the opening / closing door of the special variation winning device 5, the game board external output terminal 136, and the test output unit 138. Further, the game value discharge control information signal is output from the input / output interface 102 to the discharge control device 200.
Here, the game board external output terminal 136 is an external information terminal provided on the game board side, from which various signals (for example, jackpot signals) are output to an external management device (not shown). is there. The management device manages gaming machines, island facilities, and the like throughout the hall. Various signals (for example, jackpot signals) are input from the game control device 100 via this terminal, and based on the various signals input. The necessary data for business is processed, and the processed data is displayed on the display or printed as necessary.
The test output unit 138 is a communication terminal capable of reading information stored in the game control device 100, and is used when checking the state of the game control device 100.

  Next, the discharge control device 200 controls the discharge of the prize ball by driving the above-mentioned discharge unit (ball discharge mechanism) based on the game value discharge control information input from the game control device 100 (details will be described later). Is to do. The discharge control device 200 in this case includes a microcomputer 210 including a CPU 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 204 that obtains a predetermined clock, and an input / output interface 205. Each element is connected by an address bus, a data bus, a power supply line, or the like. The CPU 211 performs processing necessary for game ball discharge (including prize ball discharge and rental ball discharge), and the ROM 212 stores a program and the like necessary for discharge control.

The input / output interface 205 of the discharge control device 200 is supplied with signals from the prize ball detection sensor 50a and the ball rental detection sensor 50b.
In addition, a control signal is output from the input / output interface 205 to the above-described ball discharge motor 42, stopper solenoid 46, and flow path switching solenoid 35.
The discharge control device 200 and the ball lending machine (CR sand unit) 80 are capable of bidirectional communication via the input / output interface 205, and exchange signals as described above.

Next, the power supply device 150 includes a DC32V generation circuit 150a (same as those shown in FIG. 4 and those not shown in FIG. 3), a DC5V generation circuit 151, a DC5VBB generation circuit (backup power supply means) 151a, a DC12V generation circuit 151b, and a power failure detection. The circuit 152 includes a reset detection circuit 152a.
The DC32V generation circuit 150a is supplied with AC24V from the terminal board 71 described above, and the DC32V generation circuit 150a converts this AC24V into DC32V.
The DC12V generation circuit 151b is supplied with the DC32V, and the DC12V generation circuit 151b converts the DC32V into DC12V.
The DC5V generation circuit 151 is supplied with the DC32V, and the DC5V generation circuit 151 converts the DC32V into DC5V. The electric power converted by the DC12V generation circuit 151b and the DC5V generation circuit 151 is supplied as a power source necessary for the operation of each element such as the microcomputers 110 and 210.

On the other hand, the DC5VBB generation circuit 151a is a circuit that supplies backup power to the RAMs 113 and 213 in the event of a power failure. In this case, the DC5VBB generation circuit 151a includes a backflow prevention diode 153 and a capacitor (super capacitor) 156.
That is, DC5V is supplied from the DC5V generation circuit 151 to the RAMs 113 and 213 through the diode 153 functioning as an irreversible means and through the wirings 154a and 154b and 155a and 155b. The DC5V from the DC5V generation circuit 151 is also supplied to the capacitor 156. The capacitor 156 is connected to the RAMs 113 and 213 via wirings 154a and 154b and 155a and 155b.
A male / female type connector (not shown) is provided in the middle of the wires 154a, 154b and 155a, 155b, and these wires are connected to the power supply device 150 side and the game control device 100 side or the discharge control device 200 side by the connector. And can be separated.
Here, the capacitor 156 corresponds to the power supply unit of the backup power supply means of the present invention, and is charged via the diode 153 during normal operation (non-power failure), and backs up the RAMs 113 and 213 during a power failure. In other words, the capacitor 156 supplies backup power to the RAMs 113 and 213 in order to hold the storage contents of the RAMs 113 and 213 (particularly, the memory area for prize ball data).
Although not shown, the wiring 154a, the wiring 155a, and the like for supplying backup power from the capacitor 156 to the RAMs 113 and 213 are provided with, for example, an LC filter to prevent problems due to noise, voltage fluctuation, and the like. It may be configured.

