JP2001162003A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discriminate a normal backup data from a data in initial power source input (initialized data) even with collation information of '0' and thus quickly start up a game machine in the recovery from service interruption. SOLUTION: The collation information corresponding to the game value information stored in a memory means is generated in an interruption of power supply, and the collation information is corrected and stored in the memory means. The collation information corresponding to the game value information stored in the memory means is generated in the power supply input (S24) and corrected (S25), and the resulting collation is compared with the collation information stored in the memory means (S26) to judge the propriety of the game value information stored in the memory means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game in which a game control device and a discharge control device are separately provided, and the discharge control device supplies a game value to a player based on game value information transmitted from the game control device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine), and more particularly, to a gaming machine having an emission control device configured to back up a game value information transmitted from a game control device when a power failure occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional pachinko gaming machine has a separate structure (a board is separately formed) based on game value information transmitted from a game control device for controlling the progress of a game on a game board. This means that the discharged control device controls the driving of the discharge device (for example, the discharge unit), thereby supplying the player with a game value (for example, a game ball as a prize ball discharge). That is, in order to supply a game value to the player, on condition that the game ball is fired in a game area formed on the game board surface, and that the fired ball wins various winning holes provided in the game area. Game value information (from 1 to 15, for example, 7
Prize ball data such as individual prize balls and 13 prize balls)
The discharge control device supplies a predetermined number of game balls as a game value to the player. More specifically, a sensor is provided for each winning opening provided on the game board surface, and based on the fact that the game ball has won the sensors, the game value information is sequentially transmitted to the discharge control device, and the winning game ball is displayed. While discharging to the outside of the gaming machine, the discharge control device sequentially stores the transmitted game value information, and based on the stored game value information, drives the discharge unit by the discharge control device to generate a prize ball. Discharging. Hereinafter, this pachinko gaming machine is referred to as a “pass-through pachinko gaming machine” for convenience. By the way, the passing type means a type in which a winning ball is passed.

[0003] Here, the above-mentioned pass-type pachinko gaming machine retains the game value information by battery backup even after the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like (hereinafter, the held game value information is referred to as "backup data" for convenience). Will decide)
Although the battery backup time is limited, the quality of the backup data is determined at the time of restoration from power failure, and the game is restarted using the backup data only when the backup data is determined to be normal. I'm trying to do it.

[0004] Whether the backup data is good or bad is determined by
A checksum of the game value information (a sum of data or a value obtained by adding the number of "1" in the bit string of the game value information) is obtained, and this checksum is used as verification information of the game value information, and the verification information is used as the verification information. The battery is backed up together with the game value information, and when the power is restored, the matching information (checksum) of the game value information is obtained again, and the matching information is compared with the battery-backed matching information. According to this, when the comparison results match, it can be determined that the game value information has not changed (loss of the game value information or garbled bit) during the power failure, and the game value information after the power failure restoration is determined using the game value information. While the game control can be performed, if it does not match, it can be determined that the game value information has changed during the power outage, and the game value information can be cleared and the game control can be performed in a new state.

[0005]

However, according to the above-mentioned method of determining the quality of backup data, if the collation information to be recalculated at the time of restoration from a power failure is "0", whether the backup data is normal backup data is lost. (For example,
Loss of game value information due to interruption of backup power supply) It is indistinguishable whether the data is backup data, and normal initialization must be performed for safety. Nevertheless, as a result of performing the time-consuming initialization processing, there is a problem that the start-up of the gaming machine at the time of restoration from power failure is delayed.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to distinguish between normal backup data and backup data from which information has been lost even when the collation information is "0". Thus, the purpose of the present invention is to speed up the start-up of the gaming machine at the time of restoration from power failure.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A game control device that controls the progress of the game on the game board surface and transmits game value information for supplying a game value generated in the game to the player, and a game based on the game value information transmitted from the game control device. And a discharge control device for supplying a game value to a player,
The game control device and the discharge control device are configured such that power for use in these devices is supplied from a power supply device, and the power supply device includes a backup power supply unit and a power cutoff detection unit that detects power cutoff of the power supply device. Including and
The discharge control device sequentially stores the game value information transmitted from the game control device, receives a backup power supply from the backup power supply unit, and stores the stored content, and at least the power cutoff First collation information generating means for generating collation information corresponding to the game value information stored in the storage means when the power-off is detected by the detection means, and collation generated by the first collation information generation means First to correct information
Verification information correction means, verification information storage processing means for storing the verification information corrected by the first verification information correction means in a predetermined area of the storage means, and stored in the storage means when power is turned on. Second matching information generating means for generating matching information corresponding to the game value information present, second matching information correcting means for correcting the matching information generated by the second matching information generating means, and correcting the second matching information. Game value information validity determination means for comparing the verification information corrected by the means with the verification information stored in a predetermined area of the storage means to determine the validity of the game value information stored in the storage means And characterized in that: The invention according to claim 2 controls the progress of the game on the game board surface and transmits a game value information for supplying a game value generated in the game to the player, and a game control device transmitting the game value information. And a discharge control device that supplies a game value to a player based on the game value information, wherein the game control device and the discharge control device supply power to be used in these devices. The discharge control device is configured to be supplied from the device, and the discharge control device is configured to store the game value information transmitted from the game control device sequentially, and the storage unit to store the storage content of the storage unit. Backup power supply means for supplying backup power to the power supply, power supply cutoff detection means for detecting power supply cutoff from the power supply device, and at least the power supply cutoff detection means Therefore, the first collation information generating means for generating collation information corresponding to the game value information stored in the storage means when power shutdown is detected, and the collation information generated by the first collation information generation means First collation information correction means for correcting, collation information storage processing means for storing the collation information corrected by the first collation information correction means in a predetermined area of the storage means, and the storage means when power is turned on Second matching information generating means for generating matching information corresponding to the game value information stored in the second matching information generating means; second matching information correcting means for correcting the matching information generated by the second matching information generating means; (2) The game value information stored in the storage means is compared by comparing the verification information corrected by the verification information correction means with the verification information stored in a predetermined area of the storage means. Characterized in that and a game value information correctness determining means for determining the validity of the. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the emission control device further includes a check data of a predetermined bit pattern when at least the power shutdown is detected by the power shutdown detection means. And a check data generation storage processing means for storing the check data in a predetermined area of the storage means, and generating check data having the same pattern as the predetermined bit pattern when the power is turned on. And a second game value information validity determination unit for comparing the check data stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit with the game data to determine the validity of the game value information stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by the following. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the invention, the discharge control device further includes a determination result of the validity of the game value information stored in the storage means. It is characterized by comprising a determination result notifying means for notifying.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine. A. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a pachinko gaming machine called a so-called CR machine, and in particular, a pass-type pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 1”) described at the beginning. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a card-type ball lending machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a ball lending machine) 2. Ball rental machine 2
A card reader is built in, and a card insertion slot 4 for inserting a prepaid card (not shown) is formed in a front panel 3 of the ball lending machine 2.
A key device 5 for locking the (openable / closable structure) is provided. The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 11, a glass frame 12 made of resin for supporting glass (omitted by reference numeral), a game board 13 in which a game area is formed, an open / close panel 14, and a front surface below the open / close panel 14. And an operation panel 15. The frame-shaped front frame 11 has an upper hinge 17 against a wooden machine frame 16.
The glass frame 12 is openably and closably supported by the frame-shaped front frame 11.
The glass frame 12 is locked by a key device 19 so as to be opened and closed.

