JP2003159462A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which has two choices of time to back up a storage means for game data and a storage means for control data. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is equipped with a first backup power source to back up for a prescribed period of time and a second backup power source to back up for a longer period of time than the first backup power source as power sources to back up the storage means for game data and the storage means for game data and a means to switch to one of the power sources. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a ball game machine and a slot machine, and more specifically,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a backup function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, various information such as game information and control information are sequentially recorded in a volatile RAM during a game. When the power supply is stopped for some reason, the volatile R is stored in order to prevent the information at the time of stop recorded in the volatile RAM from being erased and becoming a disadvantage to the player.
The gaming machine is provided with a backup means for continuously supplying power to the AM for a certain period of time. Therefore, the time that can be backed up is limited to 1.

Further, in recent years, in addition to such applications, as a service of a game store, the game state at the time of closing the store may be saved and the business may be conducted in the game state the next day.

[0004] For example, when the probability fluctuation state that is advantageous to the player when the store is closed, if the same player comes to the store when the store opens the next day, the player can play the game in that state, so that the player can start a relatively new game. In this way, the motivation of the player to visit the store is improved during a poor opening time, and the player is effectively prevented from leaving the customer just before the closing time.

For this reason, the backup time is usually designed based on about one business day (24 hours).

[0006]

However, since such a gaming machine is set to the above-mentioned time and only one backup time can be obtained, it is backed up at a game shop or the like which does not provide the above-mentioned service. In order to delete the contents, it is necessary to delete the backup information after the business is closed or before the business is started, which is very troublesome.

In view of such a problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a game data storage means (a game data storage area in the RAM 230) for controlling the game machine and storing the game state thereof. Backup power supply means (backup) that supplies power for backup to the device 200 and the game data storage means (game data storage area in the RAM 230) for a predetermined time even after power supply to the gaming machine from the outside is stopped. In a gaming machine equipped with a power supply generation circuit 103), the backup power supply means (backup power supply generation circuit 103) has a first backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 103a) for which a first power supply time is set. A second backup power supply (second power supply) having a second power supply time longer than the first power supply time is set. Kkuappu power generating circuit 103b)
The game machine includes a backup power supply for supplying the game data storage means (game data storage area in the RAM 230) to the first backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 103a) or the second backup power supply. Backup time setting means 104 to be set in one of the (second backup power supply generation circuit 103b)
It is characterized by having.

That is, two types of backup time are provided, and by the game store selecting these two types of time,
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of conducting a business suitable for a business form of a game store without performing a troublesome operation every business day.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is a game control device 200 having a game data storage means (a game data storage area in the RAM 230) capable of controlling the game machine and storing the game state thereof, A sub-control device (award) having control data storage means (control data storage area in RAM 330) for controlling a part of the gaming machine based on a control signal from the game control device 200 and storing control data related to the control. Sphere control device 300), the game data storage means (game data storage area in RAM 230) and the control data storage means (control in RAM 330) for a predetermined time even after power supply to the gaming machine from the outside is stopped. (Data storage area) Provided with backup power supply means (backup power generation circuit 103) for supplying power for backup In the gaming machine, the backup power supply means (backup power supply generation circuit 103) includes a first backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 103a) for which a first power supply time is set and the first power supply time. And a second backup power supply (second backup power supply generation circuit 103b) that sets a second power supply time that is also long, and the game machine is provided with the backup power supply for the game data storage means. (First backup power supply generation circuit 103
a) or a backup time setting means 104 for setting one of the second backup power supply (second backup power supply generation circuit 103b).

That is, the volatile RAM 2 provided in the game control device 200 for controlling the entire game, especially the game contents.
There are two types of time to back up 30
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a business suitable for a business form of a gaming shop without performing a troublesome operation for each business day by selecting a type of time by the gaming shop.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the control data storage means (control data storage area in RAM 330).
Is fixedly supplied with the first backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 103a) or the second backup power supply (second backup power supply generation circuit 103b).

That is, the backup time of the portion for storing game data such as a big hit can be switched, and the storage means not associated with the service of the amusement store, such as prize ball data,
No setting means (back up for a fixed time)
Therefore, the purpose is to supply an efficient backup power supply.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is a game control device (main control device) comprising game data storage means (game data storage area in RAM 703) capable of controlling the game machine and storing the game state thereof. 700) and part of the gaming machine based on a control signal from the gaming control device (main control device 700), and control data storage means (RA) for storing control data relating to the control.
A sub-control device 800 having a control data storage area in M803 and the game data storage means (RAM 7) for a predetermined time even after the power supply to the game machine from the outside is stopped.
03) and the control data storage means (control data storage area in RAM 803) backup power supply means for supplying backup power supply means (backup power supply generation circuit 603) The power supply means (backup power supply generation circuit 603) includes a first backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 603a) having a first power supply time and a second power supply longer than the first power supply time. A second backup power supply (second backup power supply generation circuit 603b) having a supply time set therein is provided, and the game machine is provided with the backup power supply for supplying the control data storage means (control data storage area in the RAM 803). 1 backup power supply (first backup power supply generation circuit 603a) or before Characterized by comprising a backup time setting means for setting to one of the second backup power (both the first backup power generating circuit 603a and the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650).

