JP2003225375A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately control games with a microcomputer for controlling games based on detection signals of game balls that are shot to playing regions and win prizes even when the power source is closed in a type of controlling the shooting of the game balls with the microcomputer for put-out controls. <P>SOLUTION: A put-out control board covers not only the putting out of pachinko balls but also the control of the shooting of the pachinko balls to the playing regions by regulating the rotary drive of a shooting motor. When the power source is closed and a CPU of the main board enters into the users' mode to be ready for controlling games, power source checking signals to be sent to the put-out control board from the main board is changed over to an HI level while the put-out control board is put on a standby until the power source checking signals actually turn to the HI level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a coin gaming machine. Specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game is performed by shooting a game ball in a game area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine generally known as this type of game machine is provided with a launching means for launching a game machine to a game area by a driving force of a launching drive means such as a motor. A game ball is driven into the game area from the launching means in response to a person's launching operation, and the fact that the driven game ball has passed a predetermined winning area is detected by the winning ball detecting means. Was there. Then, the game control board on which the game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game is controlled by the detection signal from the winning ball detection means, and the payout means for paying out the game balls based on the signal from the game control board. And a payout control board on which a payout control microcomputer is mounted.

[0003]

On the other hand, in this type of conventional gaming machine, a launch control board for controlling the launch means described above is separately provided, and launch control and game medium payout control are separately performed. Since this is done, the number of control boards increases, the structure becomes complicated, and the efficiency of control cannot be improved.

Therefore, it is conceivable that the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board outputs a drive signal to the firing drive means to control the firing drive.

According to this structure, for example, when the game balls paid out are too many to be stored,
The same payout control microcomputer can prevent the further generation of winning balls due to the stop control of the payout of the game balls and the stop control of the discharge of the game balls, and the control efficiency is improved.

However, when the game ball is turned on and the launch control of the game ball is carried out by the payout control microcomputer, the game ball passes through the winning area and the detection signal is sent. Even if input to the control microcomputer, if the game control microcomputer has not yet reached the state where control can be started, the prize detection signal is ignored and cannot be used for game control.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is that the payout control microcomputer also controls the launch of a game ball, and launches the game area even when the power is turned on. This is to ensure that the game control by the game control microcomputer based on the detection signal of the winning game ball is won.

[0008]

[Specific examples of means for solving the problems and the effects thereof]
(1) A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) in which a game is played by hitting a game ball in the gaming area (gaming area 7),
The winning area (passing gate 11,
Starting opening 14, winning opening 19, 24), and winning ball detection means (gate switch 12, starting opening switch 17, winning opening switch 19a, 2) for detecting a game ball passing through the winning area.
4a), a payout means (ball payout device 97) for paying out a game ball, and a launching means (a ball launching device 34) for launching a game ball to the game area by the driving force of a launch drive means (a launch motor 94). , A game control board (main board 31) having a game control microcomputer (game control microcomputer 53) for controlling the progress of the game according to a detection signal from the winning ball detection means, and the game control board A payout control board (payout control board 3) equipped with a payout control microcomputer (payout control microcomputer 70) for controlling the payout means based on a signal.
7) and the payout control microcomputer is capable of executing firing drive control (S758a) for outputting a drive signal to the firing drive means, and the game control microcomputer supplies power to the gaming machine. A control start signal (HI level power supply confirmation signal) indicating the start of game control (start of execution of the user mode program) is transmitted to the payout control board based on the start of game control by the start of (start of execution of the user mode program) Then, the payout control microcomputer permits the operation of the payout means and the launching means on the condition that the control start signal is received (condition on the condition that the power confirmation signal is HI in S754). The payout control and the firing control in S758 and S758a are allowed).

According to such a configuration, the game control microcomputer transmits the data based on the start of control of the game control microcomputer (start of execution of the user mode program) by the start of power supply to the game machine. On the condition that the payout control microcomputer has received the control start signal, the operation of the payout means and the launching means is allowed by the payout control microcomputer, so that the game control microcomputer starts the power supply. Only after the control is started, the payout control of the game ball and the launch control of the game ball are not performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the game ball launched before the control of the game control microcomputer wins, the detection signal of the win is ignored, and the game control microcomputer does not control the prize. You can

(2) Storage means for storing the payout control data (the program data of S751 to S758) used by the payout control microcomputer to control the driving of the payout means, and the payout control microcomputer is used for the launch means. Fire control data used for drive control (S75
1, S753 to S755, S758a storing program data) and a single storage means (ROM.
324).

With such a structure, space saving can be achieved by also using the storage means.

(3) The payout control microcomputer receives the control start signal and meets a predetermined firing condition (connection of the card unit 50, touch ring 30).
When a touch detection signal is input from 8 and a full tank is not detected by the full tank switch 48), a drive signal is output to the firing drive means (S758a).

According to this structure, since the discharge control microcomputer monitors the establishment of the firing enable condition, the control load on the game control microcomputer is reduced accordingly.

(4) The payout control microcomputer receives the control start signal and meets a predetermined firing condition (connection of the card unit 50, touch ring 30).
When a touch detection signal is input from 8 and the tank is not detected by the tank switch 48), a shooting drive status signal indicating the driving status of the shooting drive means is sent to the game control board. It is characterized by outputting (S758a).

With such a configuration, the game control microcomputer side can recognize and control the launch drive state of the game ball.

(5) Shooting operation means (hit ball operation handle 5) by which a player can perform the shooting operation of the shooting means, and operation state detection means (touch ring 308, single shot) for detecting the operation state of the firing operation means. An operation drive circuit board (operation drive circuit board 351) on which a switch 309) and a drive circuit (touch sensor drive circuit) 352 for driving the operation state detection unit 352, a single shot switch detection circuit 353) are mounted.
And the operation drive circuit board and the payout control board are provided separately.

According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to disperse the circuits relating to the control of launching the game balls, and it becomes easy to dispose the circuits at respective suitable locations.

(6) On the operation drive circuit board, operation state signal output means (output circuit 3) for outputting a signal indicating the detection result of the operation state detection means to the payout control board.
54) is provided.

With such a structure, the operating state of the firing operation means can be recognized and grasped by the payout control board.

(7) Timing at which the control operation of the game control microcomputer is started by the start of power supply to the gaming machine (timing to enter the user mode)
Further, there is further provided a starting order regulating means (system reset detecting circuits 399, 397) for regulating the starting order so as to be later than the timing (timing to enter the user mode) at which the dispensing operation of the dispensing control microcomputer starts. It is characterized by

According to such a configuration, when the power is turned on, the control operation of the payout control microcomputer is activated earlier than the control operation of the game control microcomputer, so that the game control microcomputer is activated. Even if the command signal is output to the payout control microcomputer immediately after is activated, the payout control microcomputer can receive the command signal first and can reliably receive the command signal.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine is shown as an example of the game machine,
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be another game machine such as a coin game machine, and any game machine in which a game is performed by shooting a game ball in the game area is applicable.

First, the overall structure of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. Figure 1 is a pachinko machine 1
FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 3 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is
Outer frame 2a formed into a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame 2a
A front frame 2b that is pivotally supported on the inner side of the frame and that is provided with the main components of the pachinko gaming machine 1 collectively, and a frame-shaped glass that is pivotally supported on the front upper part of the front frame 2b to be freely rotatable. It is composed of a door frame 2. Glass door frame 2
And the front frame 2b is called a game frame.

On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, a ball hitting tray 3 is provided.
Is provided. In the front frame 2b, the hit ball supply tray 3
A surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing the storage balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball are provided in the lower part of the. Further, a game board 6 having a game area 7 formed on the front side is detachably provided on the front frame 2b located behind the glass door frame 2. The detailed structure of the game board 6 is shown in FIG. The front frame 2b and the glass door frame 2 are pivotally supported at an end portion on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and are opened / closed with the pivotal support position as an opening / closing shaft.

The glass door frame 2 has a game area 7 of the game board 6.
A see-through window that allows almost see-through is opened, and a glass plate (referred to as front glass) is attached from the back side of the see-through window.

In this game area 7, a hit ball operation handle 5 is provided.
A game ball launched by a batting ball launching device (a batting ball launching device 34 shown in FIG. 3) is guided and driven into the guide rail 76 in response to the operation of the guiding ball 76 and the game area 7. It is detected by a hitting ball switch 77 constituted by a proximity switch provided on the boundary between and. The number of game balls detected by the driving ball switch 77 is specified by the game control board 31 described later.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device 8 including a special symbol display section 9 made of a liquid crystal display and a normal symbol display section 10 made of an LED display. The variable display device 8 is provided with a decorative member (also referred to as a table decoration) 80 as a decorative member in such a manner as to surround the special symbol display portion 9 and the normal symbol display portion 10. The special symbol display unit 9 is not limited to the liquid crystal display, but is a CRT.
(Cathode Ray Tube), FED (Field Emission Displ)
ay), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), dot matrix, and 7-segment LED (Light Emitting)
Diode), electroluminescence, a fluorescent display tube, and other image display type display devices.

Further, the variable display device 8 is provided with a start memory indicator 18 and a gate passage memory indicator 41 each consisting of four LEDs. This starting memory indicator 1
Depending on the number of lit LEDs, it is displayed that the number of winnings to the starting winning opening 14 for starting the special symbol is stored with the upper limit being 4. In addition, the number of LEDs of the gate passage memory display 41 that are lit indicates that the number of passages of the game ball to the passage gate 11 for starting the normal symbol is stored with the upper limit being 4.