An upper plate 21 for receiving a prize ball is provided on the opening / closing panel 14.
Is formed, a ball lending button 22 operated when purchasing a game ball, a card frequency display (also referred to as a card balance display) 23 for displaying the balance of a prepaid card, and operated when discharging a prepaid card. A card discharge button (also referred to as a return button) 24 and an opening / closing lever 25 for opening and closing a passage connecting the balls of the upper plate 21 to a lower plate 32 to be described later are provided. The upper plate 21
Is provided with a speaker for outputting game sounds and the like, but is not shown.

The front operation panel 15 is provided with an ashtray 31 and a lower tray 32, and a ball pulling lever 33 for pulling the balls stored in the lower tray 32 outward and downward. On the right end side of the front operation panel 15, a firing operation knob 34 of the firing device is provided. The upper plate 21 is open at the top to form a ball storage portion capable of storing game balls, protrudes forward from the front side of the open / close panel 14, and has a lower portion near the lower end of the open / close panel 14. It is formed in a bulging shape extending to the right. The lower plate 32 has a ball storage portion capable of storing game balls by opening the upper surface, and has a bulging shape protruding forward from the front side of the gaming machine 1 at a position relatively close to the upper plate 21. And side wall members 35a on both sides of the lower plate 32,
35b are arranged. In the lower portion of the upper plate 21 formed in the bulging shape, the center bottom of the upper plate 21 is symmetrical from the vicinity of the contact point of the upper plate 21 with which the opening / closing panel 14 contacts to the front end of the upper plate 21. An inclined wall surface 36 is formed so as to be inclined so as to scrape off. By forming the inclined wall surface, a large space above the lower plate 32 is ensured, and the lower plate is kept facing the game board 13 by the player. It is easy to scrape out 32 game balls, and it is possible to appeal to a visitor at the rear of the gaming machine 1 for the balls stored in the lower plate 32.

Next, if the game area on the game board 13 is to play a game using a pachinko ball, for example, it belongs to the so-called "first type" or the "third type" provided with a symbol display device. Although it may be of any type, even if it belongs to another model or the like, it is possible to take any configuration. For example, in the present embodiment, a type belonging to “first type” is used. The game board 13 has an out ball inlet 41, a rail 42,
A special symbol display device 43, a start winning prize port 44 of a normal electric accessory type (a special figure starting sensor 172 shown in FIG. 4 is disposed inside), a variable prize winning device 45 (a large prize opening port and a V prize port, a large prize port). The mouth is provided with the count sensor 173 shown in FIG. 4, and the V winning opening is provided with the continuation sensor 1 shown in FIG.
71 are arranged), the general-purpose starting gates 46, 47,
A plurality of general winning openings 48 to 50 (in which winning sensors 175 a to 175 c shown in FIG. 4 are arranged), a special figure start storage display 51, an ordinary symbol display device 52, a general figure start storage display 53, and , Side lamps 54 and 55, and a hitting direction changing member (not shown) called a windmill, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided.

Here, a winning sensor using a proximity sensor for each winning port is provided in each of the winning ports provided on the game board 13, ie, the starting winning port 44, the variable winning device 45, and the general winning ports 48 to 50. (For example, the special figure start sensor 172, the count sensor 173, and the winning sensor 17 shown in FIG. 4)
5a to 175c) are arranged, and when these prize holes are won, the game value information is transferred to the game control device 107.
(Refer to FIG. 2 described later) and transmitted to the discharge control device 106 (Refer to FIG. 2 described later). On the other hand, a big hit indicator 56 that lights up (including a blinking state) at the time of a big hit is provided above the frame-shaped front frame 11 of the gaming machine 1, and a ball from the island equipment is provided beside the big hit indicator 56. A replenishment lamp 57 which lights up when replenishing and blinks when an error occurs, a prize ball lamp 58 which lights up when discharging a prize ball and lending a ball, and turns on (or flashes) when a power failure is restored.
A power failure recovery notification lamp (corresponding to the determination result notification means described in the summary of the invention) 59 is provided. In addition, even if these lamps are incandescent lamps, light emitting elements (for example, LE
D) may be used.

B. Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a back mechanism (hereinafter, referred to as “back mechanism”) of the gaming machine 1. In FIG. 2, the main components of the back mechanism in the gaming machine 1 include a storage tank (also referred to as an upper tank) 101, a taxiway 102, a terminal board (also referred to as an external terminal board) 103, a connection unit 104, and a terminal (a solder).ぱ) The sensor 224 (for reference numerals, refer to FIG. 4 described below; the same applies hereinafter), the discharge unit 105, the discharge control device
06, a game control device 107, an accessory relay base 108, a launch unit 109 (also referred to as a launch device), a card unit connection board 110, a power supply unit (corresponding to a power supply device described in the gist of the invention) 111, and a back mechanism board Base frame 112
(Also referred to as a back mechanism base), a sound control device 113, a launch control device 115, a display control device 116, a decoration control device 117, and the like.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, all of the plurality of winning ports arranged on the game board 13, that is, the starting winning port 44, the variable winning device 45 (large winning port),
The special drawing start sensor 172, the count sensor 173, and the winning sensors 175a to 175c (FIG.
These sensors are collectively referred to as “winning sensors” for convenience.
3, balls detected by 175a to 175c (winning balls)
Is a winning ball collecting member 141 provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1.
And collected on the winning ball collecting shelf 142 below the ball, and finally passes through the winning ball flowing down gutter 143 to the ball discharge port 144.
From the gaming machine 1.

[0015] Game control device 107, character relay base 10
8 and the sound control device 113 are attached to the back side of the game board 13 in the case of the illustrated example, and the display control device 116 is disposed at the rear of the center role (special symbol display device 43). I have. The mounting position of each control unit is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG.
07 may be attached to the base frame 112.

The base frame 112 is formed from an integrally molded product made of a synthetic resin, and is attached to a metal frame 121 fixed to the back of the front frame 11 of the gaming machine 1. And
Various components such as the storage tank 101, the guideway 102, the terminal board 103, the connection unit 104, the discharge unit 105, and the discharge control device 10 are provided on the base frame 112.
6, launch unit 109, card unit connection board 11
0, a power supply unit 111, a firing control device 115, a decoration control device 117, and the like are detachably attached by, for example, a one-touch holding member, and these various components and the base frame 112 are collectively referred to as a concept. This is referred to as a mechanical panel 114.

The metal frame 121 has a rectangular shape, and has a game board storage section 122 for removably storing and fixing the game board 13. A plurality of game board fixing devices (not shown) are arranged in the game board storage section 122, and the game board 13 is fixed by the plurality of game board fixing devices. The storage tank 101 stores the balls before being discharged in advance, and a shortage of the number of balls in the storage tank 101 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). It has become. Storage tank 1
The ball stored in 01 is guided by the guiding path 102,
It is discharged by the discharge unit 105.

The discharge unit 105 discharges a required number of game balls guided from the storage tank 101 to the player based on a predetermined ball discharge command signal (signal from the discharge control device 106). (Including prize ball discharge and ball lending discharge), and constitutes a discharge device provided with a ball discharge mechanism. The discharge unit 105 has, for example, two ball discharge paths (not shown), one of which is used for prize balls, the other is used for lending balls, or both balls are used for renting balls. The discharge passage is designed for a prize ball or a ball rental. Note that the prize ball discharge corresponds to supplying the game value generated in the game to the player.

