JP2001232007A - Controller for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the controller of a game machine capable of clearing backed-up contents while backing up the payout residual number of value objects. SOLUTION: The value of the residual prize ball number counter of a payout control board for storing the payout residual number of prize balls is held even after the power of a pachinko machine is interrupted by a capacitor for backup. Thus, even in the case that the power of the pachinko machine is suddenly interrupted by the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the number of unpaid prize balls is stored and they are surely paid out after the power of the pachinko machine is supplied again. Also, since the value of the residual prize ball number counter is cleared for the first time by pressing a reset switch continuously for 5 seconds or more, even when the unpaid prize balls remain from the test of the pachinko machine before shipping from a plant for instance, they are cleared and excessive prize balls are not paid out at the time of installing the pachinko machine in a hall.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for a game machine typified by a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly, it can clear the backed up content while backing up the remaining number of valuable objects to be paid out. The present invention relates to a control device for a gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game of a pachinko machine is mainly controlled by a main control board. The main control board includes a payout control board that controls payout of prize balls and rental balls, a sound effect control board that controls output of a sound effect, and a display control board that performs display control such as a change display of a symbol. It is connected. The control of each control board is performed by a command transmitted in one direction from the main control board to each control board.

The payout of prize balls needs to be surely performed even when the power of the pachinko machine is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Therefore, the applicant of the present application has tried to keep the data of the payout control board even after the power of the pachinko machine is turned off (backed up) and pay out the unpaid prize balls after the power is turned on again. Was.

[0004]

However, since the pachinko machine is shipped from the factory after various tests have been performed, if the data of the payout control board is backed up, the pachinko machine is put into a hall (game hall). When installed in
There is a problem that unpaid prize balls remaining in the test are paid out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a control device for a gaming machine which can clear the backed-up contents while backing up the remaining number of valuable objects to be paid out. It is intended to be.

[0006]

In order to achieve this object, a control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 is based on a main control board for controlling a game and a command transmitted from the main control board. A payout control board that pays out valuable objects having a predetermined value; the payout control board includes a remaining number storage unit that stores a remaining number of valuable objects to be paid out from the main control board; Backup means for retaining the contents of the storage means even after the power is turned off, and clear means for clearing the contents of the remaining number storage means retained by the backup means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a command relating to the payout of valuable objects is transmitted from the main control board to the payout control board, the number of valuable objects paid out by the command is reduced. Is added to and stored in the remaining number storage means, and the number of valuable objects stored in the remaining number storage means is paid out by the payout control board. Since the contents of the remaining number storage means are retained even after the power of the gaming machine is turned off by the backup means, even if the power of the gaming machine is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the number of unpaid valuable objects is stored. Can be paid out after the power is turned on again. Moreover, since the contents of the remaining number storage means can be cleared by the clearing means, even if unpaid valuable objects remain due to a test before the game machine is shipped from the factory,
By clearing this, it is possible to prevent paying out extra valuable objects at the time of installing the gaming machine or the like.

[0008]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine, which is a kind of a ball-and-ball game machine, is described as an example of a game machine, in particular, a first-type pachinko game machine.
Note that it is naturally possible to use the present invention for other gaming machines such as a third-type pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, and a slot machine.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P of this embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning ports 2 from which 5 to 15 balls are paid out when a hit ball wins. Also, in the center of the game board 1,
A liquid crystal (LCD) display 3 for displaying a plurality of types of design information as identification information is provided. This LC
The display screen of the D display 3 is divided into three in the horizontal direction, and in each of the three divided display areas, the symbol is displayed while being scrolled from right to left in the horizontal direction.

Below the LCD display 3, a symbol operation port (first type opening port) 4 is provided, and when the hit ball passes through the symbol operation port 4, the above-mentioned variable display of the LCD display 3 is started. You. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. When the display result after the change of the LCD display 3 matches one of a predetermined combination of symbols, the specific winning opening 5 becomes a big hit and a predetermined time (for example, 30) so that the hit ball can easily win. Until seconds elapse, or
It is released until 10 hits are won.

The specific winning opening 5 is provided with a V zone 5a. When a hit ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is open, a continuation right is established, and the specific winning opening is established. After the closing of the specific winning opening 5, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of hit balls are won in the specific winning opening 5). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state in which the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state in which a predetermined game value is given (a special game state). is there.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the pachinko machine P. In particular, a main control board C for controlling the game contents of the pachinko machine P, and a payout control of prize balls and loan balls are performed. It is the block diagram which showed the electric constitution with the payout control board H.