In the passage of the game ball that has passed through the starting winning opening 14, the starting opening switch 1 for detecting the winning gaming ball 1
7 is provided, and when a game ball is detected by the start opening switch 17, a signal is sent to the game control board 31 and control for turning on the start memory display 18 is performed. Further, in the passage of the game ball that has passed through the passage gate 11, a gate switch 12 that detects the game ball that has passed is provided. When the gate switch 12 detects the game ball, a signal is sent to the game control board 31. Is sent, and control for lighting the gate passage memory display 41 is performed.

At the lower position of the variable display device 8, the starting winning opening 1 which also serves as the variable winning ball device 15 (electric tulip accessory) which is normally opened and closed by the electric accessory solenoid 306.
4 and the special winning opening 20 that is opened by driving the special winning opening solenoid 306 in the specific game state (big hit state) are sequentially arranged. The structure provided with the special winning opening 20 is also called a variable winning ball device 150.

The safe ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is detected by the start opening switch 17 and guided to the back surface of the game board. In addition, the safe ball to the special winning opening 20 is detected by the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23,
Guided to the back of the game board.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 19 and 24, and the winning of the game balls into the winning openings 19 and 24 is detected by the winning opening switches 19a and 24a. Winning hole switch 19 corresponding to each of a plurality of winning holes 19 and 24
Since a and 24a are provided, each prize hole 19 and 24
Each detection can be performed quickly.

On the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decoration LEDs 25a and decoration lamps 25 that are lit and displayed during the game, and at the bottom there is an outlet 26 for absorbing hit balls that have not been won. Also, on the upper left and right outside the game area 7,
Two speakers 27 are provided which emit sound effects.
On the outer periphery of the game area 7, game effect lamps 28a, 28
b and 28c are provided.

In this example, in the vicinity of the game effect lamp, there are provided a prize ball lamp 51 which lights up when the prize ball is paid out and a ball-out lamp 52 which lights up when the supply ball has run out. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit (prepaid card unit) 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

In the card unit 50, a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not it is usable, and a fraction (a number less than 100 yen) remaining in the balance information stored in the card, the fraction is displayed. A fraction display switch 152 for causing a frequency display LED provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a connecting board direction indicator 153 indicating which side the card unit 50 corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine 1. , A card insertion indicator lamp 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into the card unit 50, a card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a storage medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155. When checking the mechanism of the writer, the card unit 5
A card unit lock 156 for releasing 0 is provided.

The hitting ball supply tray 3 has a frequency display LED 30.
2. A ball lending LED 318, a return switch 300, and a ball lending switch 301 are provided. These devices are electrically connected to the card unit 50. The balance of the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 50 (frequency)
Is displayed by the frequency display LED 302. When the prepaid card is inserted into the card unit 50 and the ball can be lent using the card, the ball lending available LED 318
Lights up or flashes. The player can lend the ball LED31
When the ball lending switch 301 is operated after recognizing that it is in the ball lending state by 8, the pachinko balls for a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) are lent to the hitting ball supply tray 3 and 5
The remaining amount of 00 yen will be reduced from the prepaid card. The remaining amount (frequency) after the reduction is the frequency display LED 302
Displayed by. When the player finishes the game, he pushes the return switch 300. Then, the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 50 is ejected to the player side.

The batted ball launched from the batted ball launching device 34 is
Enter the game area 7 through the guide rail 76, and then come down the game area 7. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the normal symbol display portion 1
The display device of 0 is in a state of continuously changing. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, if the variation of the symbol can be started, the symbol rotation in the special symbol display portion 9 is started. 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 special symbol display portion 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the big hit game state is entered. That is, the special winning opening 20 is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won. Then, when the hit ball enters the specific winning area and is detected by the V count switch 22 while the special winning opening 20 is open, the continuation right is generated and the special winning opening 20 is opened again. The continuation right is generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15
Round) acceptable.

When the combination of the images in the special symbol display portion 9 at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols accompanied by the fluctuation of the probability of the big hit occurrence, the probability of the next big hit is high. That is, in such a case, a probability variation state (hereinafter, also referred to as “probability variation”) becomes a more advantageous state for the player. Further, when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Furthermore, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

Further, in a predetermined position of the decoration member 80 of the variable display device 8 (in this case, the upper left position and the upper right position of the special symbol display portion 9), when the player selects an option in the selection game. A selection detecting unit (human body sensor) 6 which is an instruction detecting unit for detecting an instruction action by a player.
1, 62 are provided. The selection game is, for example, when a reach state occurs, when the variable display device 8 displays an effect by a predetermined character, the effect content desired by the player among a plurality of predetermined effect contents. Is a game state in which the selected display content is displayed by the variable display device 8.

The selection detectors 61 and 62 each include an optical sensor (motion sensor) capable of detecting an action (action) instructed by the player by using light, so that mutual interference during detection is unlikely to occur. Therefore, they are spaced apart from each other on the left and right. In this embodiment, when instructing to select any one of a plurality of options (for example, the options A and B), the player places the hand before the selection detector 61 or the selection detector 62. Hold up.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 305 is a production movable member.
For example, in the reach generation state, when the production solenoid 303 is excited, the mouth of the production movable member 305 opens, and when the production motor 304 is driven, the production movable member 305 moves back and forth.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back surface of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 3, a game machine tank 38 is provided on the upper part of the mechanism board 36, and the game ball is above the pachinko game machine 1 when it is installed on the game machine installation island. Game ball tank 3
8 are supplied. The game balls in the game ball tank 38 reach the ball payout device 97 through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism board 36, a display control unit 20 including a display control board 80 for controlling the special symbol display section 9 and the normal symbol display section 10 and a display device, for game control covered by the substrate case 32. A game control board (also referred to as a main board) 31 on which a microcomputer or the like is mounted, game effect lamps 28a, 28b, 28c, and a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for controlling payout of prize balls and the like is mounted, and A power supply board 9 that supplies power to the electric parts and the electric parts control board provided in the gaming machine.
10 etc. are installed. Further, at the lower part of the mechanism board 36, a hitting ball launching device 34 for launching a hitting ball to the game area 7 by utilizing the rotational force of the motor, and an operation drive circuit board 351 (described later) are arranged.

On the back side of the payout control board 37, an error release switch 333 and an error notification 7-segment display 3 are provided.
And 34 are provided. When a predetermined error occurs in the payout control board 37 regarding the payout of pachinko balls, the cause of the error is the 7-segment display 334 for error notification.
Will be notified by. The staff at the amusement hall will inform you of the error 7
Perform the recovery work after recognizing the cause of the error by looking at the segment display 334, and then the error release switch 333.
When is pressed, the payout control board 37 is released from the error state and returns to a state where the normal payout control can be executed.

An interface board 311 is provided on the lower side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the side of the card unit 50, and the other end of the harness 55 having one end connected to the interface board 311 is provided on the card unit 50. Connected to 500. Then, the connector 1 of the interface board 311 and the payout control board 37
00 is wired and connected. As a result, the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 are connected to each other by the connector 500, the interface board 311, the harness 55, and the connector 10.
Communication becomes possible via 0.

The game ball that has passed through the guide trough 39 passes through the ball breakage detector 187 and reaches the ball payout device 97 through the supply troughs 186a and 186b. The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hitting ball supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port. A surplus ball passage communicating with a surplus ball tray 4 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed on the side of the communication port. A large number of prize balls based on winnings are paid out, the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and finally, when the game balls reach the communication port and further game balls are paid out, the game balls pass through the surplus ball passage and surplus balls. It is guided to the saucer 4. Further, when the game ball is paid out, the sensing lever pushes the full tank switch 48 to turn on the full tank switch. In this state, the rotation of the stepping motor in the ball payout device 97 is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device 97 is stopped, and the driving of the hitting ball launching device 34 is stopped as necessary. In this embodiment, as a ball payout device for paying out game balls by driving an electric drive source,
The ball payout device 97 for paying out the game ball by the rotation of the stepping motor is illustrated, but a ball payout device having a structure for sending the game ball by another drive source may be used, or a stopper may be provided by driving an electric drive source. You may use the ball payout device of the structure which removes and pays out by the own weight of the game ball.

Further, in order to perform the prize ball payout control, signals from the winning opening switches 19a and 24a, the starting opening switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the game control board 3
Sent to 1. When the starting opening switch 17 is turned on, the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 knows that a prize corresponding to the payout of five prize balls has occurred. Also, the count switch 2
When 3 is turned on, it is known that a prize corresponding to the payout of 15 prize balls has occurred. And the winning opening switches 19a, 24
When a is turned on, it is known that a prize corresponding to the payout of 10 prize balls has occurred. In this embodiment, for example, the game ball that has won the winning opening 24 is detected by the winning opening switch 24a provided in the safe ball flow path from the winning opening 24, and the gaming ball that has won the winning opening 19 is detected. Is the winning opening 19
Winning hole switch 1 provided in the safe sphere flow path from
9a is detected.

FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of various control boards and various devices connected thereto. The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main board (game control board) 31 for controlling the progress of the game, a payout control board 37 for payout control of prize balls and rental balls, and variable identification information (design). Performance control board 80 for performing display control and various performance controls, interface board 311 for interfacing with card unit 50, etc., operation drive circuit board 35 to which touch ring 308 and single shot switch 309 are connected.
1 is provided.

On the main substrate 31, the gate switch 12, the V count switch 22, and the count switch 2 described above are provided.
3, start opening switch 17, winning opening switch 19a, 24
a is connected, and the detection signals from these switches are input. Furthermore, the main electric board solenoid 307, the special winning opening solenoid 306, and the external terminal board 316 for the game board are connected to the main board 31, and control signals are output to these devices.