Whether or not there are balls for discharging the prize ball and discharging the ball on the taxiway 102 is detected by an odd sensor 224 (also referred to as a spare ball sensor). The odd sensor 224 is provided at a predetermined position in the spare ball flow path on the back side of the gaming machine 1 as one of the supply conditions of the game value (game balls), for example, at a position where about 100 game balls can be discharged. From the discharge unit 105
The number of game balls filling up to four spare ball channels corresponds to the number of game balls guaranteed by the odd sensor 224. The terminal board 103 relays the input of AC power and the transmission and reception of signals with a hall computer (management device: not shown) of a game arcade, etc., and a relay section and a connector section (connects to a hall computer). ), And both are connected by a cable.

A discharge control device 106 is mounted on the base frame 112 and controls various electric components (for example, an electric drive source of the discharge unit 105) necessary for discharging the ball.
A control board that realizes this control function is housed in a predetermined case. The game control device 107 performs various controls required for the role play, and includes a control board for realizing this control function housed in a predetermined case. The role relay base 108 is a role-positioned item, the side lamps 54 and 55, and the variable winning device 45 arranged on the game board 13.
It is for relaying the connection of the cable between the game controller 107 and the like. The firing unit 109 is a mechanism for firing a ball in response to an operation of a firing operation knob 34 provided at a lower part on the front of the gaming machine 1. The card unit connection board 110 has a cable 123 extending from the ball rental machine 2.
And a mounting member (for example, a female connector) for receiving a connector at the end of the cable 123.

On the back side of the game board 13, there is formed a space in which a winning ball can flow down, and a winning ball collecting member 141 for collecting the winning balls is provided.
Is made of, for example, a transparent resin (PC resin or the like).
And a function of guiding a winning ball passing through the special figure start sensor 172, the count sensor 173, and the winning sensors 175a to 175c (see FIG. 4). Then, the winning balls guided by the winning ball collecting member 141 are collected by the lower winning ball collecting shelf 142, and finally discharged from the ball discharge port 144 to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the winning ball flowing down gutter 143. It has become so.

The winning ball collection shelf 142 is formed on the base frame 112 and is formed of a synthetic resin member. Further, the winning ball collecting gutter 143 is similarly formed on the base frame 112 and is formed of a synthetic resin member. An out ball down gutter (not shown) is provided on the back side of the game board 13, and the out ball down gutter allows a ball (referred to as an out ball) flowing into an out port 41 below the game area to flow down. Ball outlet 14
4 is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 (that is, the out ball is guided downward to the back side of the gaming machine 1).

The power supply unit 111 includes the discharge control device 1
06, the game control device 107, the sound control device 113, and the like, to supply power to the respective control devices, details of which are described later with reference to FIG. The sound control device 113 controls to appropriately output various sound effects according to a game state from a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front face of the gaming machine 1 or the like. A control board for realizing the function is housed therein. The sound control device 113 is a game control device 107
Is connected to the control board, and a signal indicating a game state is exchanged.

The launch control device 115 controls various electric components (for example, an electric drive source of the launch unit 109) necessary for launching the ball, and a control board for realizing this control function in a predetermined case. Are stored.
The display control device 116 controls the center role according to a command or the like output from the game control device 107, and displays the display on the front of the center role (that is, the special symbol display device 4).
3). A predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 3), and a control board for realizing this control function is housed in a predetermined case. The decoration control device 117 controls the operation (lighting, extinguishing, or blinking) of the decoration lamps disposed on the front face of the gaming machine 1 and the like, and also controls the realization of this control function in a predetermined case. The board is accommodated and configured.

C. Power Supply System FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 1.
In FIG. 3, AC 24 V is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the outside, and AC 24 V as an external power supply is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the terminal board 103.
Distributed to The power supply unit 111 converts AC 24 V into DC, generates various DC voltages, and supplies the DC voltages to the respective control devices. Specifically, the DC 30 for driving the solenoid is used.
V, 24 V DC for driving the lamps, and 12 V DC for driving the sensor and the backlight are generated as driving power sources, and 32 V DC is generated as a control device power source for operating each control device. And DC3
0V and DC12V to the launch control device 115, DC2
4 V and DC 12 V to the discharge control device 106, DC 3
2 V, 24 V DC and 12 V DC game control device 10
7, DC12V to the sound control device 113, DC30V,
DC24V and DC12V to the decoration control device 117,
While supplying DC12V to the display control device 116,
The discharge control device 106 also supplies a backup power supply (5 V DC). Therefore, the game control device 107 and the discharge control device 106 are configured such that power for use in these devices is supplied from a separately configured power supply unit 111, and the power supply unit 111 is connected to the gaming machine 1 External power supply (AC24
In response to the supply of V), required power including a backup power is generated and supplied to the emission control device 106.

The firing control device 115 controls the firing unit 109 in accordance with the amount of rotation of the firing operation knob 34, and performs control for firing game balls with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. Note that a firing enable signal is input to the firing control device 115 from the emission control device 106, and the firing enable signal indicates that the firing operation of the firing unit 109 is to be performed when any abnormality occurs on the emission control device 106 side. Is a signal that enables the firing operation when the operation is stopped or when the abnormality is resolved. The discharge control device 106 is the game control device 1
Based on the prize ball data (game value information) transmitted from 07, control is performed to discharge a predetermined number of game balls by controlling energization of a discharge solenoid in accordance with a detection signal from a discharge sensor. Further, the discharge control device 106 performs control accompanying ball lending while exchanging signals with the ball lending machine 2 (so-called CR sand unit).

Here, a ball lending control procedure performed between the ball lending machine 2 and the discharge control device 106 will be described. For convenience, the transmission and reception of signals are performed by positive logic (Hi logic: active, Lo
(Logic: inactive). If the PRDY signal output from the discharge control device 106 (that is, the pachinko gaming machine 1) is in the Hi state, the ball rental machine 2 determines that the discharge control device 106 can perform the ball discharge control. The ball lending machine 2 receives the operation of the ball lending button 22 when the discharge control device 106 can perform the ball discharge control, and the ball lending button 2
BRD that informs the emission control device 106 that a ball lending request (BRQ signal) is about to be made if there is an input from 2
The Y signal is set to Hi. The discharge control device 106 is a BRDY
When the signal becomes Hi, preparations are made to perform discharge control of the ball for lending, and the BRQ signal, which is a ball lending request signal, is monitored.

The ball lending machine 2 sets the BRQ signal to Hi after a predetermined time elapses after setting the BRDY signal to Hi, and the discharge control device 106 receives the BRQ signal Hi when the ball lending machine 2 receives the BRQ signal. E that informs the ball rental machine 2 that it has done
While setting the XS signal to Hi, a predetermined unit (for example, B
When one ball of RQ signal is ejected, 25 balls are ejected. When the ejection is completed, the EXS signal being output is set to Lo, and it is notified that the ejection of the ball based on the BRQ signal is completed.
If the BRDY signal is still high, the BRQ signal is monitored again, and if the BRDY signal becomes Lo, the ball lending discharge control process ends. On the other hand, the ball lending machine 2 sets the BRQ signal to Hi, and then checks the Hi of the output EXS signal, sets the BRQ signal to Lo, and sets the EX to EX.
The S signal is monitored. When Lo of the EXS signal is confirmed, the BRQ signal is set to Hi when the ball lending request is made continuously, and the BRD signal is set when the ball lending request is not made.
The Y signal is set to Lo.

