JP2001293216A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely and properly perform power failure processing and functional stopping after the power failure processing in respective control devices in a game machine having control devices (a game control device and a discharge control device) having the backup function for resuming a game from a power failure occuring time state at power failure restoring time by storing and holding information capable of resuming a game state by performing the power failure processing and the functional stopping before shutdown of a power source at power failure occurring time. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a power failure detecting circuit 34 for activating power failure detecting information inputted to the respective control devices 16 and 17 by detecting a start of power failure and a reset signal output part 34a for activating reset information inputted to the respective control devices 16 and 17 after a prescribed time T3 passes from that time when the power failure detecting information is activated. The prescribed time T3 is set not less than time required for the power failure processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention can store and retain game control information (for example, undischarged prize ball data and information for resuming a game) related to game control and the like even when the power is turned off. The present invention relates to a game machine (for example, a pachinko machine) having a control device with a backup function that executes a power failure process including a process for storing and holding the game control information when the detection information becomes active.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, and the like, a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) which operates by receiving power supply and performs a game control operation in accordance with the execution of a program. There is a game control device including processing means such as a microcomputer, which is configured to control the progress of the game state in accordance with a predetermined game progress order. In such a gaming machine, the game control device generally manages and controls the operation of a plurality of controlled devices provided in the machine to advance the game, and the game control device A subordinate control device (a subordinate control device of the game control device) that individually controls the operation of a specific device among the controlled devices based on control information appropriately transmitted according to the state is provided. For example, a discharge unit (controlled device) that pays out a game ball or the like as a game value to a player is driven by control processing of a discharge control device (subordinate control device) based on game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device. Controlled. In this type of gaming machine, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display is provided at the center of the game board surface or the like, and this display device (controlled device) is displayed based on display control information from the game control device. A display game (for example, a display game with variable identification information) that is driven by the control of the control device (dependent control device) and forms part of the game,
There is a type in which an effect display or the like for effecting a game state is executed. Usually, this type of gaming machine is provided with electric decoration members such as decorative lamps for effects at various places, and the electric decoration members (controlled devices) also perform decoration control based on decoration control information from the game control device. Drive control is performed by control processing of the device (dependent control device).

[0003]

By the way, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, when a power failure or the like occurs during the game and the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off, Information on the game state as to whether the game state was such a game state, and the game value that has not been discharged (for example, a game ball as a prize ball)
(For example, prize ball number information such as so-called prize ball data) and the like disappear. For this reason, even if the power supply is restarted (that is, the power is turned on again), the game cannot be restarted from the game state that was being executed when the power was turned off (including when a power failure occurred), and the power failure occurred. Inconvenience arises, such as inability to compensate the player due to the above. In other words, before the power was cut off, the player was in a state that was advantageous to the player, such as a so-called jackpot, but this was interrupted by a power failure, etc. There is a danger that a restart will occur, in which case the player will suffer irreparable disadvantage. Further, since the undischarged game value information disappears, the discharge of the corresponding game value is not executed after the power is turned on again, and the player may be disadvantaged in this respect as well.
Note that, for example, a conventional general pachinko machine has a safe unit that collects all winning balls in one place, detects one by one, and holds the winning balls until the payout of ball is completed. Even if there are any such factors, the number of unreleased prize balls could be determined to some extent by checking the prize balls held in the safe unit. However, in recent years, in order to speed up the discharge of prize balls, without such a safe unit, a prize is detected for each prize port, and game value information for the prize (information on the number of prize balls that have not been discharged). Gaming machines that sequentially add and memorize, and immediately discharge the winning ball to the outside of the machine without holding after winning detection, and in such a gaming machine, the gaming value information may disappear. , Which means that there is no way to objectively check the number of unreleased prize balls later,
It causes trouble between the player and the game store. Therefore, the applicant, when the power supply is cut off, the storage holding means for storing and holding (game control information) such as information for restarting the gaming state of the gaming machine and undischarged game value information (for example, For example, a game controller is provided with a memory to which backup power is supplied even in the event of a power outage, and until the power is turned on again (accurately during the warranty period),
A game machine (that is, a game machine provided with a control device with a backup function) that stores and holds the game control information in the storage and holding means has been proposed.

However, in such a gaming machine having a control device with a backup function for storing and holding the gaming control information, at least when the power supply voltage falls below the operation guarantee voltage when the power supply is cut off, the information is stored in the gaming machine. Is required to perform a process of reliably registering the data in a backed-up memory or the like (that is, a power failure process), and finally, an operation of finally stopping the function by hardware so that the registered content is reliably stored and held. In executing the power failure processing and the function suspension, there are the following problems. That is, as one method, when the power supply voltage relatively slightly drops below a set value (power failure voltage) higher than the operation guarantee voltage at which the control device can operate normally and reliably, it is detected as the start of the power failure, The power failure process is executed, and thereafter, the power supply voltage further decreases and a set value (reset voltage) lower than the power failure voltage
When the following occurs, there is a method of inputting a reset signal to a microcomputer or the like of the control device and stopping the function of the microcomputer or the like by hardware. However, if the further drop of the voltage is set as the execution condition of the function stop, for example, if there is a voltage change that temporarily falls below only the power failure voltage (a voltage change that does not drop to the reset voltage), A situation occurs in which only the power failure process is executed and the function is not stopped. Even in such a situation, there is a problem that the control processing becomes extremely complicated in order to restart the control processing and execute a normal operation.
In addition, when the power supply voltage drop state at the time of the power failure is unstable, for example, when the power supply voltage reaches the reset voltage immediately after reaching the power failure voltage (when the time from the power failure voltage detection to the reset voltage detection is extremely short). Cannot completely execute the power outage process, and the game control information to be stored and held may not be properly stored and held. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with the above-described control device with a backup function, in which the power failure process is properly and reliably performed.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine as a control device for controlling an operation of a controlled device in the machine, the game device being related to control of a game or control of the controlled device. The game control information can be stored and held even when the power is turned off, and when the power failure detection information becomes active, at least a power failure process including a process for storing and retaining the game control information is executed, and when the reset information becomes active, the function stops. A power failure detection unit that detects the start of a power failure and activates the power failure detection information, and, when the power failure detection information becomes active, resets the reset information after a lapse of a predetermined time from that time. Reset information control means to be active. The information to be stored and held as the "game control information" is pure game state information (for example, if it is a first-type pachinko machine, information such as variable display, big hit, customer waiting state, etc.) ) Alone, or other information such as undischarged game value information (for a pachinko machine, undischarged prize ball number information), or information including a plurality of these pieces of information.
Further, for example, it is not always necessary to include the game state information itself, but may be information (for example, a stack pointer of a CPU constituting a microcomputer, data of each register, and the like) capable of restarting a game state and a control state. The “power failure detection information” or “reset information” may be, for example, a binary signal defined as one of the values being active and the other being inactive (externally output to a control device with a backup function). Signal)
Binary data (data in a control device with a backup function) such as a flag in which one value is defined as active and the other value is defined as inactive may be used. Also,
The "power failure detection means" and "reset information control means" may be configured by a circuit provided outside the control device with a backup function, or may be configured by individual circuits in the control device with a backup function. Alternatively, it can be realized as a function of a processing unit (microcomputer or the like) configuring the control device with a backup function. Also,
The "power failure detection means" is not necessarily limited to a means for detecting only a power failure, and may be a means for detecting a power failure due to a power failure and a power failure due to a normal power-off operation without distinguishing.

