JP2003190424A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reliably backing up a sub- control board even in the case of delaying and transmitting a backup request from a main control board. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine capable of performing a prescribed game is provided with a main control board for carrying out game control, a sub- control board for carrying out performance control, and a power interruption discrimination means for discriminating the occurrence of power interruption. The main control board transmits the backup request to the sub-control board after the lapse of a prescribed delaying time accompanying the occurrence of power interruption. The sub-control board backs up the performance state by receiving the backup request transmitted from the main control board. Furthermore, driving voltage for driving the main control board is held at least until the prescribed delaying time passes so as to make the main control board operable. Furthermore, the main control board discriminates whether to initialize the backed up game state when supplying power and transmits an initialization command to the sub-control board in the case of initializing it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, which allows a player to play a predetermined game, and particularly, a main control board mainly for controlling a gaming state, The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a sub control board that controls effects according to a game state controlled by the main control board.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of gaming machine, control of a gaming state and control of an effect performed in relation to this gaming state have been performed by one control board. However, since the memory capacity of the memory mounted on the control board has a certain limit, it has been extremely difficult to diversify the game and the diversification of the effects.

Therefore, a sub control board separate from the main control board for controlling the game state is provided, and the main control board sends a production control command to the sub control board.
Many game machines have been put into practical use in which the sub control board receives the effect control command to control the effect according to the game state controlled by the main control board.

Further, in this main gaming machine, the information transmitted to the sub control board is inconveniently transmitted in synchronization with the control state of the main control board (for example, in the case of a slot machine). Delays the information transmitted to the sub-control board in order to avoid the inconvenience that the push assist effect is performed by transmitting the command in synchronization with the rotation state of the reel. It is generally sent.

[0005]

In a gaming machine having a main control board and a sub-control board separately as described above, when the power-off is backed up, the main control board monitors the power supply status. When the power supply condition becomes less than a certain voltage and the power-off condition is satisfied, the game state backup process is performed and the sub-control board is requested to back up the production state accordingly. Send a backup command to that effect,
In response to the reception of this backup command, the sub control board is performing backup processing of the effect state. However, since the backup command is also transmitted with a delay as described above, the drive power may drop before the main control board completes the transmission of the backup command, and the operation may stop. However, there is a problem that the sub control board cannot receive the backup command at the time of power off and cannot perform the backup process.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and even when the backup request from the main control board is delayed and transmitted, the sub control board can be surely backed up. The purpose is to provide a machine.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of carrying out a predetermined game, and is equipped with at least a main CPU and a main memory, and is in a gaming state. A main control board for controlling, a game peripheral device used for a predetermined operation related to a game based on the control performed by the main control board, and the main control board are provided separately, and at least a sub CPU and a sub memory are mounted. And a sub control board that controls the production,
The main control board includes at least the power cutoff determination means, and a peripheral device for performance that performs a game-related performance based on the control performed by the sub control board, and a power cutoff determination means that determines the occurrence of power cutoff. When it is determined that the power is cut off, a backup request transmission process of transmitting a backup request to the sub-control board for instructing the backup after a predetermined delay time has elapsed, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, , A main backup process that saves game information that can specify the game state at that time in the main memory,
When the game information initialization determination process for determining whether to initialize the game information stored in the main memory when the power is turned on, and when it is determined that the game information is initialized in the game information initialization determination process , A game information initialization execution process for executing initialization of the game information stored in the main memory, and an initialization command is transmitted to the sub-control board when the game information initialization execution process is performed. An initialization command transmission process is performed, and the sub control board stores effect information capable of specifying the effect state at that time in the sub memory by receiving at least the backup request transmitted from the main control board. Back-up processing, production state return possibility determination processing for determining whether or not it is possible to return to the production state before power off when power is turned on, and the production state return availability determination Reasoning process for returning to the effect state before power-off specified by the effect information stored in the sub-memory, when the initialization command is received. If it is determined in the initialization command reception determination process that determines whether or not it is impossible to restore in the effect state restoration possibility determination process, or if it is determined that an initialization command has been received in the initialization command reception determination process, Performing effect information initialization execution processing for executing effect information initialization stored in the sub-memory, until the drive voltage for driving the main control board reaches at least the predetermined delay time. The main control board is held so as to be operable. According to this feature, the main control board is operatively activated until the transmission of the backup request to the sub control board is completed,
Since the sub control board can reliably receive the backup request and execute the sub backup processing, the sub control board can be reliably backed up. Also, since it is not necessary to back up the performance information on the main control board,
The burden on the backup capacity of the main control board can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, when the game information is initialized on the main control board after the power is turned on, the effect information is also initialized on the sub control board, so that the consistency between the two can be achieved, and after the power is turned on. , If the sub control board can return to the performance state before power off, the sub control board can be returned to the performance state before power off based on the performance information stored in the sub memory. It is possible to return independently without receiving an instruction, and it is possible to return the sub control board without burdening the main control board.

In the game information initialization determination processing of the gaming machine of the present invention, it is preferable to determine that the game information is initialized when a payout rate setting operation is performed. In this way, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state when the set value is changed, and the consistency between them can be achieved.

In the game information initialization determination process of the gaming machine of the present invention, it is preferable to determine that the game information is initialized when an operation for clearing the main memory is performed. With this configuration, when the operation of clearing the main memory is performed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency between them can be achieved.

When it is determined that the game information is not initialized in the game information initialization determination process of the gaming machine of the present invention, it is determined whether or not it is possible to return to the game state before the power is turned off. Availability determination processing and gaming status recovery processing for recovering to the gaming status before power off specified by the gaming information stored in the main memory when it is determined that the gaming status can be recovered And is preferably performed. With this configuration, when both the main control board and the sub control board can return to the state before power-off, the state before power-off can be automatically returned.

It is preferable that the game machine of the present invention further comprises an informing means for informing that when it is determined that the game state cannot be returned in the game state return possibility determination process. By doing so, it is possible to notify the outside that an error has occurred on the main control board side.

It is preferable that the sub-control board of the gaming machine of the present invention controls the output of the production peripheral device to the initial state when the production information initialization execution processing is performed. With this configuration, the production peripheral device can be returned to the initial state only by transmitting the initialization command from the main control board.

The main control board of the gaming machine of the present invention is
According to the game state controlled by the main control board, predetermined effect control information is transmitted to the sub control board, and the sub control board receives the effect control information transmitted from the main control board. It is preferable that the sub-backup processing can be performed in response to the reception of the production control information. With this configuration, the sub-backup processing is performed even when reception of the effect information that triggers the effect is performed, so that the sub-control board can be more reliably backed up.

It is preferable that the sub control board of the gaming machine of the present invention performs the sub backup process each time the performance control information is received. With this configuration, the sub-backup processing is performed every time the effect control information is received, so that the sub-control board can be backed up more reliably.

It is preferable that the main backup processing of the gaming machine of the present invention is carried out after transmitting a backup request to the sub control board. With this configuration, the backup request is reliably transmitted, and thus the backup of the sub control board can be performed more reliably.

The driving voltage for driving the sub-control board of the gaming machine of the present invention is the sub-voltage until the time required to perform the sub-backup processing elapses after the predetermined delay time has elapsed. The control board is preferably held operably. By doing so, a sufficient time for performing the sub-backup processing is secured, so that the sub-control board can be backed up more reliably.

The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a variable display device capable of continuously variably displaying a plurality of symbols and displaying and displaying the display result by the stop operation of the player, and the predetermined delay time is , 0, it is preferable that the symbols displayed on the variable display device are variably set within a time period in which one symbol or more moves. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the information transmitted to the sub-control board from being transmitted in synchronization with the display mode of the variable display device.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a slot machine which is an example of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shows internal structure diagrams of the slot machine 1, respectively. The slot machine 1 has a housing 2a whose front surface is open.
And a front door 2b rotatably supported at the side end of the housing 2a, and inserted into a keyhole 3a of a locking device 3 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door 2b. By rotating a predetermined key in the clockwise direction, the lock is released and the front door 2b can be opened.

An upper decorative frame 4 is provided on the upper front surface of the front door 2b, and a game effect lamp portion 41, a winning symbol explanation panel 5, and a liquid crystal display portion 15 are provided on the upper portion of the substantially inverted trapezoidal shape. The game panel 6 and various display units are provided at the center of the substantially elliptical shape. The lower part of the upper decorative frame 4 is formed so as to project forward from the game panel 6, and a medal insertion section 34 and various operation buttons 35, 36a capable of inserting medals, which are game media, are formed on this protruding section.
36b, 37, 40L, 40C, 40R, a start lever 38 and the like are provided. Further, game effect lamp portions 42 to 45 are provided around the central portion of the upper decorative frame 4 and on the left and right sides of the lower portion, respectively.

A lower decorative frame 7 is provided below the upper decorative frame 4, and a title panel 8 in which the model name of the slot machine 1 and the like are drawn is provided in the lower decorative frame 7. Further, below the lower decorative frame 7, a medal payout hole 9 for paying out medals, which is an example of a game medium, is provided, and a medal tray 11 provided with an ashtray 10 at an end is provided.

Speakers 136a, 136b for high-pitched sound provided inside are provided on the upper left and right sides of the upper decorative frame 4 (see FIG. 3,
(See FIG. 4), a sound emitting section 12a for emitting a sound output from
12b are provided respectively, and a speaker 1 for low sound is provided inside the medal payout hole 9 inside.
A sound emitting unit 13 that emits the sound output from 37 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is provided, and these sound emitting units 12a and 12 are provided.
From b and 13, the speakers 136a, 136b and 13
Sounds such as voices and melodies for enhancing the effect produced by 7 are emitted.

The game panel 6 has a see-through window 14 through which the reels 51L, 51C, 51R provided in the housing 2a of the slot machine 1 can be seen through, and a small role notice display section 20a located above the see-through window 14. , 20b, 20c and the one bet display unit 21 and the two bet display unit 2 located on the left side of the transparent window 14.
2, 23 and 3 bet display sections 24 and 25, a game over display section 26 located on the right side of the transparent window 14, a replay display section 27, a weight display section 28, a start display section 29,
An insertion instruction display unit 30, a credit display unit 31, a game number display unit 32, and a payout display unit 33, which are located below the transparent window 14, are provided.

1-bet display section 21, 2-bet display section 2
The 2, 23 and 3 bet display parts 24 and 25 display the number of bets bet on the game by the player, and the 1 bet display part 21 has a 1 bet lamp 112 and the 2 bet display part 22, Two betting lamps 113 and 114 inside the 23, and three betting lamps 115 and 116 inside the three betting display section 24 and 25.
Are built in (see FIG. 4). Each betting display section 21 to 25 has five pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3 and L3' drawn on the transparent window 14 as shown in FIG.
The winning line L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets is also used as an activated line display unit for distinguishably informing.

On the small role announcement display portions 20a to 20c provided above the see-through window 14 of the game panel 6, different winning symbols are drawn one by one. Specifically, the "white 7" symbol is drawn on the small role notice display unit 20a, the "black 7" symbol is drawn on the small role notice display unit 20b, and the "BAR" symbol is drawn on the small role notice display unit 20c. ing. These small role notification display units 20a to 20c indicate that the control unit of the slot machine 1 allows the generation of a predetermined small role winning prize, that is, that the predetermined small role winning prize is internally won. Display unit for notifying by turning on the small role notification lamps 140a to 140c (see FIG. 4) built in the small role notification display units 20a to 20c on which the winning symbol corresponding to the small role winning is drawn. And functions only when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The game over display portion 26 is internally provided when the game is stopped due to the end of a big bonus described later and when the game cannot be progressed due to some error. The built-in game over lamp 117 (see FIG. 4) lights up. The replay display unit 27 has a replay lamp 119 built therein when a replay prize is generated.
(See FIG. 4) lights up. When it becomes possible to perform a start operation by setting the bet number, the start display unit 29 lights the start lamp 118 (see FIG. 4) incorporated therein, and a valid start operation is performed. It turns off when it is detected. The input instruction display unit 30 is
When the medal can be accepted, the throw-in instruction lamp 111 (see FIG. 4) incorporated therein blinks, the maximum bet number is set, and the credit amount is set to a predetermined upper limit value. The light is turned off when the game is reached or when the game is started.

When the start operation is detected during the wait time, the wait display section 28 turns on a wait lamp 139 (see FIG. 4) incorporated therein, and turns off after the wait time has elapsed. The wait time is a game progress restriction period that is set to prevent the game from progressing too fast.If a start operation is detected during this wait time, the reels will be released after the wait time has elapsed. It is set to start. Therefore, when the game is advanced with a sufficient time interval, the progress of the game is not restricted when the start lever 38 is operated, but when the game is to be advanced in a short time, the game is performed depending on the wait time. Is temporarily restricted, and the reel is in a waiting state until the wait time elapses.

In the slot machine 1, a game progress restriction period of, for example, 4.1 seconds is set based on the time when the reel starts to rotate in the previous game.
3. When the reels started spinning in the last game.
If the current start operation is detected before 1 second has elapsed, the reel starts rotating after the game progress restriction period has elapsed.

The credit display section 31 displays the number of credits. The credit is the number of medals stored in the storage unit inside the slot machine 1 as a valuable value owned by the player, and is added and updated by the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot, the occurrence of a payout with a payout, and the like. It is subtracted and updated by setting the number of bets and paying out medals based on the settlement operation. This slot machine 1
The maximum value that can be stored as credits is 50 medals at maximum.
When the number of sheets reaches 0, the loading instruction display unit 30 is turned off. When a request for addition and update of credits exceeding the upper limit is made, medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the medal payout holes 9.

The number-of-games display section 32 displays the regular bonus (RB) winning status in the big bonus (BB),
Displays the number of winnings during regular bonuses, especially when the big bonus is over and the game is stopped.
The character "ND" is displayed to inform the player that the player is in a stopped state. Further, the game number display unit 32 also functions as an error display device that is a notification unit that displays various abnormalities that have occurred in the slot machine 1. For example, as the abnormality type detected by the control unit, "insufficient state of medals to be paid out", "medal clogging", and "combination of winning symbols even though the payout condition is not satisfied" is derived and displayed. , "The game state cannot be restored to the state before the power failure." When these abnormalities are detected by the control unit, an error code capable of specifying the abnormal type is displayed in a form such as "E-1", "E-2", "E-3".

The payout display section 33 displays the number of medals to be awarded to the player based on the prizes generated during one game, every time there is a prize.

On the right side of the lower upper surface of the upper decorative frame 4 formed so as to project from the game panel 6 to the front side, there is provided a medal inserting section 34 having a medal inserting opening, and on the left side is a settlement. Button 37, 1 BET button 3
6a and MAXBET button 36b are provided respectively.

The 1-BET button 36a is a button to be pressed when betting 1 credit, and the MAX-BET button 36b is a credit for the maximum number of bets allowed in one game (3 medals in this embodiment). This button is pressed when betting on the game within the range stored in. The BET button lamp 121a is incorporated inside the single BET button 36a, and the BET button lamp 121b is incorporated inside the MAXBET button 36b (see FIG. 4).
1a and 121b are lit when the corresponding BET button is pressed and the bet number can be set, and are turned off when the bet number cannot be set.

The settlement button 37 is a button that is pressed when performing a settlement operation on the credits stored in the storage unit. With the depression operation of the settlement button 37, the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 31. The number of medals corresponding to the number of credits is paid out from the medal payout hole 9 while the value is subtracted and updated until 0.

On the front side surface at the bottom of the upper decorative frame 4,
Start lever 38, stop buttons 40L, 40C,
40R and a medal clogging release button 35 are provided respectively. The start lever 38 is a lever that is operated when starting a game, and by operating the start lever 38 after the setting of the number of bets, each reel 51 is operated.
The rotation of L, 51C and 51R is started.

Stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R
Is the reel 51L, 51C, 51 after the game starts
It is a button that is operated when stopping the rotation of R, and the operation valid lamp 122L is inside the stop button 40L.
However, the operation valid lamp 1 is inside the stop button 40C.
22C has a built-in operation enable lamp 122R inside the stop button 40R (see FIG. 4). These operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R are turned on when the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R is valid, and are turned off when the operation is invalid. Further, the stop button unit 39 in which the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R are arranged has a bonus notification lamp 120 (FIG. 1) built therein when an internal winning flag for a big bonus prize or a regular bonus prize is set. (See 4) lights up.