The game control device 107 is a control device for performing overall control of the game. The game control device 107 controls the progress of the game on the game board 13 and supplies game value information generated in the game to the player. Send That is, in the part related to the prize ball control of the game ball, the game board 13
When the winning sensors 172, 173, and 175a to 175c provided for each of the winning ports 44, 45, and 48 to 50 detect a winning of the game ball, a predetermined number of winning balls is transmitted to the discharge control device 106. I do.

The display control device 116 is a game control device 107.
The image display of the special symbol display device 43 is controlled based on the display data transmitted from the device, and power is supplied to the special symbol display device 43. Decoration control device 117
Controls the light emission of the side lamps and the like based on the decoration data transmitted from the game control device 107, and supplies power to the light-emitting decoration members. The sound control device 113 performs control related to the sound effect, such as generating a sound effect based on the sound data transmitted from the game control device 107.

D. Control System FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control system in the gaming machine 1. FIG.
In the game control device 107, a game arithmetic processing device (game microcomputer) 160 composed of a one-chip microcomputer for controlling the accessory required for pachinko game and the like,
A clock generation circuit (CLK) 161 for obtaining a predetermined clock by dividing the oscillation frequency of the crystal, an input interface 162 for receiving various sensor signals, and an output interface 163 are included. The game processing unit 160 has a built-in CPU, ROM, and RAM,
It is manufactured as a so-called amuse chip IC.

The input interface 162 includes a continuation sensor (switch) 171 for detecting a so-called continuous winning (V winning) ball among the balls entering the variable winning device 45,
Special drawing start winning opening (normal electric winning type start winning opening) 4
4 is a special figure start sensor 172 for detecting a prize, and a count sensor 1 for detecting all balls entering the variable prize device 45.
73, a signal from a general-purpose starting gate sensor 174 for detecting that a ball has passed through the general-purpose starting gates 46 and 47, and a signal from a prize-winning sensor 175a to 175c for detecting a ball which has won a general prize port 48 to 50 of the game board 13. Is entered. When the game board 13 has n general winning ports, n winning sensors are arranged. From the output interface 163, the emission control device 106, the display control device 116, the decoration control device 117, the sound control device 113, the emission control device 11
5. Ordinary symbol display device 52, an ordinary motor-operated character solenoid 181 for driving a normal variable winning device (that is, a normal electric accessory for the starting winning opening 44), and a large winning prize for opening and closing a large winning opening which is a variable winning device 45. A signal is output to the mouth solenoid 182.

Next, the discharge control unit 106 includes a CPU (a first collation information generating unit, a first collation information correcting unit, a collation information storage processing unit, a second collation information generating unit, a second collation information generating unit described in the gist of the invention). Information correction means, game value information validity determination means, check data generation storage processing means, second game value information validity determination means) 201, ROM 202, RA
M (corresponding to storage means described in the gist of the invention) 203, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 204 for obtaining a predetermined clock,
Input interface 205, output interface 2
06, a logic power supply circuit 207, a power failure detection circuit (corresponding to the power cutoff detection means described in the gist of the invention) 208, and a diode 209 for preventing backflow. The elements are connected by an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, a power supply line, and the like. The CPU 201 performs processing necessary for discharging game balls (including prize ball discharge and ball lending discharge), and the ROM 202 stores programs and the like necessary for discharge control.

The RAM 203 is used as a work memory, and is configured as a single element separate from the CPU 201. The RAM 203 has a prize ball data memory area (game value information storage area) for storing game value information (details will be described later), various data memory areas for storing various data, and other work memory areas. Here, the storage area of the RAM 203 includes a plurality of areas as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a first area 203a from 00h to C0h, and a second area 203 from C1h to D4h.
b and a third area 203c from D5h to FFh. The first area 203a is set as a non-backup target area, and the second area 203b is
The third area 203c is used as a backup target area, the second area 203b is used for a prize ball data memory area, the second area 203c is used for various data memory areas, and the first area 203a is used for a work memory area.

Needless to say, the address values and the area division in FIG. 5 are examples for convenience of explanation. The intention of FIG.
03 indicates that there is an area that is not physically backed up in the storage area 03 (first area 203a), and that there is an area that is physically backed up but is not used as backup data (third area 203c). It's just that. Incidentally, the non-backup target area (first area 203a) and the backup target area (second area 203a)
The area 203b and the third area 203c) can be divided by configuring the RAM 203 with a plurality of memory chips, and performing battery backup only for chips having an address range from C1h to FFh.

FIG. 6 is a layout diagram of data stored in the prize ball data memory area (the second area 203b). The prize ball data memory area includes a "prize ball discharge number save area" and a "remaining discharge number save area". And "backup target RAM operation result storage". The “prize ball discharge count save area” includes a data storage area from “one prize ball discharge count” to “15 prize ball discharge counts”, “total prize ball discharge count (upper rank)” and “total prize ball discharge count ( Upper) "data storage area,
In the data storage area from "one prize ball discharge frequency" to "15 prize ball discharge frequency", the minimum prize determined by the law on regulation of customs business and the like and regulation of duties to regulate the gaming machine 1 is set. Data of the number of prize balls from the number of balls (1) to the maximum number of prize balls (15) (the number of prize balls is restricted to 1 to 15 prize balls in a pachinko game machine) (for example, 1 Byte data) is stored in the data storage area of “Total prize ball ejection frequency (upper)” and “total prize ball ejection frequency (upper)”. Upper byte and lower byte are stored respectively. Therefore, in the case of the illustrated example, the total size of the “prize ball discharge count save area” is 17 bytes.

The "remaining discharge number save area" is composed of "first discharge remaining number" and "second discharge remaining number" data storage areas, and these data storage areas are provided in each path of the guideway 102. The output sensor (the first output sensor 22 in FIG. 4)
2 (see the second discharge sensor 22) and the number of remaining discharges, which is the difference between the counted number and the expected number of discharges (for example, the number of remaining discharges in one passage → the “number of remaining first discharges”, the number of remaining discharges in the other passage). The number of remaining discharges → “the second number of remaining discharges”) is stored. The data sizes of the “first discharge remaining number” and the “second discharge remaining number” are also, for example, 1 byte, respectively. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the total size of the “discharge remaining number save area” is 2 bytes. Size.

"Storage of RAM operation result to be backed up"
Contains the verification information of the stored data of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and “remaining discharge count save area”, that is, the checksum of the storage data of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and “remaining discharge count save area”. A value obtained by adding “1” to (the sum of data or the sum of the number of “1” in the bit string of the game value information; hereinafter, represented by the sum) is stored. The calculation timing of the checksum and the storage timing of the checksum +1 in the “storage target RAM calculation result storage” are
As will be described later, when a power failure is detected, the backup target RAM immediately before the power failure, that is, collation information corresponding to the data contents of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” is stored in the RAM 203. It is stored in the “backup target RAM calculation result storage”, and thereafter, the collation information is held in the RAM 203 without loss during the valid time of the battery backup. FIG.
In the figure, the numerical values on the right side indicate data of "at the time of initial power-on" and "at the time of power recovery". These data will be referred to in the following description of comparison with the prior art.