That is, the time for backing up the volatile RAM 803 for storing control data, which is provided in the sub control device 800 for controlling a part of the game machine based on the control signal from the game control device (main control device 700). It is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of performing business that suits the business form of the gaming shop without having to perform a troublesome operation for each business day by providing two types as To aim.

Particularly, in a slot machine or the like, the effect is obtained by making it possible to set two types of backup time for the storage means of the control device, which is becoming the mainstream and which influences the pitching of the gaming machine by notifying the winning combination. Becomes noticeable.

The invention according to claim 5 is the game data storage means (game data storage area in RAM 703).
Is fixedly supplied with the first backup power supply (first backup power supply 603a) or the second backup power supply (both the first backup power supply 603a and the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650).

That is, the backup time of the portion for storing the control data, which is the main part of the ball management, can be switched, and the setting means is not provided in the storage means having little relation with the service of the amusement store, so that it is efficient. The purpose is to supply a backup power source.

In the invention according to claim 6, the backup time setting means (110a, 503a) is one of the first backup power supply or the second backup power supply based on an operation on an input unit of the gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is set to one side.

That is, by switching the backup time with a game input switch such as a prize switch in the case of a ball game machine or a stop button in the case of a slot machine, the switch for the current game machine is used. An object is to provide a game machine that does not require such a thing.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing an example of a ball game machine. In this ball game shore, an outer frame 1 forming an outer frame holding frame of a gaming machine, an outer frame 1 and an openable and closable shaft support, a glass door 2, an upper plate 3, a lower plate 4, a ball hitting handle 5 and a game. There is provided a front frame 7 having a housing portion for housing the game board 6 having a region. Game board 6
In, there is a game area partitioned by rails, in this game area, the image display device 6 for displaying a symbol in substantially the center thereof.
a, a specific winning opening (starting winning opening) 6b which is a variable condition of the symbol, a big winning opening 6c which opens and closes when a big hit occurs, a plurality of general winning openings 6d, a windmill and a large number of games which affect the fall of a hit ball Nail (not shown) and outlet 6
e is provided.

When the player operates the hit ball handle 5, the game balls are sent from the upper plate 3 one by one to a hit ball launching portion (not shown), and hit balls are shot in a game area with arbitrary strength. The hit ball is flown down to various winning openings or outlets 6e provided in the game area.

Here, in the case of winning various prize holes,
Predetermined prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 3 in accordance with the winning opening. In addition, when the hit ball is won in the specific winning opening 6b of the winning openings, the symbol displayed on the image display device 6a starts to change, and after displaying a predetermined moving image and a variation mode of the symbol for a predetermined time, stops. To do. At this time, when the stop mode of the symbols displayed on the image display device 6a is a specific case, it is a big hit,
After the predetermined demonstration display is made, the special winning opening 6c is opened, and the hit ball can flow into the special winning opening 6c. The opening operation of the special winning opening 6c is once ended when a predetermined number of winnings (10, for example) of the special winning opening 6c are won or after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. If the hit ball has passed a specific area (not shown) in which the special winning opening 6c is provided during this period, this operation is performed again, and this operation is continued until a maximum of 15 times.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the ball game machine according to the present embodiment. In this ball game machine, on the back side of the front frame 6, a reserve tank 11 for prize balls, a prize ball path 12, a prize ball payout device 13, a game control device 200, a prize ball control device 300,
The back mechanism setting board 10 on which the firing control device 16, the power supply device 100 and the like are installed is provided.

The hit balls that have been launched into the game board and have flowed into each winning opening flow down to the played ball collecting portion of the back mechanism setting board 10 after the winning is detected by the winning sensor corresponding to each winning opening. It is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine through the ball passage for which the game has been played, joining the out balls that have not won any prize.

When the winning lo sensor detects that a hit ball has flown into the winning opening, it outputs the signal (winning detection signal) to the game control device 200. When the game control device 200 receives this winning detection signal, it outputs a prize ball command to the prize ball control device 300 so as to pay out a predetermined prize ball, and when the prize ball control device 300 receives this signal, this prize is awarded. The prize ball payout device 13 is driven in accordance with the ball command, and a predetermined prize ball is paid out.

As will be described later, the prize ball control device 300.
Until the payout operation of the prize ball payout device 13 is completed, the prize ball payout total number based on the prize ball command from the game control device 200 is additionally stored, and the prize ball payout number stored at the time of completion of the payout is subtracted.

Next, the functional blocks of the ball game machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball-ball game machine includes a power supply device 100 that supplies power to electric components and a game control device, a game control device 200 that controls the entire game machine, and the game control device 200. And a prize ball control device 300 for controlling the prize ball payout device 13, which is a part of the gaming machine, based on the control signal.

