JP2001232037A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the missing or the like at the time of a power failure of prize ball number information transmitted from a game controller 100 and received in a discharge controller 200 in a pachinko machine. SOLUTION: The power failure processing execution time of the CPU 211 of the discharge controller 100 is delayed from a power failure start detection time point (the power failure processing execution time point of the CPU 111 of the game controller 100) for sufficient delay time T3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game control device for transmitting prize ball number information in response to a game ball winning a prize hole of a game board, and a prize ball based on the transmitted prize ball number information. Gaming machine equipped with an emission control device for controlling the emission (for example,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the processing for discharging the prize balls is executed as accurately as possible even if there is a power failure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional general pachinko machine has a separate configuration (meaning that a board is configured separately) based on prize ball number information transmitted from a game control device for controlling the progress of a game on a game board. The discharged control device drives and controls a ball discharging mechanism (e.g., a discharging unit), so that a prize ball discharging (or a prize ball supplying a prize ball as a game value to a player)
Prize ball payout). That is, a game ball (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball in some cases) is fired in a game area formed on the game board surface, and the player is conditioned on the condition that the fired ball wins various winning holes provided in the game area. In order to supply the game value to the prize ball number information (for example, data of 5 prize balls, 10 prize balls) to the emission control device,
The discharge control device discharges a predetermined number of game balls (that is, prize balls) to a supply tray (or a tray) at a lower portion of the front of the pachinko machine. By the way, conventionally, means for detecting a game ball discharged as a prize ball is not particularly provided, and the above-described normality of the discharge of the prize ball (for example, whether the number of game balls discharged from the prize ball as a whole is correct or not). ) Is not specifically monitored. Conventionally, one prize ball number information is transmitted when a safe unit that collects all prize balls (winning game balls) and detects one prize ball is transmitted, and the prize ball number information is transmitted. Until the prize ball discharging operation corresponding to the prize ball is completed, the prize ball number information of the next winning ball is not necessarily transmitted, which is considered to be a configuration in which a malfunction does not easily occur.

However, in the above-described conventional method of detecting a winning ball and discharging a winning ball in a general game machine, all the winning balls are collected in a safe unit and then detected one by one, and the winning balls are sequentially discharged. Is executed, the discharge of the prize balls is delayed by the amount corresponding to the time of the prize, especially when a large amount of prizes are concentrated at one time, the discharge of the prize balls for all the prize balls is performed. There may be cases where the time of completion is considerably delayed from the time of winning. Therefore, recently, in order to speed up the discharge of the prize balls, a pachinko machine of a type in which the above-mentioned safe unit is not provided and a prize ball detecting means is provided in each prize port has been proposed. That is, instead of the method of transmitting the prize ball number information from the game control device to the discharge control device based on the detection of one by the safe unit,
For example, a game ball sensor (that is, a winning ball detection means) is provided for each winning opening provided on the game board surface, and when a game ball wins in any of these sensors, the number of winning ball numbers information is sequentially transmitted to the discharge control device. At the same time, the control of discharging the winning game balls to the outside of the gaming machine without temporarily stopping as described above is performed. On the other hand, the discharge control device sequentially stores the transmitted prize ball number information. There is a proposal of a pachinko machine that executes a prize ball discharge by driving a ball discharge mechanism by a discharge control device based on the obtained prize ball number information.

[0004] However, in such a type of pachinko machine, unlike the type having the above-described safe unit, even if a prize ball has not been discharged, the winning ball is immediately discharged to the outside of the game machine. In the event of an accident such as a prize ball not being ejected due to a malfunction or power outage, it is necessary to have a mechanism to check later how many prize balls that have not been ejected remain. It is necessary to monitor the occurrence and detect such anomalies before significant disadvantages occur to the player or the game store. Therefore, as a pachinko machine without a safe unit as described above,
For example, the game control device is provided with a storage means for storing prize ball number information (prize information or the prize ball number data itself), and every time a prize is detected, the storage value of the storage means is increased by the prize. In addition, each time the prize ball number information is transmitted to the discharge control device, the storage value of the storage means is reduced by the prize ball (or the prize ball is detected by providing the prize ball detection means). Each time the stored value is reduced). Alternatively, the discharge control device is provided with storage means for storing the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device, and every time the prize ball number information is transmitted, the storage value of the storage means is increased by the prize ball. With
The one in which the stored value of the storage means is reduced by the prize ball every time the prize ball discharge operation is executed (or the one in which a prize ball detection means is provided and the stored value is reduced every time a prize ball is detected) Etc.) have also been proposed.

[0005] With such a configuration, information on the number of undischarged prize balls is always stored in the storage means,
By checking the value stored in the storage means, the number of unpaid prize balls can be determined. Further, by comparing the stored value of the storage means with the detection signal of the prize ball detection means, the operation state of the ball discharge mechanism, and the like, it is possible to monitor the abnormality of the prize ball discharge. For example, when the stored value of the storage means exists (for example, the winning number is 1 or more), but the ball ejection mechanism does not operate for a long time, or the detection signal of the prize ball detection means is not output. This is because it can be determined that the prize ball should not be ejected due to some trouble even though the prize ball should be ejected. In addition, by providing a backup power supply for supplying backup power to the storage means even in the event of a power failure, the number of prize balls that have not been discharged due to a power failure is stored and retained, and after the power is restored, the prize balls that have not been discharged are discharged. Becomes possible.

However, in the configuration having the storage means as described above, the effects of a voltage drop at the time of a power failure or the stoppage of the operation due to the power failure during data transmission / reception (or during reading / writing) can reduce the operation of the game control device and the like. Processing means (for example, a CPU of a microcomputer) writes abnormal data to the storage means, and it cannot be said that there is no danger that a problem such as an inability to properly discharge prize balls after recovery from the power failure will not occur. Such improvements have been proposed. That is, at the time of a power failure, a slight voltage drop (smaller than the allowable voltage drop) due to the start of the power failure is detected and output before the reset signal for stopping the operation of the processing means within the allowable voltage drop. A signal is input to the processing means, and when the power failure detection signal is input, a preparation process (hereinafter referred to as a power failure process) for bringing the processing means into an appropriate state to be backed up is performed before the operation is stopped by a reset signal. Has been proposed. Since the power failure process includes a process of finally disabling signal input / output and a process of prohibiting access to the storage unit (function suspension process), the power failure process is performed at an improper voltage level. An abnormal operation such that the processing means operates to constantly access the storage means illegally or transmit inappropriate prize ball number information is avoided, and the above-described problem is prevented.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following problems. (1) That is, if the backup power supply means is provided only for one of the storage means of the game control device and the discharge control device, the prize ball number information of the other storage means disappears due to the power failure. As a result, there is a possibility that undischarged prize balls cannot be discharged after the restoration from the power failure. For example, if only the storage unit of the discharge control device is backed up and there is a power failure while the untransmitted prize ball number information remains in the storage unit of the game control device, the untransmitted prize ball number information Will disappear as it is not discharged, and it will be impossible to confirm that it is not discharged after recovery from power failure or to supplementally discharge to eliminate the non-discharge, resulting in a complete lack of discharge . Also, for example, when only the storage unit of the game control device is backed up and the game control device is configured to subtract the prize ball number information every time the prize ball number information is transmitted, the storage device of the discharge control device does not discharge the prize ball number information. If there is a power outage with the prize ball number information remaining, the undischarged prize ball number information will be lost without being discharged (because it is not stored in the game control device), and the discharge will be completely incomplete. Will be. (2) If the processing means of the discharge control device is configured to start the above-described power failure process simultaneously with the detection of the power failure, the power failure occurs while the prize ball number information is being transmitted from the game control device to the discharge control device. In the event that the prize ball count information has been completely stored as data, the function of the processing means (the function of writing the received data of the prize ball count information to the storage means) is not stored and remains incomplete (i.e., incomplete data). Etc.) are stopped by the power failure process, so that the prize balls corresponding to the information on the number of prize balls being transmitted also become completely insufficiently discharged.