On the production control board 80, a gate passage memory display 41, a special symbol display section (liquid crystal display) 9, selection detection sections (human body sensors) 61 and 62, a production motor 304, a production solenoid 303, a speaker. 27, the normal symbol display unit 10, the decorative LED 25a, the decorative lamp 25b, the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamps 28b, 28c are connected. The main board 31 transmits various commands to the effect control board 80 according to the game state. Production control board 80
Controls various effects according to the transmitted command. Specifically, the gate passage memory number 41 detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11 is displayed by the gate passage memory display 41, and the symbols are variably displayed on the special symbol display portion 9 of the variable display device 8. Performs display control by a character or the like. Furthermore, the detection signals from the selection detection units 61 and 62 are input to the effect control board 80, and the effect control board 80 controls the special symbol display section 9 to display the above-mentioned selected game according to the input signal. In addition, the production control board 80 uses the production motor 30.
4. Drive the production solenoid 301 to drive the speaker 2
The control for generating various sound effects and the like is performed from 7, and the normal symbol display unit 10 is display-controlled. Furthermore, the production control board 8
0 controls lighting or blinking of the decoration LED 25a, the decoration lamp 25b, the game effect LED 28a, and the game effect lamps 28b and 28c.

On the interface board 311, the card unit 50, the frequency display LED 302 and the ball lending LED 3 are provided.
18, the return switch 300, and the ball lending switch 301 are connected.

The payout control board 37 has a payout case payout motor 312, a motor position sensor 313, a payout number count switch 314, a touch ring 308, a firing motor 94, a single-shot firing switch 309, and a full tank switch 4.
8, ball out switch 187, door opening information switch 31
A frame-shaped external terminal substrate 315 to which 0 is connected, a ball-out lamp 52, and a prize ball lamp 51 are connected.

When the prepaid card is inserted into the card unit 50, the card balance (frequency) of the prepaid card is read by the card unit 50, and a signal for displaying the card balance (frequency) based on the read data is sent. , Card unit 50 to interface board 3
It is sent to the frequency display LED 302 via 11, and the card balance (frequency) is displayed by the frequency display LDE 302.
When the prepaid card is inserted into the card unit 50 and becomes ready for ball lending, a control signal for lighting or blinking the ball lending LED 318 is transmitted to the interface board 31.
1 to the ball lendable LED 318, and the ball lendable LED
318 lights up or blinks. When the player presses the ball lending switch 301 in this state, the operation signal is sent to the card unit 50 via the interface board 311.

Then, the number (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) from the card unit 50.
A command signal for lending each of the pachinko balls is sent to the payout control board 37 via the interface board 311. In the payout control board 37, the payout motor 312 is controlled in accordance with the command signal to control a predetermined number (for example, 125).
Control the lending of individual pachinko balls. Payout motor 3
A signal is output from the motor position sensor 313 to the payout control board 37 every time 12 rotates by a predetermined angle.

The payout control board 37 can grasp the rotation amount of the payout motor 312 based on the signal, and stops the driving of the payout motor 312 when it is determined that a predetermined number of rotations have been performed. On the other hand, the pachinko balls paid out by the rotation of the payout motor 312 are detected by the payout number count switch 314, and the detected number signal is input to the payout control board 37. Based on the detected number signal, the payout control board 37 can grasp the number of pachinko balls actually paid out. Then, if the planned number (for example, 25) is not reached, the payout motor 312 can be rotationally driven again to perform the control for paying out the insufficient amount of pachinko balls.

On the payout control board 37, the ball break switch 1
The out-of-ball signal from 87 is input. According to the input, the payout control board 37 controls the ball-out lamp 52 to turn on or blink. Further, a full tank detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is input to the payout control board 37. When the detection signals from the out-of-ball switch 187 and the full tank switch 48 are input to the payout control board 37, the payout control board 37 determines that the pachinko balls cannot be paid out any more, and the payout motor 312 of the payout motor 312 operates. The rotation drive control is not performed. On the other hand, when the glass frame or the front frame is opened, the door opening information switch 310 detects it, and the detection signal is input to the external terminal board 315. This detection signal is also input to the payout control board 37, and the payout control board 3
In the case of 7, the rotation driving control of the payout motor 312 may not be performed when the input is made.

The main board 31 outputs a command such as prize ball data for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the payout control board 37 in response to the input of the prize winning detection signal.
In the payout control board 37, the payout motor 312 is rotationally driven and controlled in order to pay out a specified number of prize balls according to the command. When the payout control board 37 determines that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signals from the motor position sensor 313 and the payout number count switch 314, the rotation drive control of the payout motor 312 is stopped. During the payout of this prize ball, the payout control board 3
Reference numeral 7 controls lighting or blinking of the prize ball lamp 51.

The player has a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) 5
When is operated, the player's hand comes into contact with the touch ring 308, and a touch detection signal from the touch ring 308 is input to the touch sensor drive circuit 352 of the operation drive circuit board 351. Then, a signal indicating that there is a detection signal of the touch ring 308 is output via the output circuit 354 to the payout control board 37.
Is output to. On the payout control board 37, it can be understood that the player is hitting the ball based on the output signal. Further, when the player operates the single shot firing switch 309 provided beside the hitting ball operation handle 5, the operation signal is input to the detection circuit 353 of the operation drive circuit board 351 and the single shot firing switch 309 is operated. A signal to the effect is output to the payout control board 37 via the output circuit 354. On the payout control board 37, it can be understood that the single shot firing switch 309 has been operated based on the signal. When the firing control board 37 receives a signal indicating that the touch ring 308 has been detected or a signal indicating that the single-shot firing switch 309 has been operated, the full control switch 4
On condition that there is no detection signal from No. 8 and no detection signal from the ball break switch 87, a control signal for rotationally driving the firing motor 94 is output. Then, the firing motor 94 is rotated and the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 7.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Power board 910
Is supplied with a current of AC 24 V, rectifies the alternating current into direct current to generate direct current with a predetermined voltage, and supplies the direct current to the main board 31, the effect control board 80, the payout control board 37, and the like. Main board 3
1 is equipped with a game control microcomputer 53. The game control microcomputer 53 is
CPU 56, ROM 54, RAM 55, I / O port 5
7. A system reset detection circuit 399 is provided. The system reset detection circuit 399 includes a power supply board 9
It is a circuit for system resetting the game control microcomputer 53 when the supply voltage from 10 drops, which will be described in detail later.

To the main board 31, the detection signals from the above-mentioned respective winning opening switches are inputted, and the external terminal board 3 for the game board is inputted.
16. A control signal is output to a solenoid for driving each device.

The production control board 80 has a production control microcomputer 70 and a system reset detection circuit 39.
8 and are mounted. The effect control microcomputer 70 includes a CPU 323, a ROM 320, and a RAM 32.
1, an I / O port 322 is provided. The system reset detection circuit 398 is for system resetting the production control microcomputer 70 when the supply voltage from the power supply board 910 is reduced.

The detection signals from the human body sensors 61 and 62 described above are input to the effect control board 80, and the special symbol display LCD module (special symbol display section) 9 and the indicator of the normal symbol display device (ordinary) Control signals are output to the symbol display portion 10, the lamps / LEDs 28a to 28c, 25a and 25b, the effect solenoid motors 303 and 304, and the speaker 27, respectively. Between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal (command) is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 only in one direction.

On the payout control board 37, a payout control microcomputer 70 and a system reset detection circuit 39 are provided.
7 and are installed. The payout control microcomputer 70 includes a CPU 327, a ROM 324, and a RAM 32.
5, an I / O port 326 is provided. The system reset detection circuit 397 is for resetting the payout control microcomputer 70 to a system when the supply voltage from the power supply board 910 drops. Detection signals are input to the payout control board 37 from the full tank switch 48, the ball cut switch 187, the motor position sensor 313, the payout number count switch 314, the touch ring 308, and the one-shot firing switch 309, respectively, and the payout motor 3
12, sorting solenoid 317, ball out lamp 52, prize ball lamp 51, firing motor 94, external terminal board 315 for frame
Then, a control signal is output respectively. Further, the payout control board 37 communicates with the prepaid card unit 50 via the interface board 311 for ball lending control. The ball lending switch 3 is provided on the interface board 311.
01, the detection signal from the return switch 300 is input,
A lighting or blinking drive signal is output to the ball lending LED 318 and the frequency display LED 302. Although the detection signal of the door opening switch 310 is input to the external terminal board 315 for the frame, it may also be input to the payout control board 37.

A signal for paying out a prize ball is exchanged between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37. Further, on condition that the prepaid card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 are connected by the interface board 311, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted from the prepaid card unit 50 to the payout control board 37. The payout control board 37 monitors that the prepaid card unit 50 is connected based on receiving the connection confirmation signal. When the connection confirmation signal is not input, the payout control board 37 determines that a card unit non-connection error has occurred, and the firing motor 9
The drive control of 4 is not performed. Further, as described above, the payout control board 37 does not control the drive of the firing motor 9i when the full tank switch 48 detects the full tank. Furthermore, unless the touch detection signal from the touch ring 308 is input to the payout control board 37, the payout control board 37 does not drive-control the firing motor 94, but when the touch detection signal from the touch ring 308 is input. Even with a single shot switch 309
The drive control of the firing motor 94 is not performed during the period in which the single shot detection signal from is input.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for payout control of prize balls. When the winning ball detection signals from the various winning opening switches are input to the switch input circuit 58 of the main board 31, the payout control signal output circuit 31 of the main board 31.
Prize ball data (command) that specifies the number of payouts from 9
Is sent to the payout control signal input circuit 328 of the payout control board 37. Then, the payout control board 37 performs control for paying out the specified number of prize balls.
At that time, on the condition that the out-of-ball detection signal from the out-of-bulb switch 187 is not input to the switch input circuit 331 and the full-tank detection signal from the full-tank switch 48 is not input to the switch input circuit 331, The prize ball payout control is started. In the payout control of the prize ball, the motor drive circuit 330 outputs a motor drive control signal to the payout motor 312. As a result, the payout motor 312 rotates, and thereby the prize ball is paid out. The rotation amount of the payout motor 312 is detected by the motor position sensor 313. The motor position sensor 313 outputs a detection signal to the motor position sensor detection circuit 329 every time the payout motor 312 rotates by a predetermined angle. Thereby, the payout control board 3
7 is capable of grasping the rotation amount of the payout motor 312, and stops the output of the motor drive control signal from the motor drive circuit 330 when the rotation amount has reached the amount enough to pay out the specified number of prize balls. Let However, when the payout control board 37 determines that the payout number is insufficient based on the payout number count signal transmitted from the payout number count switch 314 to the switch input circuit 331,
A payout motor 31 for paying out the shortage of prize balls
2 is driven to control the payout of the insufficient balls.