The medal clogging release button 35 is provided when the medals inserted into the medal inserting section 34 are clogged inside.
This is a button that is operated to cancel this.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of types of symbols (in this embodiment, "black 7", "white 7", "BAR", "watermelon", " Reel 51L, 51 in which a translucent strip-shaped reel sheet on which "bell", "cherry", "plum") is printed is wound around the outer circumference.
There is provided a variable display device 50 including a reel unit 52 having C and 51R (game reels used to execute the progress of the game). Each reel 51
L, 51C and 51R are reel motors 54L and 54C, which are stepping motors provided corresponding to the respective L, 51C and 51R.
54R independently rotates (drives) vertically,
The reels 51L, 51 are configured to stop.
By rotating C and 51R, the various symbols are displayed in the display window 14 while continuously changing.

Between the reels 51L and 51C arranged side by side in the lateral direction, and between the reels 51C and 51R, an arc-shaped inter-reel concealing member 5 for closing the space between the reels.
3 is provided so that the inside cannot be seen from between the reels. In the see-through window 14, three regions divided by dividing the field of view by the reel concealing member 53, that is, three region portions in which each reel is visible, are associated with each reel, and the left variable display portion, the middle The variable display section and the right variable display section (area) are called.

From each of the variable display portions of the see-through window 14, three consecutive symbols out of a plurality of symbols drawn on each reel are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower positions, and in the upper part of the upper stage. A part of the symbol that appears in the upper position soon is displayed, and a part of the symbol that disappears soon under the variable display unit is displayed in the lower part of the lower column.

A reel sensor 56 for detecting the reference position of each reel is provided in each reel 51L, 51C, 51R, and a stop position of a predetermined symbol can be derived by this reel sensor 56. , A plurality of reel lamps 55 capable of individually irradiating specific display areas (upper, middle, and lower display areas) on the respective reels 51L, 51C, and 51R from the back surface are provided in the upper, middle, and lower rows, respectively. Each reel lamp 55 functions as a backlight that lights up from the rear so that each symbol displayed on the see-through window 14 in a normal state becomes conspicuous.

On the upper front surface of the back plate 85 of the housing 2a, a storage case 500 in which a game control board 200 provided with a control unit 210 for controlling the progress of the game and various circuits is stored as described later is stored. , Fixed irremovably. Further, a reel relay substrate 203 described later is attached to an upper portion of an inner surface of a side plate on the right side of the reel unit 52 constituting the variable display device 50 when viewed from the front, and a reel lamp relay substrate 204 described later is attached to a lower portion thereof. There is.

The side plate 87 on the right side when the housing 2a is viewed from the front side
An external output board 205 described later is attached to a side position of the reel unit 52 on the inner surface of the.

Below the reel unit 52, a hopper tank 57 for storing the medals thrown in from the medal throwing section 34 is forwarded via a guide rail 58 fixedly provided on the upper surface of the lower plate constituting the casing 2a. It is arranged so that it can be pulled out. Further, on the right side of the hopper tank 57, an overflow tank 59 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 57 is provided. A full tank sensor 60 capable of detecting medals is provided in the overflow tank 59, and can notify that the stored amount of medals stored inside has reached a predetermined amount or more.

A hopper motor 62 is provided below the hopper tank 57.
The medals in the hopper tank 57 are ejected from the medal ejection port 63 by the rotation of 2. The ejected medals are detected by the payout medal sensor 61 provided in the vicinity of the medal ejection opening 63, and then are ejected from the medal payout hole 9 to the medal receiving tray 11 via a return medal flow path 73 described later. The hopper motor 62 is controlled to stop when the payout medal sensor 61 detects a predetermined number of payout medals.

On the side of the hopper tank 57, a main switch section 65 for turning on / off the main power source, and a state where the game can be continued again when the big bonus ends or an error occurs during the game, etc. Second reset button 66 for setting, a setting button 67 for changing the winning probability, an automatic settlement selection switch section 68 for turning on / off the automatic settlement function, and an on / off for the automatic stopping function.
The power supply unit 64 is provided with a stop selection switch unit 69 that is turned off and a setting key insertion unit 70 into which a specific key possessed by a manager of a game arcade can be inserted.

In the present embodiment, the setting key switch 82, which will be described later, is turned on by the operation of turning on the power in a state where a specific key is inserted into the setting key insertion section 70 and rotated 90 degrees clockwise, that is, in the on state. Is detected, the game state is initialized, that is, the contents stored in the RAM 212 are initialized, and the operation of the setting button 67 becomes effective. The operation of the setting button 67 changes the winning probability, that is, the winning rate. Becomes feasible. That is, the operation of turning on the power with the setting key turned on functions as the operation of clearing the main memory and the setting operation of the payout rate in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, a throw-in medal selector 71 for guiding the medals thrown in from the medal throw-in section 34 to the hopper tank 57 is fixedly provided at a substantially central portion of the rear surface of the front door 2b. An illegal medal discharging section 72 is provided on the upstream side of the inserted medal selector 71, and an illegal medal having a size and a thickness different from those of an appropriate medal is inserted into an upper portion of a return medal flow path 73 provided below the inserted medal selector 71. It is discharged to the mouth and returned to the medal tray 11 through the medal payout hole 9.

On the downstream side of the illegal medal discharging section 72, there is provided a flow path switching solenoid 107 for selectively switching the flowing down medal flow path. In normal times, the flow path switching solenoid 107 is excited, and the flowing medals flow down without switching the flow paths, and after being detected by the inserted medal sensor 106 provided on the downstream side, they are stored in the hopper tank 57. It is supposed to be done. Then, for example, when the number of credits reaches 50, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion section 34 or when a medal is paid out to the player, the flow path switching solenoid 107.
The excitation is released and the flow path is switched, and the medal is guided to the return medal flow path 73 through the return flow path.

At the upper part of the back surface of the front door 2b, a control unit 23 for controlling a predetermined effect state related to the game as described later.
0, and a storage case 550 in which the effect control board 201 provided with various circuits and the like is stored is fixed irremovably.

Speakers 136a and 136b for high-pitched sound are provided on the left and right sides of the storage case 550, and the sound emitting portion 12a and
It is fixed so as to face each 12b,
A speaker 137 for low-pitched sound is fixedly provided on the rear surface side of a predetermined lower portion of the front door 2b so as to face the sound emitting section 13. For example, a medal is inserted into the medal inserting section 34, a start lever 38 is operated, and a stop is performed. Buttons 40L, 40C,
When various actions are performed during the game, such as the operation of 40R, or when a predetermined winning condition is satisfied by displaying a specific combination of symbols all together on the activated active line, or a big bonus or regular bonus In various game states such as when the game is being executed, a predetermined game effect sound or the like corresponding to the game state is given to each speaker 136.
a, 136b, 137.

Next, the operation for the player to play a game (game) and the operating conditions of various devices associated with the operation will be described.

To start the game, the player first bets a desired value with a desired value by using medals or credits when the insertion instruction lamp 111 is lit or blinking. Set the number. The number of bets can be set by inserting medals from the medal inserting unit 34 or by using credits.
To use credit, MAXBET button 36b,
Alternatively, it is sufficient to press the 1-sheet BET button 36a.
When the XBET button 36b is pressed, the number of credits displayed on the credit display section 31 is subtracted by "3" which is the maximum number of bets allowed in one game in the present embodiment and displayed for three medals. When the bet number is set and the 1-sheet BET button 36a is pressed, the credit display section 3
The number of credits displayed in 1 is subtracted and displayed by "1", and the number of bets for one medal is set. When the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 31 is less than 3, the range of the bet number that can be set is limited to the range of the number of credits.

When the player inserts one medal from the medal inserting section 34 or when the one-piece BET button 36a is pressed, the bet number is set to "1", and the horizontal row of the middle row is set. The pay line L1 is activated, and the one bet lamp 112 indicating that the pay line L1 is activated
(See FIG. 4) lights up. Next, the second medal is inserted from the medal inserting section 34, or the one BET button 36
When a is pressed twice, the bet number is set to "2",
Top, middle, and bottom rows of three horizontal pay lines L1, L2, L2 '
Becomes effective, and these winning lines L1, L2, L2 '
The one bet lamp 112 and the two bet lamps 113 and 114, which indicate that is valid, are turned on. Continuously, the third medal is inserted from the medal insertion section 34, or one BET
Button 36a is pressed three times, or MAX
When the BET button 36b is pressed, the bet amount is set to "3", and the pay lines L1, L2 in the horizontal three rows of upper, middle, and lower rows,
L2 'and two diagonal winning lines L3, L3'
Becomes effective, and these winning lines L1, L2, L
The 1 bet lamp 112, the 2 bet lamps 113 and 114, and the 3 bet lamps 115 and 116 that indicate that 2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ have been activated are turned on. If the bet number is set to "3" which is the maximum number, the bet number exceeding the BET button lamp 12 cannot be set.
1a and 121b are turned off.

When the bet number of "1" which is at least the minimum number is set as described above, the start lever 38
The operation is effectively accepted, that is, the game is ready to be started, and the start lamp 118 indicating that the operation of the start lever 38 is effectively accepted is turned on.

The number and shape of the activated lines activated according to the number of bets set such as medals and credits can be arbitrarily changed, and is limited to the form of this embodiment. Not a thing. Also, the number of activated lines activated according to the bet number can be arbitrarily set and changed, and for example, by inserting one medal, all the five winning lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' can be set. It may be enabled.

If the start lever 38 is pressed while the start lamp 118 is lit, the variable display device 50 is activated and each reel 51L, 51C, 51R is rotated, and plural kinds of symbols are displayed on the transparent window 14. Is displayed so that it changes continuously. As described above, the reels 51L, 51
When a predetermined time elapses after the rotation of C and 51R is started, the operation of each stop button 40L, 40C and 40R becomes effective, and these stop buttons 40L, 40C and 40R are activated.
Operation valid lamp 122 indicating that the operation of R is valid
L, 122C and 122R are turned on. If the player presses any of the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R with the operation valid lamp lit, the corresponding operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R are extinguished and the corresponding reels 51L, 51C. , 51R is stopped, and the symbols are displayed on the corresponding variable display section through the see-through window 14 on the upper, middle, and lower stages.

In addition, the player presses the stop buttons 40L, 4
If the 0C and 40R are not pressed, the reels 51L and 5L
It automatically stops in the priority order of 1C and 51R.

Then, when the rotation of any two reels out of the three reels is stopped, any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' activated according to the bet number.
Reach is established when the same type of symbols are stopped and displayed together.

Further, all reels 51L, 51C, 51
When R is stopped, if a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' activated according to the number of bets, the prize is won. , Game effect lamps 130 to 134 built in the various game effect lamp units 41 to 45 (see FIG. 4)
Also, effects such as output of sound effects and the like from the speakers 136a, 136b, 137 and the like are performed while the reel lamps 55 and the like corresponding to the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' are turned on. Then, a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the winning content are paid out to the player as credits, and the credit number displayed on the credit display unit 31 is added and updated. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit, medals are paid out directly from the medal payout holes. The number of payouts of these medals is displayed on the payout display section 33.

Further, in particular, in the case where a predetermined combination of special symbols is displayed and the jackpot is won (special winning), the medals are paid out, and
In addition to the normal game state, a special game state that is advantageous for the player, that is, a large amount of medals is generated, and a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB) or a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB) as described later occurs. The game value is given to the player.

The "gaming value" given to the player by winning in this way is not limited to the valuable value such as medals and credits, but is given to the player when the jackpot is won as described above. It includes all the benefits related to the game such as BB and RB that are granted to the game.

In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, "BAR" is displayed on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' activated according to the number of bets.
If the symbols "-BAR-BAR" are aligned, it is a big hit RB
In this case, 15 coins are paid out in consideration of the fact that the "BAR-BAR-BAR" symbols are aligned, and the RB (regular bonus) state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is obtained. The regular bonus game that is generated and described below is given to the player as a game value. In this RB, a Jac game in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out due to the alignment of plum symbols with a high probability of winning a Jac prize is provided at a maximum of 12 times, and this Jac game is 1 times.
The game is executed twice, or when the Jac prize is won eight times before the Jac game reaches twelve times, or when either condition is satisfied, the process ends. Therefore, the player can get up to eight Jac prize winning opportunities during the 12 Jac games.

On the other hand, the activated pay lines L1 and L
2, L2 ', L3, L3', for example, "black 7-black 7-
If you have "Black 7" or "White 7-White 7-White 7", you have won the big hit BB (Big Bonus).
For example, 15 medals are paid out as a consideration for having the symbols of "black 7-black 7-black 7" or "white 7-white 7-white 7", and in a special game state advantageous to the player. A certain BB (big bonus) state occurs, and a small winning game described below is given to the player as a game value. More specifically, in this BB, there is a high probability that the small winning symbols (watermelons, bells, plums in the embodiment) are aligned with a high probability and a small winning combination accompanied by the payout of a predetermined number of medals is highly likely. A small winning game that is generated is provided at most 30 times, and when the JacIn prize is won with a complete set of plum symbols until the small winning game is executed 30 times, it is a special game state. The above-mentioned RB state occurs and a regular bonus game is provided. This RB has a predetermined maximum number of times that it can occur in the BB, and in the present embodiment, it can occur up to three times. Then, this BB is provided when RBs are provided 3 times when the small winning combination game is executed and ended, or before the small winning combination game is executed 30 times.
Among the cases where the RB for the second time is completed, the process is completed when at least one of the conditions is satisfied.

Further, in the case of a normal game state (normal game) other than the special game state, when a predetermined prize is established in line on one activated line in which symbols of the same kind are activated, , A predetermined number of medals predetermined according to the type of the symbol are given to the player. The "cherry" drawn on each reel 51L, 51C, 51R
The symbol is a mark called a single symbol, and when this single symbol is stopped and displayed on one effective line, it is 2
The number of medals is given to the player. If there are multiple activated lines activated according to the number of bets, and if the combination of symbols for which medals are paid out is simultaneously established on multiple winning lines as described above, each winning line is As a general rule, medals corresponding to the total number of medals given by the combination of symbols on the line are given. However, since the upper limit of the medals to be given to the player in one game is set to 15, the 16th and subsequent medals are invalidated when the number exceeds 15.

In this embodiment, black 7-black 7-black 7 (black 7 award), white 7-white 7-white 7 in the normal game state.
(White 7 Award), BAR-BAR-BAR (BAR Award), Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon (Watermelon Award), Cherry (Cherry Award), Bell-Bell-Bell (Bell Award), or Plum-
Plum-Plum (replay; replay), etc. are targeted for winning, of which black 7 or white 7 symbols and B
Only the AR symbol is a special symbol that is the subject of the jackpot prize (BB, RB) as a special prize that is a great profit for the player, and other watermelon, cherry, bell or plum (re-game) is the player. It is considered to be a pattern that is a target of a small role winning as a normal winning, which is an award with a small profit.

The combination of symbols targeted for each prize and the number of payout medals (including the winning probability (ball-out rate) etc.) corresponding to the combination of symbols are determined in the normal game, BB, and RB. Each of these settings is predetermined in advance and is registered in a winning determination table stored in the ROM 213 of the control unit 210, which will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a connection condition between various boards provided in the slot machine 1 and electric parts. Further, FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a control unit 210 provided on the game control board 200 as a main control board,
It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control unit 230 provided on the production control board 201 as a sub-control board, and FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram for explaining the configuration of the power supply board 202. 8 is C in the game control board 200
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram for explaining a configuration around a PU, and FIG.
[Fig.] Is a circuit diagram for explaining a configuration around a CPU in effect control board 201.

Of the various boards provided in the slot machine 1, the game control board 200 mainly controls the game state, and the effect control board 201 performs effect control according to the game status. Power is supplied to the power supply board 202 from outside the slot machine 1. The power supply board 202 is connected with a power supply cord 84 for receiving a power supply of 100 VAC and a main switch 80.

The game control board 200 is a production control board 20.
1, the power supply board 202 and the reel relay board 203 are connected by wiring, and are also connected to the external output board 205 via the reel relay board 203 and to the reel lamp relay board 204 via the performance control board 201. .

The control section 210 of the game control board 200 controls the reels 51L, 51C and 51R to have an RB signal indicating that the gaming state is the RB state, a BB signal which indicates that the gaming state is the BB state. Corresponding reel motor 54
A reel control signal (motor phase signal) for controlling L, 54C, 54R, a medal IN signal indicating the number of medals used to set the bet number, medals paid out to the player when a winning occurs (credit ) Medal O showing the number
Control is performed to output a UT signal or the like from the external output board 205 to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the reel relay board 203. The stop switches 103L, 103C,
The stop switch signal indicating that the operation of 103R has been performed is transmitted to the stop switches 103L and 10L as described later.
This is a signal directly output from 3C and 103R.