(3) Further, the processing means of the discharge control device includes:
If the power failure process is executed before the processing means of the game control device, for example, the prize ball number information being transmitted immediately before the power failure is received by the discharge control device, although it is supposed to be transmitted by the game control device. As a result, the prize ball number information disappears without being discharged in any of the control devices, and there is a possibility that the prize ball may be insufficiently discharged. Since a certain communication delay naturally occurs between the transmission of the signal from the game control device and the reception of the signal by the discharge control device, the above problem is caused by the processing means of the game control device This may occur when a power failure process is executed simultaneously with the processing means. Therefore, the present invention is based on the above-mentioned, it is difficult for the award ball number information to disappear or be damaged due to the above-mentioned power failure, and the undischarged award ball number information is more completely stored and held even at the time of the power failure, and remains undischarged due to the power failure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which the remaining prize balls can be more reliably discharged after a power failure recovery.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 manages and controls the progress of a game in connection with a game ball being awarded to a winning port of a game board. A game control device that determines and stores prize ball number information to be discharged, and stores the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device, and stores the prize ball number information. And a discharge control device that controls a prize ball discharge by operating a ball discharge mechanism that discharges game balls based on the game control device, and stores the prize ball number information of the game control device and the discharge control device. For each of the storage units, a backup power supply unit capable of supplying a backup power supply even when the power supply is cut off, a power outage detection unit that detects the start of a power outage, and when the power outage detection unit detects the start of the power outage, access A power failure processing delay control means for causing the processing means of the discharge control device to execute the power failure processing including at least the prohibition processing at a start timing delayed from the time when the power failure detection means detects the start of the power failure. Features. The power failure detection means may be provided as a separate circuit (for example, a circuit in a power supply device) independent of the game control device or the discharge control device. For example, a circuit in the game control device or the discharge control device may be provided. Or may be provided as a function of a processing unit of a game control device or a discharge control device (that is, there may be a mode in which the processing unit also functions as a power failure detection unit). In addition, the content of the power failure process may include a process of stopping other functions (for example, a process of interrupting or invalidating a part or all of a signal input or output). The power outage process may include the following process in addition to the function stop process. For example, before stopping the access to the storage unit, data such as a stack pointer and an interruption address is stored in the storage unit (backed-up memory), and after recovery from the power failure, the same state as that at the time of the power failure (prize ball number information) In addition to the storage state, the game state may be restored.

In a preferred embodiment, for example,
As described, when the power failure detection unit detects the start of the power failure, the processing unit of the game control device is also configured to execute the power failure process, and the time at which the processing unit of the discharge control device starts the power failure process is determined. The delay time of the power failure processing delay control means may be set so that the processing means of the game control device is delayed from the time when the power failure processing is started.
In a preferred aspect, the power failure detection means outputs a power failure detection signal for instructing execution of the power failure processing at the time of power failure start detection. The means may be a delay element in the emission control device that delays and transmits the power failure detection signal to the processing means of the emission control device. As a preferred embodiment, for example, the power failure detection means is configured to generate a power failure detection signal for instructing execution of the power failure processing at a time point when a power failure start is detected. The means may be a delay element in the power failure detection means for delaying and outputting the power failure detection signal to the processing means of the emission control device.

In a preferred embodiment, for example,
As described above, the game control device further includes a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged by the operation of the ball discharge mechanism and outputting a detection signal to the game control device and the discharge control device. When each of the control devices accumulates and stores the data of the number of prize balls information in a predetermined area of the respective storage means and stores the data, while receiving the detection signal of the prize ball detection means, based on this detection signal, By subtracting the data of the predetermined area by the prize ball discharge amount, information on the number of prize balls not yet discharged may be stored and held in the predetermined area. Further, for example, as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a stop means for outputting a stop signal for stopping the operation before power down due to a power failure to at least the processing means of the game control device and the discharge control device. The stop signal may be simultaneously input to at least the processing units of the game control device and the discharge control device at a timing after the execution of the power failure process. The stop means is, for example, a reset detection circuit described later, and the stop signal is, for example, a reset signal described later.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention applied to a pachinko machine will be described below with reference to the drawings. A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 a denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front surface with a guide rail 2. The game area 3 has an image display device 4 (a so-called special figure display device or the like) having a display screen 4a for variably displaying identification information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special figure) for each of a plurality of variable display areas. A special fluctuation winning device 5 having a large winning opening 5b opened and closed by an opening / closing door 5a; Ordinary fluctuation winning device 6, a general symbol display (ordinary symbol display) 7 provided on the left side of the grand prize opening 5b in this case, and displaying an ordinary symbol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an ordinary symbol) to be described later, and a through chucker. A general figure starting port (winning opening which becomes a starting condition of the variation display of the general figure) 8, a general winning opening 9, 10, a hitting direction converting member 11 called a windmill, a side lamp 12, an out hole 13, , Special variable winning device And both sides and the lamp 14 and decoration 15 provided on the lower side are provided in. Also,
On the upper part of the image display device 4, four special figure start storage indicators 16 are provided. In addition, a general winning opening 17 is provided on both upper surfaces of the special variable winning device 5, and a general-purpose starting storage display 18 is provided on the right side of the special winning opening 5b.

A special figure start switch 51 is provided in a winning flow path in the normal fluctuation winning apparatus 6, and a general figure start switch 52 (shown in FIG. Are not shown), respectively. In the special winning opening 5b of the special variable winning device 5, an attacker V switch 53 is provided for a continuous winning flow path (a flow path passing through a special winning opening), and a general winning flow path (not passing through a special winning opening). An attacker count switch 54 is provided in each of the channels. Also,
Each of the general winning ports 9, 10, 17 is provided with a winning port switch 55-60.

Here, the image display device 4 is capable of displaying a still image and a moving image in color, for example, a liquid crystal display (L).
CD) and may be a CRT. General map display 7
Is, for example, a display device having a 7-segment display unit for displaying a single-digit number and made of a liquid crystal or an LED, and in this case, the ordinary symbol (common drawing) is a single-digit number. In FIG. 3, which will be described later, an LED is illustrated as a display element constituting the general-purpose indicator 7, and this display element is referred to as a general-purpose LED 7a. The special figure start memory display 16 or the general figure start memory display 18 displays the number of the special figure or general figure start memories as described later.
In addition, the special figure start switch 51 detects the game balls that have won the ordinary fluctuation prize device 6 one by one.
2 detects the game balls passing through the normal symbol starting port 8 one by one. Attacker V switch 5
3 detects one by one so-called continuous winning (V winning) game balls among the game balls entering the special winning opening 5b. Also,
The winning opening switches 55 to 60 are for detecting one game ball winning each general winning opening.

In the game area 3 of the game board 1a, a large number of obstacle nails, such as a normal nail or a nail, are provided.
Here, illustration is omitted because it becomes complicated. Although not shown, the game board 1a may be provided with various other decorative lamps, LEDs, and the like. Further, in the present invention, the game area in the game board may be any, and may have any configuration. Gaming machines other than pachinko machines may be used. In this example, the so-called “first
An example in which the invention is applied to a pachinko machine belonging to the “species” will be described.

B. Configuration of Ball Discharge Mechanism Next, the configuration of the discharge unit (ball discharge mechanism) of the present embodiment will be described. Although not shown, this discharge unit is provided on the back side of the gaming machine. The discharge unit includes a game ball flow path (not shown) basically formed vertically so that the game ball flows down by gravity, and a payout unit 15a (shown in FIG. 3) provided at an upper portion of the game ball flow path. And the same applies hereinafter) and a flow path switching unit 15b provided at a lower portion of the game ball flow path. Discharged ball detection means for detecting discharged game balls is provided below the flow path switching unit 15b, and the discharged ball detection means includes a ball rental ball detection for detecting game balls discharged as rental balls. A sensor 50b and a prize ball detection sensor 50a for detecting a game ball ejected as a prize ball are provided. Among them, a prize ball detection sensor 50a (more precisely, a first prize ball detection sensor and a second prize ball detection sensor) ) Corresponds to the prize ball detecting means of the present invention. The game ball flow path is formed by the flow path switching unit 15b, in which game balls guided from a storage tank (not shown) at the upper portion on the back side of the gaming machine and having passed through the bending connection unit (not shown) flow down from the upper end side. The diverging portion (not shown) branches into two, one of which is a prize ball flow path (not shown) for passing game balls discharged as prize balls, and the other is discharged as lending balls. It is a ball lending flow path (not shown) for passing game balls. The branch portion is provided with a flow path switching valve (not shown) that can swing at a position to close either the winning ball flow path or the lending ball flow path with respect to the upstream side of the game ball flow path. When the path switching valve is driven by the path switching solenoid 35 and swings to one of the positions, the game balls discharged to the downstream side of the game ball path are separated from the prize ball path and the lending ball path. It passes through either one of them.
Further, the discharge unit of this embodiment is a two-row type in which the above-mentioned game ball flow path is provided in two rows, and components (flow path switching valve, discharge ball detection means, etc.) associated with the game ball flow path are also provided. Two sets are provided corresponding to this.