In a preferred embodiment, for example,
As described, the predetermined time may be set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the power failure processing. Further, as a preferred embodiment, for example, as the control device with a backup function, a game control device that controls the progress of a game and outputs game value information based on the generation of a game value, as the control device with a backup function, and the game control device And a discharge control device for performing discharge control for discharging the game value based on the game value information output from the game control device, and the game control information may include at least the game value information.

In a preferred embodiment, for example,
As described, the power failure detection means has a function of detecting power re-supply and returning the power failure detection information to inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time during which a power supply voltage is stabilized, and wherein the reset information control means After the power failure detection information is returned to the inactive state, the reset information is transmitted thereafter (preferably after a delay time sufficient to ensure that the power corresponding to each control device and the controlled device in the machine is supplied). May be returned to the inactive state. As a preferred embodiment, for example, as the control device, a control device without a backup function that cannot store and retain the game control information when power is turned off and stops functioning when the reset information becomes active is provided as the control device. May be provided.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The pachinko machine according to the present embodiment is characterized by a control configuration particularly related to operations at the time of power-off (including at the time of power failure) and at the time of power-on (including at the time of power failure recovery), and includes a game board of the pachinko machine. The front configuration is not particularly limited. Therefore, illustration and description of the front configuration are omitted.

A. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire back side configuration of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a game machine (pachinko machine) is indicated by a reference numeral 1. The game machine 1 has a card-type ball lending machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a ball lending machine or a card unit) 2 as a game ball lending device. Is attached. The pachinko machine in which the ball rental machine 2 is provided in addition to the gaming machine 1 is called a so-called CR machine (card reading machine). The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame (not shown) provided on the front side, and a game board (not shown) which is detachably attached to the front frame and has a game area formed on the front side. And a glass frame (not shown) made of resin for supporting glass disposed on the front side of the game board. Here, the front frame is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the wooden machine frame 5 on which the pachinko machine 1 is installed, and the glass frame is supported to be able to be opened and closed by the front frame.
The game board is an area for judging out or safe while dropping a fired game ball from above, and when a ball enters the winning opening and becomes safe, a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged. Becomes

In this case, the game balls (that is, the winning balls) entering the respective winning ports are provided inside the respective winning ports provided on the gaming board (or in the game ball channel dedicated to each winning port). A detection unit for each of the sensors (described later with reference to FIG. 4) is provided. Also, if the game area on the game board is a game that uses pachinko balls to play a game, for example, the game area belongs to the so-called “first type”, or the “second type” or “third type”.
It may belong to the "species" or other models, and may have any configuration. However, in the present embodiment, an example of the configuration of a control system to be described later and the like are described as belonging to the “first type”. The main configuration (not shown) of the game board surface of the “first type” pachinko machine is, for example, as follows. That is, on a game board of this kind of pachinko machine, a display device (a so-called special map display device) for variably displaying identification information (so-called special map) for each of a plurality of variable display areas, and an opening / closing door. A special variable winning device having a special winning opening, a normal variable winning device having a pair of left and right opening / closing members and functioning as a special figure starting port (a winning condition which is a starting condition of the variable display of the special figure), and a normal design (So-called common figure)
, A through-chucker-type tsurigaku opening (a winning prize opening that becomes the starting condition for the variegated display of tsuzu),
A plurality of general winning openings are provided.

The main components of the back mechanism in the gaming machine 1 include a storage tank (upper tank) 11, a guide path 12, an external output terminal board 13 for a frame, an odd sensor unit 14, a discharge unit 15, and a discharge control device 16 ( Control device with backup function), game control device 17 (control device with backup function), launch control device 18 (control device without backup function), launch unit 19, display control device 20 (control device without backup function), decoration control device 21 (control device without backup function), sound control device 22 (control device without backup function), card unit connection board 23, power supply device 24, and external output terminal board 25 for a game board. There is no component corresponding to the conventional safe unit.

The storage tank 11 stores the balls before they are discharged, and the shortage of the number of balls in the storage tank 11 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). The ball is replenished. The ball in the storage tank 11 is guided by the guide path 12 and discharged by the discharge unit 15. It is determined whether or not there is a ball for prize ball discharge or ball lending discharge in the taxiway 12 by an odd sensor unit 14.
Is detected by a semicircular ball detection switch 14a (shown in FIG. 4). The frame external output terminal board 13 and the game board external output terminal board 25 are for relaying a signal with a management device (not shown) of the game store for transmitting and receiving signals, and are provided with connectors and the like for the relay. ing. Here, signals exchanged with the management device via the frame external output terminal board 13 include signals necessary for a so-called frame-side control device (for example, an emission control device 16 or a firing control device 18) or the like. It is a signal generated by the control device on the frame side, for example,
A firing stop signal (input signal) to the firing control device 18,
An out-of-ball signal (output signal) indicating a shortage of stored balls in the storage tank 11, a ball lending signal (output signal) indicating the number of rented game balls, and a prize ball number signal (output) indicating the number of paid prize balls Signal). On the other hand, a game board external output terminal board 25
The signals exchanged with the management device via the game control device 17 are basically signals generated by the game control device 17 and output from the gaming machine 1. The output signal includes, for example, a symbol determination frequency signal indicating the number of times the special figure has changed, a jackpot signal indicating a state of a big hit, and the like.

The discharge control device 16 controls the discharge of the ball (here, both the discharge of the prize ball and the discharge of the lending ball). A circuit board for realizing this control function is housed in a predetermined case. It is configured. This discharge control device 16
As shown in FIG. 2, the control for discharging a predetermined number of game balls (that is, prize balls) based on game value discharge control information (at least including prize ball number information) transmitted from the game control device 17 is performed. (Details will be described later). Game control device 17
Controls the electrical components (electric accessories) such as switches, solenoids, and lamps provided on the game board, and sends control information to other control devices to control the progress of the game. A circuit board on which a circuit including a microcomputer for performing these controls is formed is housed in a predetermined case. This game control device 17 is a control device that performs overall control of the game,
For example, it also plays an important role in prize ball discharge control (details will be described later).