The CPU 210 stores the game value information transmitted from the game control device 107 in the data storage area from “one prize ball discharge number” to “15 prize ball discharge number” of the RAM 203 corresponding to the game value information. A process for sequentially adding and storing is performed, and the discharge control device 106 performs a discharging process based on the added storage stored in the data storage area. For example, the game control device 10 connected to the discharge control device 106
7 (for example, the game board 13), the set number of prize balls is 7 (for example, a game value for starting prize and a game value for general prize), or 15 (for example, a game value of the variable prize device (large winning port) 45). ), The RAM 2
The game control device 107 uses the data storage area of “7 prize ball discharge counts” or “15 prize ball discharge counts” 03.
The game value information is added to the data storage area corresponding to the game value information transmitted from. Specifically, every time there is a start prize or a general prize, the emission control device 106
The game control is performed in the data storage area of “7 prize ball discharge times” corresponding to 7 prize balls in the data storage area of “1 prize ball discharge frequency” to “15 prize ball discharge times” in the RAM 203. The game value information from the device 107 is added and stored, and the CPU 210 of the discharge control device 106 performs a process of discharging seven prize balls based on the added storage.

On the other hand, every time there is a prize in the variable prize winning device (large winning opening) 45, the game control device 107 changes the “one prize ball discharge count” in the RAM 203 of the discharge control device 106 to “1”.
The game value information from the game control device 107 is added and stored in the data storage area of “15 prize balls discharged” corresponding to 15 prize balls in the data storage area up to “5 prize balls discharged”. The CPU 210 of the control device 106 performs a process of discharging 15 prize balls based on the addition storage.

The logic power supply circuit 207 is supplied with DC12V from the power supply unit 111. The logic power supply circuit 207 converts DC12V to DC5V and supplies power necessary for the operation of each element such as the CPU 201, the ROM 202 and the RAM 203. Supply. 5 V DC is supplied to the RAM 203 from the logic power supply circuit 207 via the diode 209 functioning as an irreversible element. DC5V from the power supply unit 111 is connected to the wiring 211a,
The power is also supplied to a capacitor (corresponding to the backup power supply means described in the summary of the invention) 212 disposed inside the power supply unit 111 through the 211b. The capacitor 212 is simply disposed on the substrate of the power supply unit 111 (or may be provided separately from the substrate), and power is received from the logic power supply circuit 207 on the discharge control device 106 side. Wiring 211
A male / female type connector (not shown) is provided in the middle of a and 211b.
1a and 211b can be separated between the power supply unit 111 side and the discharge control device 106 side.

The RAM 203 (strictly speaking, the second
The area 203b and the third area 203c; hereinafter, referred to as a RAM 203 for simplicity of description) and the connection state of the capacitor 212 will be described in detail. The power supply terminal of the RAM 203 uses a logic voltage generated in the emission control device 106 as a diode 209. The power supply terminal is further connected to a positive potential of a capacitor 212 arranged in the power supply unit 111. On the other hand, the capacitor 212 is supplied with 5 V DC, which is a logic voltage generated by the logic power supply circuit 207 of the emission control device 106, and is maintained in a charged state.
The ground level 12 is electrically connected to the ground of the discharge control device 106 via the wiring 211b. Therefore, the logic power generated in the discharge control device 106 is supplied to the power terminal of the RAM 203 via the diode 209 to enable the operation of the RAM 203 and also to charge the capacitor 212.
Since the capacitor 212 is charged through the diode 209, the RAM 203 (strictly speaking, RM
The configuration is such that only the second area 203b and the third area 203c) of 203 are backed up, and the voltage of the capacitor 212 is not supplied to other circuits.

Further, in the present embodiment, the capacitor 212 is used as the backup power supply means, but the present invention is not limited to this. Power supply to the hall, power supply to the gaming machine 1,
Power supply to power supply unit 111, discharge control device 1
No matter which of the power interruptions to the RAM 06 occurs, the RAM 203
What is necessary is just to be able to supply backup power to the RAM 203 so that the stored content of the RAM 203 is retained, and for example, a secondary battery may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, the backup power supply unit is provided in the power supply unit 111, but may be provided in a location other than the power supply unit 111. The power failure detection circuit 208 detects that the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the logic power supply circuit 207 has been cut off (for example, it is detected as a power failure when DC12V falls to a predetermined voltage). Interrupts the CPU
At 210, a predetermined interruption program (power failure processing program described later) is executed.

An input interface 205 of the discharge control device 106 has a ball removal sensor 22 for detecting a switching state of a ball removal passage for removing game balls in the gaming machine 1 to the outside.
1. A first discharge sensor 222 that counts the number of discharges in one path of the guideway 102, a second discharge sensor 223 that counts the number of discharges in the other path of the guideway 102, and the number of game balls in the spare ball flow path. Irregular sensor 224 for counting, lower plate 3
Signals from an overflow sensor 225 for detecting the full state (excessive storage of balls) of the second, a metal frame sensor 226 for detecting the open / close of the open / close panel 14, and game value information data from the game control device 107 ( Prize ball data). Further, from the output interface 206, a ball-pulling solenoid 232 for switching a ball-pulling path for drawing game balls in the gaming machine 1 to the outside, a first discharge solenoid 233 for discharging award balls, and a second discharge solenoid for lending balls. Control signals are output to the 234 and 7 segments 152 and the power failure recovery notification lamp 59 (or LED), and a firing enable signal and a power failure recovery signal are output.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a program of a discharge control process performed by the discharge control device 106. The discharge control device 106 first determines whether or not the power has been turned on in step S1. The determination of power-on here includes recovery from a power failure. When the power is not turned on, that is, in a normal energized state other than the power-on and the recovery from the power failure, the process proceeds to step S2 to execute a discharge start condition confirmation process. This monitors whether or not the game ball can be discharged, and sets a discharge condition satisfaction flag when the game ball can be discharged. Next, in step S3, a ball lending discharge process is performed. In this case, the discharge control device 106 discharges the loaned ball based on ball lending command information from the ball lending machine 2 and the like. That is, in order to make a player lend a ball based on a prepaid card, the controller performs a lending ball discharge control based on ball lending control information exchanged with the ball lending machine 2. Note that the lending ball discharge control is performed prior to the prize ball discharge control. Next, in step S4, a prize ball discharging process (explained in a subroutine in detail) during normal times (other than when the power is turned on) is performed. After step S4, the process returns to step S1 to repeat the loop.

Next, a subroutine of the normal prize ball discharging process (step S4 in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. In this subroutine, first, it is determined whether or not there is prize ball data in step S11, that is, the game value information received from the game control device 107 is R
AM203 award ball data memory area (second area 20)
It is confirmed whether or not it is written in 3b), and if there is no winning ball data, the process returns to the main routine. If there is prize ball data, a discharge start condition satisfaction flag is set in step S12 (the flag is set / reset in step S2 in FIG. 7).
If the discharge start condition satisfaction flag is not set, the game ball is not ready to be discharged, and the process returns to the main routine as it is. If set, the process proceeds to step S13, and the following processes (a) to
After performing (c), the process returns to the main routine.

(A) When a winning is detected by any of the winning sensors 175a to 175c, the game control device 1
07, prize ball data is input to the discharge control device 106,
The discharge control device 106 stores the inputted prize ball data in the RAM.
203 award ball data memory area (second area 203
b). (B) As a discharge control process, the discharge control device 106 discharges a prize ball when discharge start conditions (such as presence of an odd sensor ball, not overflowing, and storing prize ball data) are satisfied. .

[Initialization Processing] Referring again to FIG. 7, if it is determined in step S1 that the power supply is turned on (or the power is restored), the flow advances to step S5 to execute the later-described "initialization processing". FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the initialization process. In this initialization process, first, in order to prohibit external access to the RAM 203 and the like, interrupts are prohibited in step S21, and hardware (CPU 20
1 peripheral circuits; for example, a stack pointer, a CTC, and an output port).