A main control board C of the pachinko machine P includes an MPU 11 as an arithmetic unit and an RO storing various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data.
M12 and RAM 13 used as a work memory or the like
And The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program. The RAM 13 has a prize ball buffer 13a.
, A prize ball pointer 13b, and a remaining prize ball number counter 13c.

The prize ball buffer 13a is a buffer for storing the number of prize balls to be paid out when a ball hit into the game area 1 wins a normal winning opening 2 or the like. The number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the prize ball buffer 13a for each winning ball, so that the prize ball buffer 13a is composed of a plurality of bytes. When the data of the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H as a winning ball command, the data is deleted from the winning ball buffer 13a. In particular,
After transmitting the number of prize balls stored in the 0th prize ball buffer 13a to the payout control board H, the first and subsequent prize ball buffers 1
By shifting the value of 3a one byte at a time toward the smaller address, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is deleted.

The award ball command is a command for instructing the number of award balls to be paid out to the payout control board H. Since the maximum number of award balls for one winning is 15 balls, the maximum award is given. "01H" to "0FH" corresponding to the number of balls
Are provided.

The prize ball pointer 13b is a pointer indicating the position of the prize ball buffer 13a for storing the number of prize balls, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b. . This prize ball pointer 13
The value of b is incremented by "1" by writing the number of prize balls into the prize ball buffer 13a.
When the value of 3a is transmitted to the payout control board H, “1” is subtracted.

The remaining prize ball number counter 13c is a counter for storing the number of unpaid prize balls, and is a counter for managing the number of prize balls paid out by the payout control board H in the main control board C. Each time the main control board C instructs the payout control board H to pay out the prize balls, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is added to the value of the payout control board H.
The prize ball is paid out, and every time the prize ball count switch 22 detects the paid out prize ball, “1” is set.
Is subtracted by one.

These MPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 1
Numerals 3 are mutually connected via a bus line 14 composed of an address bus and a data bus. Bus line 1
4 is also connected to an input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to the payout control board H via fixed buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed.
Type 1 starter switch 18 and V count switch 19
, A 10 count switch 20, a prize ball count switch 22, and another input / output device 25.

The normal winning switch 17 is a switch for detecting a ball which has won a plurality of normal winning openings 2 in the game area 1, and is provided near the entrance of each normal winning opening 2. The first-type starting port switch 18 is a switch for detecting a ball passing through the symbol operating port (first-type starting port) 4, and is provided near the symbol operating port 4. When a ball is detected by one of the normal winning switches 17 or the first-type start-up switch 18, six payout balls are paid out by the payout control board H. V count switch 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a switch for detecting a ball winning the V zone 5a in the specific winning opening 5, and a 10 count switch 20 detects a ball winning other than the V zone 5a in the specific winning opening 5. Switch. When a ball is detected by the V count switch 19 or the 10 count switch 20, 15 payout balls are paid out by the payout control board H.

The prize ball count switch 22 is a switch for detecting a prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout motor 21, and is mounted on the prize ball payout unit S together with the prize ball payout motor 21. The prize ball payout motor 21 is a motor for paying out prize balls, and the drive of the prize ball payout motor 21 is controlled by a payout control board H.

As described above, the main control board C includes buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 3 having fixed inputs and outputs.
7 and is connected to the payout control board H. Therefore, transmission and reception of the prize ball command and the like between the main control board C and the payout control board H are performed by the payout control board H from the main control board C.
This is performed only in one direction, and cannot be performed from the payout control board H to the main control board C. The main control board C and the payout control board H are connected by eight data lines and one strobe line, and when the data of the strobe line becomes active, the data is output on the eight data lines. The transmitted data is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H as a command.

The payout control board H controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls. The MPU 31 is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 32 storing a control program executed by the MPU 31, fixed value data, and the like; And a RAM 33 used as such. The programs in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are stored in the ROM 32 as a part of the control program.

The RAM 33 of the payout control board H has a remaining prize ball number counter 33a, and is connected to a backup capacitor 33b so as to be backed up. Therefore, the remaining prize ball number counter 33a of the RAM 33
Is retained even when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off.

The remaining prize ball counter 33a is a counter for storing the number of unpaid prize balls, similarly to the above-described remaining prize ball counter 13c of the main control board C. Remaining prize ball counter 3
The designated number of prize balls is added to the value of 3a every time the payout of the prize ball is instructed from the main control board C to the payout control board H by the prize ball command. Conversely, each time the prize ball count switch 22 detects a paid-out prize ball, it is decremented by "1". As described above, the remaining prize ball counter 33a
Is backed up by the capacitor 33b, even if the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off during the payout of the prize balls, the payout control board H is left by turning on the power of the pachinko machine P again. Prize balls (unpaid prize balls) can be accurately paid out.