The power failure detection circuit 152 corresponds to the power failure detection means of the present invention, and detects in advance that the power supply to the DC5V generation circuit is cut off (ie, power failure) (for example, when the DC32V drops to 22V) This is a circuit that outputs a power failure detection signal to the CPUs 111 and 211 of the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200. In this case, specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the start of a power failure is detected, the output voltage becomes L level.
Further, the reset detection circuit 152a corresponds to the stopping means of the present invention, detects a voltage drop to be reset (for example, reset detection when DC32V is reduced to 11V), and resets the CPU or the like of each control device. In this case, specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the voltage drop is detected, the output voltage becomes L level.
Note that the reset signal is generally a signal for returning the CPU or the like to the initial state, but the CPU or the like substantially stops its operation while the reset signal is being input. When this reset signal is released, each CPU and the like are restarted.
Also, as shown in FIG. 5, at the time of a power failure, the reset signal is always output after the power failure detection signal (delayed by a delay time T1 or T2 and becomes L level). However, in this case, the reset signal is simultaneously input to the processing means of each control device at the same time as the reset detection, and the timing at which the processing means of each control device is stopped by the reset signal is simultaneous (that is, T1). And T2 are set equal).
In addition, the CPUs 111 and 211 of the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200 that have received the power failure detection signal turn off at least the output signal and prohibit the access to the RAMs 113 and 213, and processes substantially related to the prize ball discharge. Also, a power failure process for forcibly stopping is executed (details will be described later).
With such a configuration, the function of each CPU 111, 211 is stopped at a voltage at which each CPU 111, 211 can operate normally in the event of a power failure (before the power is completely shut down), and each CPU is disabled due to a power failure. It is possible to reliably prevent indefinite values from being written to the RAMs 113 and 213 with high reliability, and to obtain the advantages that the contents (for example, prize ball data) stored in each RAM can be reliably held.

  And in the discharge control apparatus 200, the delay circuit 201 which comprises the power failure process delay control means (delay element) of this invention is provided, and, thereby, the process means (CPU 211) of the discharge control apparatus 200 is the said. The power failure processing is configured to be executed at the start timing delayed from the time when the power failure detection circuit 152 detects the start of the power failure, before the reset detection due to the power failure. In this case, the delay circuit 201 delays the power failure detection signal output when the power failure detection circuit 152 detects the start of the power failure by delaying the CPU 211 of the discharge control device 200 by a delay time T3 (shown in FIG. 5). This is a delay element in the discharge control device 200 for transmission. Note that the delay time T3 is set, for example, to be equal to or longer than the time at which the game control device 100 can perform at least a power failure process, which will be described later, and the discharge control device 200 can complete receiving the prize ball number information transmitted immediately before this power failure process. The maximum time is a time during which a power failure process can be performed in the discharge control device 200 before the reset signal is output.

  In this case, each control device including the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200 delays only the rising edge of the reset signal (reset release signal) to the CPU or the like as shown in FIGS. Reset pulse width generation circuits 103, 203, 131a, 132a, 133a, and 72a for transmission are provided, and the activation timing of each CPU or the like can be arbitrarily set by setting the characteristics of these reset pulse width generation circuits. It should be noted that the setting of the activation timing of each control device is basically preferably to start up the lower-side board earlier and start up the upper-side board later in order to avoid missing the transmitted signal as much as possible. . For example, the sub-board (display control device 131, decoration control device 132, sound control device 133) is first activated, then the firing control device 72 is activated, then the discharge control device 200 is activated, and finally the game control device 100 is activated. Start up. Alternatively, after each control device other than the game control device 100 is activated simultaneously with the reset release detection, the game control device 100 may be activated with a delay (in this case, a reset pulse other than the reset pulse width generation circuit 103). No width generation circuit is required).