Lamp drive circuit 332 of payout control board 37
The prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 are connected to the prize ball lamp 51, and a prize ball lamp lighting or blinking control signal is output to the prize ball lamp 51 from the prize ball payout lamp driving circuit 332. If the ball-out signal from the ball-out switch 187 is input to the switch input circuit 331 due to lack of pachinko balls to be delivered, the lamp drive circuit 332 outputs the ball-out lamp 5.
A control signal for lighting or blinking 2 is output.

The payout control board 37 is provided with an error release switch 333 and an error notification 7-segment display 334. 7-segment display for error notification 33
Various error causes are displayed in 4. For example, when the number of pachinko balls in the gaming machine tank 38 is insufficient and the ball deficiency sensor 167 detects it, an error cause notification (for example, error cause code "1") indicating that the tank is out of balls is issued. When the pachinko balls are replenished to the gaming machine tank 38 and the ball deficiency sensor 167 does not detect the ball deficiency, the tank ball out error is released. When the surplus ball receiving tray 4 is filled with pachinko balls and full tank detection is performed by the full tank switch 48, a cause notification (for example, error cause code "2") indicating that the lower tray is full is made. This lower plate full tank error is released when the pachinko balls in the surplus ball tray 4 are discharged to the outside and the full tank switch 48 no longer detects a full tank.

When ball clogging occurs in the payout unit (ball payout device) 97, an error cause notification indicating that a ball clogging error has occurred (for example, error cause code "3") is issued. In this case, the error state is released by software reset by pressing the error release switch 333 after removing the ball bite.
Motor position sensor 3 of payout unit (ball payout device) 97
When disconnection or short circuit of 13 occurs, an error cause notification (for example, error cause code "4") indicating that a motor position sensor error has occurred is given. When the payout number count switch 314 is broken or short-circuited, an error cause notification (for example, error cause code "5") indicating that a payout number count switch error has occurred is given. In the case of these motor position sensor error and payout number count switch error, the error release switch 3
It is released by pressing 33.

When a non-connection error with the prepaid card unit 50 occurs, an error cause notification to that effect (for example, error cause code "6") is issued. This error is canceled by connecting with the prepaid card unit 50. When a communication error with the prepaid card unit 50 occurs, an error cause notification indicating that the communication error has occurred (for example, error cause code “7”) is given. This communication error is automatically recovered after a certain period of time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37. Referring to FIG. 7A, the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on and the main board 31
When the CPU 56 becomes ready for the control operation, the power supply confirmation signal is input from the output circuit 57a to the input circuit 326a of the payout control board 37. This power supply confirmation signal changes from LOW to HI when the power supply rises and the CPU 56 becomes controllable, as shown in FIG. 7B. On the other hand, if it is detected that the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off, the power supply confirmation signal changes from HI to LOW.

R from the output circuit 57a to the input circuit 326a
The EQ signal is output. This REQ signal changes from HI to LOW when the prize ball payout request is output from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. After that, the output circuit 5
The payout number signal (prize ball data) is input from the input circuit 326 from 7a.
a is transmitted. This payout number signal transmission line is composed of four wires, and one to one as 4-bit data.
The five payout amount data are transmitted to the input circuit 326a. In the payout control board 37, the REQ signal changes from HI to L.
The change in OW is detected, and the process of taking in the payout number signal is started. That is. The REQ signal is also used as a take-in command signal for instructing to take in the payout number signal.

The prize balls of the number designated by the payout number signal are paid out, and when the payout is completed, the BUSY signal is input from the output circuit 326b to the input circuit 57.
Input to the CPU 56 via b. The BUSY signal changes from LOW to HI when the REQ signal changes from HI to LOW to receive the payout request, and notifies the main board 31 that the payout request is received and the payout state is in progress. . When the payout control of the number of prize balls designated by the payout control board 37 is completed, the BUSY
The notification that the signal has changed from HI to LOW and the payout is completed is sent to the main board 31. The main board 31 receives the signal indicating the completion of the payout, and then sends the REQ signal to the LO signal.
Change from W to HI.

These power supply confirmation signal, BUSY signal, RE
The Q signal is designed to convey certain information by the change from HI to LOW, and convey other information by the change from LOW to HI. Instead of this, the certain information is transmitted by a separate signal (signal line). And other information may be transmitted. For example, in the case of the BUSY signal, the fact that the payout request is received and the payout operation is being performed and the fact that the payout is completed may be transmitted by separate signals (signal lines).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for explaining the ball lending control. The prepaid card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 are the interface board 3
Signals can be communicated via 11. The prepaid card unit 50, the return switch 300, and the ball lending switch 301 are electrically connected via an interface board 311. And
The player has a ball lending switch 301 or a return switch 305.
When is pressed, the pressing operation signal is input to the prepaid card unit 50 via the interface board 311. If the player inserts a prepaid card into the prepaid card unit 50 and presses the ball lending switch 301, a lending request signal is sent to the interface board 31.
1 to the prepaid card unit communication circuit 396 of the payout control board 37.

When the payout control board 37 is ready to lend a ball after receiving the signal, a payout preparation signal is sent from the prepaid card unit communication circuit 396 via the interface board 311 to the prepaid card unit 50. Reply to. Prepaid card unit 50
Then, in response to the reply of the preparation signal, a lending command signal of a unit number (for example, a number corresponding to 100 yen) is transmitted to the prepaid card unit communication circuit 396 via the interface board 311. In the payout control board 37, the motor drive circuit 330 is used to pay out a unit number (a number corresponding to 100 yen) of prize balls based on the lending command signal.
Outputs a signal for driving the payout motor to the payout motor 312. Then, when the payout of the balls for the unit number is completed, the lending completion signal is transmitted from the prepaid card unit communication circuit 396 to the prepaid card unit 50 via the interface board 311. By paying out this unit number of times a plurality of times, it is possible to pay out balls for the planned number of payouts.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining firing control. Prepaid card unit 50
And the interface circuit 389 of the payout control board 37 are communicably connected. The full tank detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is input to the switch input circuit 331. A single shot operation signal from the single shot switch 309 is input to the detection circuit 353 of the operation drive circuit board 351. Then, a signal indicating that the single shot switch 309 has been operated is transmitted from the output circuit 354 to the switch input circuit 331. The touch detection signal of the touch ring 308 is input to the touch sensor drive circuit (touch sensor circuit) 352 of the operation drive circuit board 351. Then, a signal indicating that contact with the touch ring 308 has been detected is transmitted from the output circuit 354 to the touch input circuit 388.

In the payout control board 37, the prepaid card unit 50 is connected to the payout control board 37 and a connection confirmation signal is input to the interface circuit 389.
In addition, the full-fill detection signal from the full-fill switch 48 is not input to the switch input circuit 331, and the signal indicating that the single-shot firing operation by the single-shot launch switch 309 is performed is input to the switch input circuit 331. And
The motor drive control signal is output from the motor drive circuit 330 to the firing motor 94 only when the signal indicating that the contact with the touch ring 308 is detected is input to the touch input circuit 388. This causes the ball to be fired.

On the other hand, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on and the main board 31 is in a state where the gaming state of the gaming machine can be controlled, the main board 31 transmits a power supply confirmation signal to the payout control board 37. (391) is made. The payout control board 37 receives the power supply confirmation signal and confirms it (3
Only when 90) is completed, the motor drive circuit 330 permits the output of the motor drive control signal to the payout motor 94.
As a result, at the moment when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, and the main board 31 is not in a state where the gaming state of the gaming machine can be controlled yet, the launch motor from the motor drive circuit 330 of the payout control board 37 It is possible to prevent the pachinko ball from being emitted to the game area 7 by the drive control circuit being output to 94 and winning the pachinko ball to various winning holes. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the main board 31 does not perform the game control due to the winning because the detection signals of the winning balls that have won the various winning openings are ignored even though the main board 31 is not in the controllable state. .

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining power supply. The power supply board 910 has a RAM
The clear switch 387, the power switch 386, the smoothing circuit 385, the rectifier circuit 384, and the switching circuit 3
83 and 384 and a backup circuit 383a are provided. AC24V external current is the power switch 386
Is supplied to the smoothing circuit 385 from the power switch 386. The smoothing circuit 385 smoothes the AC of 24 V AC, outputs the smoothed current VLP to the outside, and also supplies it to the rectifier circuit 384. The rectifying circuit 384 rectifies the smoothed current to output the rectified current VSL to the outside and also supplies it to the switching circuit 383. In the switching circuit 383, the rectified current is converted into + 12V DC VD.
D output to the outside and switching circuit 384
Also supply to. The switching circuit 384 converts the supplied + 12V direct current into a + 5V direct current VCC for external output and also supplies it to the backup circuit 383a. The backup circuit 383a externally outputs the supplied DC VCC as VBB.