The game control board 200 is connected with various switches, sensors, lamps, and wires from the display.

For example, the setting switch 83, the setting key switch 82, the second reset switch 81, the payout sensor 61, and the hopper motor 62, which are wire-connected to the power supply board 202, are relayed by the power supply board 202 to the game control board 200. They are connected by wiring, and the detection signals of the respective switches and sensors are input to the control unit 210 of the game control board 200. In addition, when the payout conditions for the medals (the generation of a prize that requires the payout of medals and the input of the detection signal from the settlement switch 104) are satisfied, the control unit 210 outputs a control signal to the hopper motor 62 and outputs a predetermined number. The payout control for paying out the medals is executed.

The reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R and the reel sensor 56, which are wired and connected to the reel relay board 203, are relayed by the reel relay board 203 and hard-wired to the game control board 200.
The detection signal of 6 is input to the control unit 210 of the game control board 200. The reel lamp 55 is relayed by the reel lamp relay board 204 and connected to the effect control board 201 by wiring. Controller 210 of game control board 200
When the start condition (input of the detection signal of the start switch 102) is satisfied, the reel motors 54L, 54C, 54
After outputting a control signal to R to start the reel fluctuation,
The variable display control for deriving and displaying the display result is executed.

Among the switches wire-connected to the game control board 200, the single BET switch 100 detects the operation of the single BET button 36a, and the MAXBET switch 10
1 is a switch for detecting the operation of the MAXBET button 36b, and the start switch 102 is the start lever 3
8 is a switch for detecting the operation, and left, middle and right stop switches 103L, 103C and 103R are left, middle and
This is a switch for detecting the operation of the right stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R. The adjustment switch 104 is a switch that detects an operation of the adjustment button 37, and the first reset switch 105 is a switch that detects a reset operation of the slot machine 1 by a key inserted into the key hole 3 a of the locking device 3.

The inserted medal sensor 106 is a sensor for detecting medals inserted into the medal inserting section 34. The flow path switching solenoid 107 is a solenoid for switching the flow path of the medals inserted into the medal insertion portion 34 to the hopper tank 57 side or the medal payout hole 9 side.

The number-of-games display unit 108 is a display unit that constitutes the number-of-games display unit 32.
Reference numeral 9 is a display unit that constitutes the credit display unit 31, and payout display unit 110 is a display unit that constitutes the payout display unit 33.

The throw-in instruction lamp 111 is a lamp built in the throw-in instruction display section 30, and is a single bet lamp 112.
Is displayed on the 1-bet display section 21 and the 2-bet lamps 113 and 11 are displayed.
No. 4 is a three bet lamp 11 on the two bet display areas 22 and 23.
Numerals 5 and 116 are lamps built in the three bet display portions 24 and 25.

The game over lamp 117 is a lamp built in the game over display section 26, the start lamp 118 is a lamp built in the start display section 29, and the replay lamp 119 is a replay display section 2.
7, and the bonus notification lamp 120 is a lamp built in the stop button unit 39. One BET button lamp 121a is BET
Button 36a, BET button lamp 121b is MAX
It is a lamp built in the BET button 36b. The left operation valid lamp 122L is a lamp built in the left stop button 40L, the middle operation valid lamp 122C is a lamp built in the middle stop button 40C, and the right operation valid lamp 122R is a right stop button 40R. The weight lamp 139 is a lamp incorporated in the weight display unit 28.

Power supply board 202 or reel relay board 2
03 or various lamps and indicators wired to the game control board 200 via these boards, or a control unit 210 mounted on the game control board 200.
Controlled by. Further, the control unit 210 is connected to the game control board 200, or receives detection signals of various switches and sensors connected to the game control board 200 via the power supply board 202 or the reel relay board 203,
Control the gaming state.

In particular, the "credit indicator 109, the game number indicator 108, controlled by the controller 210,
Payout indicator 110, insertion instruction lamp 111, 1 bet lamp 112 to 3 bet lamp 116, start lamp 118, replay lamp 119, bonus notification lamp 120, game over lamp 117, left, middle, right operation effective lamp 122L, "122C, 122R, wait lamp 139" is for notifying information related to the progress of the game, and if it does not function, it is a so-called "essential notifying device (game of the present invention. Peripheral device) ". Since these "essential notification devices" are controlled by the control unit 210 that controls the game state, even if the production control board 201 fails, at least the information necessary for the progress of the game is provided to the player. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from progressing in a disadvantageous state for the player.

Controller 2 provided on the game control board 200
As shown in FIG. 5, reference numeral 10 denotes a CPU (Cent) as a main CPU capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure.
ralProcessing Unit) 211 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 213 that stores a control program for the CPU 211.
And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21 as a main memory that can write and read necessary data.
2 and an I / O port 214 for matching signals between the CPU 211 and an external circuit. That is, the control unit 210 includes the CPU 211, the RAM 212, and the ROM.
213 and I / O port 214 are all built in a one-chip microcomputer.

In the game control board 200, an initial reset circuit 217 that gives a reset pulse to the CPU 211 when the power is turned on, a clock generation circuit 218 that gives a clock signal to the CPU 211, and a clock signal from the clock generation circuit 218 are frequency-divided. And interrupt pulse periodically CP
A pulse frequency dividing circuit (interruption pulse generating circuit) 219 to be provided to U211, a random number generating circuit 221 that continuously generates a random number in a fixed range at high speed, and a sampling circuit 222 that samples the random number from the random number generating circuit 221. , And a buffer circuit 220. Further, the game control board 200 is provided with a switch circuit 215 to which signals from various switches are input, a motor circuit 216, and a solenoid circuit (not shown).

The RAM 212, as shown in FIG.
A work area used as a work memory of the CPU 211, backup areas 1 to 3 for storing main backup data as game information capable of specifying the game state at the time of power failure, and data stored in these backup areas And a parity data storage area in which a power cut flag, which will be described later, and the like are stored. Of these, the work area is a non-backup RAM area that does not retain the data stored during a power outage, and the backup areas 1 to 3 and the parity data storage area are stored by being energized by the backup power supply during a power outage. This is a backup RAM area for holding the stored data.

In the ROM 213, in addition to the control program, the allocation range of the sampling value corresponding to each prize, the set value of each winning probability (ball-out rate), the number of bets in the game, the gaming state (in the normal game, BB time, RB time) are registered in correspondence with each other, and a combination of winning symbols corresponding to each prize, the number of medals paid out, and various setting contents set in accordance with the winning, are set in each game state (at the time of normal game). , BB time, RB time) and the corresponding winning determination tables (not shown) are stored. In this prize determination table, the allocation range of the sampling value of each prize is registered as described above, and by the setting of the allocation range of these sampling values, the winning probability of the prize that can be internally won in the internal lottery process described later, That is, the payout rate of the slot machine 1 is set.

Further, the reels 5 are stored in the ROM 213.
Each reel 51 for each symbol number of 1L, 51C, 51R
The number of symbols that move from the stop operation of L, 51C, 51R until the corresponding reel stops, the game state (normal game, BB time, RB time) and internal winning flag setting status, etc. Reel rotation status, effective line L
A reel control table (not shown) registered according to various situations such as symbol numbers of the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R located on 1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ is stored.

From the control unit 210 of the game control board 200 to the effect control board 201, initialization of various commands and effect states as effect control information capable of specifying the game state controlled by the control section 210 via the buffer circuit 220. An initialization command (initialization command) for instructing is output. The buffer circuit 220 allows the output of signals from the inside of the game control board 200 to the outside, but functions to prevent the input of signals from the outside of the game control board 200 to the inside. Therefore, the game control board 200 and the effect control board 2
One-way communication between 01 and 01 is secured from the game control board 200 to the production control board 201, and a signal is input to the game control board 200 via a command transmission path to perform an illegal control operation. Can be prevented.

The effect control information in the present invention is information that is received by the sub-control board to trigger execution of a predetermined effect. In this embodiment, as described later, the effect control board 201 receives various commands that can specify the game state, so that the effect according to the game state specified by the received command is executed. That is, in the effect control board 201, reception of various commands transmitted from the game control board 200 serves as a trigger for executing the effect, and thus various commands capable of specifying these game states correspond to effect control information. Also, game control board 2
In 00, the contents of the effect to be executed by the effect control board 201 are determined, and an effect control command to instruct execution of the corresponding effect is transmitted to the effect control board 201, and the effect control board 201 instructs based on this. When configured to execute the rendered effect, these effect control commands correspond to effect control information.

On the effect control board 201, game effect lamps 130 to 134 as an effect means and a liquid crystal display 135 are provided.
, Speakers 136a, 136b, 137 built in the sound emitting units 12a, 12b, 13 and fluorescent lamps 138 for illuminating the title panel 8 and the game panel 6 from the inside, and small role announcement lamps 140a, 140b, 140c, Are connected to each other, and further, a reel lamp 55 built in the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R is connected via a reel lamp relay board 204.

The effect control board 201 includes a control unit 230.
A speaker drive circuit 235 for outputting sounds from the speakers 136a, 136b, 137, a display drive circuit 236 for display control of the liquid crystal display 135, and a lamp drive circuit for lighting or blinking various lamps. 237 and are mounted.

The control unit 230 uses the CP as a sub CPU.
U231, RAM232 as a sub memory capable of writing and writing necessary data, ROM233 for storing a control program, and I / O port 234
And, including. The control unit 230 has the same value as the control unit 210.
It is composed of a chip microcomputer.

The RAM 212, like the control unit 210,
A work area, backup areas 1 to 3 that store sub backup data as performance information that can identify the performance state at the time of power failure, and parity for confirming the correctness of the data stored in these backup areas. It is composed of a parity data storage area where data is stored, and the work area is a non-backup RAM.
The backup areas 1 to 3 and the parity data storage area are backup RAM areas.

The ROM 233 stores a command table in which data capable of specifying a game state, an internal winning situation, etc. based on various commands transmitted from the game control board 200 is stored, and the game control board 2 is also stored.
An effect pattern table that defines effect patterns corresponding to the game state specified based on various commands transmitted from 00 is stored. This effect pattern table, each game effect lamp 130-134, the liquid crystal display 13
5, each speaker 136a, 136b, 137, each fluorescent lamp 138, small role notification lamps 140a to 140c are classified separately. For example, when a command indicating a predetermined game state is received, the control unit 230 enters the game state. A corresponding effect pattern is extracted, and the game effect lamps 130 to 134, the liquid crystal display 135, and the like according to the extracted effect pattern.
Each speaker 136a, 136b, 137, each fluorescent lamp 13
8, the small role notification lamps 140a to 140c, the reel lamp 55, and the like are controlled.

The game effect lamps 130 to 134 controlled by the effect control board 201, the liquid crystal display 135, the speakers 136a, 136b, 137, and the fluorescent lamps 13.
8. The small role notification lamps 140a to 140c and the reel lamp 55 do not affect the progress of the game itself even if they do not function as compared with various indicators controlled by the game control board 200. With a focus on the effect of production, it can be called, so to speak, a "production device (peripheral device for production in the present invention)". Therefore, even if the production control board 201 fails, the player is not provided with a disadvantageous situation, and the control load of the control unit 210 is reduced.

Returning to FIG. 5, the detection signal of the start switch 102 is sent to the control unit 210 via the switch circuit 215.
And the sampling circuit 222. The control unit 210 receives the detection signal of the start switch 102 and outputs a reel control signal via the motor circuit 216. This reel control signal is sent to the reel relay board 2
It is input to the reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R provided separately for the respective reels 51L, 51C, 51R via 03. Further, the reel control signal is output to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the reel relay board 203 and the external output board 205.

As a result, each reel 51L, 51C, 5
1R begins to fluctuate. In addition, the reel control signal transmission path is the reel motor 54 in the reel relay board 203.
The reel control signal is branched to the L, 54C, 54R side and the external output board 205 side, and the reel control signal output to the external output board 205 side is output from the external output board 205 to the slot machine 1.
Is also output to outside. In this way, the external output board 20
The reel control signal output from 5 is not a signal processed for external output, but reel motors 54L, 54C, 5
It is the signal itself for controlling the drive of the 4R.

On the other hand, the sampling circuit 222 samples one random number from the random number generation circuit 221 at the timing when the detection signal of the start switch 102 is input,
The random number is delivered to the CPU 211. The CPU 211 is
By referring to the sampled random numbers and the winning determination table stored in the ROM 213, it is determined whether or not the winning is permitted for each winning combination, and the RAM 212 stores the determination result. As a result, the internal lottery process described later is performed at a timing substantially equal to the timing at which the start operation is performed, and it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won. After that, the control unit 210 controls the reels according to the winning result for each winning combination.

Further, each stop switch 103L, 10L
The stop switch signals output from 3C and 103R are transmitted through a signal path that reciprocates between the game control board 200, the reel relay board 203, and the external output board 205, and then input to the switch circuit 215 of the game control board 200. . Furthermore, the stop switches 103L, 103C,
The stop switch signal output from 103R is directly
It is configured to be output to the outside via the external output board 205.

Upon receiving the stop switch signal, the control unit 210 receives the reel switch 54L, 54C, 54R corresponding to the stop switch signal via the motor circuit 216.
And outputs a reel control signal for stopping. This reel control signal is supplied to the reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R.
And is output to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the external output board 205.

The signal output from the external output board 205 can be used, for example, when a third party organization performs a type test. In this type test, for example, it is confirmed whether or not each reel 51L, 51C, 51R corresponding to each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R is stopped within 190 ms after the operation of each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R. In the case of this slot machine 1, since the stop switch signals output from the stop switches 103L, 103C, 103R are directly output from the external output board 205, the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 4
The timing when the 0R is operated can be accurately grasped outside the slot machine. Similarly, since the reel control signal output from the motor circuit 216 is directly output from the external output board 205, the start and stop timings of the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R can be accurately grasped outside the slot machine. Therefore, by using the signal output from the external output board 205, “each stop button 40L, 4L
Each reel 51 corresponding to each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R within 190 ms from the operation of 0C, 40R
An accurate test result can be obtained when the "test for whether L, 51C, 51R stops" is performed. In addition, “a configuration in which the control unit 210 of the game control board 200 once receives the signal and then outputs the signal to the external output board 205”
In such a case, there is a possibility that a fraud such as processing and outputting a signal is made on the game control board 200 side, but according to the present embodiment, such fraud can also be prevented.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply board 202. The power supply board 202 is the game control board 20.
0, various switches, sensors, indicators, lamps, motors,
Generates the voltage used by electrical components such as solenoids.

The transformer 304 is AC1 from the AC power supply.
Convert 00V to AC24V. In addition, the rectifier circuit 302
Generates a DC voltage of + 30V from AC24V, and
-Output to the DC converter 303. The DC-DC converter 303 generates + 24V, + 12V, and + 8V and outputs them to the connector 301. The connector 301 is connected to the game control board 200 and the like, and power of a voltage required for the game control board 200, the effect control board 201, and various electric parts is supplied. A main switch 80 (see FIG. 4) for stopping and starting power supply to the slot machine 1 is installed on the input side of the transformer 304.

In this embodiment, a DC voltage of + 8V is supplied to the hopper motor 62 to be used as a driving power source, and is also supplied to the game control board 200 to drive each device of the game control board 200 and the effect control board 201. A power source which is a source of the switch, a switch and a sensor which are directly or indirectly connected to the game control board 200,
Lamps (operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R)
Used as a driving power source for the display. Also,
The DC voltage of + 12V is supplied to the game control board 200 and used as a driving power source for the operation effective lamps 122L, 122C, 122R. Further, the + 12V DC voltage is supplied to the effect control board 201 via the game control board 200 and is also used as a drive power source for the liquid crystal display 135.
In addition, the DC voltage of + 24V is supplied to the game control board 200 and is used as a drive power source for the reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R and the passage switching solenoid 107.
Further, + 24V DC voltage is supplied to the production control board 201 via the game control board 200, and is used as a drive power source for a lamp, a speaker, or a fluorescent lamp which is directly or indirectly connected to the production control board 201. It

FIG. 8 shows the CP in the game control board 200.
It is a circuit diagram showing an example of 1 composition around U211. As shown in FIG. 8, + 8V output from the power supply board 202 is DC
-Supplied to the DC converter 223. The DC-DC converter 223 generates + 5V to generate the CPU 211, the RAM 212, and a power supply monitoring IC as a power cutoff determination unit.
To 224. This + 5V is used as a driving power source for these devices. Further, + 5V generated by the DC-DC converter 223 is output to the effect control board 201 and used as a drive power source for each device of the effect control board 201 as described later.