These MPU 31, ROM 32 and RAM
Reference numerals 33 are connected to each other by a bus line 35 composed of an address bus and a data bus. Bus line 3
5 is also connected to the input / output port 36. The input / output port 36 is connected to the main control board C via fixed buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are described above, as well as the prize ball payout motor 21 and the prize ball payout unit S of the prize ball payout unit S. A ball count switch 22,
A 7-segment LED 34, a reset switch 38,
The switch 39 is connected to the ball removing switch 39 and another input / output device 40.

Here, referring to FIG.
The ED 34, the reset switch 38, and the ball release switch 39 will be described. FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko machine P. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board C is in the main control box CB, and the payout control board H is in the payout control box H.
B, respectively. A plurality of openings are formed in the dispensing control box HB that accommodates the dispensing control board H, and a seven-segment LED 34, a reset switch 38, and a ball removing switch 39 are exposed from each of the openings.

The 7-segment LED 34 is a display device for displaying the state of the payout control board H, and displays numbers, alphabets, and the like according to the state of the payout control board H. The state to be displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 is 2
In the case where there is the above, a number or the like indicating each state is sequentially displayed for a predetermined time.

The reset switch 38 is connected to the payout control board H
Is a switch for instructing the cancellation of the error occurring in the above and the clearing of the value of the backed-up prize ball counter 33a. When the reset switch 38 is continuously depressed for one second or longer, the error occurring on the payout control board H is released, and the reset switch 38 is pressed.
"E" is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 in order to notify the person who pressed the "." When the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is cleared to "0", and
"C" is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 in order to notify the person who pressed the reset switch 38 of the clear.

Pressing portion (pressing portion) of reset switch 38
Is covered by the lid 38a, the reset switch 38 cannot be pressed unless the lid 38a is opened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reset switch 38 from being erroneously pressed by a pachinko hall clerk or the like, and to avoid inadvertent clearing of the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a. In order to prevent the reset switch from being erroneously pressed, the pressed portion of the reset switch may be provided facing the side of the pachinko machine P. By arranging the reset switch in this manner, the pressed portion of the reset switch can be hidden from the back view of the pachinko machine P, so that the reset switch can be prevented from being erroneously pressed.

The ball removing switch 39 is a switch for discharging the prize ball payout unit S and the balls in the supply path to the prize ball payout unit S.
When 9 is pressed, all such balls are ejected to the upper plate (or lower plate) (not shown) of the gaming table.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the reset interrupt processing performed by the main control board C will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the reset interrupt process executed by the main control board C every 2 ms. In this reset interrupt processing, first, it is checked whether or not the processing is the processing executed first after the power is turned on (S1). If the processing is the processing executed first (S1: Yes), Initialization processing such as setting an initial value after once clearing the content to "0" is executed (S2). After the execution of the processing of S2, the execution of the processing is waited until the next reset interrupt processing occurs.

If it is determined in the process of S1 that the reset interrupt process has been executed for the second time or more after the power is turned on (S1: No), one of the normal winning switches 17
Alternatively, it is confirmed whether or not a ball is detected by the first-type starting port switch 18 (S3). Either switch 17, 1
If a ball is detected by 8 (S3: Yes),
In order to pay out six prize balls, "6" is written to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b (S
4) Add "1" to the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S)
5). On the other hand, if no ball is detected by any of the switches 17 and 18 (S3: No), S4 and S
The process of S5 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S6.

In the processing of S6, the V count switch 19
Alternatively, it is confirmed whether or not a ball has been detected by the 10 count switch 20 (S6). Either switch 19, 20
If a sphere is detected (S6: Yes), 1
In order to pay out five prize balls, "15" is written to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b (S
7) The value of the prize ball pointer 13b is incremented by "1" (S)
8). On the other hand, if a ball is not detected by any of the switches 19 and 20 (S6: No), S7 and S
The process of S8 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S9.

In the process of S9, it is checked whether or not the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is "0" (S9). If the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is not "0" (S9: No), it means that the data of the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the prize ball buffer 13a, and thus the 0th prize ball buffer 13a.
Is transmitted to the payout control board H as a prize ball command (S10). After transmitting the award ball command, the value of the 0th award ball buffer 13a, which is the award ball number data transmitted by the award ball command, is added to the remaining award ball number counter 13c (S11). And the prize ball buffer 13 after the first one
The value of “a” is shifted one byte at a time to the smaller address side (S12), the value of the prize ball buffer 13a is updated, the value of the transmitted 0th prize ball buffer 13a is deleted, and the prize ball pointer is further deleted. The value of 13b is subtracted by "1" (S13). On the other hand, in the process of S9, if the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is “0” (S9: Yes), since the data of the number of prize balls to be paid out is not stored in the prize ball buffer 13a, the process of S10 to S13 The process skips each process and shifts the process to S14.