AC24V from the power switch 386 is
It is supplied to the prepaid card unit 5 through the payout control board 37 and the fuse 374 of the interface board 311. The VLP from the smoothing circuit 385 is produced by the production control board 8.
0 to the lamp power supply 372. The VSL from the rectifier circuit 384 is supplied to the solenoid power source 382 of the main board 31, the motor power source of the payout control board 37, the solenoid power source 377,
It is supplied to the LED power supply, motor power supply, and solenoid power supply of the arithmetic and control board 80. V from the switching circuit 383
The DD is supplied to the sensor power supply 381 of the main board 31, the sensor power supply 376 of the payout control board 37, the amplifier power supply, the LED power supply, and the IC power generation 371 of the arithmetic and control board 80.
The VCC from the switching circuit 384 is supplied to the IC power supply 380 of the main board 31 and the IC power supply 375 of the payout control board 37. The VBB from the backup circuit 383a is supplied to the back amplifier power supply 379 of the main board 31. The main circuit board 31 uses the backup power source 379 for RAM
55 is backed up.

The power switch 386 provided on the power board 910 is operated to turn the power on and off.
Can be switched. By operating the RAM clear switch 387 of the power supply board 910, the operation signal CLR is input to the port input 378 of the main board 31.
The RAM clear switch 387 can clear the RAM 55 of the main board 31 by operating only when the power is turned on.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the main board when the power is turned on and off. The main board 31 is provided with a power cutoff detection circuit 370 and a system reset detection circuit 399. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the above-mentioned switching circuit 384
If the voltage of VCC from the above gradually rises and exceeds a predetermined voltage, the power supply voltage of the IC power supply 380 of the main board 31 becomes a predetermined voltage or more, and the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 enters a system reset state. This VC
C is a system reset detection circuit 399 of the main board 31.
Is also supplied to the CPU 56, the RES (reset signal) is sent from the system reset detection circuit 399 to the CPU when a predetermined system reset time elapses after VCC reaches a voltage for setting the CPU 56 in the system reset state.
56 is input. Then, in the CPU 56, the system reset state is released and the security check process described later is started. When it is determined as appropriate as a result of the security check, the CPU 56 enters the user mode (see FIG. 24) described later, and the pachinko gaming machine 1
The game state of becomes a controlled state. The start of this user mode program is the game control microcomputer 5
The game control by 3 is started.

The case where the power is temporarily or permanently cut off due to a power failure after the power is turned on will be described below. The VSL from the rectifier circuit 384 described above is applied to the power-off processing detection circuit 370 of the main board 31. When the power is off, this VSL also gradually drops in voltage. When the voltage drops below a predetermined voltage, the power-off processing detection circuit 370 causes the CPU 5
An interrupt signal is output to the interrupt terminal 6 and the CPU 5
A signal indicating that the power supply is cut off is also output to the input port of No. 6. When the interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal, the CPU 56 enters the interrupt state and performs the power-off process described later. During the power-off process, the above-mentioned power supply confirmation signal is set to LOW. The interrupt state when the interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal is an interrupt having a higher priority than the timer interrupt process (see S9 and S3c).

When the power supply voltage returns to the normal voltage and the VSL voltage gradually rises and becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage, the interrupt signal from the power-off processing detection circuit 370 is released and the input port of the CPU 56 is released. The power-off signal of is also cleared.
Then, the CPU 56 detects the release of the power-off signal to the input port, releases the power-off processing state described above, and returns to the normal user mode state. Simultaneously with the return to the user mode, the CPU 56 returns the power supply confirmation signal described above to HI again. Instead of inputting an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, the NMI having the highest interrupt priority is used.
CP (non-maskable interrupt)
U56 may be in the power-off processing state described above.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific control circuit for the system reset and power-off processing shown in FIG. The main board 31 is provided with a CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 and a system reset detection circuit 399. As shown in FIG. 12, VSL from the power supply board is input to the power-off processing detection circuit 370. When VSL falls below a predetermined voltage, both outputs of the power-off processing detection circuit 370 change from LOW to HI. The HI signal is input to the interrupt terminal and the input port of the CPU 56. By the input of the HI level signal to the interrupt terminal, the CPU 56 enters the interrupt state and enters the power-off processing state described above. It should be noted that the power-off processing detection circuit 370 has one output terminal, the output signal from the one output terminal is branched into two, and one is input to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 56 and the other is input to the input port of the CPU 56. You may do it.

The system reset detection circuit 399 includes:
A system reset circuit 65 is provided. Reset IC 651 provided in the system reset circuit 65
When the power is turned on, the output is set to the low level for a predetermined time determined by the capacity of the capacitor 652, and the output is set to the high level when the predetermined time (reset time) has elapsed. As a result, the CPU 56 becomes operable after a predetermined time (reset time) has elapsed, and first performs the security check process. If the result of the security check process is judged to be inappropriate, an error will occur,
When it is determined to be appropriate, the user mode is set, and the control state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes controllable.

Further, the reset IC 651 monitors the above-mentioned power supply voltage VCC and generates a low level voltage drop signal when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Therefore, the CPU
56 is reset to the system when the voltage is further reduced after the power-off processing state is first set in response to the input of the interrupt signal to the CTC.

As shown in FIG. 12, the reset IC 651 is used.
The reset signal from is input to the NAND circuit 947 (logical product circuit) and the inverting circuit (NOT circuit) 9
It is input to the clear terminal of the counter IC 941 via 44. The counter IC 941 counts the clock signal from the oscillator 943 when the input to the clear terminal becomes low level. Then, the Q5 output of the counter IC 941 is passed through the NOT circuits 945 and 946 to the NAND circuit 94.
Input to 7. The Q6 output of the counter IC 941 is input to the clock terminal of the flip-flop (FF) 942. The D input of the flip-flop 942 is fixed at a high level, and the Q output is an OR circuit (OR circuit) 94.
9 is input. The other input of the OR circuit 949 has N
The output of the AND circuit 947 is introduced via the NOT circuit 948. The output of the OR circuit 949 is the CPU 56.
It is connected to the reset terminal of. With this configuration, the reset terminal (low level signal) is applied twice to the reset terminal of the CPU 56 when the power is turned on.
The CPU 56 surely starts the operation.

At least a part of the RAM is backed up by the backup power supply supplied from the power supply board while the power is not supplied from the + 5V power supply which is the drive power supply of the CPU 56 and the like, even if the power supply to the game machine is cut off. Is saved. And when the + 5V power supply is restored,
Since the reset signal is issued from the system reset circuit 65, the CPU 56 returns to the normal operating state. At that time, since necessary backup storage information is saved, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure or the like.

In FIG. 12, when the power is turned on, the CPU 5
Although the configuration in which the reset signal (low level signal) is applied twice to the reset terminal of 6 is shown, when using a CPU that is surely released from the reset even if the reset signal rises only once. , Reference numerals 941 to 94
The circuit element indicated by 9 is unnecessary. In that case, the output of the reset IC 651 is directly connected to the reset terminal of the CPU 56.

The delay time (reset time) defined by the capacity of the external capacitor 652 of the reset IC 651 starts when the power supply from the power supply board 910 starts and each board (effect control board 80, payout control board 37). Has secured enough time to start completely. This allows
The inconvenience that the board to be output is not operating when the CPU 56 of the game control means outputs the control command and the control according to the command cannot be solved is solved. Specifically, the delay time (reset time) of the main board 31 is the longest, and then the delay time (reset time) of the effect control board 80.
Is the longest and the shortest is the delay time (reset time) of the payout control board 37.

In addition to the external capacitor 652, a delay circuit may be provided in the signal line for transmitting the signal output from the reset IC 651 to the CPU 56, and the standby process may be performed at the start of the process of the CPU 56. Further, the power supply board 910 may be provided with means for managing the system reset of each board, and the power supply board 910 side may manage the startup order.

Further, the system reset circuit 65 is
The configuration may include an initial reset circuit that outputs a system reset signal to the CPU when power supply is started, and a power supply monitoring circuit that stops the operation of the CPU when a voltage drop is detected.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the CPU 56 on the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the CPU 56 is executed in the main processing.
First, necessary initialization is performed (step S1).

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the processing of the data in the backup RAM area (NMI processing of power failure occurrence such as load of parity data in this example) is performed at the time of power off (step S2). When an unexpected power failure occurs, processing for protecting the data in the backup RAM area is performed as described later. When such a protection process is performed, it is assumed that there is a backup. If the confirmation result is that there is no backup, initial processing is executed (step S3). In this example, backup R
Whether or not there is backup data in the AM area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is turned off. In this example, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, it means that there is no backup (off state). If the RAM clear switch 387 is operated when the power is turned on, it is determined in S2 that there is no backup.

When backup data is stored in the backup RAM area, the CPU 56 is used in this embodiment.
Performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S4). Further, in this step S4, the checksum for checking the RAM contents generated in the power interruption interrupt process described later is also checked. If the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area must have been saved, so the check result is normal. If the check result is not normal, it is not possible to return the internal state to the state when the power was cut off, so the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on, not when the power is restored, is executed (steps S5, S).
3).

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state recovery process for returning the internal state to the state at the time of power off (step S6). Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 42, when the value of the backup flag is set to "55H" and the check result is normal, the process proceeds to the game state recovery process of step S6. Then, the program is returned to the address pointed to by the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area (step S7).

Execution of normal initialization processing (step S2,
When S3) ends, the main process executed by the CPU 56 shifts to a loop process in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S9) is confirmed. In the loop, the display random number updating process (step S8) is also executed.

In this embodiment, step S2
After confirming the presence or absence of backup data with, the backup area was checked in step S4 if the backup data exists, but after confirming that the backup area check result is normal. Alternatively, the presence / absence of backup data may be confirmed. Further, it may be configured to determine whether or not to execute the power failure recovery process by confirming either the presence or absence of backup data or the check of the backup area.