The launch control device 18 performs control necessary for launching a ball, and includes a predetermined case in which a circuit board for realizing this control function is housed. The firing unit 19 is a mechanism for firing a ball in accordance with the operation of a firing operation knob (not shown) provided on the lower front surface of the gaming machine 1 while being controlled by the firing control device 18. The display control device 20 controls the above-mentioned display device based on the display control information transmitted from the game control device 17 as shown in FIG. 2, and a circuit board that realizes this control function in a predetermined case. Are stored. The display control device 20 supplies power to the above-described display device. The decoration control device 21 executes drive control of a decoration lamp or the like provided on the front side of the gaming machine 1 based on the decoration control information transmitted from the game control device 17 as shown in FIG. A circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a case provided on the left side of the back surface of the display control device 20. Based on the sound control information transmitted from the game control device 17 as shown in FIG. 2, the sound control device 22 uses a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 or the like to perform various types of game depending on the game state. In this case, control for appropriately outputting a sound effect is performed. In this case, the display control device 2
A circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a case disposed on the right side of the back surface of the “0”. The card unit connection board 23 is a board for wiring connection between the gaming machine 1 side and the ball rental machine 2 side.

B. Power Supply System FIG. 2 is a diagram generally showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a power supply device and the like. In FIG. 2, AC 24 V is externally supplied to the gaming machine 1. AC 24 V, which is an external power supply, is first distributed to the power supply device 24.
The power supply 24 converts AC 24 V into DC, generates various DC voltages, and supplies them to each control device. Specifically, DC 32V for solenoid driving, lamp driving,
DC12V for driving the sensor and backlight is generated as a driving power source, and DC5V is generated as a control device power source for operating each control device.
Then, DC 32 V and DC 5 V are applied to the launch control device 18.
(Omitted in FIG. 3), DC32V, DC12V and DC
5V (including backup power supply) to the discharge control device 16,
DC32V, DC12V and DC5V (including backup power supply) are supplied to the game control device 17 by DC12V and DC5V.
V is supplied to the sound control device 22, DC 32V, DC 12V and D
C5V to the decoration control device 21, DC12V and DC5V
Is supplied to the display control device 20.

Here, a firing stop signal is input from the emission control device 16 to the firing control device 18. The firing stop signal is output when any abnormality occurs on the emission control device 16 side. Is a signal for enabling the firing operation when the firing operation is stopped or when the abnormality is resolved. In addition, the discharge control device 16 controls the ball rental machine 2
Signals (card unit control information and operation panel signals) are transmitted and received between the (card unit) and the operation panel substrate 26 via the card unit connection substrate 23, and control necessary for discharging the ball rental is performed. The operation panel board 26 is a board provided with an operation member for discharging a ball and a connection circuit for a display member (not shown) provided on a front operation panel (not shown) below the front of the gaming machine. , For example, disposed behind the front operation panel.

Next, regarding the detailed configuration of the power supply device and the like,
This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 24 includes a DC 32 V generation circuit 30, a DC 12 V generation circuit 31, a DC 5 V generation circuit 32, and a DC 5 VBB generation circuit 3.
3, and a power failure detection circuit 34 (reset signal output unit 34a
). The DC 32 V generation circuit 30 includes:
The above-described AC 24 V is supplied, and the DC 32 V generation circuit 30 converts the AC 24 V into DC 32 V. D
The DC32V is supplied to the C12V generation circuit 31, and the DC12V generation circuit 31
Convert to C12V. The DC5V generation circuit 32 has the D
C32V is supplied, and the DC5V generation circuit 32 converts the DC32V into DC5V. In addition, DC12V
The power converted by the generation circuit 31 and the DC5V generation circuit 32 is supplied as a power supply necessary for the operation of each element such as the microcomputers 110 and 210 described later.

Next, the DC5VBB generation circuit 33 supplies power to the RAM 113 (to be described later) of the game control device 17 and the RAM 213 (to be described later) of the discharge control device 16 when power is cut off (including power failure).
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the circuit includes a backflow preventing diode 33a and a capacitor (supercapacitor) 33b. In other words, the RAMs 113 and 213 are connected via the diode 33a functioning as irreversible means,
DC5V is supplied from the DC5V generation circuit 32 through a, 36b, 37a and 37b. Then, DC5V from the DC5V generation circuit 32 is also supplied to the capacitor 33b.
The power is supplied via a diode 33a. The capacitors 33b are connected to the RAMs 113 and 2 via the wirings 36a and 36b or the wirings 37a and 37b.
13 is connected. Wiring 36a, 36b and wiring 37
A male / female connector (not shown) is provided in the middle of a and 37b, and these wirings can be separated into the power supply device 24 side and the game control device 17 side or the discharge control device 16 side by this connector. It is.

Here, the capacitor 33b constitutes a backup power supply, and is charged through the diode 33a in a normal state (at the time of power supply).
Output (discharge) power to back up 13 or 213
Is what you do. Also, the diode 33a is DC5V
Receiving the output of the generation circuit 32, each storage means (RAM
113 or 213), and supplies the charging power to the capacitor 33b during the normal operation as described above. That is, the capacitor 33b and the diode 33a are connected to the RAMs 1 of the control devices 17 and 16 respectively.
In order to retain the entire storage contents of the RAMs 13 and 213 (including the memory area for the number of prize balls information) even in the event of a power failure, the RAMs 113 and 21
3 is supplied with a normal power supply and a backup power supply during a power failure. Therefore, in this case, the game control device 17
And the discharge control device 16 constitute a control device with a backup function of the present invention, and the other control devices 18, 20, 21,
Reference numeral 22 denotes a control device without a backup function. Although not shown, a RAM 33
For example, an LC filter may be provided on the wiring 36a, the wiring 37a, and the like for supplying backup power to the 113 and 213, so that a problem due to noise, voltage fluctuation, or the like may be prevented.

Further, the power failure detection circuit 34 detects in advance that the power supply to the DC 5 V generation circuit is cut off (that is, power supply interruption including the power failure) (for example, the voltage is reduced to 22 V, which is 32 V DC, the power failure detection voltage). This is a circuit that activates a power failure detection signal (power failure detection information) for the later-described microcomputers 110 and 210 of the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16 when the power failure is detected. This power failure detection circuit 34 constitutes a power failure detection means of the present invention. In this case, the power failure detection circuit 34 detects the power failure due to the power failure and the power failure due to the normal power-off operation without distinguishing. That is, even during a normal power-off operation, when DC 32 V drops to the power failure detection voltage of 22 V, it is detected as a power failure start and a power failure detection signal is output. Further, the reset signal output unit 34a in the power failure detection circuit 34 is connected to the microcomputers 110 and 210 of each control device.
It has a function of activating a reset signal (reset information) for each of the microcomputers 110 and 210 of each control device at a time when the (CPUs 111 and 211) and the like should be reset (described later). This reset signal output section 34a constitutes reset information control means of the present invention. Note that the reset signal is generally a signal for returning the CPU or the like to an initial state. However, when the reset signal is input, the CPU or the like substantially stops functioning while the reset signal is being input. When the reset signal is released, each CP
U restarts. Although the firing control device 18 is omitted in FIG. 3, the reset signal is also input to processing means (for example, a logic circuit) constituting the firing control device 18 in this case as shown in FIG. Is done.