In the process of S14, it is determined whether or not the award ball count switch 22 is turned on (S14). If the award ball count switch 22 is detected to be on (S1
4: Yes), since one prize ball has been paid out, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is checked (S15),
If the value is not "0" (S15: No), "1" is subtracted from the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c corresponding to the paid prize ball (S16). On the other hand, when the turning-on of the prize ball count switch 22 is not detected (S14: N
o) Since the prize balls have not been paid out, if the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is "0" even if the on of the prize ball count switch 22 is detected (S14: Yes, S1)
5: Yes), since the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c cannot be subtracted, the process of S16 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S17.

In the process of S17, each process (S17) for controlling the progress of the game is executed on the main control board C, and after the execution of each process (S17), the next reset interrupt process occurs. Wait until the process is executed.

Next, a command receiving process and a main process performed by the payout control board H will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the command receiving process executed in the interrupt process of the payout control board H.
Dispenses the command sent from the main control board C to the control board H
Is received, an interrupt is generated each time, and the command receiving process is executed.

In the command receiving process, first, it is determined whether or not the received command is a winning ball command (S2).
1). If the received command is a prize ball command (S2
1: Yes), the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball command is added to the remaining prize ball counter 33a (S22). on the other hand,
If the received command is not a prize ball command (S2
1: No), a process corresponding to the received command is executed (S23), and the command receiving process ends.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main processing of the payout control board H. Through the main process, various processes required for the payout control board H, such as the payout of award balls, are executed.
In this main process, first, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is checked (S31), and if the value is not "0" (S3).
1: No), since there remains unpaid prize balls, the prize ball payout motor 21 is driven to pay out one prize ball (S3).
2). On the other hand, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is "0" (S31: Yes), there is no unpaid prize ball, so the payout ball payout process of S32 is skipped.

In the processing of S33, if the award ball count switch 22 is detected to be on (S33: Yes), it means that the award ball has been paid out. Therefore, in such a case, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is checked (S34), and if the value is not "0" (S34: N
o), the remaining prize ball number counter 3 corresponding to the paid prize ball
"1" is subtracted from the value of 3a (S35). On the other hand, when the ON of the prize ball count switch 22 is not detected (S3
3: No), even if the award ball count switch 22 is turned on (S33: Yes), if the value of the remaining award ball counter 33a is "0" (S34: Yes), the process of S35 is skipped. .

In each of the processes of S36 and S37, the pressed state of the reset switch 38 is confirmed. If the reset switch 38 is not depressed, or if it is depressed for less than one second (S36: No, S37:
No), the state of the payout control board H is 7 segment LED3
4 (S38). If the reset switch 38 is pressed and the pressing time is 1 second or more and less than 5 seconds (S36: No, S37: Yes), the error occurring in the payout control board H is released (S39). Then, "E" is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 in order to notify the person who pressed the reset switch 38 (for example, a clerk at the pachinko hall) that the error has been cleared (S
40).

If the pressing time of the reset switch 38 is 5 seconds or more (S36: Yes), the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is cleared to "0" (S41), and the number of unpaid prize balls is cleared. In order to erase the memory and notify the person who pressed the reset switch 38 that the erasure has been performed, 7
"C" is displayed on the segment LED 34 (S42).
The measurement of the pressing time of the reset switch 38 is performed by a timer interrupt process executed in parallel with the payout control board H together with the main process.

After the execution of the processing of S38, S40 and S42, each processing required in the payout control board H is executed (S4
3) Then, the process returns to S31. It should be noted that processing such as when the ball release switch 39 is pressed is executed in each processing (S43).

As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a of the payout control board H that stores the number of remaining prize balls to be paid out is determined by the backup capacitor 33b. Is maintained even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off. Therefore, even when the power of the pachinko machine P is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like,
The number of unpaid prize balls is stored, and they can be reliably paid out after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on again. Moreover, since the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a can be cleared by pressing the reset switch 38, even if unpaid prize balls remain due to a test before the factory shipment of the pachinko machine P, the value of the remaining prize balls is cleared. By clearing, it is possible to prevent paying out extra prize balls when the pachinko machine P is set up in the hall.