In a normal initialization process, a RAM clear process is performed as shown in FIG. 14 (step S3).
a). Then, based on the address value of the work area initialization table, a predetermined work area (for example, random symbol counter for normal symbol determination, normal symbol determination buffer, special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, payout command storage pointer, etc.) An initial value setting process (step S3b) for setting a value is performed. Then, the power confirmation signal is set to HI (step S3b '). As a result, FIGS.
As described above, the HI level power supply confirmation signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. Then 2ms
Initial setting of the timer register provided in the CPU 56 so that a timer interrupt is taken periodically every time (the timeout is 2 ms and the setting that the repeat timer operates)
Is performed (step S3c). That is, in step S3c, the process of activating the timer interrupt and the process of setting the timer interrupt interval are executed. And
In the initial setting process (step S1), an interrupt is prohibited (see FIG.
5), the interrupt is permitted before the initialization processing is completed (step S3d).

Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU
56 internal timers are set to generate a repeat timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is 2 ms.
Is set to. When a timer interrupt occurs, CP
U56 sets the timer interrupt flag.

When the CPU 56 detects in step S9 that the timer interrupt flag is set, it resets the timer interrupt flag (step S1).
0), game control processing is executed (step S11). By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process,
The game control process is executed in the main process, but the game control process in the timer interrupt process may be executed.

As described above, it is determined whether or not the power-off state is restored depending on the presence or absence of backup data, so that when the power is turned on at the time of power restoration after a power failure, backup is performed. Depending on the contents of the data storage area, it is possible to determine whether or not to restore the power-off state. Therefore, it is possible to realize the control based on the backup data and prevent the unnecessary restoration process from being executed.

Further, by determining whether or not to restore to the state at the time of power off according to the state of backup data, the backup data storage area is provided when the power is turned on when the power is restored after a power failure. It is possible to determine whether or not the power-off state will be restored depending on the state of the contents. Therefore, it is possible to realize the control based on the normal backup data and prevent the execution of the recovery process based on the backup data in which the abnormality has occurred.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the game control processing of step S11. In the game control process,
The CPU 56 firstly, via the switch circuit 58, the gate sensor 12, the starting opening sensor 17, the count sensor 23.
And enter the state of the winning opening switch 19a, 24a,
It is determined whether or not there is a winning for each winning opening or winning device (switch processing: step S21).

Subsequently, an abnormality diagnosis process is performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S22).

Next, a process of updating each counter showing each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 56 further
A process for updating a display random number such as a random number for determining the type of the stop symbol is performed (step S24).

Further, the CPU 56 carries out special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process control, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Also, a normal symbol process process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 in a predetermined order by the 7-segment LED. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state.

Further, the CPU 56 outputs a special symbol control command or a normal symbol control command after performing a process of setting a special symbol control command or a normal symbol signal command sent to the display control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55. Perform the process (Special symbol command control process:
Step S27, normal symbol command control processing: step S28).

Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port (data output process: step S29). The CPU5
6 also performs other processing such as output data setting processing for setting output data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hall management computer in the storage area.

Further, CPU 56 issues a drive command to solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S30). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16 and 21 according to the drive command, and the variable winning ball device 19
Alternatively, the opening / closing plate 22 is opened or closed. Also,
The CPU 56 sets, for example, the number of prize balls based on the detection of each winning opening such as the winning opening 24 (step S3).
1). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the payout control command is output to the payout control board 37. Discharge control board 37
The payout control CPU 327 mounted on the drive the ball payout device 97 in response to the payout control command.

As described above, the main process includes the process of determining whether or not to shift to the game control process, and the CPU
In the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that the 56 internal timers regularly generate, a flag for determining whether or not to shift to the game control process is set, so that all of the game control process is surely performed. To be executed. In other words, until all of the game control processing is executed, it is not determined whether or not to move to the next game control processing, so it is guaranteed that all the processing in the game control processing is completed. Has been done.

The conventional general game control process has been forced to return to the initial state by an external interrupt that occurs periodically. Explaining according to the example shown in FIG. 15, for example, even during the process of step S31, the process is forcibly returned to the process of step S21. That is, there is a possibility that the next game control process will be started before all the processes in the game control process are completed.

Here, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is used.
The game control process executed by is executed according to the flag set in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that occurs periodically in the internal timer of the CPU 56, but the signal is periodically (for example, every 2 ms). A hardware circuit for generating is provided, a signal from the circuit is introduced to an external interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, and a flag for determining whether or not to shift to the game control processing by the interrupt signal may be set. Good.

Even in the case of such a configuration, the determination of the flag is not performed until all the game control processing is executed, so that all the respective processings in the game control processing can be completed. Guaranteed.

The winning ball signal processing in step S31 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the power interruption interrupt processing executed in response to the interruption signal to the interruption terminal based on the voltage change signal from the power supply monitoring circuit of the power supply board 910. Since the power interruption interrupt process is an interrupt having a higher priority than the timer interrupt process (see S9 and S3c) as described above, even when the timer interrupt is in progress, S41a to
The power-off process of S53 is performed. In the power interruption interrupt processing, the CPU 56 first outputs the power confirmation signal described above to the LO state.
Set to W (step S41a). In order to back up the interrupt enable / disable state just before the power failure such as power failure,
The contents of the interrupt prohibition flag are stored in the parity flag (step S41). Then, the interruption is set to be prohibited (step S42). In the power interruption processing, a checksum is generated in order to ensure that the RAM contents are saved. If another interrupt process is performed during that process, the voltage may drop to a voltage at which the CPU cannot operate before the checksum generation process is completed. Is set so that no The check of the generated checksum is performed in S4 of FIG. 13 as described above. Note that steps S44 to S50 in the power interruption interrupt process are an example of the power supply stop process.

Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the backup flag has already been set (step S).
42). If the backup flag has already been set, no further processing will be performed. If the backup set is not set, the following power supply stop process is executed. That is, steps S44 to S55
The process of is executed.

First, the contents of each register are backed up R
Step S44) of storing in the AM area. Then, the backup flag is set (step S45). Then, an appropriate initial value is set in the backup check data area of the backup RAM area (step S46), and the initial value and the data of the backup RAM area are sequentially exclusive-ORed and then inverted (step S47) to finally obtain the final value. The calculated value is set in the backup parity data area (step S48). Further, the RAM access prohibition state is set (step S49). Further, all output ports are turned off (step S50). When the power supply voltage is lowered, the levels of various signal lines may become unstable and the contents of RAM may be corrupted. If the RAM access is prohibited in this way, backup R
The data in AM will not be corrupted.

Next, the control advances to step S51, and it is judged whether or not there is a power-off signal of the input port. Figure 1
As described in 1, the power-off signal from the power-off processing detection circuit 370 is input to the input port of the CPU 56 when the power is shut off. As a result, in the power-off state, YES is determined in step S51 and the program enters the loop processing. If the power-off state is released, the power-off signal is not input from the power-off processing detection circuit 370.
Therefore, a NO determination is made and the process proceeds to step S52, and the above-described process of setting the power supply confirmation signal to HI is performed. Next, the process proceeds to step S53, and a process of clearing the backup flag is performed.

As described above, the backup flag set after storing the contents of the register in the RAM area indicates whether or not there is backup data to be restored when the power is turned on (whether or not to restore from a power failure). Used in determining. The processing of steps S41 to S51 is completed before the CPU 56 receives the system reset signal from the system reset circuit 65.

In this embodiment, the backup flag is confirmed during the power-off process. When the backup flag has already been set, the power supply stop process is not executed. As described above, the backup flag is a flag indicating that the backup of the necessary data is completed and then the power supply stoppage process is completed.
Therefore, for example, even if an interrupt occurs again for some reason in the loop state of step S51, the power supply stoppage process will not be duplicated.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the game state restoration processing shown in step S6 of FIG. In this example, the CPU 56 restores the value stored in the backup RAM to each register (step S).
61). Then, based on the data stored in the backup RAM, the game state at the time of power failure is confirmed and restored. That is, based on the data stored in the backup RAM, the solenoid 3 is connected via the solenoid circuit.
06 and 307 are driven to restore the starting winning opening 14 and the like (steps S62 and S63). In addition, depending on the value of the special symbol process flag and the normal symbol process flag that were driven even when the power was turned off, a control command corresponding to the progress status of the special symbol process processing and the normal symbol process processing when the power was turned off, It is sent to the production control board 80 (step S64). Next, the power confirmation signal is set to the HI level (step S64).
a). When the gaming state is restored to the state when the power is cut off, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 restores the interrupt permission / prohibition state at the time of the previous power cutoff, so that the backup RAM
The value of the parity flag stored in is confirmed (step S65). If the parity flag is clear, an interrupt permission setting is made (step S66). On the other hand, if the parity flag is on, the game state recovery process is finished as it is (while keeping the interrupt prohibited state set in step S1a).

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the payout control CPU 327. The program as the control data shown in this flowchart is a ROM
324. In the main process, the payout control CPU 327 first performs necessary initialization (step S701). Next, initialization processing is executed (steps S702 and S703).

Execution of normal initialization processing (step S70)
When 3) is obtained, the main processing executed by the payout control CPU 327 starts the timer interrupt flag (step S
Then, the processing shifts to the group processing where the confirmation of step 708) is performed.

In normal initialization processing, the register and R
AM clearing processing and initial value setting are performed. Since the interrupt is prohibited in the initial setting process, the interrupt is permitted before the initialization process is completed.

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 3
Twenty-seven internal timers (CH3) are set to generate repeated timer interrupts. Also, the repetition cycle is set to 2 ms. Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, the payout control CPU 327 sets a timer interrupt flag. In the 2ms timer interrupt process, if necessary, CH
The initial value is reset for the register of No. 3.