On the input side of the game control device 200, a start winning opening winning detection device 110 for detecting a winning of a hit ball at a starting winning opening 6b provided on a game board 6 and outputting a starting winning detection signal, a general winning General winning a prize detection device 120 for detecting the winning of a hit ball to the mouth and outputting a general winning detection signal, and detecting a winning of a hit ball to the special winning opening 6c and outputting a big winning detection signal The device 130 and a specific area passage detection switch 140 that outputs a specific area passage signal by detecting that a hit ball has flown into a specific area provided inside the special winning opening 6c are provided and electrically connected to each other. .

On the output side of the game control device 200,
In addition to the prize ball control device 300 described above, a special winning opening driving device (solenoid) 150 for opening and closing the special winning opening 6c, and image control for controlling the driving of various symbols and images displayed on the image display device 6a. Devices 160 are provided and are each electrically connected.

The power supply device 100 will be described in detail below. The power supply device 100 includes a power supply receiving circuit 101 that receives an AC power supply (AC24V) supplied from the outside, and a voltage conversion circuit 102 that converts the power supplied from the power supply receiving circuit 101 into various power supplies required for a game machine. A backup power supply generation circuit 103 for generating a backup power supply,
It comprises a backup time setting means 104 for selecting a backup time, and an interruption detection circuit 105 for detecting that the power supply from the outside is stopped.

The power supply receiving circuit 101 is a circuit including a filter circuit for receiving AC power from the outside and removing power noise from the outside, a fuse for preventing overcurrent, and the like.

The voltage conversion circuit 102 is the power receiving circuit 10
1. A bridge diode for converting the AC power received by 1 into a DC power supply, a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the DC power supply (pulsating current) output from the bridge diode, and the smoothed power supply for the voltage for solenoids and lamps. (DC 12V in this embodiment) and the power supply circuit 102a for driving a solenoid or the like for stepping down the voltage and outputting the logic I of various control devices.
A logic supply power supply circuit 102b that outputs a voltage (5V in this embodiment) for driving C, and a backup circuit supply power supply circuit 102c that generates power supply to a backup power supply generation circuit 103 described later are provided.

The backup power supply generation circuit 103 is used when the power supply from the outside is cut off.
RAM23 which is provided in 0 and stores game data
0 and a RAM 330, which is provided in the prize ball control device 300 and stores control data relating to prize balls, are circuits for supplying backup power, respectively.

To the backup power supply generation circuit 103, the first backup power supply generation circuit 103a configured by setting the first time as the time during which the backup power supply can be continuously supplied, and the backup power supply are continuously supplied. Second time longer than the first time
And a second backup power supply generation circuit 103b configured by setting the time.

First backup power supply generation circuit 103a
As shown in FIG. 4, the power supplied from the backup circuit power supply circuit 102c is supplied to the capacitor a (470).
μF) power is stored in the RAM to shut off (disconnect) the power supply from the outside, and then as a backup power supply for a first time (between 2 and 3 hours) the RAM (RAM 230,
Power can be supplied to the RAM 330).

In addition, the second backup power supply generation circuit 10
3b is a capacitor b (470 μ) as shown in FIG.
F) and the capacitor c (1F) are connected in parallel, and the same operation as the first backup power supply causes the backup power supply for the second time (between 1 and 2 days) to be the RAM described above.
(RAM 230, RAM 330) can be supplied.

As shown in FIG. 4, the backup circuit power supply circuit 102c and the backup power supply generation circuit 1
03 (first backup power supply generation circuit 103a and second backup power supply generation circuit 103a) is connected via a diode, and the power supply stored by the backup power supply generation circuit 103 when no external power is supplied. Are not supplied to the backup circuit power supply circuit 102c side.

The backup time setting means 104 comprises a backup time selection switch 104a. By switching the backup time selection switch 104a, either the first backup power generation circuit 103a or the second backup power generation circuit 103b is activated.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the power supply device 100 is composed of a slide switch arranged at a position where it can be operated by an operator. Worker is first
If you want to set the backup time of
Slide the switch to the "1" side as shown in.
Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 (backup time selection switch 105 section), the first backup power supply generation circuit 103a is supplied as backup power via the backup time selection switch 105, and only for the above-mentioned time. Backup power is supplied. If the operator wants to set the second backup time,
As shown in FIG. 5C, the switch is slid to the “2” side. Then, as shown by the broken line (backup time selection switch 105 part) in FIG. 4, the second backup power supply generation circuit 103b is supplied as backup power via the backup time selection switch 105, and only for the above-mentioned time. Backup power is supplied.

In the present embodiment, the slide type backup time selection switch is adopted, but the type of switch is not limited to the slide type and, for example, a push button type may be used.

The power failure detection circuit 105 monitors the external power supply or the power supply generated by the voltage conversion circuit 102, and when it detects that the voltage is below a predetermined value or that the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time. , Outputs a signal.

In the present embodiment, according to well-known conventional means, the waveform of AC24V supplied from the outside is measured, and when this waveform is not detected for one cycle, it is detected that the power is cut off and a signal is output. ing.

Next, details of the game control device 200 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, the game control device 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, and an electric power interruption signal input unit 240, and is configured by various devices such as various logics and drivers (not shown), and plays the whole game. Has the role of overall control.