Next, in step S23, the value of "backup target RAM operation result storage", that is, the collation information is read from the second area 203b of the RAM 203, and the collation information is set to a predetermined variable (hereinafter referred to as MEM). Next, in step S24 (corresponding to the second collation information generating means described in the gist of the invention), the monitoring area data of the RAM to be backed up, specifically, the “prize ball discharge count saving area” in the second area 203b of the RAM 203 And the checksum of the data in the "remaining discharge count save area" (see FIG. 6), that is, the collation information of the game value information backed up by the battery, is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in a predetermined variable (hereinafter DAT).
Set).

Then, "DAT + 1" is calculated in step S25 (corresponding to the second collation information correcting means described in the summary of the invention), and the DAT is updated with the calculation result. Then, in step S26 (described in the summary of the invention). The formula "MEM = DAT" is evaluated by the game value information validity judging means, and if the evaluation result is False (false), the power is turned on for the first time (or the power failure is too long to lose the backup data). Is recovered), and the evaluation result is T
In the case of true (true), it is determined that the recovery is from an appropriate power failure (a power failure that is short enough not to lose backup data), and the following processing is executed for each determination.

<When it is determined that the power is turned on for the first time> In step S27, "all memories" are initialized. Then, in step S28, initial values are set in the third area 203c of the RAM 203, and interrupts are permitted in step S29. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1 in FIG. Here, "initialization of all memories" means to initialize all storage areas of the RAM 203. That is, when it is determined that the power is to be turned on for the first time or to recover from a power failure that is too long to lose the backup data, the backup target area (the second area 203b and the third area 203c) of the RAM 203 is used.
Initialize all storage areas including. Therefore, thereafter, the gaming machine 1 starts executing the game control from a state where the game data is completely cleared.

<When it is determined that restoration from an appropriate power failure has occurred>
First, in step S30, a power failure recovery notification process is executed. Next, in step S31, the area other than the backup data storage area (the second area 203b) of the RAM 203 is initialized, and in step S28, the third area 203 of the RAM 203 is initialized.
An initial value is set in c, an interrupt is permitted in step S29, and the process returns to step S1 in FIG. That is, after controlling the light emission mode of the power failure recovery notification lamp 59 provided on the upper front of the gaming machine 1 in the power failure recovery notification processing in step S30, the RAM data other than the backup data is initialized in the initialization processing in step S31. .

Therefore, thereafter, the gaming machine 1 continuously executes the game control using the game value information without losing the game value information immediately before the power failure, and notifies the player by the power failure return notification processing. Since it notifies that the game will be resumed while retaining the game value information immediately before the power failure, it is possible to resume the game continuously using the game value information immediately before the power failure, and to notify the power failure by the notification of the restart of the game. The associated anxiety and trouble with hall employees can be eliminated.

In the power failure recovery notification processing in step S30, it is desirable to output a predetermined notification signal (power failure recovery signal) to a hall computer or the like in addition to turning on or blinking the power failure recovery notification lamp 59. It is possible to collectively grasp which of the units in the hall can execute the normal power failure recovery processing, and treat the other players (that is, the ones for which the normal power failure recovery processing could not be executed due to a short battery backup time). (Eg, explanation that the game value information has disappeared) can be promptly made without delay.

FIG. 10 (a) is a preferred timing chart of the power failure recovery notification processing (processing for controlling the light emission mode of the power failure recovery notification lamp 59 provided on the front upper portion of the gaming machine 1) in step S30. This is an example in which only the power failure recovery notification lamp 59 is turned on. At a glance, it is possible to know at a glance whether the power is turned on for the first time (loss of the backup data) or the recovery from the power failure (the backup data is retained) just by glance at the power failure recovery notification lamp 59. FIG. 10B is a preferable timing chart of a predetermined notification signal output to a hall computer or the like at the time of the power failure recovery notification processing in step S30.
This is an example in which the first power-on and the power recovery can be distinguished by one signal. That is, in this example, the signal is activated (output level in the figure) immediately after the first power-on, and the active state is maintained. By repeating (stop level in the figure), the first power-on and the power recovery are distinguished. The rising portion of the signal is inspected by a hall computer or the like that receives this signal, and if the repetition of the above cycle is not detected, it is possible to determine the initial power-on, and if the repetition of the above cycle is detected, it is determined that the power failure has been restored. it can.

"Power Outage Processing" FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a program of a power failure process performed by the computer. The power failure process is processed as an interrupt process (for example, INT) of the CPU 201. This interrupt is issued by the power failure detection circuit 208 to the power supply unit 111.
When the voltage supplied from the DC falls, for example, DC12V
Occurs when it is detected that the voltage has dropped to a predetermined potential, and INT is applied to the CPU 201.
If the power failure process is a process having a higher priority than any other process, a specific interrupt process (for example, NMI: non-maskable interrupt) that cannot be soft masked may be used.

The flowchart of FIG.
(Or NMI). In this flowchart, first, at step S4
In step 1, a part of the peripheral circuit of the CPU 201 (for example, an output port) is initialized, and then in step S42 (corresponding to the first collation information generating means described in the gist of the invention), the monitoring area data of the backup target RAM, Specifically, the RAM 203
The checksum of the data of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” (see FIG. 6) in the second area 203b, that is, the verification information of the game value information immediately before the power outage is calculated, and the calculation is performed. The result is set to a predetermined variable (hereinafter referred to as DAT). Next, in step S43 (corresponding to the first collation information correcting means described in the gist of the invention), “DAT +
"1" is calculated, and the DAT is updated with the calculation result. In step S44 (corresponding to the collation information storage processing means described in the gist of the invention), the "DAT calculation result storage" in the second area 203b of the RAM 203 is stored. After setting the value of DAT, the CPU 201 performs a stop process.

In general, the voltage supplied from the power supply unit 111 gradually decreases due to the time constant of the power supply system. In a voltage range that does not hinder the operation. Therefore, unless there is a special sudden voltage drop, the RAM 203
In the second area 203b, "backup target RAM operation result storage" can store the verification information of the game value information immediately before the power failure (note that the check sum is a value obtained by adding +1). During the time,
In addition to the game value information immediately before the power failure, the matching information of the game value information can be held as backup data.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a power failure is detected, the CPU 201 of the discharge control device 106 is interrupted, and the power failure processing program (see FIG. 11) started in response to the interrupt is used to determine the game value. Information (RA
The checksum of the data of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” in M203 is obtained, and a value obtained by adding “1” to the checksum is stored in the RAM 20.
3 is stored in “backup target RAM operation result storage”. Then, when the power recovery is determined by the discharge control program (see FIG. 7) executed by the CPU 201 of the discharge control device 106 (Y determination in step S1 in FIG. 7), the initialization processing in FIG. 9 is executed, and this initialization is performed. In the processing, the backed up game value information (data of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” in the RAM 203)
Is determined, and the value obtained by adding "1" to the checksum is compared with the value stored in the "backup target RAM operation result storage" in the RAM 203 to determine the quality of the backup data. .