The dispensing unit 15a has two sprockets (not shown) corresponding to two rows of game ball channels, one ball discharge motor 42 (for example, a pulse motor) for driving these at once, and A gear mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the rotation output of the ball discharge motor 42 to the sprocket, and a stop member (not shown) for preventing inadvertent rotation of the sprocket due to gravity (that is, inadvertent ejection of the game ball). Abbreviation),
And a stopper solenoid 46 for driving the stop member. The sprocket is arranged such that an outer peripheral portion is partially located in the game ball flow path from an opening (not shown) provided in an upper portion of the game ball flow path, and is located between teeth on the outer circumference (that is, valleys). Part), the game ball is dimensioned to fit into one sprocket, and the configuration is such that the game ball always passes through the sprocket with the rotation of the sprocket (that is, if the sprocket does not rotate). The configuration is such that the game ball cannot pass through the opening.) The ball discharge motor 42 is for controlling the operation of rotating the sprocket by a predetermined amount (a predetermined angle or a predetermined rotation amount) and discharging a predetermined number of game balls downstream. The ball discharge motor 42 is controlled by the discharge control device 200. The stop member is swingable so that the tip side on which the claw is formed advances and retreats with respect to the gear of the gear mechanism. The base end of the stop member is biased by, for example, a tension spring (not shown), and the direction of the biasing force is set to a direction in which the claw is pressed against the outer periphery of the gear.
Also, when the pawl of the stop member is pressed against the outer periphery of the gear, it engages with the teeth of the gear to prevent rotation of the gear mechanism (that is, rotation of each sprocket). The stopper solenoid 46 is disposed on the back side of the stop member, and generates a force for attracting the stop member (force for retracting from the gear) when excited, and releases the stop member when not excited. Things. The stopper solenoid 46 is also controlled by the discharge control device 200.

The payout unit 15a thus configured
Then, when the stopper solenoid 46 is actuated (excited) under the control of the discharge control device 200, the tip side of the stop member swings in the retreating direction by the above-mentioned attracting force, and the claw engages with the outer periphery of the gear. The sprocket is released and the sprocket becomes rotatable. And
In this rotatable state, the ball discharge motor 42 operates under the control of the discharge control device 200 to rotate the sprocket by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction, so that a corresponding number of game balls are sent to the downstream side, and gravity is applied. As a result, it flows down the game ball channel. Immediately after the predetermined amount of game balls are discharged, the rotation of the ball discharge motor 42 is stopped by the control of the discharge control device 200, and the stopper solenoid 46 is immediately brought into the non-operation state (non-excitation state). Will be returned. As a result, the distal end side of the stop member swings in the forward direction by the urging force, and the pawl thereof is engaged with the outer periphery of the gear, whereby the rotation of the sprocket is prevented and the amount of the sprocket exceeds the predetermined amount by the action of gravity. A malfunction in which the game ball flows down is reliably prevented. In addition, during the discharge of the game ball (that is, during the discharge of the prize ball or the discharge of the lending ball), there is a power failure, and the ball discharge motor 42 and the stopper solenoid 4
Even when the operation of No. 6 is stopped by the power failure process by the discharge control device 200, the flow of the game ball is immediately stopped by the operation of the above-mentioned stop member. Next, the rental ball detection sensor 50b
Is a game ball that passes through the above-mentioned ball rental channel (that is, a ball rental ball)
The prize ball detection sensor 50a is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a prize ball) passing through the above-described prize ball flow path. The detection outputs of these sensors 50a and 50b are input to the discharge control device 200, and the detection output of the prize ball detection sensor 50a among these sensors is also input to the game control device 100. Also,
One of these sensors 50a and 50b is provided for each of the game ball flow paths, corresponding to the presence of two game ball flow paths. In FIG. 3 described later, for example, one prize ball detection sensor 50a Is referred to as a first prize ball detection sensor, and the other prize ball detection sensor 50a is referred to as a second prize ball detection sensor.

C. Power Supply System FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 has an AC2
4V is supplied, and the external power supply A
C24V is indirectly distributed to the power supply device 150 via the terminal board 71. Power supply device 150 is AC
24V is converted to DC, various DC voltages are generated and supplied to each control device. Specifically, D for driving the solenoid
C32V, 12V DC for lamp driving, sensor driving, and backlight driving are generated as a driving power source, and 5V DC is generated as a control device power source for operating each control device. And DC32V and D
C5V is applied to the launch control device 72 (omitted in FIG. 3),
2 V, 12 V DC and 5 V DC (including backup power supply) are supplied to the discharge control device 200 by 32 V DC, 12 V DC
And DC5V (including a backup power supply) to the game control device 100, and DC12V and DC5V to the sound control device 133.
In addition, 32V DC, 12V DC and 5V DC are applied to the decoration control device 132, and 12V DC and 5V DC are applied to the display control device 1.
31.

Here, the firing control device 72 controls a firing device (not shown) in accordance with the amount of rotation of a firing operation knob (not shown), and performs control for firing a game ball with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. The emission control device 72 includes the emission control device 200.
A firing enable signal is input from the device. The firing enable signal is used to stop the firing operation of the firing device when some abnormality occurs on the emission control device 200 side or when the abnormality is resolved. This signal enables the firing operation.

The discharge control device 200 is a game control device 100
Based on the game value discharge control information (information including the number of prize balls) transmitted from, control to discharge a predetermined number of game balls (that is, prize balls) is performed (details will be described later). In addition, the discharge control device 200 also performs control associated with ball lending while exchanging signals with the ball lending machine 80 (so-called CR sand unit). In other words, the BRDY signal indicating the completion of the ball lending preparation from the ball lending machine 80 is output to the discharge control device 200 on the gaming machine 1 side.
By receiving the PRDY signal indicating that the gaming machine 1 is ready for preparation on the ball lending machine 80 side, ball lending control including the ball lending machine 80 can be performed. In addition, a BRQ signal is transmitted from the ball rental machine 80 to the emission control device 200 requesting that the ball be lent, and the emission control device 20
The ball lending operation is performed at 0, and a series of ball lending control can be performed by transmitting an EXS signal to the ball lending machine 80 based on the completion of the ball lending discharge.

The game control device 100 is a control device that performs overall control of the game. In this case, the game control device 100 also plays an important role in prize ball discharge control (details will be described later). The display control device 131 controls the image display of the image display device 4 based on the display data (display control signal) transmitted from the game control device 100 and supplies power to the image display device 4. The decoration control device 132 is a game control device 10
Based on the decoration data (decoration control signal) transmitted from 0, light emission of a side lamp and the like is controlled, and power is supplied to the light-emitting decoration member. The sound control device 133 controls the sound effects, such as generating a sound effect based on the sound data (sound control signal) transmitted from the game control device 100.