Specifically, the CPU 210, based on the input information from each device connected to the game control device 200,
A predetermined program written in the ROM 220 is activated to calculate / execute, and drive control of each device connected to the output side of the game control device 200.

The RAM 230 temporarily stores the data of the above-mentioned calculation process and various game information, and the current game state (probability fluctuation information (whether probability fluctuation is occurring), game mode information (is it a big hit? Whether or not), random number information on hold (contents of hold ball), symbol variation information (variation state of symbol)}, presence / absence of power interruption flag, etc. are stored.

The power failure signal input section 240 is for receiving an output signal from the power failure detection circuit 105, which means power failure, and more specifically, a CPU through a predetermined device. Connected to the NMI terminal. The operation outline of the game control device according to the present invention will be described later.

The details of the prize ball control device 300 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize ball control device 300 includes a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, and an electric power interruption signal input unit 340, and is configured by various devices such as various logics and drivers (not shown). Based on the control signal from the device 200,
It plays a role of controlling the prize ball payout device 13.

Specifically, the CPU 310 calculates and executes based on the program written in the ROM 320, and is connected to the output side of the prize ball control device 300 while referring to the control signal transmitted from the game control device 200. The prize ball payout device 13 is drive-controlled.

The RAM 330 is for temporarily storing the data of the above-mentioned calculation process and various game information, and the present prize ball control state {information on the number of unpaid prize balls (how many prize balls command from the game control device. Has been input, how many prize balls have been paid out), and the presence / absence of an electric disconnection flag.

The power failure signal input section 340 is for receiving the output signal from the power failure detection circuit 105 described above, which means that there is power failure, through the game control device 200, and specifically, , Through a predetermined device, CPU N
It is connected to the MI terminal. The power interruption signal does not have to be passed through the game control device 200, but may be directly input from the power supply device 100.

Next, an outline of the operation of the game control device 200 and the prize ball control device 300 related to the power interruption and the power interruption recovery will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. 6 is a schematic operation flowchart of the game control device 200 at the time of power failure, FIG. 7 is a schematic operation flowchart of the game control device 200 at the time of power failure recovery, and FIG. 8 is a schematic of the prize ball control device 300 at the time of power failure. An operation flowchart, FIG. 9 is a schematic operation flowchart of the prize ball control device 300 when the power is restored.

First, an outline of the operation of the game control device 200 when the power is cut off will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the game control device 200 constantly monitors in S1 whether or not the NMI terminal of the CPU 210 has an interruption input. Then, if it is determined that the power is not cut off, this processing is terminated without performing the subsequent power cut processing.

If it is determined in S1 that there is a power failure signal, S2
After creating the checksum of the game data written in the RAM 230, the checksum data created in S2 is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 230 in S3, and the data indicating that the power is cut in S4 Is written in a predetermined area (a power failure flag storage area) of the RAM.

When the above process is completed, a loop process is executed to wait for the stop of the power supply to the CPU so that the general process thereafter is not performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the game control device 20.
The processing at the time of 0 power recovery will be described. As shown in FIG.
When power is supplied to the CPU 210, in S11, the RAM
It is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in 230.

If the power failure flag is not stored, R
It is determined that AM230 is not backed up, and S2
At 0, the initialization processing of the RAM 230 is performed, and this processing ends.

If the power failure flag is stored, S1
2, the checksum stored in the RAM 230 is read, and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, RA
All the data in M230 is compared with the checksum to determine whether or not the data is backed up in a normal state. If it is determined to be normal, this process is terminated and the stored RAM is stored.
Based on the data of 230, the gaming machine is controlled from the gaming state before the power failure. If it is determined to be abnormal, S
Then, the processing shifts to 20, the above-mentioned processing is performed, and this processing is ended.

Next, an outline of the operation of the prize ball control device 300 during power interruption will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the prize ball control device 300 has the CPU 310 in S21.
The NMI terminal is constantly monitored for power interruption input.
Then, if it is determined that the power is not cut off, this processing is terminated without performing the subsequent power cut processing.

If it is determined in S21 that there is an interruption signal, S
After moving to step 22, the checksum of the control data written in the RAM 330 is created, then, in step S23, the checksum data created in step S22 is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 330, and it is indicated in step S34 that the power was cut off. The data is written in a predetermined area of RAM (electrical interruption flag storage area).

When the above process is completed, a loop process is executed to wait for the stop of the power supply to the CPU so that the following general process is not performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the prize ball control device 30
The processing at the time of 0 power recovery will be described. As shown in FIG.
When power is supplied to the CPU 310, in S31, the RAM
It is determined whether the power cut flag is stored in 330.

If the power interruption flag is not stored, R
It is determined that AM330 has not been backed up, and S4
At 0, the initialization process of the RAM 330 is performed, and this process ends.