Here, in comparison with the backup data pass / fail determination method of the prior art described at the beginning, the determination method of the present embodiment uses a value obtained by adding “1” to the checksum as the verification information of the game value information. It differs in the point of use, and this difference leads to the following differences in operation and effect. That is, assuming that the game value information immediately before the power failure is all zero, the checksum is also “0”,
Since the value obtained by adding “1” to this checksum is 0 + 1 = 1, the RAM 203
Stored in the “backup target RAM operation result storage” is “1”. On the other hand, when the power is turned on for the first time, the data stored in the “backup target RAM operation result storage” in the RAM 203 is the initial value “0” because the power failure processing program is not executed (see FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when turning on the power or recovering from the power failure, FIG.
Is executed, a value (0 + 1 = 1) obtained by adding “1” to the checksum of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” in the RAM 203 is calculated, and this value (“ 1 ″) and “Backup target R
As described above, the value of the “backup target RAM operation result storage” of the RAM 203 is “1” when the power failure processing program is executed (that is, when a power failure occurs), as described above. If not executed (ie, at the time of regular power-off), it is “0”.
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to correctly discriminate between them, and in particular, despite the fact that legitimate backup data remains at the time of restoration from a power failure, time-consuming initialization processing is not performed, and as a result, A special effect is obtained in that the game control can be quickly started to speed up the restart of the game.

<Other Embodiments> The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above examples. For example, you may deform | transform as follows. FIG. 12 shows a second area 203b of the RAM 203 in the above embodiment (hereinafter, the second area 203b is indicated by a dash to distinguish it from the above embodiment).
3b '). This second area 203b 'is similar to the above-described embodiment.
"Award ball discharge count save area", "Remaining discharge count save area"
And “backup target RAM calculation result storage”. The “prize ball discharge count save area” includes data from “one prize ball discharge count” to “15 prize ball discharge counts”. The storage area includes a data storage area of “total prize ball discharge count (top)” and “total prize ball discharge count (top)”. The “remaining discharge count save area” includes “first discharge remaining count” and It is composed of a data storage area of “second discharge remaining number”.

The difference from the above-described embodiment is that a “check data save area 1” for storing check data of a predetermined pattern for collating stored data in a “prize ball discharge count save area” and a “remaining discharge number saving area” It has a "check data save area 2" for storing check data of a predetermined pattern for storage data comparison of the "area". The sizes of the “check data save area 1” and the “check data save area 2” are, for example, 1 byte each. Here, the check data of the predetermined pattern is data having a predetermined bit pattern in which the appearance ratios of binary logic (0 and 1) are equalized, for example, 5Ah, A5h, 96h, or 69h in hexadecimal notation. Data can be used. When these example data are converted into binary notation, “01011010” and “101001” are respectively obtained.
01 "," 10010110 "," 01101001 "
This is because the appearance ratio of binary logic (0 and 1) is uniform in each case.

The usage of "check data save area 1" and "check data save area 2" is as follows. First, in the above-described power failure processing program (see FIG. 11), check data of a predetermined pattern (for example, any of the above-described example data; hereinafter, 5Ah for convenience)
Is generated and stored in the "check data save area 1", and the check data (5Ah) is stored in the "check data save area 2".

When power is turned on or power is restored,
The initialization processing program shown in FIG. 13 in which the initialization processing program (see FIG. 9) is partially modified is executed. FIG.
The initialization processing program of Step 3 is the same as that of the initialization except for some steps surrounded by a broken line (Step S51; corresponding to the check data generation storage processing means and the second game value information validity determination means described in the summary of the invention). Since this is the same as the conversion processing program (see FIG. 9), only the differences will be described.

That is, in the modified initialization program, in step S51a, check data (5A) having the same pattern as the check data of the predetermined pattern is used.
h) is generated, and in step S51b, it is determined whether the check data (5Ah) matches the check data stored in the "check data save area 1". If not, initialization of all memories is performed in step S27. On the other hand, if they match, check data (5Ah) having the same pattern as the check data of the predetermined pattern is generated in step S51c, and the check data (5Ah) and the "check data save area 2" are generated in step S51d.
Is determined, and if they do not match, initialization of all memories is executed in step S27. If they match, the same steps as those of the initialization processing program (see FIG. 9) are performed. Execute S23 and subsequent steps.
Therefore, according to this modification, if any one of the “prize ball discharge count save area” and the “remaining discharge count save area” has a garbled bit, immediately after step S23 is not executed, It is possible to proceed to the initialization processing of all memories in step S27, and it is possible to omit useless processing (processing after step 23) and to speed up system startup when backup data is illegal.

<Regarding the Matching Information of the Game Value Information> In the above description, the matching information of the game value information is referred to as “check sum”. As described above, this checksum represents the “sum” of the game value information data. Needless to say, not only the sum itself is used as the collation information, but only the lower digits of the sum may be used as the collation information. RAM
This is because the storage size of the storage area 203 (“storage target RAM operation result storage”, “check data save area 1”, and “check data save area 2”) has a limit (for example, 1 byte), which matches the size. The number of digits may be used as the collation information.

Alternatively, information other than the checksum may be used as the identification information. For example, an error detection technique using so-called code logic may be applied. In general, a simple error correction technique in code logic is a single parity check code which is one of linear codes. Therefore, an example thereof will be described below, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. Now, consider a 3-bit report (a report is an information bit string to be encoded). The report i is (000), (001), ..., (11
One of 2 ³ = 8 types in 1). If the number of "1" s in the message is even, if "0" is added to the fourth bit as a redundant bit, and if it is odd, "1" is added, the following linear equation is obtained. x ₁ + x ₂ + x ₃ + x ₄ = 0 (1) However, the addition symbol (+) in the expression represents the addition in the mod2 calculation method (hereinafter, mod2 addition). By the way, mod
The two-addition is an operation method corresponding to an exclusive OR (exOR) of logical operations, and differs from normal addition in that 1 + 1 = 0. That is, in mod2 addition, -1 = 1, and this is an operation method in which addition and subtraction have the same result.

In equation (1), an information bit string (notification)
i = the value i _k of (i ₁ i ₂ i ₃₎ provided to the x _k of (x ₁ x ₂ x _3), defines the x ₄ so as to satisfy the equation of Equation (1), codeword w = ( x ₁ x ₂ x ₃ x ₄ ), a (4,3) code having a code length n = 4 and the number of information bits k = 3 is obtained. For example, if i = (111), then 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 0 (2), the code word w = (1111) is obtained (mod2
Note that this is an addition). Here, when detecting an error in the code word w, for example, the code word w = (y ₁ y ₂ y ₃ y ₄ )
, Y ₁ + y ₂ + y ₃ + y ₄ =? ... (3), mod2 addition is performed, and the answer (?) Is “1”.
Then, it can be determined that the code word w does not satisfy the equation (1), that is, the code word w includes an error.

Therefore, based on the above concept, when a power failure occurs, an information bit (the above-mentioned fourth bit information) of the game value information is generated using the equation of equation (1), and “1” is set to the information bit. mod2 is added, and the addition result is saved in the battery backup area of the memory together with the game value information as collation information. Then, at the time of restoration from power failure, information bits (the above-described fourth bit information) of the game value information backed up by the battery are again generated by using the equation (1), and "1" is set to the generated information bits in mod2.
The added value is compared with the battery-backed collation information to determine the quality of the backup data, and only when the backup data is determined to be normal, the game may be restarted using the backup data. .