C. Configuration of Ball Discharge Mechanism Next, a schematic configuration of the discharge unit 15 (ball discharge mechanism) of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a control system (a firing control device and the like are omitted). The discharge unit 15 includes a game ball flow path (not shown) basically formed in the vertical direction so that the game ball flows down by gravity, and a payout unit 15a provided at an upper portion of the game ball flow path (see FIG. 4). And the same applies hereinafter) and a flow path switching unit 15b provided below the game ball flow path. Discharged ball detecting means (ball rental sensor 41, prize ball detection sensor 42) for detecting game balls to be discharged is provided below the flow path switching unit 15b. , A first prize ball detection sensor and a second prize ball detection sensor) correspond to a prize ball detection unit.
The game ball flow path is a path in which the game ball guided from the storage tank 11 by the guide path 12 and having passed through the odd sensor unit 14 flows down from the upper end side, and a branch portion (not shown in the drawing) formed in the flow path switching unit 15b. ), One of which is a prize ball flow path (not shown) for passing game balls discharged as prize balls, and the other is for passing game balls discharged as lending balls. (Not shown). The branch portion is provided with a flow path switching valve (not shown) that can swing at a position to close either the prize ball flow path or the lending ball flow path with respect to the upstream side of the game ball flow path. The path switching valve is driven by the path switching solenoid 43 and swings, so that the game ball discharged to the downstream side of the game ball path is connected to one of the prize ball path and the lending ball path. It is configured to pass. In this case, the discharge unit 15
The above-mentioned game ball flow path is a two-row type in which two rows are provided, and two sets of components (flow path switching valve, discharge ball detection means, and the like) associated with the game ball flow path are provided correspondingly. I have.

The dispensing unit 15a has two sprockets (not shown) corresponding to two rows of game ball channels, one ball discharging motor 44 (for example, a pulse motor) for driving them all at once, and gravity. A stop member (not shown) for preventing inadvertent rotation of the sprocket (i.e., inadvertent ejection of the game ball) due to the above, and a stopper solenoid 45 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). One of the game balls fits into one part, and the configuration is such that the game ball cannot pass through the opening unless the sprocket rotates. The ball discharge motor 44 is for controlling the operation of rotating the sprocket by a predetermined amount and discharging the game balls downstream by a predetermined number. The ball discharge motor 44 is controlled by the discharge control device 16.
The stop member is a member that is urged in a direction to engage the sprocket or a member that rotates integrally with the sprocket, and the stopper solenoid 45 is a force that attracts the stop member when excited (from the above-described engagement state). The stop member is released (engaged) in a non-excited state. This stopper solenoid 45
Is also controlled by the discharge control device 16.

In the dispensing unit 15a, when the stopper solenoid 45 is operated (excited) under the control of the discharge control device 16, the state in which the stop member is engaged with the sprocket is released, and the sprocket is released. Becomes rotatable. In this rotatable state, the ball discharge motor 44 operates under the control of the discharge control device 16 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 flows down the game ball channel due to gravity. Immediately after the predetermined amount of game balls are discharged, the rotation of the ball discharge motor 44 is stopped by the control of the discharge control device 16 and the stopper solenoid 45 is immediately brought into the non-operation state (non-excitation state). Returned,
The stop member is in the engaged state, the rotation of the sprocket is prevented, and a malfunction in which an amount of game balls exceeding a predetermined amount flows down by the action of gravity is reliably prevented. During the discharge of the game ball (that is, during the discharge of the prize ball or the discharge of the lending ball), the power is shut off (including the power failure), and the operation of the ball discharge motor 44 and the stopper solenoid 45 is performed by the discharge control device 16 to perform the power failure process ( In the case where the game ball is stopped due to (described later), the flow of the game ball is immediately stopped by the action of the above-described stop member.
Next, the ball lending detection sensor 41 is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a ball lending) that passes through the aforementioned ball lending flow path, and the prize ball detection sensor 42 passes through the aforementioned prize ball flow path. It is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a prize ball). The detection outputs of these sensors 41 and 42 are input to the discharge control device 16, and the detection output of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is also input to the game control device 17 via the relay board 250. Have been. In addition, these sensors 4
1 and 42 are provided for each of the game ball channels, corresponding to the presence of two game ball channels. In FIG. The ball detection sensor and the other prize ball detection sensor 42 are referred to as a second prize ball detection sensor.

D. Configuration of Control System Next, the main configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, this control system is roughly divided into
It is constituted by a game control device 17 and other peripheral devices such as a discharge control device 16. Game control device 1
7 is a gaming microcomputer 110 composed of a one-chip microcomputer, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 101 for dividing a crystal oscillation frequency to obtain a predetermined clock,
Input / output interface 102 for inputting / outputting various signals
And a reset signal first delay circuit 103. The gaming microcomputer 110 has a CPU 1
11, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113 are built in and manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip. Here, the RAM 113 stores information for resuming the gaming state in the control device with the backup function (game control device 17) of the present invention, undischarged game value information (in this case, information on the number of award balls) (that is, the game). This corresponds to a backed-up storage unit that stores and retains the control information) even when the power is turned off (including a power failure).

The information on the number of prize balls includes the presence or absence and 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 113, and prize ball data that has been transmitted to the discharge control device 16 and has not been discharged (payment request value) is the prize ball number information. Is stored in this memory area. For example, five prize balls are won, and the prize ball data is sent from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 1 as prize ball number information.
6, the number of prize balls is 5 in the remaining payout request counter.
The prize ball data for the pieces is added. On the other hand, when the prize ball detection sensor 42 detects the discharge of the prize ball, the processing of the game control device 17 subtracts the prize ball data corresponding to the discharge number from the payout request remaining counter.

As shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, detection signals from the special figure start switch 51, the ordinary figure start switch 52, the attacker V switch 53, the attacker count switch 54, and the winning opening switches 1 to N are input. Here, the special figure start switch 51 is a sensor for detecting a prize of a game ball to the above-described special figure start port (ordinary variable winning device), and the general figure start switch 52 is a through-chucker type general figure start port. Is a sensor for detecting winning (passing) of a game ball to the
Reference numeral 3 denotes a sensor for detecting a prize (V prize) of a game ball to a special winning opening in the above-mentioned special winning opening (special fluctuation winning device). (A winning device other than the V winning or a winning including the V winning). The winning opening switches 1 to N are sensors for detecting a winning of the gaming ball to each general winning opening. It is. These switches 51 to 54 and 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. Further, the input / output interface 102 detects whether or not there is a game ball for prize ball discharge and lending ball discharge (whether there is a sufficient game ball on the upstream side of the above-described discharge unit). A detection switch 14a, an overflow switch 1 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
22, a detection signal from the glass frame release switch 123 for detecting that the glass frame supporting the glass on the front of the gaming machine has been opened is also input. Further, the detection signals from the first and second prize ball detection sensors 42 for detecting the number of prize ball discharges are also input via the relay board 250.