If the power failure flag is stored, S3
2, the checksum stored in the RAM 330 is read, and the process proceeds to S33. In S33, RA
All the data in M330 and the checksum are compared to determine whether or not the data is backed up in a normal state. If it is determined to be normal, this process ends, and the stored RAM
Based on the data of 330, the game machine is controlled from the game state before the power failure. If it is determined to be abnormal, S
Then, the processing shifts to 40, the above-mentioned processing is performed, and this processing ends.

Next, an outline of control for paying out prize balls in the present ball game machine will be described with reference to the prize ball operation flow shown in FIGS. First, the prize ball command receiving process will be described with reference to FIG. 10. When the prize ball command from the game controller 200 is received by the prize ball controller 300 in S41, S
At 42, the CPU 310 reads the number of unpaid award balls (SB) from the control data storage area of the RAM 330, adds the number of award balls (n) corresponding to the award ball command to the value, and after the addition The process of rewriting to the unpaid prize ball number information is performed. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the numbers of prize balls based on the winnings of the starting winning opening 6b, the large winning opening 6c, and the general winning opening 6d are 7, 15, and 10, respectively. When the prize ball command based on the winning of the start winning hole 6b is received, 7 is added to the number of unpaid prize balls at the present time. When the prize ball command is not received in S41, this process is not performed and the process returns to the first step of this process.

Next, the prize ball payout device drive processing will be described with reference to FIG. In S51, the CPU 310 causes the RA
The unpaid prize ball number information (SB) is read from the control data storage area in M330, and the unpaid prize ball number (SB) is 1
Check whether or not the above. When the SB value is not 1 or more, the number of unpaid prize balls is 0, and thus the prize ball payout process is not performed. If the SB value is 1 or more, S52
Then, it is checked whether the SB value is greater than 14.
If the SB value is greater than 14, then in S53,
The CPU 310 drives and controls the prize ball payout device 13 and pays out 15 balls. When it is confirmed in S54 that the 15 balls have been paid out, in S55, the CPU 310 performs an operation of subtracting 15 from the current SB value, and writes the SB value in the control data storage area in the RAM 330 to the new SB value. Perform the process of changing. When it is determined that the SB value is 14 or less in S52, one-ball payout is performed in S56. And S5
When it is confirmed that the one-ball payout has been completed in step 7, the same SB value is subtracted from the current SB value in step S58,
Processing for rewriting the SB value in the control data storage area in the RAM 330 with a new SB value is performed.

Modification Example of First Embodiment (1) As shown in FIG. 4, the backup time in the first embodiment is changed by two circuits (first backup power supply generation circuit) including capacitors having different capacities. This is done by switching between 103a and the second backup power supply generation circuit 103b).
This is a mode in which another backup power supply generation circuit including a capacitor of a certain capacity is added to a backup power supply generation circuit including a capacitor of a certain capacity. Specifically, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3, an additional backup power supply generation circuit 15 is used instead of the second backup power supply generation circuit 103b.
0 is set, and further, the backup time selection switch 104
This is a mode in which an additional backup power supply switching circuit 151 is provided instead of a. As shown in FIG. 12, when the additional backup power supply switching circuit 151 is in a disconnection state (solid line in the figure), power for backup is supplied only from the first backup power supply generation circuit 103 and backed up for the first time. To be done. Conversely, the additional backup power supply switching circuit 1
When 51 is connected (dotted line in the figure), the power supply during backup is the first backup power supply generation circuit 10
3 and an additional backup power supply generation circuit 150 arranged in parallel with this circuit, and backed up for a second time. As a result, the former power supply time is shorter than that of the latter, so that two types of backup times can be set, as in the first embodiment.

Modification of the first embodiment (2) In the first embodiment, the RAM 2 in the game control device 200
Although a common backup power supply is supplied to both the RAM 30 in the award ball control device 300 and the RAM 30 in the award ball control device 300, the RAM 330 in the award ball control device 300 is fixed to one (for example, the second backup power supply) backup time. Alternatively, only the backup power supply supplied to the RAM 230 of the game control device 200 may be switchable. With this configuration, it is not necessary to consider the capacity of the capacitor that backs up the RAM 330, so that it is possible to use a capacitor having a relatively small capacity.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 13 and 14 are an overall front view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment and a view showing the inside with the door removed. As shown in FIG. 14, three reels (revolving drums) 501 are arranged side by side inside a housing 500 of the slot machine. Correspondingly, three transparent display windows (not shown) are provided on the front surface of the slot machine, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the reel can be seen from each of the display windows. Each reel is a ring-shaped body, and a plurality of winning symbols (symbols forming a winning combination) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof. From the display window, three consecutive symbols on the top and bottom of the reel can be seen. This reel is rotated by a (reel) motor, and by this rotation, the symbols on the reel are moved and displayed in the vertical direction in the display window.

As shown in FIG. 13, a start switch 502 and a stop switch 503 are provided on the front surface of the slot machine. Start switch 502
Is a switch (lever) operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reel. Stop switch 50
Reference numeral 3 denotes a switch (button) which is independently arranged in three lines for each reel and which is operated by the player when stopping the rotation of each reel. The player has a bed switch 504
After pressing or pushing a medal from the medal insertion slot 505 to bed, the start switch 502 is turned on. As a result, each reel is started. Then, the player presses the stop switch 503 to stop the rotation of the reel. Here, when the combination of the symbols of the reels stopped on the activated activated line coincides with the combination of the symbols of the predetermined winning combination, the winning is won, and the payout of medals or the like is performed according to the winning combination. Further, when the combination of the symbols matches the combination of the symbols of the special combination, the normal game shifts to the special game.