E. Operation of Control System Next, an example of control processing of the pachinko machine performed by the above-described control system will be described. Only the process related to winning ball discharge (subroutine and interrupt process), which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described, and the other processes (including the main routine) will be omitted.
(A) Prize ball data transmission control in game control device First, a process of prize ball data transmission control (a process of sending prize ball number information) by the game control device 100 (microcomputer 110) will be described. This process is repeatedly performed one sequence at a reference time (for example, 4 ms) generated by the oscillator 101 in FIG. 3 as a subroutine in the main control process (main routine) of the game control apparatus 100, for example.

When the process is started, in step S1, the output of the winning ball detecting means (such as the above-described winning opening switches 1 to N) is read to determine whether or not any winning is detected. If a winning is detected, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is not detected, the processing of one sequence is terminated (for example, the process returns to the main routine).
In step S2, the number of winning balls corresponding to the detected winning is determined, and then in step S3, the determined number of winning balls (for example, the payout request remaining counter) (for example, the payout request remaining counter) is determined in a predetermined memory area. A value (award ball number information) corresponding to 5, 10, or 15 is added as a payout request value.
Next, in step S4, a command including the number of prize balls (prize ball number information) determined in step S2 is transmitted to the discharge control device 200. This command is a part of the game value discharge control information described above. The gaming value emission control information described above may also include the above-mentioned emission precondition information. In this case, the command is transmitted separately from the emission precondition information. However, the command may be transmitted as information including discharge preconditions. After this step S4, one sequence is completed.
According to the above processing, each time a winning is detected, prize ball number information (in this case, the command) is determined and transmitted to the discharge control device 200, and the prize ball number information is stored in the storage means. The accumulated value is accumulated as a stored value (in this case, a payout request value) in a predetermined area (payout request remaining counter) of a certain RAM 113.

(B) Prize ball payout monitoring control in the game control device Next, a process of prize ball payout monitoring control by the game control device 100 will be described. This process is also repeatedly performed, for example, one sequence at each reference time as a subroutine in the main control process of the game control apparatus 100.
When the process is started, it is determined in step S11 whether or not there is a remaining number in the payout request remaining counter (that is, whether or not the value is equal to or more than one prize ball), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process proceeds to step S16.
Next, in step S12, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not, the process proceeds to step S17.
In step S13, the data (payout request value) of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (usually detected for one), and the processing of one sequence is completed. In the present embodiment, if the data of the payout request remaining counter is zero, the data of the payout request remaining counter is present even if the processing proceeds to step S13 and there are award balls to be subtracted. Is not set as a negative value accordingly (ie, in this case, it remains zero). However, as a modified example, there may be a mode in which the excess discharge amount can be stored as a negative value, and that amount is subtracted from the subsequent winning portion and adjusted.

On the other hand, in step S17, a prize ball is not detected even though the payout request remaining counter has a value (the prize ball is not ejected even though the prize ball needs to be ejected), so an abnormality determination is performed. In the abnormality determination, for example, an abnormality is determined when a time when no prize ball is detected exceeds a set value even though the payout request remaining counter has a value. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S18, where some signal output or display for notifying the abnormality is performed. For example, a signal indicating this abnormality is output to the management device via the game board external output terminal 136 described above. On the other hand, if it is not determined to be abnormal, the processing of one sequence is terminated. Further, after step S18, the processing of one sequence is finished.
In step S16, abnormality determination is performed based on the presence or absence of prize ball detection. The reason why the process proceeds to step S16 is that the remaining number of the payout request remaining counter is not present, so that it is presumed that the winning ball discharge has been normally completed. However, in the case where Mangaichi winning ball detection has been performed in spite of such a state, it is determined that abnormal or illegal winning ball discharge is being executed, and thus it is determined. Specifically, for example, each time the process proceeds to step S16, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. Data of the number of prize balls detected in a specific area (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality determination counter) is cumulatively added. When the value of the abnormality determination counter after the cumulative addition is confirmed each time and becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 16 prize balls), abnormal or illegal prize ball discharge (excess prize ball discharge) Is executed, the process proceeds to step S20. If no winning ball is detected, or if the value of the abnormality determination counter has not reached the predetermined value even if a winning ball is detected, the processing of one sequence is terminated as a normal range. Note that the value of the abnormality determination counter is initialized and returned to zero when the determination in step S11 becomes affirmative, for example.
In step S20, for example, a command is output to the decoration control device 132, and a specific warning lamp or the like on the front side of the gaming machine for notifying that an excessive prize ball discharge error has occurred, for example, the gaming machine is turned on again. Is set to continue to be lit or blinking until one sequence is completed.