When there are n general winning ports on the game board, n winning port switches 1 to N are arranged. The semicircular ball detection switch 14a and the overflow switch 122 are discharge preparation state detection means for determining whether or not the discharge precondition is satisfied. The discharge preconditions in this case are that the game ball is detected by the odd ball detection switch 14a and that the overflow switch 122 does not detect the full state of the saucer, and all these preconditions are satisfied. When there is no prize ball, even if an undischarged prize ball remains, the prize ball is not discharged. That is, in the present embodiment, information indicating the success or failure of the discharge precondition is also transmitted as the game value discharge control information,
If the discharge control device 16 does not confirm that the discharge precondition is satisfied, the discharge control device 16 does not discharge the prize ball. Note that if the satisfaction of the discharge precondition is not confirmed in the game control device 17, the transmission of the prize ball number information (transmission from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 16) is not executed, and as a result, The prize ball may not be ejected (in this case,
It is not necessary to transmit the information on the emission precondition).

On the other hand, from the input / output interface 102, the display control device 20, the decoration control device 21, the sound control device 22, and the general-purpose LED constituting the general-purpose display device described above.
7, a general-purpose solenoid 134 for driving the above-mentioned ordinary variable winning device, an attacker solenoid 135 for driving the opening / closing door of the above-mentioned special variable winning device, and an external output for a game board constituting the external output terminal board 25 for the game board. A signal is output to the terminal 136 and the test output unit 138. The input / output interface 102 outputs a signal of the above-mentioned game value discharge control information to the discharge control device 16. Here, the game board external output terminal 136 is an external information terminal provided on the game board side, from which various signals (for example, a jackpot signal or the like) are sent to an external management device (not shown) as described above.
Is output. The management device manages gaming machines, island facilities, etc. of the entire hall, calculates and processes necessary business data based on various input signals, and displays the processed data on the display as necessary. For example, a computer system. .
The test output unit 138 is a communication terminal from which information stored in the game control device 17 can be read, and is used when the state of the game control device 17 is inspected.

Next, the discharge control device 16 generates a game value discharge control information based on the game value discharge control information inputted from the game control device 17.
The above-described discharge unit 15 (ball discharge mechanism) is driven to perform control (discussed in detail below) for discharging award balls. In this case, the discharge control device 17 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 2
And microcomputer 2 including RAM 213
10 and a clock generation circuit (CL
K) 204, an input / output interface 205, and a reset signal second delay circuit 206.
The elements are connected by an address bus, a data bus, a power supply line, and the like. The CPU 211 performs a process necessary for discharging the game ball (including award ball discharging and lending ball discharging), and
M212 stores programs and the like necessary for discharge control. Here, the RAM 213 stores game control information such as undischarged game value information (in this case, information on the number of prize balls) in the control device with a backup function (discharge control device 16) of the present invention when power is turned off (including when power is cut) Also corresponds to a backed-up storage means for storing and holding.

Signals from the prize ball detection sensor 42 and the ball lending detection sensor 41 are input to the input / output interface 205 of the discharge control device 16. In addition, a control signal is output from the input / output interface 205 to the ball discharge motor 44, the stopper solenoid 45, and the flow path switching solenoid 43. In addition, the discharge control device 16 and the ball lending machine (card unit) 2 can perform two-way communication via the input / output interface 205 and the above-described card unit connection board 23 (omitted in FIG. 4).
Transmission and reception of signals as described above are performed.

Next, the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 1
6, the reset signal first delay circuit 10 provided for each
3 and the reset signal second delay circuit 206 (FIGS. 3 and 4).
Will be described. The reset signal first delay circuit 103 and the reset signal second delay circuit 206 perform only the rising of the reset signal output from the reset signal output unit 34 a in the power failure detection circuit 34 to the inactive side (reset release signal). For each of the microcomputers 110 and 21
This is a circuit for delaying the transmission to 0 by a separate delay time (T10 and T11 described later; see FIG. 6). The start timing of each of the microcomputers 110 and 210 can be arbitrarily set by setting the characteristics of these circuits. Has become. In addition,
It is preferable that the setting of the activation timing of the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 be basically started later than other control devices in order to avoid the loss of the transmitted signal as much as possible. In this case, the display control device 20, the decoration control device 21, the sound control device 22, and the emission control device 18 are activated almost at the same time as the output (reset signal) of the reset signal output unit 34a becomes inactive. After that, the discharge control device 16 is activated, and thereafter, the game control device 17 is activated (see FIG. 6;
Details will be described later). Further, the first reset signal delay circuit 103 and the second reset signal delay circuit 206 constitute reset information control means of the present invention.

E. Next, an example of a control process of the pachinko machine will be described. It should be noted that only the power outage processing and the award ball discharge related processing (subroutine and interrupt processing), which are characteristic parts of the present invention, will be described, and other processing (including the main routine) will be omitted. (A) Award Ball Data Transmission Control in Game Control Device First, a process of award ball data transmission control (transmission process of award ball number information) by the game control device 17 (microcomputer 110) will be described. This process is, for example, an interrupt process executed due to an interrupt signal generated by input of a detection signal by the winning detection unit.

That is, first, in step S1, the output of the winning ball detecting means (the above-described winning opening switches 1 to N) is read to determine whether or not any winning has been detected. If a winning has been detected, the interrupt process is started at the timing of permitting the interrupt, and the process proceeds to step S2. If not, the interrupt process is not executed. And step S
In step S2, the number of winning balls corresponding to the detected winning is determined, and then in step S3, the determined number of winning balls (for example, five pieces) is stored in a predetermined memory area (hereinafter referred to as a remaining payout request counter) in the RAM 113. (Award ball number information) corresponding to one of ten, fifteen, or fifteen) is added as a required payout 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 16. 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 (interruption processing ends). According to the above processing, each time a prize is detected, the prize ball number information (in this case, the command) is determined, and this is determined by the discharge control device 1.
6 and the prize ball number information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 (payout request remaining counter) as storage means.
Is cumulatively added as the stored value of (in this case, the required payout value).

It should be noted that prize ball number information and the like sent from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 16 (game value discharge control information)
Are a plurality of parallel signals (DATA) for transmitting command data (prize ball data or the like) and a 2-bit control signal (START signal, STB (strobe) signal) for communication of the command data. ) (See FIG. 7). Then, as exemplified in the upper part (normal time) of FIG. 7, the command data is transmitted in synchronization with the STB signal following the START signal, and the CPU 211 of the discharge control device 16 reads the command data while confirming the STB signal. It has a configuration.
That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the START signal is activated only once before a set of command data,
The STB signal becomes active at the command data transmission timing (signal stabilization timing). Here, START
The signal is, for example, an interrupt signal (input to a predetermined interrupt terminal of the microcomputer 210) for starting the reception process (interrupt process) of the discharge control device 16 (CPU 211).