Since the clearing of the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is performed only when the reset switch 38 is continuously depressed for 5 seconds or more, the clerk of the hall or the like touches the reset switch 38 by erroneous operation. Also, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a can be held without being cleared. Further, the reset switch 38 is connected to the payout control board H
Is also used as an error canceling switch for canceling the error that has occurred in the above, and such an error is canceled by pressing the reset switch 38 continuously for one second or more. That is, the error is first released by the continuous depression of the reset switch 38, and the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is cleared only when the reset switch 38 is continuously depressed. In addition, when the error is released, "E" is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34, and the person who presses the reset switch 38 can use this display to display the reset switch 3 being pressed.
8 can be easily recognized. Therefore, careless pressing of the reset switch 38 causes
It is possible to avoid erroneously clearing the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a.

Next, a modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above embodiment, when the reset switch 38 provided on the payout control board H is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more, the backed-up prize ball counter 33a is backed up.
Has been cleared. On the other hand, FIGS.
In the modification shown in FIG. 7, a clear switch 51 is provided on the power supply board D in place of the reset switch 38, and when the clear switch 51 is pressed, the values of the remaining ball count counters 13c and 33a are cleared. are doing.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing a first modification. In the first modification, not only the payout control board H but also the main control board C, the remaining ball count 13
The values of c and 33a are backed up, and these values are cleared by pressing (operating) the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D. Power supply board D
Is pressed, the clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the main control board C and the payout control board H via the input / output ports. When the main control board C and the payout control board H receive the clear signal 52, the values of the remaining prize ball number counters 13c and 33a are cleared to "0" in the control boards C and H, respectively.

When the value of the remaining ball count counter 13c and other values are backed up in the main control board C as in the first modified example, the processing of the main control board C is performed as shown in FIG.
Other interrupts whose priority is lower than the NMI interrupt (non-maskable interrupt),
Perform it in the main processing other than the interrupt. Thereby, when the backup process at the time of the power failure, that is, the backup data storage process at the time of the power failure is performed by the NMI interrupt, the backup process can be reliably executed. The same applies to the second, fourth and fifth modified examples described later.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating a second modification. In the second modified example, similarly to the first modified example,
Not only in the payout control board H but also in the main control board C, the values of the remaining prize ball counters 13c and 33a are backed up, and these values are pressed (operated) by the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D. It is clear by doing. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, first, the clear signal 5 is transmitted from the power supply board D to the main control board C.
2 is output via the input / output port. When the clear signal 52 is input, the main control board C clears the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c to “0” and transmits a clear command 53 to the payout control board H. Clear command 5
Reference numeral 3 denotes a buffer (inverter gate) 1 whose input and output are fixed similarly to the prize ball command of the above-described embodiment.
The data is transmitted in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H via the ports 6 and 37. When the payout control board H receives this clear command 53, it clears the value of the back-up prize ball number counter 33a to "0".

FIG. 7C is a block diagram showing a third modification. In the third modification, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c of the main control board C is not backed up, but only the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a of the payout control board H is backed up. The value of 33a is cleared by pressing (operating) the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the payout control board H via the input / output port. When the clearing signal 52 is input by the payout control board H, the payout control is performed. On the substrate H, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is cleared to "0". The clear signal 52 is not output to the main control board C having no backup data.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
The clear switch 51 is provided on the power supply board D, and when the clear switch 51 is pressed, the remaining prize ball number counter 1
3c and 33a, and the main control board C,
The payout control board H and other control boards O are reset to return to the initial state.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram showing a fourth modification. In the fourth modification, the values of the remaining prize ball counters 13c and 33a are backed up not only in the payout control board H but also in the main control board C, as in the first modification. When the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D is pressed (operated), the clearing is performed, and the main control board C, the payout control board H, and the other control boards O are reset. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the main control board C, the payout control board H, and another control board O via the input / output ports.
When the main control board C and the payout control board H receive the clear signal 52, the remaining prize ball number counter 13c,
The value of 33a is cleared to "0", and the program being executed is reset to return to the initial state. The other control board O to which the clear signal 52 has been input resets the program being executed and returns to the initial state.

As described above, the clearing of the backup data 13c and 33a and the resetting of each of the control boards C, H and O can be performed by the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D. If the control program runs out of control and malfunctions, the clear switch 5
The runaway can be stopped simply by operating the number 1. When the control program goes out of control, the contents of the RAM are destroyed.
May have been corrupted and an incorrect value has been written. However, in the fourth modification, pressing the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D not only resets the control boards C, H, and O, but also causes the backup data 13c,
33a, the control boards C, H, and O are returned to the initial state by reset, and then the pachinko machine P is reset.
Can operate normally. Note that clearing of the backup data 13c, 33a and the control boards C, H, O
Reset may be performed in the reverse order.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram showing a fifth modification. In the fifth modified example, the values of the remaining prize ball counters 13c and 33a are backed up not only in the payout control board H but also in the main control board C, as in the second modified example described above. When the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D is pressed (operated), the clearing is performed, and the main control board C, the payout control board H, and the other control boards O are reset to return to the initial state.