The + 5V line from the DC-DC converter 223 is branched to form a main backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 226 is connected between the main backup + 5V line and the ground level. The condenser 226 is the slot machine 1
When the power supply to the RAM 212 is cut off, it serves as a backup power supply that supplies power to the RAM 212 so that the storage state of the backup RAM area can be maintained. Also,
A backflow prevention diode 225 is inserted between the + 5V line and the main backup + 5V line. still,
As a backup power source, a battery or the like that can be charged from a + 5V power source may be used.

The power supply monitoring IC 224 is the power supply board 202.
The voltage of + 8V output from, that is, the device of the game control board 200, especially the CPU 21 that controls each part
The occurrence of power failure is detected by introducing the voltage which is the source of the driving power source of No. 1 and monitoring the + 8V voltage. In this embodiment, the voltage drop signal is output when the + 8V voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This voltage drop signal is sent to the CPU 2
11 is input to the non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal). That is, the CPU 211 uses the power supply monitoring IC 224.
It is possible to confirm the occurrence of power failure by the interrupt processing based on the input of the voltage drop signal from.

The voltage for the power supply monitoring IC 224 to detect the power failure is higher than the operating voltage of the CPU 211 at the normal time, and in this embodiment, the power failure occurs when it drops to + 7.2V. To detect. Further, the power supply monitoring IC 224 has a voltage higher than a voltage (+ 5V in this embodiment) for driving the CPU 211, that is, DC.
It is configured to monitor the voltage of + 8V supplied to the −DC converter 223, and the monitoring range can be expanded with respect to the voltage required by the CPU 211, and more precise monitoring can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 211, RA
The M212 and the power supply monitoring IC 224 are normally driven by a power supply voltage of +5 V, and at the same time, the power supply monitoring IC2
24 outputs a voltage drop signal when it drops to + 7.2V which is a voltage higher than + 5V for driving each of these devices, and remains + 5V for a while after the occurrence of power failure is detected. Since the voltage is supplied to the device such as the CPU 211, it is possible to sufficiently secure the time necessary for the CPU 211 to perform the main power interruption interrupt process described later based on the input of the voltage drop signal.

Further, in this embodiment, the power supply monitoring IC 22 is used.
4 is a DC that is a source of the drive voltage of the CPU 211, that is, DC in order to generate +5 V that drives the CPU 211.
The + 8V voltage supplied to the −DC converter 223 is monitored, and a stable voltage is monitored as compared with a drive voltage that easily fluctuates depending on the driving status of each device. It is possible to prevent malfunctions such as the occurrence of power failure due to a large voltage drop, and a main power interruption interrupt process to be described later being performed.

The present invention is not limited to this, and is a source of a power supply voltage for driving game peripheral devices such as switches, sensors, lamps, and displays connected to the game control board 200. A voltage, for example, the voltage supplied to the DC-DC converter 303 may be introduced and monitored to generate + 8V, + 12V, + 24V for driving these gaming peripherals, whereby
Depending on the driving situation of these gaming peripherals, a stable voltage will be monitored compared to the driving voltage that easily goes up and down, so it is determined whether power is cut off due to a temporary voltage drop, and the main power failure described later. It is possible to prevent malfunctions such as time interruption processing being performed.

FIG. 9 shows the CP in the effect control board 201.
It is a circuit diagram showing an example of composition of the circumference of U231. As shown in FIG. 9, the game control board 20 is provided on the effect control board 201.
+ 5V generated by the DC-DC converter 223 of 0
Is supplied and used as a driving power source for the CPU 231 and the RAM 232.

The + 5V line from the game control board 200 is branched to form a sub backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 240 is connected between the sub backup + 5V line and the ground level. The capacitor 240 serves as a backup power supply that supplies power to the RAM 232 so that the storage state of the backup RAM area can be maintained when the power supply to the slot machine 1 is cut off. Further, a diode 239 for preventing backflow is inserted between the + 5V line and the sub backup + 5V line. A battery or the like that can be charged from a + 5V power source may be used as the backup power source.

Further, in this embodiment, the power source monitoring IC 22 is used.
Even after the occurrence of power failure is detected by 4, the supply of + 5V voltage is maintained for a while for each device of the game control board 200 and each device of the effect control board 201. Specifically, the voltage supplied to the DC-DC converter 223 of the game control board 200 is the power supply monitoring IC 22.
4 drops to + 7.2V that detects the occurrence of power failure, and then drops to + 5V or less required to generate a voltage for driving each device of the game control board 200 and each device of the production control board 201. Until the voltage drop time elapses, the + 5V voltage output from the DC-DC converter 223 is held, and each device of the game control board 200 and each device of the effect control board 201 are in an operable state.

This voltage drop time, the game control board 200
The CPU 211 receives a voltage drop signal from the power supply monitoring IC 224 and then has sufficient time to complete the main power interruption interrupt process described later. That is, even if the power is cut off, the drive voltage of each device in the game control board 200 is held until the main power interruption interrupt processing performed by the CPU 211 is completed.

Further, the voltage drop time is the game control board 20.
After the CPU 211 of 0 receives the voltage drop signal from the power monitoring IC 224, the CPU 2 of the effect control board 201
It is set to a time sufficient for 31 to complete the sub-backup process at the time of power failure described later. In other words, even if the power is cut off, the drive voltage of each device in the effect control board 201 is maintained until the CPU 231 completes the power failure sub-backup process.

In the case of this embodiment, the game control board 200
The time required for the CPU 211 to receive the voltage drop signal and complete the main power interruption interrupt processing is the transmission delay time (maximum of about 3 at the time of transmitting a power cut command described later).
7ms) is about 40ms, and the time required from the CPU 211 of the game control board 200 receiving the voltage drop signal until the CPU 231 of the effect control board 201 completes the sub-backup process at power failure, Approximately 56 ms even considering the above-mentioned transmission delay time (maximum of approximately 37 ms)
(Approximately 40 ms by the time the power-off command is received + approximately 16 ms by the time of power failure sub-backup processing), whereas the voltage drop time is approximately 100 ms. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this, and at least when the power is cut off, the drive voltage of each device in the game control board 200 is held until the main power interruption interrupt process performed by the CPU 211 is completed. It should be set at such a time.

Next, the game control board 20 in this embodiment.
Various control contents executed by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 mounted on the 0 will be described below based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 15.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the power is turned on, first, it is confirmed whether or not the setting key switch 82 is on (Sa1). That is, it is confirmed whether the power is turned on based on an operation for changing the set value or initializing the game state.

When the setting key switch 82 is on, the main initialization process as the game information initialization execution process for initializing the game state is executed (Sa
2) Then, a setting change process is executed that can change the setting value of the winning probability (Sa3).

In the main initialization process, as shown in FIG. 11, the process of clearing the register and RAM 212 (Sb
After performing 1), an initialization command for instructing initialization of the effect state is set in the command table (Sb2),
A command sending process (Sb3) for sending the set initialization command to the effect control board 201 is performed, and a necessary initial value setting process (Sb4) is performed. As will be described in detail later, by transmitting this initialization command, the performance control board 2
The effect state controlled by 01 is also initialized. That is, the main initialization process also functions as an initialization command transmission process.

Further, in the command transmission process performed in Sb3, as shown in FIG. 13, the transmission delay time is 0 to 37 ms.
It is randomly selected from among the above and determined (Sd1), and when the determined transmission delay time elapses, the command set in the command table is transmitted to the effect control board 201 (Sd2, Sd3).

As will be described later, this command sending process is a process similarly executed when sending various commands that can specify the game state, and the effect control board 2
This is a process for transmitting a command to 01 with a predetermined delay.

In the setting change process, as shown in FIG.
The system waits in the detection waiting state of the setting switch 83 or the start switch 102 (Sc1, Sc3), and in this state, each time the setting button 67 is operated and the setting switch 83 is detected, the set value of the winning probability is changed by one. (Sc1, S
c2). Further, the start lever 38 is operated in the states of Sc1 and Sc3 and the start switch 102 is detected (Sc3), so that the set value is determined. Next, wait until the setting key switch 82 is turned off (Sc4),
When the setting key switch 82 is turned off, the process ends. In this way, the setting key switch 82 is turned on.
By turning on the power in this state, the winning probability setting can be changed. Also, when the power is turned on with the setting key switch 82 turned on, the game state is always initialized. Therefore, when simply initializing the game state, the power is turned on with the setting key switch on. After inputting, the process may be terminated without changing the setting value.

Returning to FIG. 10, when the setting key switch 82 is off at Sa1, it is confirmed whether or not it is at the time of recovery from a power failure (Sa4). Whether or not the power was restored from the power failure is confirmed by a power-off flag set when the power is turned off.

If the power was restored from the power failure, RA
A data check (parity check in this embodiment) of the backup RAM area in M212 is performed (Sa
5, Sa6). If the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the main backup data must have been saved in the backup RAM area of the RAM 212.
The check result will be normal.

If the check result is normal, the RAM 21
The main backup data of the backup areas 1 to 3 in 2 is compared to confirm whether or not the correct data is backed up by whether at least two main backup data match (Sa7, Sa8).

If the comparison result is normal, all the registers are restored from the main backup data in the backup area in the RAM 212 (Sa9), the power-off flag is cleared (Sa10), and the process returns to the routine before power-off. That is, the game state when the power is cut off is restored.

If the data check result and the comparison result are not normal, the game state cannot be returned to the state when the power was cut off, so an error code indicating that the game state cannot be returned to the state before the power was cut off is displayed. Game count display unit 32
Is displayed and displayed to the outside (Sa11), and the same main initialization process as that executed in the step of Sa2 described above is executed (Sa12) to initialize the game state. Incidentally, if it is confirmed in Sa4 that the power is not restored, that is, if the power-off flag is not set, the main initialization process is executed (Sa12).

When the setting change process described above is completed or the main initialization process in step Sa12 is completed, the process shifts to a loop process for repeatedly executing the game control process (Sa13).

As shown in FIG. 14, in the game control processing, first, initial setting for preparing for the game start is executed (Se1).

Next, when the start lever 38 is pressed, a BET process for fixing the bet amount is executed (Se).
2). Specifically, one or more credits are used when waiting for medals or credits to be received, when one or more medals are inserted, or when one BET button 36a or MAXBET button 36b is pressed. When the start lever 38 is pressed, the bet number of medals is determined and the game is started. Further, when the replay is won in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game is set, the pressing operation of the start lever 38 is possible, and the bet number is calculated when the start lever 38 is pressed. Is confirmed and the game starts.

It is to be noted that the maximum bet number (3 BE in the present embodiment) until the start lever 38 is pressed.
When more medals are inserted from the state in which T) is set, the valuable value corresponding to the number of inserted medals is stored as a credit in the RAM 212, and this is displayed on the credit display unit 31.

Next, the start lever 3 at Se2
When the game is started by pressing 8, the internal lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to allow the winning of any of the above-mentioned prizes (BB, RB, and other small prizes which are small profits for the player). Yes (Se3). This internal lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to win any prize in a stage before all the reels 51L, 51C, 51R are stopped. That is, winning is allowed only when the internal winning flag corresponding to any prize won by this lottery is set. That is, the control unit 210 has a function as a pre-determination unit that determines whether or not to allow any prize to be won.

Next, with the completion of the internal lottery process of Se3, a reel rotation process for rotating each reel 51L, 51C, 51R is carried out (Se4). In this reel rotation process, the error check by the reference position check during the rotation of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R is confirmed at any time by a timer interruption every predetermined time. Also, all reels 5
When 1L, 51C, and 51R rotate, the pressing operation of the stop buttons 40L, 40C, and 40R is validated, the operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, and 122R are turned on, and the reel stop timer count is started.

Next, the stop button 40L by the player,
Whether the pressing operation of 40C, 40R is performed or each reel 51
L, 51C, 51R from the start of rotation, without pressing the stop button 40L, 40C, 40R by the player, 30 seconds which is a predetermined time has elapsed and the condition for displaying the symbol is satisfied. At this time, the stop flags of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R are set, and the operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R corresponding to the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R that have been pressed based on the setting of the stop flags. Is turned off, and reel stop processing for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 51L, 51C, 51R is performed (Se5).

Further, in the present embodiment, only when the internal winning flag corresponding to any prize is set by the above-mentioned internal lottery processing, the combination of symbols corresponding to the prize is displayed on the predetermined effective line. Stop control so that they are aligned,
Further, when the internal winning flag corresponding to any prize is not set, stop control is performed so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the prize is not finally aligned on the activated activated line. That is, unless any of the prizes is internally won by the internal lottery process, the prizes are not won, and the prizes are averagely generated during the repeated game.

Next, at Se5, all reels 51 are
When it is determined that the rotation of L, 51C, and 51R is stopped, the display content displayed on the variable display device 50 and Sa3 are displayed.
In step S6, the winning determination process is performed to determine the winning content by collating with the contents of the internal winning flag that has been set and the like (Se6). Further, particularly when it is determined that one of the prizes has been won, various settings corresponding to the winning contents are executed. As the setting contents, for example, there are settings such as the number of payout medals corresponding to the winning contents, the game state, and the re-play.

Processing based on the setting content set corresponding to the winning content determined in Se6 is executed (Se
7). Specifically, it executes the process of paying out the set number of medals and changing the gaming state (changing from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state, or from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state). To do.

As described above, in the game control processing, various controls according to the progress of the game are performed. In addition, in this game control process, various commands that can specify the game state at that time according to the progress of the game are given to the effect control board 20.
The process of transmitting to 1 is performed. These production control board 2
The various commands transmitted to 01 are transmitted by the command transmission process, similarly to the initialization command described above. These various commands are also transmitted with a delay of a predetermined period in the range of 0 to 37 ms.

In this way, by transmitting various commands to the effect control board 201 with a delay for a predetermined period, commands that can specify this game state are transmitted in synchronization with the game state controlled by the game control board 200. Inconvenience associated with that, for example, the symbol display state of the reels and the like are synchronously transmitted to the effect control board 201, and the timing for aligning a specific symbol or the like is informed, that is, so-called push-assist is executed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience due to the storage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the command transmission delay time in the command transmission processing is in the range of 0 to 37 ms in which the reel of the variable display device 50 moves by one symbol (about 36 ms in this embodiment) or more. Since it is variably determined by, it is possible to reliably prevent the symbol display state of the reels from being synchronously transmitted to the effect control board 201.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the main power interruption interrupt process as the main backup process executed in response to the NMI based on the voltage drop signal from the power supply monitoring IC 224. That is, the main power interruption interrupt process is a process executed when the + 8V power supply voltage supplied from the power supply board 202 to the game control board 200 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage of 7.2V due to the power failure. .

In the main power interruption interrupt process, first,
It is set to interrupt prohibition (Sf1). In the main power interruption interrupt process, a checksum generation process is performed to ensure that the data in the RAM 212 is saved. If another interrupt process is performed during that process, the voltage may drop to a voltage at which the CPU 211 cannot operate before the checksum generation process is completed. Is set so that no

Next, a power-off command for instructing the backup of the effect state due to the power-off is set in the command table (Sf2), and the command sending process for sending the set power-off command to the effect control board 201. (Sf3) is performed. The command sending process performed here is
The process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 13, the transmission delay time is determined in the range of 0 to 37 ms, and the power-off command is transmitted after the determined transmission delay time has elapsed.

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the power-off flag is already set (Sf4). If the power-off flag has already been set, the subsequent processing is not performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the NMI occurs and the main backup data is overwritten after the power-off flag is cleared before the power-off flag is cleared, that is, before the return of the game state is completed.

If the power-off flag is not set,
The following processing is executed.