(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 17 will be described. This process is repeatedly performed, for example, as a subroutine in the main control process of the game control device 17, 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 winning ball number). If no, go to step S16. Next, in step S12, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is read to determine whether or not a prize ball is detected. If it is detected, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process proceeds 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.

On the other hand, in step S17, since there is a value in the payout request remaining counter, no prize ball is detected (the prize ball discharge is required but the prize ball discharge is not executed), so that an abnormality determination is made. 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 42 is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. The data of the number of prize 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), it is determined that an abnormal or illegal prize ball discharge is being performed. The process proceeds to step S20. 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 21, 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. Is set to continue lighting or blinking until the next time, and then 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 this 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). In addition, even when the prize ball is detected even though there is no remaining number in the payout request remaining counter, the output of the abnormality notification is executed in some cases (step S1).
6, S20). Then, in the process where the prize ball detection is normally executed and the data of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted (the state where the payout request remaining counter has the remaining number), step S1 is executed.
The process of one sequence is completed through 3, and no abnormal output is made (that is, the process is continued as normal). Also,
Even when the payout request remaining counter has no remaining number and the prize ball has been detected, the determination in step S16 is negative, and no abnormal output is made (that is, the processing is continued as normal). The processes in steps S17 and 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.

(C) Data Reception Processing of Ejection Control Device Next, the data reception processing (interruption processing) of the number of prize balls performed by the emission control apparatus 16 (microcomputer 210) will be described. Note that this process is an interrupt process that is executed based on an interrupt signal generated by input of the command of the number of prize balls transmitted in the process of step S4 of the game control device 17 described above. When the process is started (that is, when the command is input), first, in step S21, a process of receiving the command is performed. Then, step S
At 22, a predetermined memory area in the RAM 213 (hereinafter referred to as
Data of the award ball number information included in the received command is added to the payout execution remaining counter as a payout execution value. 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, prize ball payout control (control of prize ball discharge) of the discharge control device 16 will be described. This process is performed as a subroutine in the main control process of the discharge control device 16, for example.
It is repeatedly performed one sequence at a time for each reference time. When the process is started, it is determined in step S31 whether or not the operation of the motor 44 and the stopper solenoid 45 of the payout unit 15a has been 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. Here, the stopped state means a state in which the rotation of the motor 44 is stopped and the stopper solenoid 45 is not excited (that is, a state in which the prize ball discharge is stopped). Next, step S32
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining number of a specific memory area (hereinafter, referred to as a target value counter) provided in the RAM 213 (that is, whether or not the value is less than one winning ball number). The process proceeds to S33, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S41. Then, in step S41, a signal for notifying an abnormality is output and the like. The process proceeds to step S41 because there is an abnormal state in which the payout unit 15a has stopped the prize ball discharge, but there is a remaining number in the target value counter in which the target value of the prize ball discharge is set. Such processing is performed. 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 the payout execution remaining counter has a remaining number. If there is no remaining number, the processing of one sequence is terminated, and if there is, the flow proceeds to step S34. Next, in step S34, the information of the discharge precondition is read out of the game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device 17, 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, in step S35, a payout target value that is the target number of prize balls for prize ball discharge is determined,
This value is set in the target value counter. The determination of the payout target value is performed, for example, as follows. That is, the value of the remaining number (payout execution value) of the payout execution remaining counter is determined by the discharge unit 15.
When the number exceeds the maximum number of ejected balls (for example, 15), the value of the maximum number of ejected balls is used. When 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. In this way, the most prize balls can be discharged in one prize ball discharge,
This is because it can contribute to speeding up of prize ball discharge. Here, the maximum number of ejected balls of the ejection unit 15 is the minimum number of game balls estimated to be held in the aforementioned guideway 12 when the odd-numbered ball detection switch 14a outputs a detection signal. It is a value determined from the above.

Next, in step S36, the solenoid 43 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 45 of the discharge unit 15 (payout unit 15a) is actuated to release the engagement state of the stop member, and corresponds to the number of prize balls for the payout target value set in the target value counter. The control for operating the ball discharge motor 44 by the rotation angle or the rotation amount is started.
Next, in step S38, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 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 ends. 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.

According to the above processing, if there is no remaining number in the target value counter (the discharging unit 15 is in a stopped state) and the remaining number of payout execution counters remains (if there is information on the number of prize balls), the discharging is performed. Assuming that the precondition is 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 for discharging the prize balls of the payout target value is performed. 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 processing of game control device and discharge control device Next, the game control device 17 (microcomputer 110) and the discharge control device 16 (microcomputer 210)
An example of a power failure process executed based on the power failure detection signal of No. 4 will be described. When a power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 34, in this case, the microcomputer 110 or 210 treats the signal as a forced interrupt signal (so-called NMI interrupt signal) and Input of switches etc.)
And other processes being executed are interrupted, and each process as a power failure process is performed. That is, when the power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 34, the CPU 111 or 211 first receives data of all registers and stack pointers or N
The data in the interrupt enabled / disabled state before the occurrence of the MI interrupt is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 or 213 which is all backed up. At this time, if necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the above-mentioned payout request remaining counter or payout execution remaining counter is also backed up in the RAM 113 or 213.
Of course in a predetermined area. Next, all the outputs are turned off, and the detection signal of the prize ball detecting means (the above-described prize ball detecting sensor 42) or the prize detecting means (the above-described winning port switches 1 to N, etc.) is read, and then the power failure occurs After setting the flag and finally prohibiting the access to the RAM 113 or 213, it waits in a reset signal input waiting state. Here, the process of turning off the output, prohibiting access to the RAM, and waiting is performed in such a manner that the function is substantially stopped (operation is stopped in software) until the operation is stopped in hardware by the reset signal. Output or undefined data is incorrectly
This is to prevent writing into the AM with high reliability. In addition, the processing of saving all data such as all registers and stack pointers is the same as when power is turned off (including after recovery from power failure), as well as when the power is turned off (in addition to the storage state of the number of prize balls information, the game state and the game control). State or emission control state)
This is a process for returning to the state and restarting the operation from the state at the time of the power failure. The detection signal of the prize ball detecting means or the like is read during the power failure processing in order to eliminate a prize ball discharged immediately before the power is cut off or a winning prize ball that has won.

F. Next, the operation of the pachinko machine at the time of power interruption (including at the time of a power failure) will be described. In this case, if there is a power failure or the like and the output of the DC 32 V generation circuit 30 in the power supply device 24 first drops from 32 V to a power failure detection voltage (for example, 22 V), as shown in FIG. 34 activates the power failure detection signal (in this case, the output becomes L level). At the same time, the power failure detection signal is input to the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 and the microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16, whereby the above-described power failure process is executed by the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16. The power failure detection voltage is maintained until the operation of the payout unit 15 is guaranteed until the time of the power failure detection (the period of T1 in FIG. 5), and until the processing of reading the detection signal of the prize detecting means or the like during the power failure processing is completed. The operation of the sensors (especially, each switch constituting the winning detection means, etc.) (ie, DC
12V power supply) (see T2 in FIG. 5).
Until the reset signal is input to the microcomputer 110 or the like, the operation of the microcomputer 110 (CPU 111) or the like (that is, a DC 5 V power supply) should be a value that is guaranteed. In the present embodiment, by setting to 22 V, for example, The conditions can be satisfied.