D. Configuration of Control System Next, the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control system. This control system
Broadly speaking, the game control device 100 and the power supply device 1
50 and other peripheral devices such as the emission control device 200. Here, the game control device 100
Is a circuit including a microcomputer (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a microcomputer), and is realized by, for example, an accessory control unit (not shown) attached to the back surface of the game board 1a. Further, the power supply device 150 is realized by, for example, a unit provided on the frame side of the gaming machine. The discharge control device 200 is realized by, for example, a discharge control unit (not shown) provided on the frame side of the gaming machine. In FIG. 3, a game control device 100 includes a game microcomputer 110 composed of a one-chip microcomputer for controlling an accessory required for a pachinko game and the like, and a clock generation circuit for dividing a crystal oscillation frequency to obtain a predetermined clock. (CL
K) 101 and an input / output interface 102 for inputting / outputting various signals. The gaming microcomputer 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112,
It incorporates a RAM 113 and is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip. Here, the CPU 111 of the gaming microcomputer 110 constitutes processing means of the gaming control device of the present invention. RAM1
Reference numeral 13 corresponds to storage means for storing the number-of-prize-ball information in the game control device of the present invention.

The information on the number of prize balls includes whether or not there is a prize, the number of prizes,
And the type of winning opening, or the data of the number of prize balls itself (prize ball data), or the information by which the number of prize balls can be determined. In this case, specifically, R of the gaming microcomputer 110
A predetermined memory area (hereinafter referred to as a payout request remaining counter) is secured in the AM, and prize ball data transmitted to the discharge control device 200 and not yet discharged (payout request value).
Is stored in this memory area as prize ball number information.
For example, there is a winning of five prize balls, and the prize ball data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the discharge control device 20 as prize ball number information.
0, the number of prize balls is 5
The prize ball data for the pieces is added. On the other hand, when the prize ball discharge is detected by the prize ball detection sensor 50a, the game control device 1
In the process of 00, the prize ball data corresponding to the discharge number is subtracted from the payout request remaining counter.

The input / output interface 102 receives detection signals from the special figure start switch 51, the general figure start switch 52, the attacker V switch 53, the attacker count switch 54, and the winning opening switches 1 to N (55 to 60). Is entered. The switches 51 to 54 and the winning opening switches 1 to N correspond to so-called winning ball detecting means. However, even if a game ball is awarded (passed) to the normal figure starting port, the normal prize ball discharge is not executed (the normal figure starting port is only for starting the normal figure change). In such a case, The ordinary start switch 52 does not correspond to the winning ball detecting means. In the present embodiment, the ordinary figure start switch 52 is omitted from the winning ball detecting means. Also, the input / output interface 102 has an odd ball for detecting whether there is a game ball for prize ball discharge and ball leasing discharge (whether there is a sufficient game ball upstream of the above-mentioned discharge unit). A detection switch 24, an overflow switch 122 for detecting a full state (excessive accumulation of balls) of a saucer (not shown) provided at the lower part of the front of the gaming machine, and detecting that the glass frame supporting the glass on the front of the gaming machine has been opened. The detection signal from the glass frame release switch 123 is also input. Further, the detection signals from the first and second prize ball detection sensors 50a for detecting the number of prize ball discharges are also input via the relay board 250. The winning opening switches 1 to N (55
-60), if there are n general winning ports on the gaming board,
n pieces are arranged. Further, the odd-sphere detection switch 24 and the overflow switch 122 are discharge preparation state detection means for determining whether the discharge precondition is satisfied. The discharge precondition in this case is that the game ball is detected by the odd ball detection switch 24, the overflow switch 12
2 is that the full state of the saucer is not detected, and if all these prerequisites are not satisfied, even if undischarged prize balls remain, prize balls are not discharged. ing. That is, in the present embodiment, information indicating whether or not the discharge precondition is satisfied is transmitted as a part of the game value discharge control information. If the discharge control device 200 does not confirm that the discharge precondition is satisfied, the discharge control is performed. The device 200 is configured not to discharge the prize ball. If the satisfaction of the discharge precondition is not confirmed in the game control device 100, the transmission of the prize ball information (the transmission from the game control device 100 to the discharge control device 200) is not executed, and as a result, the prize is not obtained. The configuration may be such that the ball is not discharged (in this case, the information on the discharge precondition is not required to be transmitted).

On the other hand, from the input / output interface 102, the display control device 131, the decoration control device 132,
The sound control device 133, the general-purpose LED 7 of the general-purpose display 7 described above.
a, Signals are output to the general-purpose solenoid 134 for driving the above-mentioned ordinary variable winning device 6, the attacker solenoid 135 for driving the opening and closing door of the above-mentioned special variable winning device 5, the external output terminal 136 for the game board, and the test output unit 138. Is output. The input / output interface 102 outputs a signal of the above-mentioned game value discharge control information to the discharge control device 200. Here, the game board external output terminal 136 is an external information terminal provided on the game board side, and outputs various signals (for example, a jackpot signal or the like) from this to an external management device (not shown). is there. The management device manages gaming machines, island facilities, etc. of the entire hall. Various signals (for example, a jackpot signal) are input from the game control device 100 through this terminal, and based on the input various signals. It processes data necessary for business and displays the processed data on a display or prints it as necessary. In addition, the test output unit 138 includes the game control device 100.
Is a communication terminal from which information stored in the game control device 100 can be read, and is used when the state of the game control device 100 is inspected.

Next, the discharge control device 200 controls the discharge unit (ball discharge mechanism) to discharge the prize balls based on the game value discharge control information input from the game control device 100 (details). (Described later). The discharge control device 200 in this case includes a CPU 211, a ROM
And a microcomputer 210 including a RAM 213 and a clock generation circuit (C
LK) 204 and an input / output interface 205. The elements are connected by an address bus, a data bus, a power supply line, and the like. The CPU 211 performs processing necessary for discharging game balls (including prize ball discharge and ball lending discharge), and the ROM 212 stores programs and the like necessary for discharge control.

Signals from the prize ball detection sensor 50a and the ball lending detection sensor 50b are input to the input / output interface 205 of the discharge control device 200. In addition, a control signal is output from the input / output interface 205 to the ball discharge motor 42, the stopper solenoid 46, and the flow path switching solenoid 35 described above. Note that the discharge control device 200 and the ball rental machine (CR sand unit) 80
Means that bidirectional communication can be performed via the input / output interface 205, and transmission and reception of signals as described above are performed.

Next, the power supply device 150 is
A generation circuit 150a (shown in FIG. 4, the same applies to those not shown in FIG. 3), a DC5V generation circuit 151, a DC5VBB generation circuit (backup power supply means) 151a, a DC12V generation circuit 151b, a power failure detection circuit 152, and a reset detection circuit 1
52a. DC32V generation circuit 150
a is AC24V from the terminal board 71 described above.
Is supplied, and the DC32V generation circuit 150a converts this AC24V to DC32V. The DC32V is supplied to the DC12V generation circuit 151b,
The C12V generation circuit 151b converts this DC32V into DC12V.
Convert to V The DC5V generation circuit 151 has the DC3V
2 V is supplied, and the DC 5 V generation circuit 151 converts the DC 32 V to DC 5 V. The power converted by the DC 12 V generation circuit 151 b or the DC 5 V generation circuit 151 is supplied as a power supply necessary for the operation of each element such as the microcomputers 110 and 210 described above.

On the other hand, the DC5VBB generation circuit 151a
This circuit supplies backup power to the RAMs 113 and 213 in the event of a power failure. In this case, the circuit includes a diode 153 for preventing backflow and a capacitor (supercapacitor) 156. That is, in the RAM 113, 213,
Through a diode 153 functioning as an irreversible means,
In addition, 5 V DC is supplied from the 5 V DC generation circuit 151 through the wirings 154 a and 154 b and 155 a and 155 b. Then, the DC 5 V from the DC 5 V generation circuit 151 is also supplied to the capacitor 156. The capacitor 156 is connected to the wiring 154a, 154b or 155
a, 155b are connected to the RAMs 113 and 213. Wirings 154a, 154b and 155a, 15
Male / female connector (not shown) in the middle of 5b
Are provided, and these wirings can be separated into a power supply device 150 side and a game control device 100 side or a discharge control device 200 side by a connector. Here, capacitor 1
Reference numeral 56 denotes a power supply unit of the backup power supply means of the present invention, which is charged via the diode 153 during normal operation (non-power failure) and backs up the RAMs 113 and 213 during a power failure. That is, the capacitor 156 stores the contents of the RAMs 113 and 213 (in particular, the memory area of the award ball data).
213 is supplied with backup power. Although not shown, the capacitor 156 and the RAM 11
Wiring 1 for supplying backup power to 3,213
For example, an LC filter may be provided in the wiring 54a, the wiring 155a, and the like, so that a problem caused by noise, voltage fluctuation, or the like may be prevented.