The payout control CPU 327 determines in step S7.
When it is detected in 08 that the timer interrupt flag is set, the timer interrupt flag is reset (step S709) and the payout control process is executed (step S710). According to the above control, in this embodiment, the payout control process is activated every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process and the main process is executed in the payout control process, but the payout control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the payout control process of step S710. In the payout control process, the payout control CPU 327 first causes the ball out switch 18
7, full tank switch 48, payout number counting switch 3
It is determined whether or not the detection signal from 14 is input (switch: step S751).

Next, the payout control CPU 327 confirms a signal input state from a sensor (for example, a motor position sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the payout motor 289) and determines the state of the sensor (input determination processing: Step S7
52). The payout control CPU 327 further analyzes the received payout control command, and executes processing according to the analysis result (command analysis execution processing: step S753).

Next, the payout control CPU 327 receives at least one of a signal input from the out-of-ball switch 187 indicating that a ball has run out and an input signal from the full tank switch 48 indicating that the ball is full. For example, the payout stop state is set, and when both of these inputs are eliminated, the payout stop state is canceled (step S754). Further, in step S754, the state of the above-described power supply confirmation signal sent from the main board 31 is monitored. When the power supply confirmation signal is LOW, the payout control CPU 327 is in a standby state (stop state), and is in a state in which no control is performed. This standby state will be described later in detail.

Next, the payout control CPU 327 performs a prepaid card unit control process (step S75).
5). In step S755, the connection state with the prepaid card unit 50 is monitored, and if the connection is not established, the firing stop state setting process is performed, and the ball cannot be fired.

Further, the payout control CPU 327 controls the payout of the balls in response to the ball lending request (step S75).
6). Further, the payout control CPU 327 performs a prize ball control process for paying out the number of prize balls stored in the total number storage (step S757). And the payout control CPU 3
27 is a payout motor 2 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72.
The drive signal is output toward 89, and the payout motor control process is performed via the rotation amount payout motor 289 set in the ball lending control process of step S756 or the prize ball control process of step S757 (step S758).

Next, the control advances to step S758a, and if the player performs a hit ball operation and a touch detection signal is input from the touch ring 308, the firing motor drive circuit 33 is generated.
A firing drive control signal is output from 0 to the firing motor 94 (see FIG. 9), and firing control processing is performed. In other words, the payout control microcomputer receives the control start signal and satisfies a predetermined launchable condition (card unit 50).
Connection, input of a touch detection signal from the touch ring 308, and full tank detection by the full tank switch 48) are established), a drive signal is output to the firing drive means. It is to be noted that, in step S758a, when a predetermined firing enable condition (connection of the card unit 50, input of a touch detection signal from the touch ring 308, full tank detection by the full tank switch 48 is not performed) is satisfied, A firing drive state signal indicating the drive state of the firing motor 94 may be output to the substrate 31 from the output circuit 326b. That is, the payout control microcomputer receives the control start signal, and performs a predetermined firing condition (connection of the card unit 50, input of a touch detection signal from the touch ring 308, full tank detection by the full tank switch 48). If not) is established, a launch drive state signal indicating the drive state of the launch drive means is output to the game control board.

In this embodiment, the payout motor 2
A stepping motor is used as 89, and a 1-2 layer excitation method is used to control the payout motor 289. Therefore, specifically, in the payout motor control process, eight types of excitation pattern data are repeatedly output to the payout motor 289. Further, in this embodiment, each excitation pattern data is output by 4 ms.

Next, error detection processing is performed, and the above-mentioned various error causes are displayed on the error notification 7-segment display 334 according to the result (error: step S759).

A process for controlling an information signal output from an external connection terminal (not shown) is performed (output process: step S
760). The information signal is a signal that is turned on for a predetermined time for each payout unit of rental balls (for example, 25 pieces), and then turned off for a predetermined time.

20 to 23 are timing charts for explaining the specific contents of the winning ball signal processing in step S31. First, FIG. 20 shows a timing chart during normal operation.

After the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
As described above, the power supply confirmation signal from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 is switched to the HI level after a predetermined period. At the same time, the REQ signal sent from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 is switched to the HI level. In this state, if a game ball wins a prize hole (for example, a start prize hole 14) defined to pay out five prize balls, the REQ signal is switched to LOW, and the payout request is issued from the main board 31. It is sent to the substrate 37.

At the same time when the REQ signal is switched to LOW, the payout number signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. In this case, five payout number signals are transmitted. Then, the payout control board 37 displays the BUSY signal (see FIG. 7).
(Refer to) is switched to the HI level, and the main board 31 is notified that the payout request is accepted and the payout operation is in progress. Next, the payout control board 37 drives and controls the payout motor 312, and 5
The payout motor 312 is rotationally controlled by an amount of rotation required for paying out individual prize balls.

Then, the prize ball is paid out, the prize ball is detected by the payout number count switch 314, and the detection signal is input to the payout control board 37 as a payout signal. The payout control board 37 counts the pulse signal of the payout number counting switch, and when it has confirmed that five pieces have been paid out, it switches the BUSY signal to LOW and notifies the main board 31 that the payout is completed. To do. Then, the main board 3
At 1, the REQ signal that has been switched to LOW is switched to HI level, and the request for payout is stopped.

On the other hand, in the request in which the REQ signal is switched to LOW, when 15 hitting balls are won in the payout opening for paying out, the notification of the completion of the payout of the last 5 prize balls is given. After that, the REQ signal is switched to LOW again to issue a payout request. Then, in the same manner as described above, the payout control board 37 controls the payout of 15 prize balls, and when it is completed, the BUSY signal is set to LO.
Switch to W.

The number of payouts that the main board 31 transmits at one time is 1
The maximum number is 5, and the next payout request is made after the payout control board 37 notifies the payout completion regarding the requested payout.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing the control operation when there is a request for payout of prize balls during ball lending. When the payout motor 312 is rotating for the ball lending in response to the ball lending command from the card unit 50, for example, the REQ signal from the main board 31 is received when the winning slot for paying 15 balls is won. Even if there is a payout request (request) for switching to LOW, the payout control board 37 continues the ball lending control operation, and after the ball lending control operation is completed, the BUSY signal is switched to the HI level and the ball is paid out. The main board 31 is notified that the request has been received.

In the main board 31, while the payout control board 37 is performing the ball lending control operation, the state in which the REQ signal is switched to LOW is maintained, the payout request state is continued, and 12 payouts are made. The payout number signal indicating the number is continuously output. The payout control board 37 switches the BUSY signal to the HI level when the above-mentioned ball lending control operation is completed, and notifies the main board 31 that a payout request for 15 prize balls has been received. Then, the payout motor 312 is rotationally controlled to control the payout of 15 prize balls, and when the payout is completed, the BUSY signal is switched to LOW to notify the main board 31 of the completion of the payout. After receiving this notification, the main board 31 switches the REQ signal to the HI level and stops the output of the payout number signal.

As described above, the payout control board 37 does not accept the payout request until the ball lending control operation is completed even if the prize ball payout request is made during the ball lending, and the ball lending control operation is completed. At the stage, the payout request for the prize ball is accepted.

FIG. 22 shows a timing chart of control in which the payout control board 37 corrects and compensates for a shortage of the number of paid-out balls. The payout control board 37, which has received the request signal for paying 15 pieces from the main board 31,
The payout motor 312 is rotationally controlled by the amount of rotation of 15 payouts. Nevertheless, if the detection signal from the payout number count switch 314 is sent to only the detection signal for, for example, 14 pieces, the payout motor 312 is driven to rotate again, and the shortage of one piece is detected. Rotation control is performed. As a result, if one insufficient prize ball is detected by the payout number count switch 314 and the detection signal is input to the payout control board 37, it is determined that the payout is completed at that stage. , BUSY signal is switched to LOW.

In this way, the payout control board 37 rotates the payout motor by the required number of rotations, and if the detection result by the payout number count switch 314 has not reached the requested number, the payout control board 37 sets 1 The correction payout control is performed individually. Further, even if the correction payout control for a certain fixed number is performed, if the payout result for the requested number of payouts is not obtained, the payout is stopped and the error state is set. The cause of this error state is, for example, the payout motor 3
Twelve idle rotations, an abnormality of the payout number count switch 314, an abnormality of the payout control board 37, and the like are possible.

FIG. 23 shows a timing chart of the operation when the power is cut off during payout. A game ball wins the payout opening for paying out 15 prize balls, and the payout motor 3
When the power is cut off while the 12 is rotating for paying out 15 detection balls, the power confirmation signal from the main board 31 is switched to LOW. In response to the switching of the power supply confirmation signal to LOW, the payout control board 37 enters the standby state (stop state) as described above (see the description of S754) and stops the rotation drive control of the payout motor 312. In this case, if the number of unpaid gift balls is present, the memory of the unpaid quantity is erased because the payout control board 37 is not backed up, and the unpaid quantity is not paid out even when the power is restored. Not done.
When this power-off state occurs, the output of the payout number signal from the main board 31 is stopped, and the BU from the payout control board 37 is stopped.
The SY signal becomes LOW.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the operating states of the main board 31, the payout control board 37, and the effect control board 80 when the power is turned on and off.
When the power is turned on, as shown in the figure, the power supply board 910.
The voltage VSL supplied from the rectifier circuit 384 gradually increases. Then, when the voltage that can be generated by VCC shown in is reached, the voltage V
CC gradually begins to rise. When the voltage VCC reaches the system reset detection voltage indicated by, the CPU 56 of the main board 31, the CPU 327 of the payout control board 37, and the CPU 323 of the effect control board 80 enter the system reset state.