Next, the power failure detection signal (active)
A predetermined delay time T3 (for example, about 3 msec)
After elapse, as shown in FIG. 5, the reset signal output unit 34a of the power failure detection circuit 34 activates the reset signal (in this case, the output becomes L level). At the same time, this reset signal is applied to all the control devices 16, 1
7, 18, 20, 21, 22 and the like (T
3 = T4 = T5), whereby the CPUs and the like of all these control devices reliably stop their operations before the power is turned off. After the power is turned off, the data in the RAMs 113 and 213 (including the values of the above-described payout request remaining counter and payout execution remaining counter) may be backed up and stored by the DC5VBB generation circuit 33 (backup power supply) described above. , As described above. The delay time T
3 (corresponding to the predetermined time of the present invention) is set to a time sufficient for performing the above-described power failure processing.

G. Operation when the power is turned on Next, when the power of the pachinko machine is turned on again (including when the power is restored)
The operation of will be described. (A) Start-up operation The DC 32 V generating circuit 30 in the power supply device 24
When the output exceeds 22 V, for example, as shown in FIG.
Delay time T6- when power supply voltage (DC32V) is sufficiently stabilized
After a lapse of T7 (for example, about 3 msec), the power failure detection circuit 34 of the power supply device 24 deactivates the power failure detection signal (in this case, the output thereof becomes H level). At the same time, the power failure detection signal is input to the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 and the microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16, thereby canceling the power failure detection state. Next, when a predetermined delay time T7 (for example, about 4 msec) elapses from the output of the power failure detection signal (inactive),
As shown in FIG. 6, the reset signal output unit 34a of the power failure detection circuit 34 makes the reset signal inactive (in this case, the output becomes H level). At the same time, the reset signal is output from the control devices 18 and 2 without the backup function.
The CPUs of the control devices 18, 20, 21, and 22 are activated first. Note that the delay time T7 is set such that the reset signal is released after each power supply has sufficiently reached each control device (including sensors) and a controlled device (for example, the motor 44 of the discharge unit 15). (T6, T in FIG. 6
8, T9).

Then, by the operation of the reset signal second delay circuit 206, a predetermined delay time T11 (for example, about 30 seconds) is output from the output of the reset signal (inactive).
0 e), the reset signal is input to the discharge control device 16 which is a control device with a backup function.
10 starts. When a predetermined delay time T10 (for example, about 600 μsec) elapses from the output of the reset signal (inactive) due to the operation of the reset signal first delay circuit 103, the reset signal is a control device with a backup function. This is input to the game control device 17, whereby the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 is finally activated. In this case, in detail,
As shown in FIG. 6, a reset signal input to the discharge control device 16 or the game control device 17 is temporarily (for example, another time) before finally becoming inactive by the functions of the delay circuits 103 and 206, as shown in FIG. It becomes inactive (at the same time as the controller).

(B) Control operation of the game control device when the power is turned on again When the power is restored within a predetermined warranty period from a power failure or the like (ie, when the power is turned on again), the game control device performs the above-described power failure process. The power failure flag set in the RAM 113 is normally stored. For this reason, the microcomputer 110 determines that it is time to recover from a power failure after startup, and
In addition to performing processing such as initializing only the specific area 3 (area excluding information such as prize ball data stored and held),
The data of the stack pointer, all registers, and the like are restored to those at the time of power-off, and are restored to the address interrupted at the time of power-off, including the prize-ball discharge control operation (that is, the transmission processing of the prize-ball number information described above). All the control processes are continuously restarted from the power-off state.

(C) Control operation of the discharge control device when the power is turned on again The microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16 normally stores the above-mentioned power failure flag in its RAM 213 when the power is turned on again. For this reason, the microcomputer 210 also determines that it is the time of restoration from power failure after startup, and performs processing such as initializing only a specific area of the RAM 213 (an area excluding information such as prize ball data stored and held). Then, the data of the stack pointer and all registers are restored to those at the time of power-off, the address is restored to the address interrupted at the time of power-off, and the prize-ball discharge control operation (that is, the above-described reception processing of the prize-ball number information) is performed. All the control processes including the above are continuously restarted from the power-off state. Therefore, if a power failure or the like occurs during transmission of data such as prize ball number information between the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16 and this transmission process is interrupted, However, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7 (at the time of a power failure), when the power is turned on again, this transmission process is restarted from the state at the time of the power shutdown (at the time of interruption), and data loss or data loss occurs. hard.

The gaming machine described above has the following effects. (1) When the power failure detection information becomes active, the reset information always becomes active after a lapse of a predetermined time (T3) from that time, and the control device with the backup function always stops functioning after executing the power failure processing. For this reason, a situation in which only the power failure process is executed and the function is not stopped does not occur, and the control process of the control device with the backup function is simplified. (2) Further, since the predetermined time (T3) is set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the power failure processing (for example, about 3 msec), it is possible to reliably complete the power failure processing, and to provide a backup function. The information to be stored and held when the power is turned off is properly and reliably stored and held in the control device. Therefore, after the power is turned on again (including after the recovery from the power failure), it is possible to reliably restart the game based on the information. In particular, in the present gaming machine, a game control device 17 that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information (prize ball number information) based on generation of the game value, and game value information output from the game control device 17 And a discharge control device 16 that performs discharge control for discharging a game value based on the control function is a control device with a backup function, and information (game control information) stored and held at the time of power-off is directly connected to a player's profit. The game value information and the information (game state information) for restarting the game state that greatly affects the profit of the player are included. For this reason, the game value information that has the greatest effect on the profit of the player is reliably stored and retained even when the power is turned off, and the payout of the unpaid game value based on this game value information is properly and reliably performed when the power is turned on again. Can be executed. In addition, game state information that has a strong effect on the player's profit is reliably stored and held even when the power is turned off,
The restart of the game based on the game state information (restart from the time of power-off) can be properly and reliably executed when the power is turned on again. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the disadvantage of the player due to the power failure or the like and the occurrence of the trouble with the game store. (3) Further, the power failure detection circuit 34 (power failure detection means) detects a rise exceeding a prescribed value of the power supply voltage (in this case, for example, 22 V) (that is, detects a power re-start), and the power supply voltage is stabilized. After a lapse of a predetermined time (T6-T7), the power failure detection signal (power failure detection information) has a function of returning to inactive, and the reset signal output unit 34a (reset information control means)
When the power failure detection information is returned to inactive, a function of returning the reset signal (reset information) to inactive thereafter (after a predetermined time T7) is provided. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the reset state is released (that is, the reset information returns to the inactive state), the power supply voltage (in this case, DC 32 V, 12 V, 5 V) becomes stable, and In addition, since the power failure detection information is performed after the power failure detection information is returned to inactive, activation (return of function) of the control device can be realized in a particularly reliable and safe state.