When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is depressed, first, a clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the main control board C via the input / output port. When the clear signal 52 is input to the main control board C, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is cleared to “0”, and the clear command 53 and the reset command 5 are sent to the payout control board H.
4 is transmitted. The two commands 53 and 54 are unidirectional from the main control board C to the payout control board H via buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 having fixed inputs and outputs, similarly to the award ball command of the above-described embodiment. Sent to.
When the payout control board H receives the clear command 53,
When the value of the back-up prize ball counter 33a is cleared to "0" and the reset command 54 is received, the program being executed is reset to return to the initial state.

The main control board C also sends a reset command 55 to another control board O in order to reset another control board O. This reset command 55 is also transmitted in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H.
Upon receiving the reset command 55, the other control boards O reset the program being executed and return to the initial state. After transmitting the reset command 55, the main control board C
Resets the program being executed by itself and returns to the initial state.

As described above, in the fifth modification as well, the clearing of the backup data 13c and 33a and the resetting of the control boards C, H and O can be performed by the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D. The clearing of the backup data 13c on the main control board C, the clear command 53 for each control board H and O, the reset command 5
The order of transmission of 4, 55 is not limited to the above description, and the order may be changed.

Here, a method of pressing (operating) the clear switch 51 in the first to fifth modifications will be described.
In order to prevent the backup data from being erroneously cleared due to an erroneous operation of the clear switch 51b, only when the clear switch 51 is pressed (operated) as follows, the power supply board D
Is configured to output a clear signal 52.

As a first pressing method, the power of the power supply board D is turned on (ON) while the clear switch 51 is pressed.
The clear signal 52 is output only when the clear switch 52 is pressed.
The clear signal 52 is output only when the power supply of the power supply board D is turned off in a state where 1 is pressed.

For example, when the main control board C or the payout control board H runs out of control, even if the clear signal 52 or the commands 53 to 55 are transmitted, they may not be normally received. However, when the power is turned on (ON), the control boards C, H, and O do not run away, and when the power is turned off, even if the control boards C, H, and O run away, they are backed up. Since the NMI interrupt, which is a forced interrupt, is generated in order to execute the backup process for normally saving the data 13c and 33a, the clear signal 52 and each command are output during the runaway during the NMI interrupt process. 53 to 55 can be normally received. Therefore, by outputting the clear signal 52 upon turning on (turning on) or turning off the power, the control boards C, H, and O can normally receive the clear signal 52 and the commands 53 to 55, and the backup data 13c , 33a can be surely returned to the initial state by clear processing or reset.

As a third pressing method, the clear signal 52 is output only when the clear switch 51 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or more. Uses a so-called double click frequently used in a personal computer or the like, that is, when the clear switch 51 is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time (for example, when the clear switch 51 is pressed twice within 2 seconds). The clear signal 52 is output only when

When the clear switch 51 is pressed, the clear signal 52 is not output.
Only when the clear switch 51 is pressed under a predetermined condition (predetermined pressing method) as in the pressing method of FIG.
Clear signal 5 to main control board C or payout control board H
2 is output to prevent erroneous clearing of backup data. Conversely, the clear signal 52 is configured to be always output when the clear switch 51 is pressed,
When the clear signal 52 is output according to the first to fourth pressing methods by software control in the main control board C or the like, it is determined that each pressing method is to be executed, and the above-described processing is executed. May be. By adopting such a configuration, the output timing of the clear signal 52 can be adjusted to the timing of pressing the clear switch 51, so that the hardware configuration of the output circuit of the clear signal 52 can be simplified and the device cost can be reduced. It is.

Of course, the first to fourth pressing methods are pressing methods which can be used in any of the first to fifth modified examples. It may be used.

The clear switch 51 need not always be provided directly on the power supply board D. For example, when a power switch unit for turning the power board D on and off is provided upstream of the power board D, the clear switch 51 may be provided on the power switch unit. That is, the clear switch 51 may be provided at a location other than the power supply board D at an electrically upstream position where a signal can be output to the main control board C and the payout control board H.

In the above embodiment, a prize ball paid out by the payout control board H is used as the valuable object having the predetermined value according to the first aspect, and FIG.
The processing of S41 corresponds to each.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can easily be inferred.

For example, in the above embodiment, the payout control board H
Is stored in the backup capacitor 3.
By 3b, the value is not limited to the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a,
Everything was backed up. However, the capacitor 33b may be configured to back up only the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a.