According to the above processing, every time a winning ball is detected, the winning ball number information corresponding to the winning ball is subtracted from the stored value (payout request value) of the payout request remaining counter.
Further, if a prize ball is not detected even though there is a payout request value, an abnormality is determined, and in some cases, an output for notifying abnormality is executed (steps S17 and S18).
Further, even when a prize ball is detected even though there is no remaining number in the payout request remaining counter counter, an abnormality notification is output in some cases (steps S16 and S20).
Then, in the process in which the winning ball detection is normally executed and the data of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted (the state where there is the remaining number of payout request remaining counters), the processing of one sequence is completed through step S13, and abnormal No output is made (ie, processing continues as normal). In addition, even when there is no remaining number in the payout request remaining counter and no winning ball is detected, the determination in step S16 is negative and no abnormal output is made (that is, the process is continued as normal).
Note that the processes in steps S17 and S18 and steps S16 and S20 described above are processes for monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge more carefully, and are not necessarily provided. These monitoring processes may be performed on the discharge control device 200 side or may be performed by the management device. In addition, such monitoring (for example, confirmation that prize balls are detected even though there are no remaining counters) is executed by an administrator who can see these data by displaying the monitor on the management device, for example. May be.

(C) Data reception processing of discharge control device Next, data reception processing (interrupt processing) performed by the discharge control device 200 (microcomputer 210) will be described. This process is an interrupt process that is executed based on an interrupt signal that is generated when the command of the game value discharge control information transmitted in the process of step S4 of the game control device 100 is input.
When the process is started (that is, when the command is input), in step S21, a process of receiving this command is first performed.
Next, in step S22, prize ball number information included in the received command is added as a discharge execution value to a predetermined memory area in the RAM 213 (hereinafter referred to as a payout execution remaining counter).
According to the above process, every time prize ball number information is received, the received prize ball number information is cumulatively added to the payout execution remaining counter.

(D) Prize Ball Discharge Control of Discharge Control Device Next, prize ball payout control of the discharge control device 200 will be described. This process is repeatedly performed, for example, one sequence at each reference time as a subroutine in the main control process of the discharge control apparatus 200.
When the process is started, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the operation of the motor 42 and the stopper solenoid 46 of the dispensing unit 15a has been completed (that is, whether or not it is in a stopped state). If it is stopped, the process proceeds to step S32. If it is in operation, the process proceeds to step S38. Here, the stopped state means a state in which the rotation of the motor 42 is stopped and the stopper solenoid 46 is not excited (that is, a state where the prize ball discharge is stopped).
Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not there is no remaining number of specific memory areas (hereinafter referred to as target value counters) provided in the RAM 213 (that is, whether or not the value is less than one prize ball). If not, the process proceeds to step S33, and if present, the process proceeds to step S41.
In step S41, a signal for notifying abnormality is output. The process proceeds to step S41 because there is an abnormal state in which there is a remaining number in the target value counter in which the target value for winning ball discharge is set even though the payout unit 15a has stopped discharging the winning ball. Such processing is performed. Note that this process is a process for monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge more carefully, and is not necessarily provided.
After this step S41, the processing of one sequence is finished.