The power failure detection circuit 152 corresponds to the power failure detection means of the present invention, and detects in advance that the power supply to the DC 5 V generation circuit is cut off (that is, a power failure) (for example, D
This is a circuit that detects a power failure start when C32V falls to 22V) and outputs a power failure detection signal to the CPUs 111 and 211 of the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200. In this case, specifically, as shown in FIG.
When the start of power failure is detected, the output voltage goes to L level. Further, the reset detection circuit 152a corresponds to a stop unit of the present invention, and detects a voltage drop to be reset (for example, reset detection when DC 32 V drops to 11 V) and resets the CPU of each control device. This circuit outputs a signal (in this case, it corresponds to the stop signal of the present invention). Specifically, in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, when the voltage drop is detected, the output voltage becomes L level. Note that the reset signal is generally a signal for returning the CPU or the like to an initial state, but the CPU or the like substantially stops operating while the reset signal is being input. Then, when the reset signal is released, each CPU and the like are restarted. As shown in FIG. 5, at the time of a power failure, the reset signal is always output later than the power failure detection signal (becomes L level with a delay of delay time T1 or T2). However, in this case, the reset signal is simultaneously input to the processing means of each control device simultaneously with the detection of the reset, and the operation of the processing means of each control device is stopped by the reset signal at the same time (that is, T1). And T2
Are set equal). Further, the CPU of the game control device 100 or the discharge control device 200 which has received the power failure detection signal.
111 and 211 turn off at least the output signal and
A power outage process is executed to prohibit access to M113 and 213 and substantially forcibly stop processes related to award ball discharge (details will be described later). With such a configuration, at the time of a voltage at which the respective CPUs 111 and 211 can operate normally (before the power is completely shut down) at the time of a power failure, the respective CPUs 111 and 21 are not used.
1 can be reliably prevented from being written to the RAM 113 or 213 due to the power failure due to the instability of each CPU due to the power failure, and the contents stored in each RAM (for example, prize ball data). ) Can be reliably maintained.

In the discharge control device 200, there is provided a delay circuit 201 constituting the power failure processing delay control means (delay element) of the present invention, whereby the processing means (CPU 211) of the discharge control device 200 is provided. However, the power failure process is configured to be executed at a start timing that is delayed from the time when the power failure detection circuit 152 detects the start of the power failure and before the reset due to the power failure is detected. In this case, the delay circuit 201 outputs the power failure detection signal output from the power failure detection
Delay time T3 for the CPU 211 of 0 (shown in FIG. 5)
This is a delay element in the emission control device 200 that transmits the data with only a delay. The delay time T3 is set, for example, to be equal to or longer than a time at which the game control device 100 can perform a power failure process described later and the discharge control device 200 can completely receive the prize ball number information transmitted immediately before the power failure process. The maximum time is the time during which the power failure process in the emission control device 200 can be performed until the reset signal is output.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each control device including the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200 transmits only the rising edge of the reset signal (reset release signal) to the CPU or the like. Reset pulse width generation circuits 103, 203, 131 for transmitting with delay
a, 132a, 133a, and 72a are provided, and the start timing of each CPU or the like can be arbitrarily set by setting the characteristics of these reset pulse width generation circuits. In addition, the setting of the start timing of each control device is basically preferable to start the lower-side board earlier and to start the upper-side board later, in order to avoid missing the transmitted signal as much as possible. . For example, the sub-board (display control device 13
1. The decoration control device 132 and the sound control device 133) are activated first, then the firing control device 72 is activated, then the emission control device 200 is activated, and finally the game control device 100
Start. Alternatively, after the control devices other than the game control device 100 are activated at the same time as the detection of the reset release, the game control device 100 may be activated with a delay (in this case, the reset pulse other than the reset pulse width generation circuit 103). The width generation circuit becomes unnecessary).

E. Operation of Control System Next, an example of control processing of the present pachinko machine performed by the above-described control system will be described. It should be noted that only the prize ball discharge-related processing (subroutine and interrupt processing), which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described, and other processing (including the main routine) will be omitted. (A) Prize Ball Data Transmission Control in Game Control Device First, a process of transmitting prize ball data by the game control device 100 (microcomputer 110) (transmission process of prize ball number information) will be described. This process is repeatedly performed, for example, as a subroutine in the main control process (main routine) of the game control device 100, one sequence at a time every reference time (for example, 4 ms) created by the oscillator 101 in FIG.

When the process is started, in step S1, the output of the winning ball detection means (the above-described winning port switches 1 to N) is read to determine whether or not any winning has been detected. If a winning has been detected, the process proceeds to step S2. If a winning has not been detected, the process of one sequence ends (for example, the process returns to the main routine). Then, in step S2, the number of winning balls corresponding to the detected winning is determined, and then in step S3, RA
The determined number of prize balls (for example, five, one,
A value (award ball number information) corresponding to 0 or 15 is added as a payout request value. next,
In step S4, a command including the number of prize balls (prize ball number information) determined in step S2 is transmitted to the discharge control device 200. This command is a part of the game value discharge control information described above. Then, the above-mentioned game value discharge control information may include the above-described discharge precondition information, but in this case, the command is transmitted separately from the discharge precondition information. However, the above command may be transmitted as information including a discharge precondition. After step S4, one sequence ends. According to the above processing, each time a winning is detected, the prize ball number information (in this case, the above-mentioned command) is determined, and this is determined by the discharge control device 2.
At the same time, the prize ball number information is cumulatively added as a stored value (a payout request value in this case) of a predetermined area (payout request remaining counter) of the RAM 113 as a storage means.

(B) Winning Ball Payout Monitoring Control in the Game Control Apparatus Next, the processing of the winning ball payout monitoring control by the game control apparatus 100 will be described. This processing is also performed, for example, by the game control device 10
As a subroutine in the main control process of 0, it is repeatedly performed one sequence at a time every reference time. When the process is started, it is determined in step S11 whether or not the payout request remaining counter has a remaining number (that is, whether or not the value is equal to or more than one prize ball), and if so, the process proceeds to step S12. ,
If not, the process proceeds to step S16. Next, step S12
Then, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected.
Proceed to step S3, otherwise proceed to step S17. Then, in step S13, the payout request remaining counter data (payout request value) is subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (normally, one is detected), and the processing of one sequence is completed. In the present embodiment, when the data of the payout request remaining counter is zero, even if this step S1
Even if the processing proceeds to 3 and there is a prize ball number to be subtracted,
The data of the payout request remaining counter is not set as a minus value accordingly (that is, in this case, it is kept at zero). However, as a modified example, there may be a mode in which the excess discharge amount can be stored as a negative value, and the amount is subtracted from the subsequent winning amount and adjusted.

On the other hand, in step S17, since there is a value in the payout request remaining counter, no prize ball is detected (prize ball discharge is not executed although prize ball discharge is required), so that abnormality determination is performed. In the abnormality determination, for example, when the time during which a prize ball is not detected exceeds a set value even though the payout request remaining counter has a value, it is determined to be abnormal. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S18 to perform some kind of signal output or display for notifying the abnormality. For example, a signal indicating this abnormality is output to the management device via the aforementioned game board external output terminal 136. On the other hand, when it is not determined that there is an abnormality, the processing of one sequence is terminated. After step S18, the processing of one sequence is completed. In step S16, an abnormality is determined based on the presence or absence of the prize ball detection. The process proceeds to step S16, because the remaining number of the payout request remaining counter described above is zero, it is estimated that the prize ball discharge has normally ended.
However, in spite of such a state, if the prize ball is detected in a genuine manner, it is determined that abnormal or incorrect prize ball discharge is being executed, so that it is determined. Specifically, for example, each time the process proceeds to step S16, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. The data of the number of winning balls detected in a specific area (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality determination counter) is cumulatively added. Then, the value of the abnormality determination counter after the cumulative addition is checked each time, and when the value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 16 prize balls), abnormal or incorrect prize ball discharge (excess prize ball discharge). Has been executed, step S
Go to 20. If no prize ball is detected, or if the value of the abnormality determination counter does not reach the predetermined value even if a prize ball is detected, it is determined that the value is within the normal range, and the processing of one sequence is terminated. The value of the abnormality determination counter is initialized and returned to zero, for example, when the determination in step S11 is affirmative. In step S20, for example, a command is output to the decoration control device 132, and a specific warning lamp or the like on the front of the gaming machine for notifying that an error of excessive prize ball ejection has occurred, for example, the power of the gaming machine is turned on again. Settings to keep lighting or blinking until
Thereafter, the processing of one sequence ends.