When the reset switch 38 is continuously depressed for one second or longer, not all errors occurring in the payout control board H are released, but errors occurring in the payout control board H are released. Of these, only the error peculiar to the payout control board H may be canceled. As described above, transmission and reception between the main control board C and the payout control board H
Since the operation is performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H, the reset switch 38 of the payout control board H is set to 1
If the button is pressed for more than a second, the error of the payout control board H can be cleared, but the error of the main control board C cannot be cleared. The errors generated in the payout control board H include a prize ball non-detection error in which the number of prize balls to be paid out is insufficient, and a prize ball over error in which the number of prize balls to be paid out is too large. There is an error managed by both the payout control board H and the payout control board H. If such an error is cleared only by the payout control board H, the main control board C and the payout control board H
This is because there is a discrepancy between the states described above and the control is hindered.

Hereinafter, modified examples of the present invention will be described. 2. The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control board stores main remaining number storage means for storing the remaining number of valuable objects to be paid out, and retains the contents of the main remaining number storage means even after the power is turned off. Main clearing means, and main clearing means for clearing the contents of the main remaining number storage means held by the main backing up means, wherein the power supply board has a main clearing operation for operating the main clearing means. A control device 1 for a gaming machine, characterized by comprising means. As described above, when the data of the main control board is backed up, not only the data of the payout control board but also the data of the main control board can be cleared.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or
In the control device 1 of the gaming machine, the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main clear means) keeps the clear switch for a predetermined time or more. A control device 2 for a gaming machine, which is activated when it is operated. When the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is operated simply by operating the clear switch, the remaining number storing means (or the main remaining number storing means) can be easily operated by an erroneous operation of a user (a clerk of a hall where the gaming machine is installed). ) Will be cleared. In this case, there is no point in backing up the contents of the remaining number storage means (or the main remaining number storage means) by the backup means (or the main backup means), and unpaid valuable objects cannot be reliably dispensed. On the other hand, the control device 2 of the gaming machine is configured so that the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is activated when the clear switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more, so that the user or the like performs an erroneous operation. Thus, even if the clear switch is operated, the clearing means (or main clearing means) does not operate, and the contents of the remaining number storing means (or main remaining number storing means) can be held. Therefore, the clearing unit (or the main clearing unit) is prevented from being operated due to an erroneous operation or the like, and the unpaid valuable object can be reliably paid out.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or
In the control device 1 of the gaming machine, the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main clear means) is in a state where the clear switch is pressed. The controller 3 of the gaming machine, which operates when a power switch of the power supply board is turned on (or off). When the power of the gaming machine is turned on (or off) in a state where the clear switch is pressed, the clear means (or the main clear means) is operated, so that the clear switch is operated by a user or the like by an erroneous operation. Is operated, the clearing means (or main clearing means) does not operate, and the contents of the remaining number storing means (or main remaining number storing means) can be held. Therefore, clear means (or main clear means) due to erroneous operation, etc.
Can be avoided and unpaid valuable objects can be paid out reliably.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or
In the control device 1 of the gaming machine, the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main clear means) is operated by the clear switch within a predetermined time. A control device 4 for a gaming machine, which is activated when it is pressed a plurality of times. Since the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is activated when the clearing switch is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is operated even if the user or the like operates the clearing switch by erroneous operation. Or the main clearing means) does not operate, and the remaining number storing means (or the main remaining number storing means) is not operated.
Can be retained. Therefore, the clearing unit (or the main clearing unit) is prevented from being operated due to an erroneous operation or the like, and the unpaid valuable object can be reliably paid out.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or
In any of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 4, the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) outputs a clear signal from the power supply board to the payout control board (or main control board), and outputs the clear signal. Means for clearing the dispensing control board (or main control board) (or main clearing means)
A control device 5 for a gaming machine, wherein the controller 5 is operated.

The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or
In any of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 4, the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) outputs a clear signal from the power supply board to the main control board, and the main control board includes: When the clear signal is input, a clear command transmitting means for transmitting a clear command to the payout control board is provided, and the clearing means of the payout control board receives the clear command transmitted by the clear command transmitting means. A control device 6 for a gaming machine, which is activated in a case.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or
In any of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 6, the clearing means (or main clearing means) clears the contents of the remaining number storing means (or main remaining number storing means) and also controls the payout control board (or A gaming machine control device 7 for resetting the main control board and returning the payout control board (or the main control board) to an initial state.
The remaining number storage means (or the main remaining number storage means) is provided by the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board.
Can be reset and the payout control board (or main control board) can be reset and returned to the initial state, so if the game machine goes out of control, the runaway can be easily stopped and the initial state You can return.