On the other hand, in step S33, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining number in the payout execution remaining counter. If there is not, the process of one sequence is terminated, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S34.
Next, in step S34, the information of the discharge preconditions in the game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device 100 is read, and whether or not the discharge preconditions are satisfied (awarding of prize balls is permitted). If it is not permitted, the process of one sequence is terminated. If permitted, the process proceeds to step S35.
Next, in step S35, a payout target value that is the target number of winning balls for discharging the winning balls is determined, and this value is set in the target value counter. The payout target value is determined as follows, for example. That is, when the value of the remaining number (discharge execution value) of the payout execution remaining counter exceeds the maximum discharge ball number (for example, 15) of the discharge unit 15, this maximum discharge ball number value is set. If the number is less than the maximum number of discharged balls, the remaining number is taken as the value. That is, the value is set as large as possible within the range of the maximum number of discharged balls. This is because the largest number of prize balls can be discharged by one prize ball discharge, which can contribute to the speeding up of the prize ball discharge.
Here, the maximum number of discharged balls of the discharge unit 15 is the minimum number of game balls that are estimated to be held in the above-described guiding path when the half-end ball detection switch 24 outputs a detection signal. It is a value determined from

Next, in step S36, the flow path switching valve solenoid 35 of the discharge unit 15 (flow path switching unit 15b) is actuated as necessary to set the game ball to pass through the aforementioned award ball flow path. .
Next, in step S37, the award for the payout target value set in the target value counter in a state where the stopper solenoid 46 of the discharge unit 15 (payout unit 15a) is operated to release the engagement state of the stop member described above. Control for operating the ball discharge motor 42 by the rotation angle or rotation amount corresponding to the number of balls is started.
Next, in step S38, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step S39, and if not, the process of one sequence is terminated.
In step S39 and subsequent step S40, the data of the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter are subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (usually detected for one).
After step S40, one sequence of processing is terminated.
In this embodiment, when the data of the payout execution remaining counter is zero, even if there is a number of prize balls to be subtracted by proceeding to step S39, the data of the payout execution remaining counter Is not set as a negative value accordingly (ie, in this case, it remains zero). However, as a modified example, there may be a mode in which the excess discharge amount can be stored as a negative value, and that amount is subtracted from the subsequent winning portion and adjusted.

According to the above processing, when there is no remaining number in the target value counter (the discharge unit 15 is in a stopped state) and a remaining number is generated in the payout execution remaining counter (when there is prize ball number information), the discharge precondition is Assuming that it is established, a predetermined payout target value is set in the target value counter, and a single prize ball discharge operation of the discharge unit 15 for discharging the prize balls corresponding to the payout target value is started. (Steps S31 to S37). During the operation of the discharge unit 15 (during the prize ball discharge operation), the determination of step S31 is always negative, and the process of step S38 is repeated, and each time a prize ball is detected, step S39, In S40, the value corresponding to the number of prize balls is sequentially subtracted from the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter. Next, when the discharge unit 15 is stopped, step S32 and subsequent steps are executed again, and the above operation is repeated each time a remaining number is generated in the payout execution remaining counter (as long as the remaining number exists).
In addition, if the discharge unit 15 has stopped the prize ball discharge and there is a remaining number in the target value counter, the abnormality notification is performed as described above (step S41).

(E) Game Control Device Power Failure Processing Next, an example of the power failure processing that the game control device 100 (CPU 110) executes based on the power failure detection signal of the power failure detection circuit 152 described above will be described.
When a power failure detection signal from the power failure detection circuit 152 is input, the game control device 100 (CPU 110) treats this as a forced interrupt signal (so-called NMI interrupt signal), for example, and outputs another interrupt ( The input of sensors, switches, etc.) is invalidated, and the processing (including award ball number information transmission processing) being executed at that time is interrupted, and at least the following processing is preferentially performed.
First, all outputs are turned off, and then the stack pointer, the interrupt address, or the data of each register are all stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 that is backed up. In this case, if necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the payout request remaining counter is naturally stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 that is backed up. Finally, after prohibiting access to the RAM 113, it waits in a reset signal input waiting state.