First, all output ports are turned off (Sf5). Then, the contents of each register, that is, the main backup data as game information capable of specifying the game state at that time is the backup RAM of the RAM 212.
The data is stored in areas 1 to 3 (Sf6 to Sf8). At this time, R
The same main backup data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 in the AM 212. This makes it possible to more reliably back up the gaming state at the time of power failure. Further, parity data is generated based on the data of the entire backup RAM area in the RAM 212 (Sf9), and the generated parity data is stored in the parity data storage area (Sf10). Then, the power-off flag is set (Sf11). As described above, this power-off flag is used when it is determined whether power is restored from a power failure when the power is turned on. Then
The RAM 212 is set in the access prohibited state (Sf12).
When the power supply voltage decreases, the levels of various signal lines may become unstable and the contents of the RAM 212 may be garbled. However, if the access to the RAM 212 is prohibited in this way, the backup RAM The data will not be corrupted. Then, a loop process is performed in which no process is performed. That is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the CPU 211 surely stops operating when the power is turned off.
In the main power interruption interrupt processing of the present embodiment, the program is looped in the final part, but it may be configured to issue a halt (HALT) instruction.

Next, various control contents executed by the CPU 231 of the control unit 230 mounted on the effect control board in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 to 19.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the power is turned on, first, it is confirmed whether or not the backup data is stored (Sg1). Whether or not the backup data is stored is confirmed by whether or not the data is stored in the backup RAM area of the RAM 232.

When the backup data is stored, the system waits in the waiting state for receiving the initialization command transmitted from the game control board 200 until the command receiving waiting time elapses (Sg2, Sg3). The command reception waiting time is the CP of the game control board 200 after the power is turned on.
The time is sufficient to surely receive the initialization command transmitted to the production control board 201 when U211 executes the main initialization process.

When the initialization command is not received even after the command reception waiting time has elapsed, a data check (parity check in this embodiment) of the backup RAM area in the RAM 232 is performed (Sg4, Sg5). When the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, RAM232
Since the sub-backup data should have been saved in the backup RAM area of, the check result is normal.

If the check result is normal, the RAM 23
By comparing the sub backup data of the backup areas 1 to 3 in No. 2, it is confirmed whether or not the correct data is backed up by whether at least two sub backup data match (Sg6, Sg7).

If the comparison result is normal, all the registers are restored from the sub-backup data in the backup area in the RAM 232 (Sg8), and the routine before the power-off is returned. That is, it returns to the state of effect when the power is cut off.

If the data check result and the comparison result are not normal, the effect state cannot be returned to the state when the power was turned off, so the sub initialization process for initializing the effect state is executed (Sg9). ). In addition, when it is confirmed that the sub backup data is not stored in Sg1, or in Sg2 and Sg3, the game control board 200
When the initialization command is received from, that is, when the CPU 211 of the game control unit 210 instructs the initialization of the effect state, the sub initialization process is executed.

In the sub initialization process, as shown in FIG. 17, a process of clearing the register and the RAM 232 (Sh
After performing 1), necessary initial value setting processing (Sh2) is performed. Furthermore, the output state of various lamps, indicators, speakers, etc. controlled by the production control board 201 is set to the initial state (S
h3). That is, the output state of the production peripheral device is also initialized with the initialization of the register and the RAM 232.

When the sub initialization process is completed, a loop process (Sg10 to Sg1) for executing an effect in accordance with the game state specified by the command received from the game control board 200.
Go to 3).

In this loop processing, the game control board 200
Waiting for reception of various commands transmitted from (Sg10), when a command is received from the game control board 200, it is confirmed whether the received command is a power off command (Sg11), power off If it is not a command, after performing a normal time sub-backup process that saves the effect state at that time as sub-backup data (Sg12), various lamps and indicators according to the game state specified by the received command, The output state of the production peripheral device such as a speaker is controlled, and production control processing (Sg13) for performing various productions is executed.

Further, in the loop processing of Sg10 to Sg13, when a power-off command transmitted from the game control board 200 in response to the occurrence of power-off is received, a power failure for saving the effect state at that time as sub-backup data When sub backup processing is executed.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a normal sub-backup process which is executed each time a command indicating a game state is received from the game control board 200.

In the normal sub-backup processing,
First, the prohibition of interruption is set (Si1). In the normal sub-backup process, a checksum generation process is performed to ensure the storage of data in the RAM 232. If another interrupt process is performed during that process, a power failure may occur before the checksum generation process is completed, and the voltage may drop to a voltage at which the CPU 231 cannot operate. First, settings are made so that other interrupts do not occur.

Next, the contents of each register, that is, the sub-backup data as effect information capable of specifying the effect state at that time are stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of the RAM 232 (Si2 to Si4). At this time, RA
The same sub backup data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of M232. This makes it possible to back up the effect state more reliably. Further, parity data is generated based on the data of the entire backup RAM area in the RAM 232 (S
i5), the generated parity data is stored in the parity data storage area (Si6). After that, the interruption prohibition is released and the process proceeds to the effect control process of Sg13.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a power backup sub-backup process executed when a power-off command transmitted from the game control board 200 is received.

In the power failure sub-backup processing,
First, the interruption is set to be prohibited (Sj1). In the power failure sub-backup process, a checksum generation process is performed to ensure that the data in the RAM 232 is saved. If another interrupt process is performed during that process, the voltage may drop to a voltage at which the CPU 231 cannot operate before the checksum generation process is completed. Is set so that no

Then, all output ports are turned off (Sj2). Then, the contents of each register, that is, the sub-backup data as the effect information that can specify the effect state at that time is stored in the backup RAM of the RAM 232.
The data is stored in areas 1 to 3 (Sj3 to Sj5). At this time, R
The same sub backup data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of the AM 232. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably back up the performance state during a power failure. Further, the parity data is generated based on the data of the entire backup RAM area in the RAM 232 (Sj6), and the generated parity data is stored in the parity data storage area (Sj7). Then RAM2
32 is set in the access prohibited state (Sj8). When the power supply voltage decreases, the levels of various signal lines may become unstable and the contents of the RAM 232 may be corrupted. However, if the access to the RAM 232 is prohibited in this way, the backup RAM The data will not be corrupted. Then, a loop process is performed in which no process is performed.
That is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the CPU 231 surely stops operating when the power is turned off. Although the program is looped in the final part in the sub power interruption interrupt process of the present embodiment, it may be configured to issue a halt command.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the occurrence of power failure is detected, the game control board 200 operates until the transmission of the power off command to the effect control board 201 is completed. Since the production control board 201 can reliably receive the power-off command and execute the sub-backup process during a power failure, the production control board 201 reliably backs up the production state. be able to.

In addition, since the production state is backed up in the production control board 201, the game control board 200
In, there is no need to back up the information on the effect state, and the burden on the backup capacity of the game control board 200 can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, after the power is turned on, the game control board 200
In the case of initializing the register or RAM 212 to initialize the game state, an initialization command is transmitted to the effect control board 201, and the effect control board 201 also initializes the register or RAM 232 to initialize the effect state. As a result, the consistency between the two can be achieved, and when the production control board 201 can return to the production state before the power is turned off after the power is turned on, the sub backup data stored in the RAM 232 is used. Since it is possible to return to the production state before the power is cut off, the production control board 201 can independently return without receiving an instruction from the game control board 200, and the production control board 200 does not burden the game control board 200. 201 can be returned.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the winning probability, that is, the payout rate is set, the game control board 200 performs the main initialization process and the effect accordingly. An initialization command is transmitted to the control board 201, and the effect control board 201 also performs sub-initialization processing by this, so when changing the set value, both the game control board 200 and the effect control board 201 You can return to the initial state,
It is possible to achieve consistency between the two.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation for initializing the game state is performed, the game control board 200 performs the main initialization process and the effect control accordingly. An initialization command is transmitted to the board 201, which causes the effect control board 2
Since 01 also performs the sub-initialization process, both the game control board 200 and the effect control board 201 can be returned to the initial state when the setting value is changed, and the consistency between the two can be achieved. .

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game state controlled by the game control board 200 can be returned to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on, the state before the power is turned off is automatically set. Since there is no need to perform an extra operation, it is possible to easily return to the game state.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game state controlled by the game control board 200 cannot be restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on, this is displayed as an error code indicating the number of games. Part 32
Is displayed, it is possible to notify the outside that an error has occurred, and quick response is possible.
In the present embodiment, the error notification is given in the game number display section 32, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the fact that an error has occurred is displayed on another display. Alternatively, the occurrence of an error may be notified by lighting a lamp or outputting a notification sound.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the sub-initialization process is performed in the effect control board 201, the registers and the RAM 232 are initialized and the effect control board 201 controls. The output states of peripheral devices for production such as lamps, indicators, and speakers are also set to the initial state, and the game control board 200
Then, only by transmitting the initialization command to the production control board 201, the output state of the production peripheral device can be controlled to the initial state.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each time the production control board 201 receives a command which is production control information from the game control board 200, a normal sub-backup process for saving the production state at that time Is performed, and the production state of the production control board 201 can be backed up more reliably.

The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a command indicating a specific game state is received, or when a command is received a predetermined number of times, a normal time sub-backup process is performed every predetermined time. You may do it.

Further, in the game control board 200 of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the power is cut off, first, a power cut command is transmitted to the effect control board 201, and then the game state is changed. Backup is performed, and by doing so, the performance control board 20
Since the backup request for 1 can be reliably performed, the production control board 201 can be more reliably backed up.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the present invention is applicable even if there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included in.

For example, in the above embodiment, the effect control board 2
At 01, the production state is backed up every time various commands that can specify the game state are received from the game control board 200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least , Game control board 200
It is sufficient that the performance state is backed up only when the power-off command is received.

Also, in the above embodiment, the game control board 20.
By the DC-DC converter 223 provided in 0, CPU211 and RAM2 mounted on the game control board 200
Drive voltage of each device such as 12 and production control board 2
The drive voltage of each device such as the CPU 231 and the RAM 232 mounted on the 01 is generated and supplied to each device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive voltage of each device is entirely supplied to the power supply board. It may be generated in 202.

The drive voltage of the device mounted on the effect control board 201 is supplied from the game control board 200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply board 202 is used. It may be directly supplied to the production control board 201.

Also, in the above embodiment, the game control board 20.
Each device such as the CPU 211 of 0 and the effect control board 20
Each device such as the CPU 232 of 1 and the game control board 2
Although it is configured to be driven by the same drive voltage (+5 V) generated by the DC-DC converter 223 of 00, the present invention is not limited to this, and the device of the game control board 200 The drive voltage and the drive voltage of the device in the effect control board 201 may be separately generated, and the generated voltages may be used respectively. In this case, it is preferable that the signal line for sending a command from the game control board 200 to the effect control board 201 is connected via a photo coupler, an open collector transistor, or the like. It is possible to prevent inconveniences such as malfunction and device damage due to the voltage difference between the substrates.

Also, in the above embodiment, the game control board 20.
The power supply monitoring IC 224 of 0 sets the voltage for determining the occurrence of power failure to + 7.2V, but at least after determining the power failure, before the CPU 211 of the game control board 200 drops to an inoperable voltage It may be set to a value that can secure the time required to complete the transmission of the power-off command transmitted with the maximum transmission delay time (37 ms in this embodiment) to the control board 201.

Also, in the above embodiment, the game control board 20.
However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a power supply monitoring IC may be provided on the power supply board 202 so as to determine the occurrence of power failure.

Also, in the above embodiment, the game control board 20.
When the voltage supplied to 0 drops to a predetermined value of +7.2 V, it is determined that the power supply is cut off, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply board 202
Alternatively, when the voltage supplied to the game control board 200 is equal to or lower than a constant voltage for a predetermined period (for example, 20 ms), it may be determined that the power is cut off.

Further, in the above embodiment, a normal slot machine capable of playing a game using medals and credits is used as a game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a pachinko ball is used. A slot machine for playing games, a full-credit type slot machine that can be played by using credits without ejecting medals to the outside, and an image type slot machine in which a variable display device is displayed as an image. Needless to say, the types of these gaming machines are not limited.

Each element in the first embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

Claim 1 of the present invention is a gaming machine (slot machine 1) capable of carrying out a predetermined game (game), at least a main CPU (CPU 211) and a main memory (RAM 212) are mounted, and a gaming state. A main control board (game control board 200) for controlling the above, and a game peripheral device (credit display device 109) used for a predetermined operation related to a game (game) based on the control performed by the main control board (game control board 200). , The game number display 108, the payout display 110, the insertion instruction lamp 1
11, 1-sheet betting lamp 112 to 3-sheet betting lamp 116,
A start lamp 118, a replay lamp 119, a bonus notification lamp 120, a game over lamp 117,
Left, center, right operation effective lamps 122L, 122C, 122
R, weight lamp 139, etc.) and the main control board (game control board 200) are provided separately, and at least a sub CPU (CPU 231) and a sub memory (RA).
M232) is mounted, and a sub control board (effect control board 201) for controlling effects according to a game state controlled by the main control board (game control board 200), and the sub control board (effect control board 201). Peripheral equipment for performance (game effect lamp 1) that performs performance related to games based on the control performed by
30-134, liquid crystal display 135, each speaker 136
a, 136b, 137, each fluorescent lamp 138, small role notification lamps 140a to 140c, reel lamp 55, and the like, and a power-off judging means (power-supply monitoring IC 2) for judging occurrence of power-off.
24), and the main control board (game control board 200), the sub-control board (production control board) at least when the power-off determination means (power monitoring IC 224) determines the occurrence of power shutdown. 201) backup request transmission processing (main power interruption command; Sf2 to Sf3) for transmitting a backup request (power-off command) for instructing a backup after a predetermined delay time (transmission delay time) has elapsed. And, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game information (main backup data) capable of specifying the game state at that time is stored in the main memory (RAM 212).
Main backup processing to save in (main power interruption interrupt processing; Sf6 to Sf10), and whether to initialize the game information (main backup data) stored in the main memory (RAM212) when the power is turned on. Game information initialization determination process to determine (o of the setting key switch
(n / off confirmation, confirmation of power-off flag), and game information stored in the main memory (RAM 212) when it is determined that the game information (main backup data) is initialized in the game information initialization determination processing. When executing the game information initialization execution process (main initialization process) for executing the initialization of (main backup data) and the game information initialization execution process, the sub-control board is directed to the (production control board 201). An initialization command transmission process (main initialization process) for transmitting an initialization command (initialization command),
And the sub control board (production control board 201)
At least the main control board (game control board 200)
By receiving a backup request (power-off command) transmitted from the sub memory (RAM2), the production information (sub backup data) capable of specifying the production state at that time is received.
32) sub-backup processing (sub-backup processing during power failure) to be stored in, and production state return possibility determination processing (confirmation of power-off flag, which determines whether it is possible to return to the production state before power-off when the power is turned on) Performance information (sub-backup data) stored in the sub-memory (RAM 232) when it is determined in the effect state return possibility determination processing that parity can be restored) Production state return processing (restore of all registers) for returning to the production state before power-off specified by, and initialization command reception determination processing for determining whether or not the initialization instruction (initialization command) is received ( Waiting for reception of initialization command) and processing for determining whether or not the effect state can be restored (confirmation of power-off flag, parity diagnosis of backup area) If it is determined that the recovery is not possible in (Comparison of sub-backup data), or if it is determined that the initialization command (initialization command) has been received in the initialization command reception determination processing (waiting for reception of the initialization command), Production information initialization execution processing (sub-initialization processing) for executing initialization of production information (sub-backup data) stored in the sub-memory (RAM 232),
The main control board (game control board 200) operates until the drive voltage for driving the main control board (game control board 200) reaches at least the predetermined delay time (delivery delay time). Retained as possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game information initialization determination process, when a payout rate setting operation (setting value changing operation; power is turned on with a setting key on) is performed. It is determined that the game information (main backup data) is initialized.

According to claim 3 of the present invention, in the game information initialization determining process, an operation for clearing the main memory (game state initialization operation; power-on with setting key on) is performed. If it is determined that the game information (main backup data) is initialized.

In claim 4 of the present invention, when it is determined that the game information (main backup data) is not initialized in the game information initialization determination process (on / off confirmation of the setting key switch, confirmation of the power-off flag) In the game state return possibility determination processing (parity diagnosis of backup area, comparison of main backup data) to determine whether it is possible to return to the game state before power off, and to return in the game state return availability determination process When it is determined that it is possible, a game state return process (restore of all registers) for returning to the game state before power-off specified by the game information (main backup data) stored in the main memory (RAM 212) And do.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the game state cannot be restored in the game state return possibility determination process (parity diagnosis of the backup area, comparison of sub-backup data), the notifying means for notifying the fact is given. (Game count display unit 32) is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the sub-control board (production control board 201) performs the production information initialization execution processing (sub-initialization processing), the output of the production peripheral device is initialized. It is controlled to be in the state.