In this state, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the main board 31, the payout control board 37, the effect control board 8
0 system reset detection circuits 399, 397, 3
When the charging of each capacitor 652 of 98 is completed, the HI level signal is input to the XRSP of each CPU 56, 327, 323. Then, each CPU 56, 3
The system reset of 27 and 323 is released, and the security check process is performed. As described above, since the capacity of the capacitor used in the system reset detection circuit of each board is different, the charging time is different, and the charging is completed first and the input voltage to the XRSP is switched to the HI level. The payout control board 37 is. Next is the production control board 80, and finally the main board 31 is switched. The payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80 need to receive the command sent from the main board,
When the power is turned on, the control operation must be enabled before the main board 31 so that the command sent from the main board 31 can be received. Due to this, the system reset of the main board 31 is configured to be released last.

The security check described above is, for example, when the microcomputer is manufactured, the program data stored in the ROM is hashed by a predetermined hash function, and the hash value is stored as a security code. When the system reset is released, the CPU hashes the program data stored in the ROM with the hash function, compares the hash value with the stored security code, and determines whether they match. To check. As a result of the check, if the program is appropriate,
You should get a check result that they match. on the other hand,
If the program has been tampered with, it is determined that the check results do not match. In that case, an error state occurs. When it is determined that the check results match, the CPU enters the user mode, and game control, payout control, and effect control are enabled.

When the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 are compared, the payout control board 37 also completes the security check earlier because the system reset time is shorter for the payout control board. On the other hand, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
The power supply confirmation signal is switched to the HI level when the security check is completed. As described above, the payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80 are in a standby state until the power supply confirmation signal from the seed board 31 is switched to the HI level. The standby state is a state in which the CPU is in an operating state and all port outputs are turned off. Since the production control board 80 does not perform the security check, it remains in a standby state until the power supply confirmation signal is switched to the HI level after the system reset is released. When the standby state of the CPU 327 of the payout control board 37 is released, the pachinko balls can be fired and the balls can be paid out. Moreover, if the standby state of the CPU 323 of the effect control board 80 is released, the state becomes the state in which the program is being operated and the effect control is possible.

Next, a momentary power failure state (instantaneous power interruption state) in which the power is momentarily cut off will be described. If an instantaneous power failure occurs, the VSL voltage drops rapidly. When VSL drops to the power-off detection voltage indicated by, the power-off detection output from the power-off processing detection circuit 370 to the CPU 56 (output to the CPC terminal and output to the input port) is LO.
While switching to W, the power supply confirmation signal switches to LOW. Then, accordingly, the CPU of the payout control board 37
327 and the CPU 323 of the effect control board 80 enter the standby state. While the power supply confirmation signal is being switched to LOW, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is in the power-off processing state described above.

When the power is restored without dropping to the system reset detection voltage indicated by VCC, VS
When L rises to the power-off detection voltage, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 returns from the power-off processing state to the user mode state, and the power supply confirmation signal switches to the HI level. Then, accordingly, the payout control board 37
The CPU 327 and the CPU 323 of the effect control board 80 are released from the standby state and are returned to the user mode and the state during the program operation.

Next, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off at the end of business hours at the game hall, first, VSL is started.
At the stage where the power-off detection voltage indicated by is dropped, the power-off detection output from the power-off processing detection circuit 370 to the CPU 56 (output to the CPC terminal and output to the input port) is L.
Switch to OW. Then, the CPU 56 enters the power-off processing state and switches the power supply confirmation signal to LOW. Then, similarly to the above, the CPU 327 of the payout control board 37 and the CPU 323 of the effect control board 80 enter the standby state.

Next, when the system reset detection voltage indicated by VCC drops, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
XRST terminal, X of CPU 327 of payout control board 37
RST terminal, RES of CPU323 of production control board 80
The input voltage to the ET terminal is switched to LOW, and the respective CPUs 56, 327, 323 enter the system reset state.

Next, modifications and characteristic points of the above-described embodiment will be described. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the ball is ejected to the game area 7 by rotating the firing motor 94. Instead, the pachinko ball is played to the game area 7 by exciting the solenoid. It may be fired at. In that case, a variable resistor that variably adjusts the voltage to the solenoid is provided in order to adjust the firing momentum, and the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed at the rotational operation angle of the ball hitting operation handle 5 of the player. Good. The drive circuit of the variable resistor in that case is provided on the operation drive circuit board 351. Further, since the operation drive circuit board 351 is provided separately from the payout control board 37, it is possible to dispose the operation drive circuit board 351 near the touch ring 308. As a result, the length of the connection wiring between the touch sensor drive circuit 352 and the touch ring 308 can be shortened, and the inconvenience of noise from the connection wiring can be reduced as much as possible.

In the embodiment described above, the touch ring 3
Presence or absence of touch detection by 08, single shot switch 309
The output circuit 354 outputs the presence / absence of a single-shot operation by the output control board 37. However, when the variable resistor described above is provided, its resistance value is also output.
You may make it output to. Alternatively, any one or any two of the three outputs may be output to the payout control board 37.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, as a method of delaying the time when the CPU 56 of the main board 31 enters the user mode compared to the CPUs of other boards, the capacitance of the capacitor 652 of the system reset detection circuit of each board is set. The reset time is made different by making different. Instead of or in addition to this, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is set to take the longest execution time of the security program for the above-mentioned security check, and the time when the CPU 56 is in the user mode is set to another CPU.
You may make it delay compared with. Further, as a method of delaying the start timing of the ball emission control by the payout control board 37 at the time of turning on the power, instead of waiting for the switching of the power confirmation signal to HI, the start of the emission control may be delayed by the power-on timer. Good. That is, the payout control microcomputer permits the operation of the payout means and the launching means on condition that the power-on clock means counts a predetermined delay time.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the production control board 80 performs not only the variable display control of the variable display device 8 but also the sound control and the lamp / LED control. Instead, a variable display control board for controlling the variable display device 8, a sound control board for sound control, and a lamp / LED control board for lamp / LED control may be provided. In that case, the command from the main board 31 is first input to the variable display control board, and the input command is for sound control or lamp / LED.
When the command is a control command, the command corresponding to each board is output via the variable display control board.

(4) Abnormal type (cause) for notifying the type (cause) of the abnormal state that has occurred when an abnormal state relating to the payout of the game medium (game ball) has occurred, by means of the error notification 7-segment display 334 ) Notification means is configured. When an error relating to the payout of the game medium (game ball) occurs due to the error release switch 333 and the payout control means (payout control board 37) is in the error state, the error state is released and the error state is restored. An error canceling operation means for causing the operation is configured. The full-tank switch 48, the door opening information switch 310, the single-shot firing switch 309, and S754 constitute a firing possible state detecting means for detecting that the game medium (game ball) is ready to be fired. Full tank switch 4
8, the out-of-ball switch 187, and S755 constitute a payable state detecting means for detecting that the game medium (game ball) is ready to be paid out.

(5) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of various control circuit boards.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining a prize ball payout control.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining communication of signals for paying out prize balls.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining ball lending control.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining ball firing control.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit for explaining a supply state of a power supply voltage.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to a variation state of a power supply voltage.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example around a CPU.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of initialization processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of game control processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of power interruption interrupt processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of game state recovery processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a payout control process executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing a prize ball payout control operation.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a prize ball payout control operation.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing a prize ball payout control operation.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing a prize ball payout control operation.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing operating states of various substrates according to power supply fluctuations.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 pachinko gaming machine, 7 gaming area, 8 variable display device, 50 prepaid card unit, 31 main board,
37 payout control board, 80 production control board, 97 ball payout device, 312 payout motor, 308 touch ring, 9
4 firing motor, 309 single shot switch, 48 full switch, 187 ball cut switch, 310 door opening information switch, 56,327,323 CPU, 3
51 operation drive circuit board, 352 touch sensor drive circuit, 353 detection circuit, 354 output circuit, 910 power supply board, 652 capacitor.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine in which a game ball is hit in a game area to play a game, wherein a prize area provided in the game area and a prize ball detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through the prize area. And a payout means for paying out a game ball, a launching means for launching a game ball to the game area by a driving force of a launch drive means, and a game control for controlling the progress of the game by a detection signal from the winning ball detection means. A game control board on which a game microcomputer is mounted, and a payout control board on which a payout control microcomputer that controls the payout means based on a signal from the game control board is mounted, the payout control microcomputer Is capable of executing a launch drive control for outputting a drive signal to the launch drive means, and the game control microcomputer opens the power supply to the gaming machine. A control start signal indicating the start of game control is transmitted to the payout control board based on the start of game control by the payout control microcomputer, on condition that the control start signal is received, the payout means and the launch A game machine characterized by allowing the operation of the means. 2. A storage means for storing payout control data used by the payout control microcomputer for driving control of the payout means, and a discharge control data used by the payout control microcomputer for driving control of the launching means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage means to be configured is constituted by a single storage means. 3. The payout control microcomputer outputs a drive signal to the firing drive means when the control start signal is received and a predetermined firing enable condition is satisfied. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The payout control microcomputer, when receiving the control start signal, and when a predetermined launchable condition is satisfied, launches the drive state of the launch drive means to the game control board. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a driving state signal is output. 5. A launching operation means capable of allowing a player to perform a launching operation of the launching means, an operating state detecting means for detecting an operating state of the firing operating means, and a drive circuit for driving the operating state detecting means. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operation drive circuit board is provided, and the operation drive circuit board and the payout control board are provided separately. 6. The operation drive circuit board is provided with operation state signal output means for outputting a signal indicating a detection result of the operation state detection means to the payout control board. The gaming machine described in 5. 7. The starting sequence is set so that the timing at which the control operation of the game control microcomputer is started by the start of power supply to the gaming machine is later than the timing at which the control operation of the payout control microcomputer is started. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a starting order regulating means for regulating.