(F) Power outage process of discharge control device Next, an example of the power outage process executed by the discharge control device 200 (CPU 210) based on the power outage detection signal of the power outage detection circuit 152 described above will be described.
When a power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 152 via the delay circuit 201, the discharge control device 200 (CPU 210) treats this as, for example, a forced interrupt signal (a so-called NMI interrupt signal). , Invalidate other interrupts (input of sensors, switches, etc.) and interrupt the current processing (including the data reception processing of prize ball number information) at that time, and give priority to at least the following processing Do.
First, all the outputs are turned off, and if necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the payout execution remaining counter described above is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 213 being backed up. Finally, after prohibiting access to the RAM 213, the process waits in a reset signal input waiting state.

F. Next, the operation at the time of a power failure of the pachinko machine of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.
In this case, when there is a power failure and the output of the DC32V generation circuit 150a in the power supply device 150 first decreases from 32V to, for example, 22V, the power failure detection circuit 152 of the power supply device 150 outputs a power failure detection signal as shown in FIG. Output (the output becomes L level). At the same time, this power failure detection signal is input to the CPU 111 of the game control device 100, thereby executing the power failure processing of the game control device 100 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the power failure detection signal is delayed by time T3 by the operation of the delay circuit 201 and input to the CPU 211 of the discharge control device 200. Power failure processing is executed. That is, the power failure process of the discharge control device 200 is started after the power failure process of the game control device 100 is executed.
When the power failure process is executed in each of the control devices 100 and 200, as described above, other processes are interrupted, and sensor inputs and communication interruptions are ignored, as shown in FIG. In addition, the input monitoring of the prize ball detection sensor 50a in each control device (that is, monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge by managing the prize ball number information) is interrupted, and further communication processing (transmission / reception process) of game value emission control information ) Is also interrupted, but this interrupt is always made first on the game control device 100 side.
Next, when the output of the DC32V generation circuit 150a in the power supply device 150 decreases from 32V to, for example, 11V, the reset detection circuit 152a of the power supply device 150 outputs a reset detection signal as shown in FIG. Level). At the same time, this reset detection signal is input to the CPUs of all the control devices 100, 200, 131, 132, 133, and 72, so that the CPUs of all the control devices reliably stop operating before the power is turned off. .
After the power failure, the data in the RAMs 113 and 213 (including the values of the above-mentioned payout request remaining counter and payout execution remaining counter) are backed up and stored by the above-described DC5VBB generation circuit 151a (backup power supply means). As described above.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment described above has the following effects.
(1) In this embodiment, the data of the number of undischarged prize balls is stored in the storage means (RAM 113, 213) of both the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200, and is backed up even during a power failure. In other words, data on the number of prize balls is stored in the payout request remaining counter of the game control device 100 and the payout execution remaining counter of the discharge control device 200.
For this reason, even after the power failure is restored, the data on the number of unreleased prize balls can be confirmed by the stored values of these storage means, and it is possible to reliably discharge the prize balls for the undischarged amount (supplementary prize ball discharge after the power failure). Become.
(2) In addition, in the present embodiment, the power failure process in which the function of the discharge control device 200 is substantially stopped is executed with a delay of T3 from the time of detection of the power failure, so that the prize ball transmitted from the game control device 100 The discharge operation based on the number information (in this case, the data of the number of prize balls itself) will be continued until just before the stoppage due to a power failure, and all the payout operations of a predetermined number of prize balls to the player are more complete. The possibility of being executed is increased. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the above-mentioned complete exhaustion shortage (those that cannot be discharged even after recovery from a power failure) to occur.