According to the above processing, every time a prize ball is detected, the prize ball number information corresponding to the prize ball is subtracted from the stored value (payout request value) of the payout request remaining counter. Further, it is determined that the award ball is not detected even though the payout request value is present, and an output for anomaly notification is executed in some cases (steps S17 and S18). Further, even when the prize ball is detected even though the number of remaining payout request counters is not present, the output of the abnormality notification is executed in some cases (steps S16 and S20). Then, in the process where the prize ball detection is executed normally and the data of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted (the state where there is the remaining number of the payout request remaining counter), the processing of one sequence is completed through step S13, and No output is made (ie, processing continues as normal). Also, when the remaining number of the payout request counter has run out and the prize ball has been detected, the determination in step S16 is negative, and no abnormal output is made (that is, the process is continued as normal). It should be noted that the above-described step S17,
The processes in S18 and steps S16 and S20 are processes for monitoring the normality of the prize ball discharge more carefully, and need not always be provided. Also, these monitoring processes
It may be performed on the side of the emission control device 200 or may be performed by the management device. Further, such monitoring (for example, confirmation that a prize ball is detected when there is no remaining number in the counter) is executed by an administrator who can see these data by displaying on a monitor of the management device, for example. You may.

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

(D) Prize Ball Payout Control of Discharge Control Device Next, the prize ball payout control of the discharge control device 200 will be described.
This process is performed as a subroutine in the main control process of the emission control device 200, for example, every one reference time.
It is repeated for each sequence. When the process is started, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the operation of the motor 42 and the stopper solenoid 46 of the payout unit 15a is completed (that is, whether or not the operation is in a stopped state). If it is in the stop state, the process proceeds to step S32, and if it is in operation, the process proceeds to step S38. In addition, the stop state here is
The rotation of the motor 42 stops, and the stopper solenoid 46
Is not excited (that is, the state in which the prize ball discharge is stopped). Next, in step S32, the RAM 2
It is determined whether or not there is a remaining number of specific memory areas (hereinafter referred to as target value counters) provided in the memory 13 (that is, whether or not the value is less than one winning ball number).
The process proceeds to step S41 if any. Then, in step S41, a signal for notifying an abnormality is output and the like. The process proceeds to step S41 because the payout unit 15
Such a process is performed because a is in an abnormal state in which the target value counter for setting the target value of the prize ball discharge has a remaining number even though a has stopped the prize ball discharge. This process is a process for monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge with more care, and is not necessarily provided. After this step S41, the processing of one sequence ends.

On the other hand, in step S33, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining number in the payout execution remaining counter. Next, in step S34, the information of the discharge precondition is read from the game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device 100, and it is determined whether or not the discharge precondition is satisfied (the payout of the prize ball is permitted). Is determined, and if not permitted, the processing of one sequence is terminated. If permitted, the process proceeds to step S35. Next, step S3
In step 5, the payout target value, which is the target number of prize balls for prize ball discharge, is determined, and this value is set in the target value counter. The determination of the payout target value is performed, for example, as follows. That is, when the value of the remaining number (payout execution value) of the payout execution counter exceeds the maximum number of ejected balls (for example, 15) of the discharge unit 15, the value of the maximum number of ejected balls is used. If the number is less than the maximum number of ejected balls, the value of the remaining number is used. That is, the value is set as large as possible within the range of the maximum number of ejected balls. By doing so, the most prize balls can be discharged in one prize ball discharge, which can contribute to speeding up the prize ball discharge. Here, the maximum number of ejected balls of the ejection unit 15 is, for example, the minimum number of game balls estimated to be held in the aforementioned taxiway when the odd ball detection switch 24 is outputting a detection signal. Is a value determined from

Next, in step S36, the solenoid 35 for the flow path switching valve of the discharge unit 15 (the flow path switching unit 15b) is operated as required, so that the game ball passes through the above-mentioned prize ball flow path. Set to. Next, step S
At 37, the stopper solenoid 46 of the discharge unit 15 (payout unit 15a) is operated to release the engagement state of the stop member described above, and corresponds to the number of prize balls corresponding to the payout target value set in the target value counter. The control for operating the ball discharge motor 42 by the rotation angle or the rotation amount is started.
Next, in step S38, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. If the prize ball has been detected, the process proceeds to step S39. If not, the process of one sequence is terminated. In step S39 and the subsequent step S40, the data of the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter are subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (usually, one target is detected). After step S40, the processing of one sequence ends. In the present embodiment, if the data of the payout execution counter is zero, even if the process proceeds to step S39 and there is a number of prize balls to be subtracted, the data of the payout execution counter is displayed. Is not set as a negative value by that amount (ie, in this case, it is kept at zero). However, as a modified example, there may be a mode in which the excess discharge amount can be stored as a negative value, and the amount is subtracted from the subsequent winning amount and adjusted.

According to the above processing, when there is no remaining number in the target value counter (the discharging unit 15 is in the stopped state) and the remaining number of payout execution counters is generated (when there is prize ball number information), the discharging is performed. Assuming that the preconditions are satisfied, a predetermined payout target value corresponding to the target value counter is set, and a single prize ball discharging operation of the discharge unit 15 that discharges the prize balls for the payout target value. Is started (steps S31 to S37). During the operation of the discharge unit 15 (during the prize ball discharging operation), the determination in step S31 is always negative, and the processing in step S38 is repeated.
Every time a prize ball is detected, a value corresponding to the number of prize balls is sequentially subtracted from the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter in the processing of steps S39 and S40. Next, when the discharge unit 15 stops, the steps after step S32 are executed again, and the above operation is repeated every time a remaining number is generated in the payout execution remaining counter (as long as the remaining number exists). In addition,
If there is a remaining number in the target value counter while the discharge unit 15 has stopped discharging the prize balls, the abnormality is notified as described above (step S41).

(E) Power Failure Process of Game Control Device Next, an example of a power failure process executed by the game control device 100 (CPU 110) based on the power failure detection signal of the above-described power failure detection circuit 152 will be described. When a power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 152, the game control device 100 (C
The PU 110) treats this as, for example, a forced interrupt signal (so-called NMI interrupt signal), invalidates other interrupts (inputs of sensors, switches, and the like), and simultaneously executes the currently executed signal. The processing (including the transmission processing of the number of prize balls information) is interrupted, and at least the following processing is preferentially performed. First, all the outputs are turned off, and then the stack pointer, the interruption address, or the data of each register is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 which is backed up. At this time, if necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the above-mentioned payout request remaining counter is naturally stored in a predetermined area of the backed-up RAM 113. Finally, after prohibiting access to the RAM 113, the apparatus waits in a reset signal input waiting state.

(F) Power Failure Processing of Discharge Control Device Next, an example of a power failure process executed by the discharge control device 200 (CPU 210) based on the above-described power failure detection signal of the power failure detection circuit 152 will be described. When a power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 152 via the delay circuit 201,
The discharge control device 200 (CPU 210) treats this as, for example, a forced interrupt signal (so-called NMI interrupt signal), invalidates other interrupts (inputs of sensors and switches, etc.), and At this point, the processing being executed (including the data reception processing of the number of prize balls information) is interrupted, and at least the following processing is preferentially performed. First, all outputs are turned off, and if necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the above-described payout execution remaining counter is saved in a predetermined area of the backed-up RAM 213. Then, finally, after prohibiting access to the RAM 213, the apparatus also waits for a reset signal input.