The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or
In any of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 7, the payout control board may be an error canceling means for canceling an error of the payout control board, and a switch means for selectively operating the error canceling means and the clearing means. A control device 8 for a gaming machine, comprising: As described above, since one switch is commonly used as an operation switch for two units (error canceling unit and clearing unit), the device can be simplified and the cost of the device can be reduced because one switch can be omitted. . Also, two means (error canceling means and clearing means) are provided by one switch means.
Can be selectively activated, so that only one means (for example, error clearing means) is disclosed to the user (the clerk of the hall where the gaming machine is installed) and the other means (for example, clearing) Means) can be kept secret. This allows you to keep features that you do not want users to know (for example,
The function of the clearing means) can be mounted on the gaming machine while keeping the secret.

In the control unit 8 of the gaming machine, a display device and a display for causing the display device to perform the first display when the error canceling means is operated and the second display when the clearing means is operated. A control device 9 for a gaming machine, comprising: a control unit. The user of the switch means (the clerk at the hall where the gaming machine is installed) can confirm the operation status of each means by displaying the display means, so that the desired means can be reliably operated. The display device and the display control means may be mounted on the payout control board.

In the controller 8 or 9 of the gaming machine, the switch means is constituted by a push button, and the error canceling means operates when the push button is kept pressed for a first predetermined time, and The controller 10 for a gaming machine, wherein the clearing means is activated when the push button is kept pressed for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. As a result, the clearing means can be operated only after the error canceling means has been activated,
It is possible to prevent the clearing means from being easily operated due to an erroneous operation or the like.

In any one of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 10, the switch means (or clear switch) is constituted by a push button, and has a lid for opening and closing a push portion of the push button. A control device 11 for a gaming machine. The pressing of the push button is performed after opening the lid covering the pressing portion of the push button. That is, at normal times, the pressing portion of the push button is covered with the lid, so that it is possible to prevent the push button from being erroneously pressed.

In any one of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 11, the switch means (or clear switch) is constituted by a push button, and the push portion of the push button is disposed toward the side of the gaming machine. A control device 12 for a gaming machine, which is provided. By arranging the pressing portion of the push button toward the side of the gaming machine, the push button can be hidden from the user (a clerk in a hall where the gaming machine is installed). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the push button.

In any one of the control devices 8 to 12 of the gaming machine, the error canceling means cancels only errors peculiar to the payout control board among errors occurring in the payout control board. Machine control device 1
3. That is, since the error related to the main control board is not cleared, the state of the main control board and the state of the payout control board can be kept the same even if the error clearing means operates.

A control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or
In any one of the control devices 1 to 13 of the gaming machine, a unidirectional means for enabling communication between the main control board and the payout control board in only one direction from the main control board to the payout control board is provided. A control device 14 for a gaming machine.

[0083]

According to the gaming machine control device of the present invention,
The contents of the remaining number storage means for storing the remaining number of valuable objects to be paid out are retained by the backup means even after the game machine is turned off. Therefore, even when the power of the gaming machine is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the number of valuable objects that have not yet been paid can be stored and paid out can be reliably paid out after the power is turned on again. Moreover, since the contents of the remaining number storage means can be cleared by the clearing means, even if unpaid valuable objects remain due to a test before the game machine is shipped from the factory, etc., by clearing it, the game machine can be installed. There is an effect that extra valuables can be prevented from being dispensed at times.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a reset interrupt process executed by a main control board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a command receiving process executed in a receiving interrupt process of the payout control board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a main process executed by a payout control board.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are block diagrams showing a modification of the present embodiment, in which FIG. 7A shows a first modification, FIG.
(C) illustrates a third modification example.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams showing a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 8A shows a fourth modification, and FIG. 8B shows a fifth modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

17 Normal winning switch 21 Prize ball payout motor 22 Prize ball count switch 33 RAM of payout control board 33a Remaining ball count counter of payout control board (remaining number storage means) 33b Backup capacitor (backup means) 34 7-segment LED 38 Reset switch 51 Clear switch 52 Clear signal 53 Clear command 54, 55 Reset command C Main control board D Power board H Payout control board P Pachinko machine (Game) S Prize ball payout unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsuya Kato 7-49 Haruoka-dori, Chigusa-ku, Nagoya F-term (reference) 2C088 BA13 BA17 BA32 BC58 DA21 EB55

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A control device for a gaming machine, comprising: a main control board for controlling a game; and a payout control board for paying out valuable objects having a predetermined value based on a command transmitted from the main control board. In the dispensing control board, the remaining number storage means for storing the remaining number of valuable objects paid out from the main control board, and backup means for retaining the contents of the remaining number storage means even after the power is turned off And a clearing means for clearing the contents of the remaining number storage means held by the backup means.