Further, in the above example, “1” is added to the checksum or the like as the collation information, but the added value is not limited to “1”. It is sufficient that the values before and after the addition do not match, and the values before and after the addition correspond to the one-to-one correspondence. Any numerical value (α) other than “1” or 1
, Or may be a subtraction instead of an addition. In the present embodiment, the capacitor 212 as a backup power supply is connected to the power supply unit 111.
The discharge control device 106 supplies power to the capacitor 212 (more precisely, the power supply voltage (5 V) generated by the logic power supply circuit 207 of the discharge control device 106 is changed to a discharge control device). (The power is supplied to the capacitor 212 of the power supply unit 111 via the diode 209 disposed in the power supply unit 106), but is not limited to this supply mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a power supply unit 111 is provided with a capacitor 212 and a diode 213, and a power supply voltage generated inside the power supply unit 111 (a power supply voltage generated by a logic power supply circuit 207 of the discharge control device 106). May be supplied to the capacitor 212 via the diode 213. In this way, the backup power supply components (such as the capacitor 212 and the diode 213) can be integrated into one place, so that not only can the circuit design be simplified, but also troubleshooting at the time of failure can be simplified. In addition, the path length of power supply to the capacitor 212 is shortened, the path time constant is reduced, and the responsiveness of power cutoff detection can be improved. Each of the backup power supply means described above is provided in the RAM 2 of the discharge control device 106.
Of course, it may be used for backup of other devices, for example, for backup of RAM of the game control device 107.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications as described below are possible. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment as described above, but may be another gaming machine. For example, the present invention can be applied to other types of pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball game machines, and the like. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 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.

[0073]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the game value information stored in the storage means is all-zero data, the collation information generated corresponding to the game value information is "0". Where the first collation information correction means and the second
The collation information corrected by the collation information correction means has a value other than “0”. On the other hand, the value of the area for storing the collation information secured in the storage means becomes an initial value other than when the power is turned off, for example, when the power is normally turned off, and this initial value is “0”. Therefore, when the power is turned on, by comparing the value of the above-mentioned area of the storage means with the above-mentioned collation information, it is possible to recover from power interruption, that is, to recover from a power failure or to recover from normal power interruption. Recovery, that is, whether the power is normally turned on can be accurately determined. As a result, even if the game value information stored in the storage means is all-zero data, unnecessary initialization processing is not performed, and the restart of game control can be speeded up. Moreover, the first collation information correction means and the second collation information correction means can be realized by, for example, a correction process of adding "1", and the system can be modified in a small scale. Further, since the power supply device is provided with the backup power supply means and the power supply cutoff detection means, the power supply function can be centralized, and the detection of the power supply cutoff can be performed quickly with good responsiveness. According to the second aspect of the invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, that is, it is possible to accurately determine whether recovery from a power failure or normal power-on is performed. In addition to the effects of eliminating unnecessary initialization processing, speeding up the resumption of game control, minimizing system modification, etc., in addition to having a backup power supply means in the discharge control device Therefore, an effect is obtained that the data backup function is not impaired even when the emission control device is removed. According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the validity of each of the game value information. For example, when a part of the game value information is garbled, the second matching information generation means The processing of the second verification information correcting means and the game value information validity determining means can be passed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid wasteful processing and increase the speed of restarting the game.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the determination result of the validity of the game value information is notified, for example, the player is notified that the game has been restarted while retaining the game value information immediately before the power failure when the power failure is restored. Or let the hall employees know. In addition, the broadcast can notify that the power supply will be shut down during business hours, and can suppress illegal acts such as substrate replacement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a storage area of a RAM of the discharge control device.

FIG. 6 is a layout diagram of data stored in a second area of a RAM of the discharge control device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a discharge control program.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a prize ball discharge processing program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an initialization processing program.

FIG. 10 is a preferred timing chart of a power failure recovery notification process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a power failure processing program.

FIG. 12 is a layout diagram of other data stored in a second area of a RAM of the discharge control device.

FIG. 13 is a modified flowchart of the initialization processing program.

FIG. 14 is another configuration diagram of the backup power supply unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 gaming machine 13 game board 59 power failure recovery notification lamp (determination result notification means) 106 emission control device 107 game control device 111 power supply unit (power supply device) 201 CPU (first verification information generation means, first verification information correction means, Collation information storage processing means, second collation information generation means, second collation information correction means, game value information validity determination means, check data generation storage processing means, second game value information validity determination means) 203 RAM (storage means) 208 power failure detection circuit (power cutoff detection means) 212 capacitor (backup power supply means) S24 step (second verification information generation means) S25 step (second verification information correction means) S26 step (game value information validity determination corrective means) S42 Step (first collation information generation means) S43 Step (first collation information correction means) 44 step (verification information storage processing means) S51 step (check data generation storage processing unit,
Second game value information validity determination means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game control device for controlling the progress of a game on a game board and transmitting game value information for supplying a game value generated in the game to a player, and a game value transmitted from the game control device. And a discharge control device for supplying a game value to a player based on information, wherein the game control device and the discharge control device supply power for use in these devices from a power supply device. The power supply device includes a backup power supply unit and a power cutoff detection unit that detects a power cutoff of the power supply device, and the discharge control device sequentially stores game value information transmitted from the game control device. Storage means for receiving the supply of backup power from the backup power supply means and retaining its stored contents; First collation information generating means for generating collation information corresponding to game value information stored in the storage means when power cutoff is detected by the disconnection detection means; First collation information correcting means for correcting collation information; collation information storage processing means for storing collation information corrected by the first collation information correction means in a predetermined area of the storage means; Second matching information generating means for generating matching information corresponding to the game value information stored in the storage means; second matching information correcting means for correcting the matching information generated by the second matching information generating means; Comparing the collation information corrected by the second collation information correction means with the collation information stored in a predetermined area of the storage means and storing the comparison information in the storage means; Gaming machine, characterized in that the game value information correctness determining means for determining the validity of the game value information, with the that. 2. A game control device for controlling the progress of a game on a game board surface and transmitting game value information for supplying a game value generated in the game to a player, and a game value transmitted from the game control device. And a discharge control device for supplying a game value to a player based on information, wherein the game control device and the discharge control device supply power for use in these devices from a power supply device. The discharge control device has a storage unit for sequentially storing game value information transmitted from the game control device, and a backup for the storage unit so that the storage content of the storage unit is retained. A backup power supply capable of supplying power, a power cutoff detecting means for detecting power cutoff from the power supply device, and at least the power cutoff detection means First collation information generating means for generating collation information corresponding to the game value information stored in the storage means when power cutoff is detected, and collating information generated by the first collation information generating means. First collation information correction means for correcting, collation information storage processing means for storing collation information corrected by the first collation information correction means in a predetermined area of the storage means, and storage means when power is turned on Second matching information generating means for generating matching information corresponding to the game value information stored in the second matching information generating means; second matching information correcting means for correcting the matching information generated by the second matching information generating means; (2) The game value information stored in the storage means by comparing the verification information corrected by the verification information correction means with the verification information stored in a predetermined area of the storage means. Gaming machine is characterized in that and a game value information correctness determining means for determining validity. 3. The discharge control device further generates check data of a predetermined bit pattern at least when power cutoff is detected by the power cutoff detection means, and stores the check data in a predetermined area of the storage means. Check data generation storage processing means for storing, and when the power is turned on, generates check data of the same pattern as the predetermined bit pattern, and stores the check data and the check data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means. 3. A game according to claim 1, further comprising: a second game value information validity determination unit for comparing the game value information stored in the storage unit to determine the validity of the game value information. Machine. 4. The discharge control device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination result notifying unit that notifies a determination result of the validity of the game value information stored in the storage unit. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3.