(4) In this gaming machine, the game control information cannot be stored when the power supply is cut off, and the function stops when the reset signal (reset information) becomes active. 18,
Display control device 20, decoration control device 21, sound control device 2
2) was provided. That is, the control device 1 without the backup function
Reset information is also input to 8, 20, 21, and 22, and the start / stop (function stop or function recovery) is controlled by the reset information. For this reason, there is an advantage that the interlocking start / stop control of each control device (both with and without a backup function) can be performed collectively by one reset signal output unit 34a (reset information control means).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may have various modifications and applications. For example, the power failure detection means distinguishes between a power failure caused by a normal power-off operation and an inadvertent power failure such as a power failure, detects only the latter power failure (that is, only a power failure, etc.), and outputs a power failure detection signal. There may be a configuration for outputting. In this case, the power failure processing (forced interruption processing) is executed only in the case of a power failure or the like, and the power failure flag is set only in the case of a power failure or the like. Even if the power is turned on again, normal startup processing (basically including processing for first initializing all areas of the RAM) is executed. The present invention includes such an embodiment. Also,
In the above-described embodiment, the RAMs 113 and 213 backed up by the backup power supply composed of the capacitor 33b are exemplified as the storage holding means for storing and holding the game control information of the control device with the backup function while the power supply is shut off, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage means may be constituted by an EEPROM. In addition, EEPR
If the data is stored and held in a non-volatile memory such as an OM, the guarantee period during which the data can be stored becomes theoretically infinite, and regardless of the power-off time, the game is not discharged due to the restart of the game or the power-off. It is possible to discharge the target prize ball after the power is turned on again.

In the above embodiment, the prize ball detection sensor 4
The signal of No. 2 is also input to the game control device, and the stored value of the prize ball number information of the game control device (the data of the above-described payout request remaining counter) is subtracted in accordance with the prize ball detection. The subtraction of the prize ball number information by the device is performed, for example, in a mode in which the prize ball number information is subtracted by the transmission amount when (or after) the prize ball number information is transmitted to the discharge control device (the number of undischarged prize balls only on the discharge control device side). There is also a possibility of managing information accurately (in this case,
It is not necessary to input the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 to the game control device). Conversely, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is input only to the game control device, and the discharge control device subtracts the prize ball number information every time the prize ball discharge operation is performed (only the game control device side). There is also a mode in which the information on the number of prize balls that have not been discharged is accurately managed. In addition, only the game control device may be a control device with a backup function, or a control device (for example, a display control device) other than the game control device or the discharge control device may have a backup function (for example, a display state at the time of a power failure, (A device that stores and retains information for restarting the display control state). Further, it goes without saying that the method of discharging the prize balls is not limited to the above embodiment. 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.

[0054]

The gaming machine of the present invention detects a start of a power failure and activates the power failure detection information input to the control device with a backup function. When the power failure detection information becomes active, Reset information control means for activating the reset information input to the control device with the backup function after a predetermined time has elapsed from that time. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. (1) When the power failure detection information becomes active, the reset information always becomes active after a lapse of a predetermined time from that point, and the control device with the backup function always stops functioning after the execution of the power failure process. For this reason, a situation in which only a power failure process is executed in the control device with the backup function and the function is not stopped does not occur, and the control process of the control device with the backup function is simplified. (2) In the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the power failure processing.
The power outage process can be completely executed completely, and the information (game control information) to be stored and held when the power is turned off is properly and reliably stored in the control device with the backup function. For this reason, for example, the restart of the game or the like can be reliably performed based on the information after the power is turned on again. In particular,
In the gaming machine according to the third aspect, a game control device that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information based on the generation of the game value, and a game value based on the game value information output from the game control device. The discharge control device for performing discharge control for discharging is a control device with a backup function, and the information (game control information) stored and retained at the time of the power failure includes at least game value information directly connected to the profit of the player. For this reason, the game value information that has the greatest effect on the player's profit is reliably stored and retained even in the event of a power outage, and the payout of unpaid game values based on this game value information is executed properly and reliably when the power outage returns. it can. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the disadvantage of the player due to the power failure or the trouble with the game store.

(3) In the case of the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the power failure detection means detects the power reactivation and returns the power failure detection information to inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time when the power supply voltage is stabilized. The reset information control means has a function of returning the reset information to inactive after the power failure detection information is returned to inactive. For this reason,
Since the reset state is released (that is, the reset information returns to the inactive state) after the power supply voltage is reliably brought into the stable state and the power failure detection information is returned to the inactive state, the control device is started ( Function return) can be realized in a particularly reliable and safe state. (4) Further, in the case of the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, there is provided a control device without a backup function which cannot retain the game control information when the power is turned off and stops functioning when the reset information becomes active. That is, the reset information from the reset information control means is also input to the control device having no backup function, and the start / stop (function stop or function recovery) is controlled by the reset information.
Therefore, there is an advantage that the interlocking start / stop control of each control device (both with the backup function and without the backup function) can be collectively performed by one reset information control means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a back side configuration 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 details of a power supply device and the like of the pachinko machine.

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

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the pachinko machine at the time of power-off.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the pachinko machine when the power is turned on again.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating communication processing of game value information.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine (game machine) 16 Emission control device (control device with backup function) 17 Game control device (control device with backup function) 18 Launch control device (control device without backup function) 20 Display control device (control device without backup function) 21) Decoration control device (control device without backup function) 22 Sound control device (control device without backup function) 24 Power supply device 34 Power failure detection circuit (power failure detection means) 34a Reset signal output part (reset information control means) 103 Reset signal First delay circuit (reset information control means) 206 Reset signal Second delay circuit (reset information control means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] As a control device for controlling the operation of a controlled device in a machine, game control information related to game control or control of the controlled device can be stored and held even when power is turned off, and power failure detection information can be stored. A power failure process including at least a process for storing and holding the game control information is executed when activated, and a control device with a backup function that stops functioning when reset information is activated is detected. A gaming machine comprising: a power failure detection unit that activates detection information; and a reset information control unit that activates the reset information after a lapse of a predetermined time from when the power failure detection information becomes active. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is set to be longer than a time required for the power failure processing. 3. A control device with a backup function, wherein the control device controls the progress of a game and outputs game value information based on the generation of a game value, and a game value information output from the game control device. 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an emission control device for performing emission control for discharging a game value through the game, wherein the game control information includes at least the game value information. 4. The power failure detection means has a function of detecting power re-activation and returning the power failure detection information to inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time during which a power supply voltage is stabilized. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a function of returning the reset information to inactive after the power failure detection information is returned to inactive. 5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a backup function-less control device that cannot retain the game control information when the power is turned off, and stops functioning when the reset information becomes active. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 4.