(3) In this case, the prize ball discharge monitoring by the discharge control device 200 (in this case, management of the prize ball number data of the above-mentioned payout execution remaining counter, etc.) is also continued until just before the operation is stopped due to a power failure. become. As a result, for example, a prize ball that is paid out immediately before the start of a power failure and passes through the detection area of the prize ball detection sensor 50a just before the operation stops is detected as much as possible and subtracted from the stored value of the payout execution remaining counter. To be able to do as much as possible. For this reason, when the unpaid prize ball is discharged after a power failure recovery, the stored value of the payout execution remaining counter includes the number of prize balls actually paid out, and extra prize balls are paid out. This will make it difficult for the malfunction to occur and minimize damage to the amusement store.
(4) Further, in this embodiment, the power failure process in which the function of the discharge control device 200 substantially stops is executed with a delay from the execution time point of the power failure process in which the function of the game control device 100 substantially stops. (In this case, the power failure process of the game control device 100 is executed simultaneously with the power failure detection). For this reason, it is possible to surely prevent the trouble that the prize control number information transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 immediately before the operation stop due to the power failure cannot be received by the discharge control apparatus 200 due to the communication delay (that is, missed prize number information). The above-mentioned problem of insufficient discharge due to the disappearance of the information on the number of prize balls due to such a problem is solved.
(5) In this embodiment, the means for delaying the power failure process of the discharge control device 200 is realized by a delay circuit provided in the discharge control device 200. Therefore, it is possible to easily delay the power failure processing execution time of the discharge control device 200 with a simple circuit configuration without affecting the power failure processing time of other control devices. For this reason, it is also possible to easily delay the execution time of the power failure processing of another control device (for example, a game control device) (similar delay circuit may be added to the other control device).

(6) The present embodiment also includes prize ball detection means (prize ball detection sensor 50a) that detects the prize ball that has been ejected and outputs the detection signal to the game control apparatus 100 and the ejection control apparatus 200, thereby providing game control. As described above, each of the apparatus 100 and the discharge control apparatus 200 cumulatively adds the prize ball number information data to predetermined areas (payout request remaining counter and payout execution remaining counter) of the respective storage means (RAMs 113 and 213). On the other hand, when the detection signal of the prize ball detecting means is received, the data of the predetermined area is subtracted by the amount of the prize ball discharged based on the detection signal, so that the information on the number of unreleased prize balls is obtained in the predetermined area. In this case, the same data is stored and held. In the event of a power failure, due to the delay in the execution timing of the power failure process described above, the above-mentioned prize ball number information addition process and subtraction process are also executed by the discharge control apparatus 200 to the last minute of power-off rather than the game control apparatus 100. Will do.
For this reason, the data on the number of unpaid prize balls is the same value in the storage means (RAM 113) of the game control apparatus 100 and the storage means (RAM 213) of the discharge control apparatus 200, or is stored in the game control apparatus 100. The means (RAM 113) is larger. This is because the addition of the award ball number information to the storage means (RAM 213) of the discharge control device 200 based on the transmission of the award ball number information from the game control device 100 to the discharge control device 200 is reliably performed without being missed as described above. However, the subtraction of the prize ball number information from the storage means (RAM 113) of the game control apparatus 100 based on the input of the detection signal of the prize ball detection means to the game control apparatus 100 may cause oversight, and in that case This is because the amount of missing is surely larger than the discharge control device 200 side.
For this reason, at the time of recovery from a power failure, it is possible to prevent paying out more prize balls than the game control apparatus 100 grasps, and by the above-described prize ball payout monitoring control (step S16) of the game control apparatus 100, It is possible to prevent the discharge error processing (step S20) from being executed unnecessarily.

(7) Further, in this embodiment, a stop signal (reset) for stopping the operation at the time of power failure is given to the processing means of each control device including the processing means (CPUs 111 and 211) of the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200. (Stop detection circuit 152a) for outputting a signal), and this stop signal is simultaneously input to all the processing means at the same timing after the power failure process is executed.
For this reason, compared with the structure which stops the processing means of each control apparatus separately, there exists an advantage by which the control content is simplified.