According to claim 7 of the present invention, the main control board (game control board 200) has predetermined effect control information (various commands) according to a game state controlled by the main control board (game control board 200). Is transmitted to the sub control board (production control board 201), and the sub control board (production control board 201) transmits production control information (various commands) from the main control board (game control board 200). ), The sub-backup process (normal sub-backup process) can be performed in response to the reception of the production control information (various commands).

According to claim 8 of the present invention, the sub-control board (production control board 201) performs the sub-backup processing (normal-time sub-backup processing) every time the production control information (various commands) is received.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the main backup process (main power interruption interrupt process; Sf6 to Sf10).
Is performed after transmitting a backup request (power-off command) to the sub control board (production control board 201).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, after the drive voltage for driving the sub control board has passed the predetermined delay time (delivery delay time), the sub backup processing (power failure sub backup processing) is performed. The sub-control board (production control board 201) is held so as to be operable until a time required to perform the operation elapses.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the variable display device 5 is capable of continuously variably displaying a plurality of symbols and deriving and displaying the display result by the stop operation of the player.
0, and the predetermined delay time (transmission delay time) is 0
From the above, the symbols displayed on the variable display device are variably set within a time period (37 ms) in which one symbol or more moves.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is a front view of a pachinko machine 600 which is an example of a game machine to which the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 20, a pachinko machine 600
Has a glass door frame 602 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 602, there is a hit ball supply plate 603. Below the hitting ball supply plate 603, a surplus ball receiving tray 604 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply plate 603 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 605 for firing the hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 602 is a game board 606.
Is detachably attached. Also, game board 606
A game area 607 is provided on the front surface of the.

A variable display device 608 including a variable display portion 609 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a variable display device 610 using a 7-segment LED is provided near the center of the game area 607. In this embodiment, the variable display portion 609 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. A pass gate 611 for guiding a hit ball is provided on a side portion of the variable display device 608. The hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 611 is guided to the starting winning opening 614 through the ball outlet 613. A gate switch 612 (see FIG. 21) that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 611 is provided in the passage between the passage gate 6 and the ball outlet 613. In addition, the winning ball that has entered the starting winning opening 614 is guided to the back surface of the game board 606, and the starting opening switch 61.
7 (see FIG. 21). In addition, a variable winning ball device 61 that opens and closes at the bottom of the start winning hole 614.
5 are provided. The variable winning ball device 615 is opened by a solenoid 616 (see FIG. 21).

In the lower part of the variable winning ball device 615, the solenoid 621 (Fig. 2) in the specific game state (big hit state).
An open / close plate 620 is provided which is opened according to (1). Among the prize balls guided from the opening / closing plate 620 to the back surface of the game board 606, the prize ball entering one (V zone) is V.
It is detected by the count switch 622 (see FIG. 21).
In addition, the winning ball from the opening and closing plate 620 is the count switch 6
23 (see FIG. 21). Variable display device 608
In the lower part of the, there is provided a starting winning prize memory display 618 having four display units for displaying the number of winning balls entered in the starting winning hole 614. In the present embodiment, with the upper limit of four, each time there is a start prize, the start prize memory display 618 increases the number of lit display units by one. Then, the variable display section 6
Each time the variable display of 09 is started, the number of lit display units is decreased by one.

The game board 606 has a plurality of winning openings 619,
624 is provided, and the winning of the game ball in the winning openings 619, 624 is detected by the winning opening switches 619a, 624a (see FIG. 21). On the left and right sides of the game area 607, decorative lamps 625 that are displayed blinking during the game are provided, and at the bottom, there is an outlet 626 for collecting hit balls that have not been won. Further, two speakers 627 that emit a sound effect are provided on the upper left and right outside the game area 607. On the outer periphery of the game area 607, the game effect LED 6
28a and game effect lamps 628b and 628c are provided.

On the left side outside the game area 607, there is provided a prize ball lamp 651 which lights up when paying out a prize ball, and on the right side there is a ball out lamp 652 which lights up when a supply ball runs out. There is. Further, FIG. 20 also shows a card unit 700 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko machine 600 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

In the card unit 700, a usable indicator lamp 751 indicating whether or not the card unit 700 is usable, and a fraction (a number less than 100 yen) in the balance information recorded on the prepaid card, if the fraction is present, the fraction is displayed. A fraction display switch 752 for displaying a frequency display LED provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 603, a connecting platform direction indicator 753 for indicating which of the left and right pachinko machines 600 the card unit 700 corresponds to, a card A card insertion indicator lamp 754 indicating that a prepaid card has been inserted into the unit 700, a card insertion slot 755 into which a prepaid card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card insertion slot 75.
A card unit lock 756 for releasing the card unit 700 when the mechanism of the card reader / writer provided on the back surface of the card 5 is inspected is provided.

The hit ball shot from the hit ball launching device enters the game area 607 through the hit ball rail, and then descends from the game area 607. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 612 through the passage gate 611, the variable display 6
The displayed number of 10 changes continuously. Also,
When the hit ball enters the starting winning opening 614 and is detected by the starting opening switch 617, if the variation of the symbol can be started,
The pattern in the variable display unit 609 starts to rotate. If it is not in a state where the variation of the symbol can be started, the start winning memory is incremented by 1.

The rotation of the image in the variable display portion 609 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of the images at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols, the big hit game state is entered. That is, the opening / closing plate 620 is opened until a fixed time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won. Then, while the opening / closing plate 620 is open, the hit ball enters the specific winning area and the V count switch 6
When it is detected at 22, the continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 620 is opened again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

When the combination of the images in the variable display portion 609 at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols accompanied by the probability variation, the probability of the next big hit is high. That is, the high probability state is more advantageous for the player. Further, when the stop symbol on the variable display 610 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 61
5 is opened only for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 610 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 615 are increased.

In this embodiment, the reset switch 629 (see FIG. 21) to be described later is detected to be on when the power is turned on while the reset button (not shown) provided on the back surface of the pachinko machine 600 is pressed. , The game state is initialized, that is, the contents stored in the RAM 212 are initialized, and the setting switch 63 is operated by operating a setting button (not shown) provided near the reset button.
The detection of 0 (refer to FIG. 21) becomes effective, and by changing the big hit lottery probability, that is, by controlling, the big hit lottery probability for determining whether or not to shift to the big hit game state described above can be executed by operating the setting button. That is, the operation of turning on the power while the reset button is pressed functions as the operation of clearing the main memory and the operation of setting the payout rate in the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the structure of the pachinko machine 600. The pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment has a game control board (main board) 631 having a game control microcomputer or the like for controlling a game state, and a prize ball control for performing prize ball payout control by a ball payout device 697. Variable display control microcomputer 681 (see FIG. 22) for controlling the prize ball control board 638 and the variable display section 609, on which the microcomputer (basic circuit) 653 for use in the game is mounted.
Variable display control board 680, speaker 62, etc.
Sound control board 6 on which a sound control microcomputer 671 (see FIG. 22) for controlling the sound output from
70, game effect lamps / LEDs 628a, 628b, 6
28c, a lamp control microcomputer 6 for controlling the lighting states of the prize ball lamp 651 and the ball out lamp 652
Lamp control board 63 on which 36 (see FIG. 22) and the like are mounted
5. A firing control board 691 provided with a circuit for controlling the drive of the hit ball firing motor 694 in accordance with the detection state of the operation knob 605.

Of these boards, the main board 631 is a board for controlling the game state. That is, it corresponds to the main control board of the present invention. In addition, the variable display control board 680,
The sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 are the main board 6
31 is for controlling the output states of the variable peripherals, speakers, lamps, etc., which are the peripheral devices for production, which are in charge in accordance with the game state controlled by 31, and are substrates for controlling the production state according to the game state. . That is, it corresponds to the sub-control board of the present invention.

The main board 631 has a basic circuit 653 for controlling the pachinko machine 600 according to a program, and the main board 6
The input signal from the switch connected to 31 is the basic circuit 6
A switch circuit 658 given to the circuit board 53, a solenoid circuit 659 for driving a solenoid connected to the main board 631 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 653, and a lamp L for driving a lamp and an LED connected to the main board 631.
The ED circuit 660 is mounted.

Further, in accordance with the data given from the basic circuit 653, big hit information indicating occurrence of big hit, effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting image display on the variable display portion 609, and probability variation. An information output circuit 664 for outputting the probability variation information indicating that to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 653 includes a ROM 654 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 655 as a main memory used as a work memory, a CPU 656 as a main CPU for performing a control operation according to the control program, and an I / O port. Including 657.

Further, the RAM 655 included in the basic circuit 653 of this embodiment is the game control board 2 of the first embodiment described above.
00, the work area and the backup areas 1 to 3 are the same as the RAM 212 (see FIG. 6) included in the control unit 210.
And a parity data storage area,
Of these, the work area is a non-backup RAM area, and the backup areas 1 to 3 and the parity data storage area are backup RAM areas.

Further, the main board 631 has an initial reset circuit 6 for resetting the basic circuit 653 when the power is turned on.
65 and an address decoding circuit 667 which decodes the address signal supplied from the basic circuit 653 and outputs a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports 657.

From the main board 631 to the prize ball control board 638, a prize ball control command for instructing payout of prize balls is output via a buffer circuit (not shown). In addition, the main substrate 6
31 to variable display control board 680, sound control board 670,
To the lamp control board 635, various commands capable of specifying the game state controlled by the basic circuit 653 and an initialization command (initialization command) for instructing initialization of the effect state are output via the buffer circuit described above. It The buffer circuit allows the output of a signal from the inside of the main board 631 to the outside, but functions to prevent the input of the signal from the outside of the main board 631 to the inside. Therefore, one-way communication from the main board 631 to the external board is ensured between the main board 631 and the external board, and a signal is input to the main board 631 via a command transmission path to perform an unauthorized control. It is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that cause actions.

The prize ball control microcomputer mounted on the prize ball control board 638 drives the ball payout device 697 on the basis of the prize ball control command transmitted from the main board 631, and outputs the specified number of prize balls. Make a payment.

The prize ball control board 638 is connected to the adjacent card unit 700 so as to be able to perform two-way communication, and the prize ball control microcomputer causes the ball payout device based on the ball lending request from the card unit 700. 697 is driven to lend the requested number of game balls.

As shown in FIG. 22, the variable display control board 6
Reference numeral 80 denotes a variable display control microcomputer 681.
And a display drive circuit 682 for controlling the display of the liquid crystal display constituting the variable display section 609.

Variable Display Control Microcomputer 68
Reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU 681a as a sub CPU, a RAM 681b as a sub memory, a ROM 681c, and an I / O.
And an O port 681d.

The ROM 681c stores a character table that defines variable display patterns corresponding to commands transmitted from the main board 631, and the CPU 681a.
When a command indicating the winning situation of the jackpot lottery executed at the time of starting winning is received from the main board 631, a variable display pattern corresponding to the winning situation specified by the command is extracted, and based on the extracted variable display pattern. Variable display control is performed.

On the sound control board 670, a sound control microcomputer 671 and an audio drive circuit 672 for driving the speaker 627 are mounted.

The sound control microcomputer 671 is
It includes a CPU 671a as a sub CPU, a RAM 671b as a sub memory, a ROM 671c, and an I / O port 671d.

The ROM 671c stores a voice table which defines an output pattern corresponding to the command transmitted from the main board 631, and the CPU 671a receives a command indicating a predetermined game state from the main board 631. , An output pattern corresponding to the game state specified by the command is extracted, and voice output control is performed based on the extracted output pattern.

The lamp control board 635 has a lamp control microcomputer 636 and a game effect lamp / LE.
D628a, 628b, 628c, a lamp driving circuit 637 for driving the award ball lamp 651 and the out-of-ball lamp 652 are mounted.

Lamp control microcomputer 636
Is a CPU 636a as a sub CPU, a RAM 636b as a sub memory, a ROM 636c, and an I / O.
And a port 636d.

The ROM 636c stores a lamp control table in which a lighting pattern is determined corresponding to the command transmitted from the main board 631, and the CPU 636a
When a command indicating a predetermined game state is received from the main board 631, a lighting pattern corresponding to the game state specified by the command is extracted, and lamps / LEDs 628a, 628b, 628 based on the extracted lighting pattern.
c, lighting control of the prize ball lamp 651 and the out-of-ball lamp 652 is performed.

Also, the variable display control microcomputer 681, the sound control microcomputer 671, and the lamp control microcomputer 636 RAM 681.
a, 671a, 636a are RAM232 included in the control unit 230 of the effect control board 201 of the first embodiment described above.
Similar to (see FIG. 6), it is composed of a work area, backup areas 1 to 3 and parity data storage area. Of these, the work area is a non-backup RAM area, and the backup areas 1 to 3 and The parity data storage area is a backup RAM area.

FIG. 23 shows the power supply board 9 of the pachinko machine 600.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 10. Power board 910
Is a main board 631, a variable display control board 680, a sound control board 670, a lamp control board 635, and a prize ball control board 63.
It is installed independently of the control board of 8 etc., and pachinko machine 600
Generates the voltage used by each control board and mechanical components within. In this embodiment, AC24V, DC + 30V, DC +
Generates 21V, DC + 12V and DC + 8V.

The transformer 911 converts the AC voltage from the AC power supply into AC24V. The AC 24V voltage is output to the connector 915. In addition, the rectifier circuit 912 is an AC
A DC voltage of + 30V is generated from 24V and output to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. DC-
The DC converter 913 is + 21V, + 12V and +8
V is generated and output to the connector 915. Connector 91
5 is connected to a relay board, for example, and the relay board supplies electric power of a voltage required for each control board and mechanical parts. Of these, + 12V and + 21V are supplied to the main board 631 and are used as drive voltages for gaming peripheral equipment such as gaming peripheral equipment such as switches and displays directly or indirectly connected to the main board 631. Variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635 and prize ball control board 638, and peripheral devices for production such as a liquid crystal display, a speaker and a lamp which are directly or indirectly connected to these boards. Used as the drive voltage of Further, + 8V is applied to the main board 631 and the variable display control board 68.
0, a sound control board 670, a lamp control board 635, and a prize ball control board 638, and is used as a drive voltage for each device such as a CPU mounted on each of these boards.
A power switch (not shown) for stopping and starting power supply to the pachinko machine 600 is installed on the input side of the transformer 911.

FIG. 24 shows the CPU 6 in the main board 631.
It is a circuit diagram which shows one structural example of the circumference of 56. As shown in FIG. 24, +8 V output from the power supply board 910 is DC−
It is supplied to the DC converter 902. The DC-DC converter 921 generates + 5V to generate the CPU 656 and R.
AM655, power supply monitoring IC 9 as power cutoff determination means
Output to 02. This + 5V is used as a driving power source for these devices. In addition, the DC-DC converter 9
The + 5V generated at 21 is the variable display control board 68.
0, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 635, and is used as a drive power source for devices mounted on these boards, as will be described later.

The + 5V line from the DC-DC converter 921 is branched to form a main backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 923 is connected between the main backup + 5V line and the ground level. The condenser 923 is a pachinko machine 600.
When the power supply to the RAM is shut off, the RAM 655 serves as a backup power supply that supplies power so that the storage state of the backup RAM area can be maintained. Also,
A backflow prevention diode 922 is inserted between the + 5V line and the main backup + 5V line. still,
As a backup power source, a battery or the like that can be charged from a + 5V power source may be used.

The power supply monitoring IC 902 is a power supply board 910.
+ 8V voltage output from the main board 631
The voltage that is the source of the drive power source of the CPU 656 for controlling the devices, especially the respective units, is introduced, and the occurrence of power failure is detected by monitoring the + 8V voltage. In this embodiment, the voltage drop signal is output when the + 8V voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This voltage drop signal is input to the non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) of the CPU 656. That is, the CPU 656 can confirm the occurrence of power failure by the interrupt processing based on the input of the voltage drop signal from the power monitoring IC 902.

The voltage used by the power supply monitoring IC 902 to detect the power failure is higher than the operating voltage of the CPU 656 at the normal time, and in this embodiment, the power failure occurs when the voltage drops to + 7.2V. To detect. Further, the power supply monitoring IC 902 has a voltage higher than the voltage (+ 5V in this embodiment) for driving the CPU 656, that is, DC.
It is configured to monitor the voltage of + 8V supplied to the -DC converter 921, the monitoring range can be expanded with respect to the voltage required by the CPU 656, and more precise monitoring can be performed.