F. Operation at Power Failure Next, the operation of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above at the time of power failure will be described. In this case, when there is a power failure and the output of the DC 32 V generation circuit 150a in the power supply device 150 first drops from 32V to, for example, 22V, the power failure detection circuit 152 of the power supply device 150 outputs the power failure detection signal as shown in FIG. Output (the output becomes L level). At the same time, the power failure detection signal is input to the CPU 111 of the game control device 100, whereby the power failure process of the game control device 100 is executed.
The power failure detection signal is input to the CPU 211 of the discharge control device 200 after being delayed by the time T3 by the operation of the delay circuit 201 as shown in FIG. Power failure processing is performed. That is, the power failure process of the discharge control device 200 is performed by the game control device 1
It is started after the power failure process of 00 is executed. When the power failure processing is executed in each of the control devices 100 and 200, the other processing is interrupted as described above, and the input of the sensors and the interruption for the communication are ignored. The prize ball detection sensor 50a in each control device
(I.e., monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge by managing the number of prize ball information) is interrupted, and communication processing (transmission / reception processing) of game value discharge control information is also interrupted. This interruption is made first on the side of. Next, the DC 32 V generation circuit 1 in the power supply device 150
When the output of 50a drops from 32V to, for example, 11V,
As shown in FIG. 5, the reset detection circuit 152a of the power supply device 150 outputs a reset detection signal (the output becomes L level). At the same time, this reset detection signal is applied to all the control devices 100, 200, 131, 13
2, 133, 72, etc., whereby the CPUs of all these control devices reliably stop their operations before the power is turned off. After the power failure, the RAM 113, 21
As described above, the data of No. 3 (including the values of the payout request remaining counter and the payout execution remaining counter described above) is backed up and stored by the DC5VBB generation circuit 151a (backup power supply unit) described above.

In the gaming machine of the embodiment described above,
The following effects are obtained. (1) In the present embodiment, data of the number of undischarged prize balls is stored in both storage means (RAM 113 and 213) of the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200, and is backed up even during a power failure. That is, data of the number-of-prize-ball information is stored in the payout request remaining counter of the game control device 100 and the payout execution remaining counter of the discharge control device 200. For this reason, even after recovery from the power failure, the data of the number of prize balls that have not been discharged is confirmed by the stored values of these storage means, and the prize balls that have not been discharged can be reliably discharged (supplementary prize ball discharge after the power failure). Become. (2) Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the power failure process in which the function of the emission control device 200 is substantially stopped is performed T
Since the execution is delayed by three, the discharging operation based on the prize ball number information (in this case, the data of the prize ball number itself) transmitted from the game control device 100 is continued until the operation stops due to the power failure. As a result, the possibility that all payout operations of the predetermined number of prize balls to the player are more completely executed is increased. For this reason, it is unlikely that the above-described complete shortage of discharge (the discharge is impossible even after returning from the power failure).

(3) In this case, the discharge control device 200
(In this case, management of the prize ball number data of the payout execution remaining counter described above) is continued until the operation stops due to a power failure. As a result, for example, a prize ball that is paid immediately before the start of a power failure and passes through the detection area of the prize ball detection sensor 50a just before the operation is stopped is detected as much as possible and subtracted from the stored value of the payout execution remaining counter. Can be done as tightly as possible. For this reason, when the power failure is restored and the unreleased prize balls are discharged, the stored value of the payout execution remaining counter actually includes the number of prize balls paid out, and extra prize balls are paid out. Inconveniences are less likely to occur, and damage to the game store can be minimized. (4) In the present embodiment, the power failure process in which the function of the discharge control device 200 is substantially stopped is executed with a delay from the execution time of the power failure process in which the function of the game control device 100 is substantially stopped. (In this case, the power failure process of the game control device 100 is executed simultaneously with the power failure detection). For this reason, the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device 100 immediately before the operation stoppage due to the power failure occurs due to the communication delay.
A defect that cannot be received at 0 (ie, missing of the prize ball number information) is reliably prevented, and the above-described problem of complete lack of discharge due to disappearance of the prize ball number information due to such a defect is solved. (5) In this embodiment, the means for delaying the power failure process of the emission control device 200 is realized by a delay circuit provided in the emission control device 200. Therefore, the execution time of the power failure process of the emission control device 200 can be easily delayed accurately with a simple circuit configuration without affecting the execution time of the power failure process of another control device. Therefore, it is also possible to easily delay the execution time of the power failure process of another control device (for example, a game control device) (a similar delay circuit may be added to another control device).

(6) In this embodiment, a prize ball detecting means (prize ball detection sensor 50a) for detecting the discharged prize ball and outputting a detection signal to the game control device 100 and the discharge control device 200 is provided. , Game control device 100 and discharge control device 2
00, while accumulating and storing the data of the prize ball number information in a predetermined area (payout request remaining counter, payout execution remaining counter) of each storage means (RAM 113, 213) as described above. When the detection signal of the prize ball detecting means is received, the data of the predetermined area is subtracted by the prize ball discharge amount based on the detection signal, so that the undischarged prize ball number information is stored in the predetermined area in this case. As a memory. At the time of a power failure, the game control device 1 also performs the addition process and the subtraction process of the prize ball number information due to the delay in the execution timing of the power failure process described above.
The emission control device 200 executes the process immediately before the power is turned down more than 00. For this reason, the data of the number of prize balls that have not been discharged has the same value in the storage unit (RAM 113) of the game control device 100 and the storage unit (RAM 213) of the discharge control device 200, or the storage of the game control device 100. The means (RAM 113) is larger. This is because the game control device 100 sends the discharge control device 2
Emission control device 200 based on transmission of prize ball number information to 00
The addition of the prize ball number information to the storage means (RAM 213) of
As described above, it is surely performed without any loss. However, the subtraction of the prize ball number information from the storage unit (RAM 113) of the game control device 100 based on the input of the detection signal of the prize ball detection unit to the game control device 100 is not performed. Is caused, and in that case, the amount of dropout is always larger than that of the discharge control device 200 side. For this reason, when returning from a power failure, it is possible to prevent the prize balls being paid out by the game control device 100 from being paid out, and the above-described prize ball payout monitoring control of the game control device 100 (step S
According to 16), it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing of the ejection error (step S20) from being executed.

(7) In this embodiment, the game control device 10
0 and processing means of the emission control device 200 (CPU
11) a stop means (reset detection circuit 152a) for outputting a stop signal (reset signal) for stopping the operation at the time of power failure to the processing means of each control device including 11);
The stop signal is simultaneously input to all the processing units at the same timing after the execution of the power failure process. For this reason, there is an advantage that the control content is simplified as compared with a configuration in which the processing means of each control device is stopped separately.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is also input to the game control device, and the storage value of the prize ball number information of the game control device (data of the above-mentioned payout request remaining counter) is determined according to the prize ball detection. In the game control device, the number of prize balls is subtracted, for example, when the prize ball information is transmitted to the discharge control device (or after the transmission), the subtraction is performed by the transmission amount (discharge). A mode in which the information on the number of undischarged prize balls is accurately managed only by the control device)
(In this case, there is no need to input the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a to the game control device). Conversely, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 50a is input only to the game control device,
In the discharge control device, there may be a mode in which the prize ball number information is subtracted each time the prize ball discharge operation is executed (a mode in which the undischarged prize ball number information is accurately managed only on the game control device side). Further, in the above embodiment, the power failure processing delay control means is constituted by a delay element in the emission control device. However, as shown in FIG. 7, a delay circuit ( Delay element). By doing so, there is an advantage that the power failure processing execution timing of each control device can be set collectively by the configuration of the power failure detection circuit. Further, the power failure processing delay control means is not necessarily limited to a delay circuit having a hardware configuration, and may be configured by processing (software) in the CPU 211, for example. Further, in the above embodiment, only the power failure processing execution time of the emission control device 200 is delayed from the power failure detection time, but for example, the power failure processing execution time of the game control device 100 may be delayed from the power failure detection time. . However, the emission control device 200 should be set to be delayed more. Further, in the above-described power failure process, a step of reading the prize ball detection sensor 50a without invalidating the inputs of all sensors (making only the prize ball detection sensor 50a valid) is provided, and the discharge is performed during the power failure process. It is good also as composition which grasps the prize ball performed. By doing so, the possibility and amount of missed prize balls can be further reduced.
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects 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.