Next, the functional blocks of the ball game machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, this slot machine includes a power supply device 60 that supplies power to electric components, a main control device, a sub control device, and the like.
0, a main control device 700 that controls the entire slot machine, a sub-control device 800 that is in charge of a part of the slot machine control particularly related to the effect, and a main control device 7.
The reel unit 900 for performing reel control based on the control signal from 00 and the medal payout device 910 for paying out medals are provided. The main control device 700 and the sub control device 800 are separately configured and electrically connected (however, information is exchanged from the main control device 700 to the sub control device 800 in one direction). ).

The main controller 700 includes a CPU 701,
ROM 702, RAM 703, time switching input determination means 7
04, time switching determination content output means 705, and a power failure signal input unit 706, and is configured by various devices such as various logics and drivers (not shown), and plays a role of centrally controlling the whole game. Specifically, based on an input signal from each device connected to the main control device 700, the CPU 701 activates and executes a predetermined program written in the ROM 702 to connect to the output side of the main control device 700. The drive control is performed for each device. The RAM 703 temporarily stores the data of the above-described calculation process and various game information, and stores the current game state, the presence / absence of a power failure flag, and the like.

The time switching input determining means 704 is means for receiving time switching information from the backup time setting means 503a provided in the stop switch 503 and determining the input information. Then, based on this determination result,
The time switching determination content output means 705 controls the backup power supply generation circuit 603 and backs up only with the backup power supply generated by the first backup power supply generation circuit 603a (backs up for the first time).
Alternatively, the backup power supply generated by the first backup power supply generation circuit 603a and the backup power supply generated by the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650 are used for backup (backup for the second time). Specifically, if all the stop buttons of the slot machine are pressed for a predetermined time when the power is turned on, control is performed to switch to a backup time different from the currently set backup time (details will be described later).

The power failure signal input section 706 is for receiving an output signal from the power failure detection circuit 606, which means power failure, and more specifically, a CPU through a predetermined device. Connected to the NMI terminal.

The sub-control device 800 is in charge of a part particularly related to the effect in the control of the slot machine. It is composed of various devices such as. Specifically, based on a control signal from the main control device 700, the CPU 801 activates and executes a predetermined program written in the ROM 802, and drives each device connected to the output side of the sub control device 800. Control. The ROM 802 and the RAM 803 are peripheral devices for production that output the production during the game (including the presentation of the possibility of winning the winning combination), for example, a back lamp, other lamps (including LEDs), a speaker, an image display device. It is a storage means for storing programs, data, etc. relating to (for example, a liquid crystal display panel). In particular, RAM804
Has an area for storing control data (for example, small winning combination notification information) related to the current sub-control and the presence / absence of a power failure flag. The power failure signal input unit 804 is for receiving an output signal that means power failure from the power failure detection circuit 606 described above. Specifically, the power failure signal input unit 804 goes through a predetermined device and then the NMI terminal of the CPU. Connected with.

The power supply device will be described in detail below.
The power supply device 600 is an AC power supply (AC
24 V), a power receiving circuit 601, a voltage converting circuit 602 that converts the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 601 into various power sources necessary for the slot machine, a backup power generating circuit 603 that generates backup power,
The backup time setting means 605 and a power stage detection circuit 606 for detecting that the power supply from the outside has stopped are provided.

The power receiving circuit 601 is a circuit which receives an AC power from the outside and removes power noise from the outside, and a circuit including a fuse for preventing overcurrent.

The voltage conversion circuit 602 is a power receiving circuit 60.
1. A bridge diode for converting the AC power received by 1 into a DC power supply, a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the DC power supply (pulsating current) output from the bridge diode, and the smoothed power supply for the voltage for solenoids and lamps. (Power supply circuit 602a for driving a solenoid or the like for stepping down to (DC12V in this mode) and outputting, and logic IC of various control devices
Power supply circuit 602b for outputting a voltage (5V in the present embodiment) for driving the power supply, and a backup power supply generation circuit 603 for supplying a power supply for backup described later.
And a backup circuit power supply circuit 602c for generating power to be supplied to the backup circuit.

The backup power supply generation circuit 603 is provided in the main control unit 700 when the power supply from the outside is cut off.
A RAM 703 that is provided inside and stores game data
And a RAM 803, which is provided in the sub-control device 800 and stores control data, for supplying backup power, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 20, the backup power supply generation circuit 603 has a first backup power supply generation circuit 603a configured by setting a first time as a time during which the backup power supply can be continuously supplied, The additional backup power supply generation circuit 650 is provided, and when the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650 is active, the backup power supply can be continuously supplied for the second time longer than the first time.