Also, in this embodiment, the CPU 656 and RA
The M655 and the power supply monitoring IC 902 are normally driven by a power supply voltage of +5 V, and at the same time, the power supply monitoring IC 9
02 outputs a voltage drop signal when it drops to + 7.2V, which is a voltage higher than + 5V that drives each of these devices, and remains + 5V for a while after the occurrence of power failure is detected. Since the voltage is supplied to the device such as the CPU 656, it is possible to secure a sufficient time required for the CPU 656 to perform the main power interruption interrupt process described later based on the input of the voltage drop signal.

Further, in this embodiment, the power source monitoring IC 90 is used.
2 is a DC that is the source of the drive voltage of the CPU 656, that is, DC in order to generate +5 V that drives the CPU 656.
The + 8V voltage supplied to the −DC converter 921 is monitored, and a stable voltage is monitored as compared with a drive voltage that easily fluctuates depending on the driving status of each device. It is possible to prevent malfunctions such as the occurrence of power failure due to a large voltage drop, and a main power interruption interrupt process to be described later being performed.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and a voltage which is a source of a power supply voltage for driving a game peripheral device such as a switch, a sensor, a lamp, and a display connected to the main board 631. , DC- for generating + 12V and + 21V for driving these gaming peripherals, for example
The voltage supplied to the DC converter 913 may be introduced and monitored, so that a stable voltage is monitored as compared with the drive voltage that easily rises and falls depending on the driving status of these gaming peripheral devices. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the malfunction such as the occurrence of the power interruption due to the temporary voltage drop is determined, and the below-described main power interruption interrupt processing is performed.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration around the CPU for power supply monitoring and power backup in the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635. Since the configuration around the CPU for power supply monitoring and power supply backup in each of these control boards is almost the same, here, the variable display control board 680 is used.
Will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 25, the variable display control board 6
80 includes a DC-DC converter 902 on the main board 631.
The + 5V generated in the above is supplied and used as a driving power source for the CPU 681a and the RAM 681b.

The + 5V line from the main board 631 is branched to form a sub-backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 925 is connected between the sub backup + 5V line and the ground level. The capacitor 925 serves as a backup power supply that supplies power to the RAM 681b so that the storage state of the backup RAM area can be maintained when the power supply to the pachinko machine 600 is cut off. Further, a backflow prevention diode 924 is inserted between the + 5V line and the sub-backup + 5V line. A battery or the like that can be charged from a + 5V power source may be used as the backup power source.

Further, in this embodiment, the power source monitoring IC 90 is used.
Even after the occurrence of power failure is detected by 2, the main board 63
Supply of + 5V voltage to each device of No. 1 and each device of the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 is maintained for a while. Specifically, after the voltage supplied to the DC-DC converter 921 of the main board 631 drops to +7.2 V at which the power supply monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power failure, each device of the main board 631 and variable From the DC-DC converter 921 until the voltage drop time until the voltage drops to +5 V or less required to generate the voltage for driving the devices of the display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635, elapses. The output + 5V voltage is held, and each device of the main board 631 and each of the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 are brought into an operable state.

This voltage drop time depends on the CP of the main substrate 631.
It is set to a time sufficient for U656 to complete the main power interruption interrupt process described later after receiving the voltage drop signal from the power supply monitoring IC 224. That is, even if the power is cut off, the drive voltage of each device on the main substrate 631 is
It is held until the main power interruption interrupt process performed by the CPU 656 is completed.

Further, the voltage drop time is C of the main board 631.
After the PU 656 receives the voltage drop signal from the power supply monitoring IC 902, the CPUs 681 a and 67 of the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635.
It is set to a time sufficient for 1a and 636a to complete the sub-backup process at the time of power failure described later. That is, even if the power is cut off, the drive voltage of each device on the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 is maintained until the power failure sub-backup processing performed by the CPUs 681a, 671a, 636a is completed. Will be retained.

In the case of this embodiment, the CP of the main substrate 631
The time required from the reception of the voltage drop signal by U656 to the completion of the main power interruption interrupt process is the transmission delay time (maximum of about 37 m when transmitting the power cut command described later).
s) is about 40 ms, and the main substrate 631
After the CPU 656 receives the voltage drop signal, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 6
The time required for the 35 CPUs 681a, 671a, 636a to complete the sub-backup process at the time of power failure is about 5 even if the above-mentioned sending delay time (about 37 ms at maximum) is taken into consideration.
6ms (Approximately 40ms before receiving the power-off command + About 16ms until the completion of sub-backup processing at power failure)
On the other hand, the voltage drop time is about 100 ms. The present invention is not limited to this,
It suffices if the drive voltage of each device on the main board 631 is set to such a time that it is held until the completion of the main power interruption interrupt process performed by the CPU 656, at least when the power is cut off.

Next, various control contents executed by the CPU 656 mounted on the main board 631 in this embodiment will be described below. Note that the control content of the CPU 656 is almost the same as the control content other than the game control processing (see FIGS. 10 to 13 and 15) among the control content performed by the CPU 211 of the above-described embodiment, and therefore will be briefly described here. .

When the power is turned on, the CPU 656 first turns on the power based on an operation for changing the set value or initializing the game state, that is, the reset switch 62.
Check if 9 is on. When the reset switch 629 is on, the main initialization process as the game information initialization execution process for initializing the game state is executed, and the setting change process that can change the set value of the jackpot probability is executed. To execute.

In the main initialization process, a command sending process for sending an initialization command to the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 is performed. By transmitting this initialization command, the variable display control board 68 is
The effect state controlled by 0, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 is also initialized.

In this embodiment, the command transmitted from the main board 631 to the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 is in the range of 0 to 37 ms as in the first embodiment. The data is transmitted after being delayed by the transmission delay time variably determined by.

When the power is turned on, the reset switch 62 is
If 9 is off, it is confirmed whether or not it was at the time of recovery from a power failure.

If it was time to recover from a power failure, RA
The data of the backup RAM area in M655 is checked, and the main backup data of the backup areas 1 to 3 are compared to confirm whether or not the correct data is backed up by checking whether at least two main backup data match.

If these results are normal, the RAM 65
All registers are restored from the main backup data of the backup area in 5 and the routine before the power-off is returned. That is, the game state when the power is cut off is restored.

If the data check result and the comparison result are not normal, the game state cannot be returned to the state when the power was cut off, so the main initialization process is executed.
Initialize the game state. Even if it is confirmed that the power is not restored, the main initialization process is executed.

When the setting change process described above is completed or the main initialization process is completed, the random number value updating process used in the jackpot lottery described above and a timer executed every predetermined period (2 ms in this embodiment) are executed. Whether or not there is a timer interrupt flag set by the interrupt process is confirmed, and when the timer interrupt flag is set, the game control process and a loop process for repeatedly executing the process are performed.

Further, a power failure occurs and the power source monitoring IC 90
When the NMI based on the voltage drop signal from 2 is input, the main power interruption interrupt process is executed. In the main power interruption process, the variable display control board 680 and the sound control board 6
70, the lamp control board 635 is transmitted with a power-off command to instruct backup of the effect state due to power-off. This power-off command is also delayed and sent by the sending delay time like the initialization command and the command sent in the game control process described above. After transmitting this power-off command, the contents of each register, that is, the main backup data as game information capable of specifying the game state at that time is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of the RAM 655 and the entire backup RAM area. Parity data is generated on the basis of the data and stored in the parity data storage area. At this time, the same main backup data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3. This makes it possible to more reliably back up the gaming state at the time of power failure.

Next, various control contents executed by the CPUs 681a, 671a and 636a mounted on the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 in this embodiment will be described below. In addition, these CPU6
The control contents of 81a, 671a, and 636a are almost the same as the control contents (FIGS. 16 to 19) performed by the CPU 231 of the above-described embodiment, and therefore will be briefly described here.

The CPUs 681a, 671a and 636a are
When the power is turned on, first, it is confirmed whether or not the backup data is saved. When the backup data is stored, the standby state is awaited for receiving the initialization command transmitted from the main board 631 until the command reception waiting time elapses.

When the initialization command is not received even after the command reception waiting time has elapsed, the RAMs 681b and 67
1b and 636b, the data of the backup RAM area is checked, the sub backup data of the backup areas 1 to 3 are compared, and it is confirmed whether or not the correct data is backed up by whether at least two sub backup data match. .

If these results are normal, the RAM 68
All the registers are restored from the sub-backup data in the backup areas 1b, 671b, 636b, and the routine returns to the routine before the power was cut off. That is, it returns to the state of effect when the power is cut off.

If the data check result and the comparison result are not normal, the effect state cannot be returned to the state when the power was turned off, so the sub initialization process is executed to initialize the effect state. Even when it is confirmed that the backup data is not saved, the sub initialization process is executed.

In the sub initialization process, the variable display control board 6
The output state of the display device, the lamp, the speaker, etc. controlled by the sound control board 80, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 is set to the initial state. That is, registers and RAMs 681b and 671
With the initialization of b and 636b, the output state of the production peripheral device is also initialized.

When the sub initialization process is completed, the main substrate 63
Command is received from the main board 631. Whenever a command is received from the main board 631, the normal state sub-backup process of saving the presentation state at that time as sub-backup data is executed, and then the received command is received. Depending on the more specified gaming state, the output state of the production peripheral devices such as various lamps, indicators, and speakers are controlled, and the process proceeds to loop processing for performing production control processing for performing various productions.

In this loop process, when a power-off command transmitted from the main board 631 due to power-off is received, the effect state at that time is saved as sub-backup data. To execute.

In the normal sub-backup processing executed every time a command indicating the game state is received from the main board 631, the contents of each register, that is, the sub-backup data as the production information capable of specifying the production state at that time, is stored. The parity data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of the RAMs 681b, 671b, 636b, and parity data is generated based on the data in the entire backup RAM area and stored in the parity data storage area. At this time, the same main backup data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3. This makes it possible to more reliably back up the gaming state at the time of power failure.

Further, in the power-off sub-backup process executed when the power-off command transmitted from the main board 631 is received due to the power-off, the contents of each register, that is, the effect state at that time can be specified. Sub-backup data as the performance information is RAM 681b, 6
The data is stored in the backup RAM areas 1 to 3 of 71b and 636b, and parity data is generated based on the data of the entire backup RAM area and stored in the parity data storage area. At this time, backup RAM
The same main backup data is stored in areas 1 to 3. This makes it possible to more reliably back up the gaming state at the time of power failure. After that, access to the RAM is prohibited, and the process proceeds to a loop process in which nothing is executed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when the occurrence of power failure is detected, the power cut command is transmitted to the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635. The main board 631 is operatively energized until completion of the process, and the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 reliably receive the power-off command to perform the sub-backup processing at the time of power failure. Therefore, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 can reliably back up the effect state.

Also, since the effect state is backed up in the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635, it is not necessary to back up the information on the effect state in the main board 631. The burden of backup capacity can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, when the main board 631 initializes the register and the RAM 655 to initialize the game state after the power is turned on, the variable display control board 680 and the sound control board 67 are used.
0, the initialization command is transmitted to the lamp control board 635, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670,
The lamp control board 635 also has a register, a RAM 681b,
Since 671b and 636b are initialized to initialize the effect state, the consistency of each board can be achieved, and after the power is turned on, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 are When it is possible to return to the effect state before the power is turned off, RAM 681b, 671
b, 636b, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 6 can be returned to the effect state before the power is turned off based on the sub-backup data stored in
35 can be independently returned without receiving an instruction from the main board 631, and the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 can be returned without burdening the main board 631. .

Further, in the pachinko machine 600 of the present embodiment, when the big hit probability, that is, the payout rate is set, the main substrate 631 is subjected to the main initialization process and the variable display is performed accordingly. An initialization command is transmitted to the control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635, which causes the variable display control board 68.
0, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 are also subjected to the sub-initialization processing. Therefore, when the set value is changed, the main board 631 and the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 are changed. All of them can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency of each substrate can be achieved.

In the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when the operation for initializing the game state is performed, the main board 631 is subjected to the main initialization process, and the variable display control is performed accordingly. An initialization command is transmitted to the board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635, so that the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 are also subjected to sub-initialization processing. Therefore, when the game state initialization operation is performed, the main board 631 and the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 635.
Can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency of each substrate can be achieved.

Further, in the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when the game state controlled by the main board 631 can be returned to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on, the state before the power is turned off is automatically set. The game state can be restored, and it is not necessary to perform an extra operation, so that the game state can be easily restored.

Further, in the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when the game state controlled by the main board 631 cannot be returned to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on, that effect is displayed as an error code in the variable display portion 609. Is displayed, it is possible to notify the outside that an error has occurred, and quick response is possible. In the present embodiment, the variable display unit 609 notifies the error, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The fact that an error has occurred may be displayed on another display, or the error may be notified by lighting a lamp or outputting a notification sound.

In the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when the sub-initialization processing is performed on the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635, registers and RAMs 681b, 671b and 63 are provided.
6b is initialized and the variable display control board 6
80, the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 control the output state of the display peripherals such as indicators, lamps, speakers, etc. so that the output state is also set to the initial state.
In 31, the initialization command is sent to the variable display control board 680,
Only by transmitting to the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635, the output state of the production peripheral device can be controlled to the initial state.

Further, in the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, each time the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 receive a command, which is the production control information, from the main board 631, A normal sub-backup process for saving the effect state is executed, and the variable display control board 680 and the sound control board 67 are used.
0, the backup of the effect state performed by the lamp control board 635 can be performed more reliably.

The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a command indicating a specific game state is received, or when a command is received a predetermined number of times, the normal sub-backup process is performed. Is also good.

In addition, in the main board 631 of the pachinko machine 600 of this embodiment, when it is determined that the power is cut off, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670,
After transmitting the power-off command to the lamp control board 635, the game state is backed up. By doing so, the variable display control board 680,
Since the backup request to the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 can be surely made, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 6 are provided.
The backup of 35 can be performed more reliably.

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the scope of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that it is included in the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635 each receive a command for specifying the game state from the main board 631 to back up the effect state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as the production state is backed up at least when a power-off command is received from the main board 631. good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main board 6 is controlled by the DC-DC converter 921 provided on the main board 631.
The drive voltage of each device such as the CPU 656 and the RAM 655 mounted on the No. 31, and the C mounted on the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635.
PU681a, 671a, 636a and RAM681b,
Although the driving voltage of each device such as 671b and 636b is generated and supplied to each device, the present invention is not limited to this, and all the driving voltages of these devices are generated in the power supply substrate 910. You can

The drive voltage of the devices mounted on the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670 and the lamp control board 635 is adapted to be supplied from the main board 631, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the power may be directly supplied to each board from the power board 910.

Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, C of the main substrate 631 is used.
Each device such as PU656 and the variable display control board 68
0, CPU of sound control board 670, lamp control board 635
The devices such as 681a, 671a, and 636a are driven by the same drive voltage (+ 5V) generated by the DC-DC converter 902 of the main board 631. The drive voltage of the device on the main board 631 and the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 63 are not limited.
The device drive voltage in 5 and the device drive voltage may be separately generated, and the generated voltages may be used respectively. In this case, from the main board 631 to the variable display control board 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 63.
It is preferable that the signal line for sending a command to the signal line 5 is connected via a photocoupler, an open collector transistor, or the like. By doing so, it is inconvenient that the voltage difference between the substrates causes malfunction or device damage. Can be prevented.

Further, in the above embodiment, the power supply monitoring IC 902 of the main board 631 sets the voltage for discriminating the occurrence of power failure to +
Although it is set to 7.2V, at least after the power-off is determined and before the voltage of the CPU 656 of the main board 631 becomes inoperable, the variable display control board 680 and the sound control board 6 are set.
70, a numerical value that can secure the time required to complete the transmission of the power-off command transmitted to the lamp control board 635 with the maximum transmission delay time (37 ms in this embodiment).

Further, in the above embodiment, the power supply monitoring IC 902 of the main board 631 is configured to determine whether the power supply is cut off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided on the substrate 910 to determine the occurrence of power failure.

In the above embodiment, when the voltage supplied to the main board 631 drops to the predetermined value of +7.2 V, it is determined that the power supply is cut off, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, for example, the voltage supplied to the power supply substrate 910 or the main substrate 631 is maintained for a predetermined period (for example, 20
ms) The occurrence of power failure may be determined when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a certain voltage.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a normal pachinko machine capable of playing a game using a pachinko ball is used as the game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko ball is internally provided. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a circulating enclosed pachinko machine and further to an image-type pachinko machine, and the types of these gaming machines are not limited.

The respective elements in the second embodiment correspond to the present invention as follows.