[0052]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a backup power supply means capable of supplying a backup power supply to each of the storage means for storing the prize ball number information of the game control device and the discharge control device even when the power supply is cut off. A power failure detection unit that detects the start of a power failure, and a power failure process including at least a process of prohibiting access to the storage unit when the power failure detection unit detects the start of the power failure. A power failure processing delay control means for causing the processing means of the discharge control device to execute the processing at a start timing delayed from the time point. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. (1) In the present invention, undischarged prize ball number information is stored in the storage means of both the game control device and the discharge control device, and is backed up even during a power failure. For this reason, even after recovery from the power failure, the data of the number of prize balls that have not been discharged is confirmed by the stored values of these storage means, and the prize balls that have not been discharged can be reliably discharged (supplementary prize ball discharge after the power failure). Becomes (2) Moreover, in the present invention, since the power failure process in which the function of the emission control device is substantially stopped is executed with a delay from the time of the power failure detection, the discharge based on the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device is performed. Since the operation is continued until just before the operation stoppage due to the power failure, the possibility that all the payout operations of the predetermined number of prize balls to the player are more completely executed is increased. For this reason, it is unlikely that the above-described complete shortage of discharge (the discharge is impossible even after returning from the power failure).

(3) In this case, monitoring of the prize ball discharge by the discharge control device (management of the prize ball number information in the storage means, etc.)
Will be continued until just before the operation stops due to the power failure. This makes it possible to detect as much as possible the prize ball that is paid immediately before the start of the power failure and passes through the prize ball detection area just before the operation is stopped, and subtracts it from the value stored in the storage means. You will be able to do as much as you can. For this reason, when the unreturned prize ball is discharged after the power failure is restored, the stored value of the storage means of the discharge control device includes the actually paid out prize ball number, and extra prize balls are paid. Inconveniences that occur are less likely to occur, and damage to the game store can be minimized.

In the case of the gaming machine described in claim 2,
When the power failure detection means detects the start of power failure, the processing means of the game control device is also configured to execute the power failure processing,
The time when the processing means of the emission control device starts the power failure processing is as follows.
The delay time of the power failure processing delay control means is set such that the processing means of the game control device is delayed from the time when the power failure processing is started. For this reason, a defect that the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device immediately before the operation stop due to the power failure cannot be received by the discharge control device due to the communication delay (that is, the prize ball number information is missed) is reliably prevented. The problem of the above-mentioned complete lack of discharge due to the disappearance of the prize ball number information due to such a trouble is solved.

In the case of the gaming machine according to claim 3,
The power failure processing delay control means is a delay element in the emission control device that delays and transmits a power failure detection signal output from the power failure detection means at the time of power failure start detection to the processing means of the emission control device. Therefore, it is possible to easily delay the execution time of the power failure process of the emission control device accurately with a simple circuit configuration without affecting the execution time of the power failure process of another control device. Therefore, it is also possible to easily delay the execution time of the power failure process of another control device (for example, a game control device) (a similar delay element may be added to another control device).

Further, in the case of the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the power failure processing delay control means transmits the power failure detection signal generated at the time of detecting the power failure start by the power failure detection means to the processing means of the discharge control device. It is a delay element in the power failure detection means that outputs with a delay. For this reason, there is an advantage that the power failure process execution timing of each control device can be set collectively by the configuration of the power failure detection means.

In the case of the gaming machine described in claim 5,
It further includes a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged by the operation of the ball discharge mechanism and outputting a detection signal to the game control device and the discharge control device, wherein each of the game control device and the discharge control device While accumulatively adding the data of the number of prize balls information to a predetermined area of the storage means and storing the data, when the detection signal of the prize ball detection means is received, the data of the predetermined area is calculated based on the detection signal. By subtracting only this, the information on the number of undischarged prize balls is stored and held in the predetermined area. In this case, at the time of a power failure, due to the delay in the execution time of the power failure process described above, the emission control device performs the addition process and the subtraction process of the prize ball number information just before the power down more than the game control device. Will be. For this reason, the data of the undischarged prize ball number information has the same value in the storage means of the game control device and the storage means of the discharge control device, or the storage means of the game control device is larger. This is because the addition of the prize ball number information to the storage means of the discharge control device based on the transmission of the prize ball number information from the game control device to the discharge control device is reliably performed without any loss as described above. The subtraction of the prize ball number information from the storage device of the game control device based on the input of the detection signal of the prize ball detection device to Because it always increases. For this reason, when returning from a power failure, it is possible to prevent the prize balls being paid out by the game control device from being paid out, and to prevent unnecessary occurrence of an ejection error in the game control device.

In the case of the gaming machine according to claim 6,
At least a processing unit of the game control device and the discharge control device further includes a stop unit that outputs a stop signal for stopping the operation before the power is turned off due to the power failure, wherein the stop signal indicates that the power failure process has been executed. At a later timing, at least the game control device and the discharge control device are simultaneously input to the processing means. For this reason, there is an advantage that the control content is simplified as compared with a configuration in which the processing means of each control device is stopped separately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a power supply system of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of a main part of a control system of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an execution time of a power failure process or the like.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an execution time of a power failure process or the like.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details (another example) of a main part of a control system of the pachinko machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. In connection with a game ball being awarded to a winning port of a game board, the progress of a game is managed and controlled, and information on the number of award balls to be awarded is determined and stored. A game control device that transmits number information, and stores prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device,
A game control device that operates a ball discharge mechanism that discharges game balls based on the information on the number of award balls and controls at least the discharge of the award balls, wherein the award of the game control device and the discharge control device For each storage unit that stores the ball count information, a backup power supply unit that can supply backup power even when the power is turned off, a power failure detection unit that detects the start of a power failure, and when the power failure detection unit detects the start of a power failure, A power failure processing delay control that causes the processing means of the discharge control device to execute a power failure process including at least a process of prohibiting access to the storage unit at a start timing delayed from a time point when the power failure detection unit detects the start of the power failure. And a game machine. 2. When the power failure detection means detects the start of the power failure, the processing means of the game control device is also configured to execute the power failure process, and the time at which the processing means of the discharge control device starts the power failure process is determined. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a delay time of said power failure processing delay control means is set so as to be later than a timing at which processing means of said game control device starts power failure processing. 3. The power failure detection means outputs a power failure detection signal instructing execution of the power failure processing at the time of power failure start detection, and the power failure processing delay control means outputs the power failure detection signal to the power failure detection signal. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is a delay element in the discharge control device that transmits the data to the processing unit of the discharge control device with a delay. 4. The power failure detection means is configured to generate a power failure detection signal for instructing execution of the power failure processing at a power failure start detection time, and the power failure processing delay control means outputs the power failure detection signal to the power failure detection signal. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a delay element in the power failure detection unit that outputs the delayed output to a processing unit of the emission control device. 5. A prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged by the operation of the ball discharge mechanism and outputting a detection signal to the game control device and the discharge control device. When each of the control devices accumulates and stores the data of the number of prize balls information in a predetermined area of the respective storage means and stores the data, while receiving the detection signal of the prize ball detection means, based on this detection signal, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data of the predetermined area is subtracted by an amount corresponding to the discharge of the prize ball, so that the information of the number of prize balls that have not been discharged is stored and held in the predetermined area. 6. A stop unit for outputting a stop signal for stopping an operation before power down due to a power failure to at least a processing unit of the game control unit and the discharge control unit, wherein the stop signal includes: 6. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein at a timing after the execution of the power failure process, the information is simultaneously input to at least the processing units of the game control device and the discharge control device. Gaming machine.