Further, in this embodiment, the time to be backed up by this switching is only the RAM of the sub control device 800, and the RAM 703 of the main control device 700 is the first backup power supply generating unit having a short backup time. It is configured to be fixedly backed up by the circuit 603a.

The backup time setting means 605 is the first
Similar to the modification of the embodiment described above, backup is performed only by the backup power supply generated by the first backup power supply generation circuit 603a (backup for the first time) or backup generated by the first backup power supply generation circuit 603a. The power supply and the additional backup power supply are generated by the backup power generation circuit 650 to set whether to back up (back up for the second time), and are mainly the additional backup power supply switching circuit 651.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the signal output from the time switching determination content output means 705 is input to the base of the transistor functioning as a backup time switching switch, and a voltage (current) is applied to the base. Given. When a voltage (current) is applied to the base, a current (voltage) flows between the collector and emitter of this transistor (current flows in one direction from the collector to the emitter). In this way, if the signal output from the time switching determination content output means 705 is an ON signal (voltage is applied), the capacitor of the additional backup power generation circuit 650 can be charged via the transistor. Then, the electric charge stored in the capacitor is supplied to the RAM via the diode. When the signal output from the time switching determination content output unit 705 is an off signal (no current flows), the collector-emitter of the transistor is not electrically connected, and therefore the capacitor of the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650 is connected to the capacitor. No electricity is stored.

The power failure detection circuit 606 monitors the external power supply or the power supply generated by the voltage conversion circuit 602, and when it detects that the voltage is below a predetermined value or that the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time. , Outputs a signal.

In the present embodiment, according to well-known conventional means, the waveform of AC24V supplied from the outside is measured, and when this waveform is not detected for one cycle, it is detected that the power is cut off and a signal is output. ing.

Next, an outline of the operation of the main control device 700 and the sub control device 800 at the time of power failure and power recovery will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. 16 is a schematic operation flowchart of the main control device 700 at the time of power failure, FIG. 17 is a schematic operation flowchart of the sub control device 800 at the time of power failure, and FIG. 18 is a schematic operation of the main control device 700 at the time of power recovery. The flowchart and FIG. 19 are schematic operation flowcharts of the sub control device 800 at the time of restoration from power failure.

First, the operation process at the time of power interruption in the main control device 700 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the main control device 700 constantly monitors in S100 whether or not the NMI terminal of the CPU 701 has a power interruption input. ing. Then, if it is determined that the power is not cut off, this processing is terminated without performing the subsequent power cut processing.

If it is determined in S100 that there is a power failure signal, the process proceeds to S101, in which a checksum of the game data written in the RAM 703 is created, and then S10.
In 2, RAM of the checksum data created in S101
The data is written in a predetermined area of 703, and the data indicating that the power is cut off is written in S103 in a predetermined area (power cut flag storage area) of the RAM 703.

When the above process is completed, a loop process is executed to wait for the stop of the power supply to the CPU so that the following general process is not performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the operation processing at the time of power interruption in the sub control device will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the sub control device 800, in S200, the CPU 801
The NMI terminal is constantly monitored for power interruption input.
Then, if it is determined that the power is not cut off, this processing is terminated without performing the subsequent power cut processing.

If it is determined in S200 that there is a power failure signal, the process proceeds to S201, in which a checksum of the control data written in the RAM 803 is created, and then S20.
In step 2, the checksum data created in step S201 is stored in RAM
The data is written in a predetermined area of 803, and the data indicating that there is a power failure is written in S203 in a predetermined area of the RAM 803 (power failure flag storage area).

When the above process is completed, a loop process is executed to wait for the power supply to the CPU to be stopped so that the following general process is not performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 18, an operation process at the time of restoration from power failure in the main control device 700 will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, when the power of the CPU 701 is supplied, it is determined in S300 whether or not the power cut flag is stored in the RAM 703.

If the power interruption flag is not stored, R
It is determined that AM703 is not backed up, and S3
In step 03, the RAM 703 is initialized and the present process is terminated.

If the power interruption flag is stored, S3
01, the checksum stored in the RAM 703 is read, and the process proceeds to S302. In S302, all the data in the RAM 703 is compared with the checksum, and it is determined whether or not the data is backed up in a normal state. If it is determined to be normal, this process is terminated and the stored data in the RAM 703 is stored. Based on the above, the slot machine is controlled from the game state before the power interruption. If it is determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to S303 and the above-described processing is performed.

Next, the backup time changing process is performed in the following steps. First, in steps S305 to S308, the time switching determination content output unit 705 checks whether all of the three stop switches 503 (1, 2, 3) have been kept on for a predetermined time, and is on for the predetermined time. If it continues, the currently set backup time is switched in S309 to S311. Specifically, S309
If the currently set backup time is "1", the backup time is set to "2" in S310. If the currently set backup time is not "1", the backup time is set in S311. Set to "1".

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an operation process at the time of restoration from power failure in the sub control device 800 will be described. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 9, when the power of the CPU 801 is supplied,
In S400, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the RAM 803.