A claim 1 of the present invention is a gaming machine (pachinko machine 600) capable of carrying out a predetermined game (game), at least a main CPU (CPU 656) and a main memory (RAM 655) are mounted, and a gaming state. Main control board (game control board (main board) 63 for controlling
1) and peripheral devices for games (variable display 610, solenoids 616, 621, start memory display 618) used for predetermined operations related to games (games) based on the control performed by the main control board (game control board 631). , A decoration lamp 625, etc., and the main control board (game control board 63)
1) and is provided separately from at least the sub CPU (CP
U681a, 671a, 636a) and sub-memory (RAM681b, 671b, 636b) are mounted, and a sub-control board (variable display control) that controls effects according to a game state controlled by the main control board (game control board 631). The board 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 635) and the sub-control board (variable display control board 68).
0, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635), and peripheral devices for production (liquid crystal display, speaker 627, game effect LEDs / lamps 628a to 628c, etc.) that perform the production related to the game based on the control, and power off And a main power control board (gaming control board 631), at least the power supply cutoff determination means (power supply monitoring IC 902) detects the occurrence of power cutoff. If determined, the sub-control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 63
5) A backup request transmission process of transmitting a backup request (power-off command) for instructing backup to 5) after a predetermined delay time (sending delay time) has passed, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, at that time Main backup processing of saving game information (main backup data) capable of specifying the game state of the main memory (RAM655), and the main memory (RAM6 when the power is turned on).
55) game information initialization determination processing for determining whether or not to initialize the game information (main backup data) stored in (55), confirmation of reset switch on / off,
When it is determined that the game information (main backup data) is to be initialized in the game information initialization determination processing) and the confirmation of the power-off flag), the main memory (RAM65)
5) The game information initialization execution processing (main initialization processing) for executing the initialization of the game information (main backup data) stored in 5) and the sub-control board when the game information initialization execution processing is performed. (Variable display control board 68
0, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635) and an initialization command transmission process (main initialization process) for transmitting an initialization command (initialization command) to the sub-control board (variable display control board). 680, the sound control board 670, the lamp control board 635) can specify the effect state at that time by receiving at least the backup request (power off command) transmitted from the main control board (game control board 631). The effect information (sub-backup data) is stored in the sub-memory (RAM 681b, 671b, 636).
b) sub-backup processing (sub-backup processing at the time of power failure) to be saved, and production state return possibility determination processing (confirming power-off flag, When it is determined in the effect state restoration possibility determination processing that the data can be restored, the sub memories (RAM 681b, 671b,
636b) Performance information return processing (recovery of all registers) for returning to the performance state before power off specified by the performance information (sub-backup data) stored in 636b) and the initialization command (initialization command) are received. In the initialization command reception determination processing (waiting for the initialization command reception) to determine whether or not it has been performed, and in the production state return possibility determination processing (confirmation of power-off flag, backup area parity diagnosis, comparison of sub-backup data) When it is determined that the recovery is impossible, or when it is determined that the initialization command (initialization command) is received in the initialization command reception determination processing (waiting for the initialization command reception), the sub memory (R
AM 681b, 671b, 636b) performance information initialization execution processing (sub-initialization processing) for performing initialization of performance information (sub-backup data) stored in the main control board (game control board 631). The driving voltage for driving) is held so that the main control board (game control board 631) can operate until at least the predetermined delay time (delivery delay time) elapses.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game information initialization determination process, game information (main backup is performed when a payout rate setting operation (power-on with the reset button pressed) is performed. Data) is initialized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game information initialization determination process, an operation for clearing the main memory (power-on with the game state initialization operation reset button pressed) is performed. In this case, it is determined to initialize the game information (main backup data).

According to claim 4 of the present invention, when it is determined that the game information (main backup data) is not initialized in the game information initialization determination process (reset switch on / off confirmation, power off flag confirmation). Is a game state return possibility determination process (parity diagnosis of backup area, comparison of main backup data) for determining whether or not it is possible to return to the game state before power off, and return is possible in the game state return possibility determination process If the main memory (RAM 681b, 671b,
636b) game state return processing (restore of all registers) for returning to the game state before power off specified by the game information (main backup data) stored in 636b).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the game state cannot be restored in the game state return availability determination processing (parity diagnosis of the backup area, comparison of sub backup data), the informing means for informing that effect. (Variable display unit 609).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sub control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635) performs the performance information initialization execution processing (sub initialization processing). First, the output of the performance peripheral device is controlled to be in the initial state.

According to claim 7 of the present invention, the main control board (game control board 631) has predetermined effect control information (various commands) according to a game state controlled by the main control board (game control board 631). To the sub control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635), and the sub control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635). Is the main control board (game control board 63
1) The effect can be executed in response to reception of the effect control information (various commands) transmitted from 1), and the sub-backup processing (normal-time sub-backup) is triggered by the reception of the effect control information (various commands). processing)
It is possible to do.

According to claim 8 of the present invention, the sub-control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635) receives the effect control information (various commands) every time the sub-backup is executed. Perform processing (normal sub-backup processing).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the main backup process is performed by the sub control board (variable display control board 68).
0, the sound control board 670, and the lamp control board 635) after the backup request (power-off command) is transmitted.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the drive voltage for driving the sub control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635) is set to the predetermined delay time (delivery delay time). ) Has elapsed, the sub control board (variable display control board 680, sound control board 670, lamp control board 635) until the time required to perform the sub backup processing (power failure sub backup processing) elapses. Are held operative.

[0295]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the invention of claim 1, the main control board is operatively urged until the transmission of the backup request to the sub control board is completed.
Since the sub control board can reliably receive the backup request and execute the sub backup processing, the sub control board can be reliably backed up. Also, since it is not necessary to back up the performance information on the main control board,
The burden on the backup capacity of the main control board can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, when the game information is initialized on the main control board after the power is turned on, the effect information is also initialized on the sub control board, so that the consistency between the two can be achieved, and after the power is turned on. , If the sub control board can return to the performance state before power off, the sub control board can be returned to the performance state before power off based on the performance information stored in the sub memory. It is possible to return independently without receiving an instruction, and it is possible to return the sub control board without burdening the main control board.

(B) According to the second aspect of the invention, when the set value is changed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the consistency between them can be achieved. .

(C) According to the third aspect of the invention, when the operation for clearing the main memory is performed, both the main control board and the sub control board can be returned to the initial state, and the two Consistency can be achieved.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, when both the main control board and the sub control board can return to the state before power-off, they automatically return to the state before power-off. be able to.

(E) According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to notify the outside that an error has occurred on the main control board side.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, the performance peripheral device can be returned to the initial state only by transmitting the initialization command from the main control board.

(G) According to the invention of claim 7, the sub-backup processing is performed even when reception of the effect information that triggers the effect is performed. Therefore, the backup of the sub-control board can be performed more reliably. You can

(H) According to the invention of claim 8, the sub-backup processing is performed every time the effect control information is received, so that the sub-control board can be backed up more reliably.

(I) According to the invention of claim 9, since the backup request is surely transmitted, the sub control board can be more reliably backed up.

(J) According to the tenth aspect of the invention, a sufficient time for performing the sub-backup processing is secured, so that the sub-control board can be backed up more reliably.

(K) According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the information transmitted to the sub-control board from being transmitted in synchronization with the display mode of the variable display device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an internal structure diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a front door of the slot machine of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a RAM in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a power supply board in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration around a CPU of a game control board in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration around a CPU of an effect control board in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents executed by the control unit of the game control board in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of main initialization processing in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of reset processing in FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing details of command transmission processing in FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing details of the game control process in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a main power interruption interrupt process executed by a controller of the game control board in the slot machine of the first embodiment.

It is the flowchart which shows the control contents which the control section of the production control board executes in the slot machine of this execution example 1.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of sub-initialization processing in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of a normal sub-backup process in FIG.

It is the flowchart which shows the details of the power failure time sub backup processing which the control section of the production control board in the slot machine of this execution example 1 does.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a pachinko machine of Example 2 to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pachinko machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a power supply board in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration around a CPU of a game control board in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration around a CPU of a variable display control board (sound control board, lamp control board) in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine 2a housing 2b front door 3 locking device 3a keyhole 4 upper decorative frame 5 winning symbol explanation panel 6 game panel 7 lower decorative frame 8 title panel 9 medal payout hole 10 ashtray 11 medal tray 12a, 12b sound emitting part 13 release Sound part 14 Transparent window 15 Liquid crystal display parts 20a, 20b Small role announcement display part 21 1 bet display part 22, 23 2 bet display part 24, 25 3 bet display part 26 Game over display part 27 Replay display part 28 Weight Display unit 29 Start display unit 30 Insertion instruction display unit 31 Credit display unit 32 Number of games display unit 33 Payout display unit 34 Medal insertion unit 35 Medal jam clearing button 36a 1 BET button 36b MAXBET button 37 Settlement button 38 Start lever 39 Stop button Unit 40L, 40C, 40R Stop button Tan 41-45 Game effect lamp section 50 Variable display device 51L, 51C, 51R Reel 52 Reel unit 53 Reel concealing member 54L, 54C, 54R Reel motor 55 Reel lamp 56 Reel sensor 57 Hopper tank 58 Guide rail 59 Overflow tank 60 Full Tan sensor 61 Payout medal sensor 62 Hopper motor 63 Medal outlet 64 Power supply unit 65 Main switch section 66 Second reset button 67 Setting button 68 Automatic settlement selection switch section 69 Stop selection switch section 70 Setting key insertion section 71 Medal selector 72 Illegal medals Ejection unit 73 Return medal flow path 80 Main switch 81 Second reset switch 82 Setting key switch 83 Setting switch 84 Power cord 85 Back plate 86, 87 Side plate 100 1 BET switch 101 MAXBET switch 102 Start switch 103L, 103C, 103R Stop switch 104 Settlement switch 105 First reset switch 106 Inserted medal sensor 107 Flow path switching solenoid 108 Game count display 109 Credit display 110 Payout display 111 Insert instruction lamp 112 1 bet Lamp 113, 114 2 bet lamp 115, 116 3 bet lamp 117 Game over lamp 118 Start lamp 119 Replay lamp 120 Bonus notification lamp 121a, 121b BET button lamp 122L, 122C, 122R Operation effective lamp 130-134 Game effect lamp 135 Liquid crystal display 136a, 136b, 137 Speaker 138 Fluorescent lamp 139 Weight lamp 140a, 140b, 140c Knowledge lamp 200 Game control board 201 Production control board 202 Power board 203 Reel relay board 204 Reel lamp relay board 205 External output board 210 Control unit 211 CPU 212 RAM 213 ROM 214 I / O port 215 Switch circuit 216 Motor circuit 217 Initial reset circuit 218 Clock generation circuit 219 Pulse division circuit 220 Buffer circuit 221 Random number generation circuit 222 Sampling circuit 223 DC-DC converter 224 Power supply monitoring IC 225 Diode 226 Capacitor 230 Control section 231 CPDU 232 RAM 233 ROM 234 I / O port 235 Speaker drive Circuit 236 Display drive circuit 237 Lamp drive circuit 238 Power supply monitoring IC 239 Diode 240 Capacitor 301 Connector 302 Rectifier circuit 303 C-DC converter 304 Transformer 500 Storage case 550 Storage case 600 Pachinko machine 602 Glass door frame 603 Ball hitting tray 604 Surplus ball tray 605 Operation knob 606 Game board 607 Game area 608 Variable display device 609 Variable display unit 610 Variable display 611 Pass Gate 612 Gate switch 613 Ball exit 614 Starting winning opening 615 Variable winning ball device 616 Solenoid 617 Starting opening switch 618 Starting winning memory indicator 619 Winning opening 619a Winning opening switch 620 Open / close plate 621 Solenoid 622 V count switch 623 Count switch 625 Decorative lamp 626 Outlet 627 Speaker 628a Game effect LED 628b Game effect lamp 629 Reset switch 630 Setting switch 631 Game control board (main board) 635 Lamp control Control board 636 Lamp control microcomputer 636a CPU 636b RAM 636c ROM 636d I / O port 637 Lamp drive circuit 638 Prize ball control board 651 Prize ball lamp 652 Ball burned lamp 653 Basic circuit 654 ROM 655 RAM 656 CPU 657 I / O port 658 Switch circuit 659 Solenoid circuit 660 Lamp LED circuit 664 Information output circuit 665 Initial reset circuit 667 Address decode circuit 670 Sound control board 671 Sound control microcomputer 671a CPU 671b RAM 671c ROM 671d I / O port 672 Voice drive circuit 680 Variable display Control board 681 Variable display control microcomputer 681a CPU 681b RAM 681c ROM 681d I / O port 682 display Drive circuit 691 Firing control board 694 Ball firing motor 697 Ball dispensing device 700 Card unit 751 Usable display lamp 752 Fraction display switch 753 Coupling stand direction indicator 754 Card insertion display lamp 755 Card insertion slot 756 Card unit lock 902 Power supply monitoring IC 910 Power board 911 Transformer 912 Rectifier circuit 913 DC-DC converter 915 Connector 921 DC-DC converter 922 Diode 923 Capacitor 924 Diode 925 Capacitor L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' Winning line

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine capable of carrying out a predetermined game, wherein at least a main CPU and a main memory are mounted, and a main control board for controlling a gaming state, and a game based on control performed by the main control board. A peripheral device for a game used for a predetermined operation and the main control board are provided separately, at least a sub CPU and a sub memory are mounted, and a sub control board for controlling effects and control performed by the sub control board Based on the game, the peripheral device for performance to perform the effect, and the power-off determination means for determining the occurrence of power failure, the main control board, at least the power-off determination means determines the occurrence of power failure In this case, a backup request is sent to the sub-control board after a predetermined delay time to send a backup request to the sub-control board. Communication processing, main backup processing that saves the game information that can specify the game state at that time in the main memory when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the game information that is saved in the main memory when the power is turned on. Initialize the game information stored in the main memory when it is determined that the game information is initialized in the game information initialization determination process for determining whether or not to initialize the game information. Performing the game information initialization execution process and an initialization command transmission process of transmitting an initialization command to the sub-control board when performing the game information initialization execution process, the sub-control board, A sub-backup that saves production information that can specify the production state at that time by receiving at least the backup request transmitted from the main control board. Processing, and the production state return possibility determination processing for determining whether it is possible to return to the production state before power off when the power is turned on, and when it is determined that it is possible to return in the production state return availability determination process, Production state return processing for returning to the production state before power off specified by the production information stored in the sub-memory, initialization command reception determination processing for determining whether or not the initialization instruction is received, When it is determined that it is impossible to return in the effect state return possibility determination process, or when it is determined that the initialization command is received in the initialization command reception determination process, the initial stage of the effect information stored in the sub-memory Performance information initialization execution processing for executing the process, and the drive voltage for driving the main control board is at least until the predetermined delay time elapses. Gaming machine, characterized in that the emissions control board is held so as to be operable. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the game information initialization determination processing, it is determined that the game information is initialized when a payout rate setting operation is performed. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein in the game information initialization determination processing, it is determined that the game information is initialized when an operation of clearing the main memory is performed. 4. When the game information initialization determining process determines that the game information is not initialized, it is determined whether or not it is possible to return to the game state before power-off, and a game state return possibility determining process. When the game state return possibility determination process determines that the game state can be returned, a game state return process of returning to the game state before power-off specified by the game information stored in the main memory is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a notifying means for notifying that it is impossible to return when it is determined in the game state return possibility determination process that the return is impossible. 6. The sub control board according to claim 1, wherein when the performance information initialization execution processing is performed, the sub control board controls the output of the performance peripheral device to be in an initial state. Amusement machine. 7. The main control board, predetermined performance control information according to the game state controlled by the main control board,
It transmits to the sub-control board, the sub-control board is capable of executing an effect in response to reception of the effect control information transmitted from the main control board, and receives the effect control information. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sub-backup processing can be performed. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the sub control board performs the sub backup process every time the effect control information is received. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the main backup process is performed after transmitting a backup request to the sub control board. 10. The sub-control board operates until a time required for performing the sub-backup processing elapses after a drive voltage for driving the sub-control board has passed the predetermined delay time. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is held so as to be possible. 11. A variable display device capable of continuously variably displaying a plurality of symbols and displaying and displaying a display result by a stop operation of a player, wherein the predetermined delay time is from 0 to the variable. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the symbol displayed on the display device is variably set within a time period in which one symbol or more moves.