In addition, this invention is not restricted to the aspect of the said example, There can be various deformation | transformation and application.
For example, in the above embodiment, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is also input to the game control device, and the stored value of the prize ball number information of the game control device (data of the aforementioned payout request remaining counter) is determined according to the prize ball detection. The subtraction of the prize ball number information in this game control device is, for example, a mode of subtracting only the transmission amount at the time of transmission (or after transmission) of the prize ball number information to the discharge control device (discharge) There may be a mode in which the information on the number of unsold prize balls is accurately managed only on the control device side (in this case, it is not necessary to input the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a to the game control device). Conversely, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is input only to the game control device, and the discharge control device subtracts the information on the number of prize balls each time the prize ball discharge operation is executed (only on the game control device side). There may be a mode in which the information on the number of unsold prize balls is accurately managed.
Further, in the above embodiment, the power failure processing delay control means is constituted by a delay element in the discharge control device, but as shown in FIG. 7, a delay circuit (in the power failure detection circuit 152b of the power supply device 150) ( (Delay element). If it does in this way, there exists an advantage which can set the power failure process execution time of each control apparatus collectively with the structure of a power failure detection circuit.
Further, the power failure processing delay control means is not necessarily limited to a delay circuit as a hardware configuration, and may be configured by processing (software) in the CPU 211, for example.
Moreover, in the said example, although only the power failure process execution time of the discharge control apparatus 200 was delayed with respect to the power failure detection time, for example, the power failure processing execution time of the game control device 100 may be delayed from the power failure detection time. . However, the discharge control device 200 should be set to be delayed more.
In the power failure process described above, the input of all sensors is not invalidated (only the prize ball detection sensor 50a is validated), and a step for reading the prize ball detection sensor 50a is provided, and discharge is also performed during the power failure process. It is good also as a structure which grasps | ascertains the prize ball used. In this way, it is possible to further reduce the possibility and amount of the prize balls that have been discharged.
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
50a Prize ball detection sensor (prize ball detection means)
100 game control device 111 CPU (processing means)
113 RAM (storage means)
151a DC5VBB generation circuit (backup power supply means)
152 Power failure detection circuit (power failure detection means)
152a Reset detection circuit (stop means)
156 capacitor (backup power supply)
200 Ejection control device 201 Delay circuit (delay element, power failure processing delay control means)
211 CPU (processing means)
213 RAM (storage means)

Claims (3)

A game control device for managing and controlling the progress of a game in connection with the winning of a game ball to a winning opening of a game board, determining information on the number of prize balls to be discharged and sending the prize ball number information When,
In a gaming machine comprising: a discharge control device that operates at least a prize ball discharge by operating a ball discharge mechanism that discharges a game ball based on prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device,
A prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged based on the prize ball number information;
When the power supply voltage detects that the processing means of the game control device and the discharge control device has decreased to a first value at which power failure processing should be performed, the processing voltage of the game control device and the discharge control device is A power failure detection means for outputting a power failure detection signal for commanding execution of the power failure processing;
When the power supply voltage decreases to the second value, a stop signal for stopping the operation of the game control device and the discharge control device is sent to the game control device and the timing after the power failure processing is executed. Stop means for outputting simultaneously to the processing means of the discharge control device;
Backup power supply means capable of supplying backup power in the event of a power failure,
The discharge control device
Discharge execution value storage means for adding and storing prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device as a discharge execution value;
Each time the prize ball detection means detects a prize ball, a discharge execution value subtraction means that subtracts prize ball number information corresponding to the detected prize ball number from the discharge execution value storage means, the backup power supply Supply means
A gaming machine characterized in that backup power can be supplied to the discharge execution value storage means so that the stored contents of the discharge execution value storage means can be retained at the time of a power failure. The power failure detection means is
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a power failure processing delay control unit that outputs the power failure detection signal with a delay from the processing unit of the game control device to the processing unit of the discharge control device. . The discharge control device
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a power failure processing delay control unit that outputs the power failure detection signal with a delay from the processing unit of the game control device to the processing unit of the discharge control device. .

Images