If the power failure flag is not stored, R
It is determined that the AM 803 is not backed up, and S4
In step 03, the RAM 803 is initialized and the present process is terminated.

If the power failure flag is stored, S4
01, the checksum stored in the RAM 803 is read, and the process proceeds to S402. In S402, all the data in the RAM 803 is compared with the checksum, and it is determined whether or not the data is backed up in a normal state. If it is determined to be normal, this process is terminated and the stored data in the RAM 803 is stored. Based on the above, the slot machine is controlled from the game state before the power interruption. If it is determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to S403, the above-described process is performed, and the process is finished.

Modification of Second Embodiment As in the modification of the first embodiment, the backup time in the second embodiment is changed as shown in FIG. Although another backup power supply generation circuit including a capacitor having a certain capacity is added to the generation circuit, as in the first embodiment, two circuits including capacitors having different capacities (first
Alternatively, the backup power generation circuit and the second backup power generation circuit may be switched. Specifically, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 15, a second backup power supply generation circuit 603b is provided instead of the additional backup power supply generation circuit 650.

Further, in the second embodiment, the backup time is changed by the switching because the sub-control unit 80
Only the RAM 803 of 0, and the RAM 703 of the main control device 700 was fixedly backed up by the second backup power supply generation circuit 603b having a longer backup time, but conversely, the backup time changes. , RAM7 of the main controller 700
03, and the RAM 803 of the sub control device 800.
May be fixedly backed up by the second backup power supply generation circuit having a longer backup time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing an example of a ball game machine.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the ball game machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block of a ball game machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a backup power supply generation circuit 103 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a backup time selection switch.

FIG. 6 is a schematic operation flowchart of the game control device 200 when power is cut off.

FIG. 7 is a schematic operation flowchart of the game control device 200 at the time of power failure recovery.

FIG. 8 is a schematic operation flowchart of the prize ball control device 300 when power is cut off.

FIG. 9 is a schematic operation flowchart of the prize ball control device 300 at the time of restoration from power failure.

10 is a flowchart of a prize ball command reception process of the prize ball control device 300. FIG.

11 is a flowchart of a prize ball payout device drive processing by the prize ball control device 300. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an overall front view of the slot machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the inside of the slot machine according to the second embodiment with the door removed.

FIG. 15 is a functional block of the slot machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic operation flowchart of the main control device 700 when the power is cut off.

FIG. 17 is a schematic operation flowchart of the sub control device 800 when power is cut off.

FIG. 18 is a schematic operation flowchart of the main control device 700 when the power is restored.

FIG. 19 is a schematic operation flowchart of the sub control device 800 at the time of restoration from power failure.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Backup power generation circuit 103, first backup power generation circuit 103a, second backup power generation circuit 103b, backup time setting means 110a,
Game control device 200, RAM 230, prize ball control device 300, RAM 330, backup time setting means 503a, backup power supply generation circuit 603, first backup power supply generation circuit 603a, second backup power supply generation circuit 603b, main control device 700, R
AM 703, sub controller 800, RAM 803

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game control device comprising a game data storage means capable of controlling a game machine and storing the game state thereof, and a predetermined time after the power supply to the game machine is stopped from the outside. In a gaming machine provided with a backup power supply means for supplying backup power to the game data storage means, the backup power supply means has a first backup power supply with a first power supply time and the first power supply. A second backup power supply that sets a second power supply time longer than the supply time, wherein the game machine stores the backup power supply for the game data storage means as the first backup power supply or the second backup power supply. A gaming machine comprising a backup time setting means set to one of the two. 2. A game control device including a game data storage means capable of controlling a game machine and storing the game state thereof, and controlling a part of the game machine based on a control signal from the game control device. A sub-control device having a control data storage means for storing control data relating to the control, and a predetermined time after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped from the outside, the game data storage means and the control data storage In a gaming machine provided with a backup power supply means for supplying power for means backup, in the backup power supply means, a first backup power supply in which a first power supply time is set and the first power supply time A second backup power supply that sets a long second power supply time, and the game machine includes a backup power supply for the game data storage means. Game machine characterized by comprising a backup time setting means for setting up power to one of the first backup power source or the second backup power. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the control data storage means is fixedly supplied with the first backup power source or the second backup power source. 4. A game control device including a game data storage means capable of controlling a game machine and storing the game state thereof, and controlling a part of the game machine based on a control signal from the game control device. A sub-control device having a control data storage means for storing control data relating to the control, and a predetermined time after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped from the outside, the game data storage means and the control data storage In a gaming machine provided with a backup power supply means for supplying power for means backup, in the backup power supply means, a first backup power supply in which a first power supply time is set and the first power supply time A second backup power supply that sets a long second power supply time, and the game machine includes a backup power supply to the control data storage means. Game machine characterized by comprising a backup time setting means for setting up power to one of the first backup power source or the second backup power. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game data storage means is fixedly supplied with the first backup power source or the second backup power source. 6. The backup time setting means sets one of the first backup power supply and the second backup power supply based on an operation on an input unit of a gaming machine. A game machine described in 5.