JP2006000293A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burden on the control pertaining to the transmission or reception of signals between the game control board and the prize ball control board in a pinball game machines while a bidirectional communication circuit is built for comminication between the game control board and the prize ball control board by backing up the the game state against the power failure. <P>SOLUTION: The game control board is provided with a power failure detection means, a means for storing the game state and a memory preservation power source. An individual memory preservation power source other than that provided on the game control board is provided on the prize ball control board, whereas the bidirectional communication circuit is built for communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board. The prize ball control board transmits the data for informing the control state pertaining to the prize balls to the game control board while refusing the transmission of the reception confirmation signal for the data indicating the number of prize balls to be put out to the game control board, though under the bidirectional communication circuit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ball game machine including a game control board that controls the progress of a game, a prize ball control board that pays out a prize ball to a player, and a sub control board other than the game control board and the prize ball control board.

Conventionally, power supplied from the outside is configured to be supplied to each control board via a power supply board. The power supply board also includes switches such as a power switch and a RAM clear switch, and a power failure detection circuit that detects a power failure by detecting a voltage drop in the externally supplied power. Control). However, the IC of each control board may malfunction due to electrostatic noise entering the control board, which has a greater effect as the voltage is lower on the supply path when supplying power to each control board. In addition, there is a problem that an illegal act of misusing the reset signal transmitted when the power switch is turned on, invalidating the initial random number change of the go / no-go random number performed on the game control board, and targeting the go / no-go random number that is a big hit there were.
JP 2001-112940 A

  Therefore, in order to avoid the above problem, the player is a part of a circuit that transmits a reset signal to each control board and a power source that is supplied to each control board. It has been devised that a backup power supply (capacitor) that is assumed to be disadvantageous to the game control board is provided on the game control board. At this time, it is desirable that a power failure detection circuit having an important relationship with the backup power supply is also provided on the game control board. In addition, since the game control board and the prize ball control board are both control boards related to the interests of the player, it is necessary to perform control precisely, so that the control board receives the data when it receives data. It is composed of a bidirectional communication circuit that can confirm that the data has been received normally by transmitting a reception confirmation signal indicating that the game control board and the sub-control board such as the symbol control board are from the game control board. It is also devised that it is composed of a one-way communication circuit that transmits only data.

  However, if the communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a two-way communication circuit and is backed up by the game control board, prize game management related to the player's interest is also executed by the game control board. Therefore, it is necessary for the game control board to perform precise transmission / reception with the prize ball control board, and there is a problem that the processing load related to transmission / reception between the game control board and the prize ball control board becomes large. In particular, among the signals transmitted from the game control board to the prize ball control board, processing relating to transmission / reception of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out to the player, which is overwhelmingly frequent, is a burden on the game control board and the prize ball control board. There is a problem of increasing.

  Therefore, the present invention is the most frequent between the game control board and the prize ball control board, while the game control board and the prize ball control board are configured by a bidirectional communication circuit and the advantage of the bidirectional communication is utilized. It is an object of the present invention to minimize the burden of processing related to data transmission / reception indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out to a player and perform suitable control.

  In view of the above, a bullet ball gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention is a game control board that controls the progress of a game, a prize ball control board that pays out a prize ball to a player, and a game ball that enters A sub-control board that includes at least a symbol control board that displays the occurrence of the result, and the game control board, the prize ball control board, and a power supply board that supplies power to the sub-control board, and the game control board Further, a power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply board, a storage means for storing a game state when the power failure is detected by the power failure detection means, and a game stored in the storage means A first memory holding power source that stores and holds the state even in a power failure state, and resumes the game from the stored game state when the power failure is restored, and communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is bidirectional communication. Circuit and said sub A ball game machine having a one-way communication circuit that can transmit only from the game control board to the control board, and the prize-ball control board has a unique second memory holding function different from the first memory holding power source. The game control board includes a power source, and when the game ball is detected at each winning opening, the game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out correspondingly to the prize ball control board, and transmits the received prize to be paid out. The prize ball control board is configured to delete the data indicating the number of balls, and the prize ball control board adds the received data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid to the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls, The data indicating the number of winning balls is subtracted from the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls is stored and held by the second memory holding power supply in the event of a power failure. Report status Data to be transmitted to the game control board, but a reception confirmation signal for data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is not transmitted to the game control board in spite of being a two-way communication circuit. It is characterized by that.

  The sub-control board includes at least a design control board, such as a sound control board for driving and controlling a speaker, an electric decoration control board for controlling various LEDs and various lamps, and a launch control board for driving and controlling a firing motor. May be included. The power failure detection means includes, for example, detecting a decrease in power supply voltage by a power failure detection circuit provided on the control board. The storage means includes, for example, storing a gaming state or the like in a RAM provided on the control board.

  The memory holding power supply is, for example, a backup power supply that supplies a backup power supply to the CPU when the power supplied from the power supply board is interrupted, and includes a capacitor provided on the control board. Here, the CPU has a structure in which a ROM and a RAM are integrated.

  The bidirectional communication circuit is, for example, a reception confirmation signal indicating that various signals can be transmitted and received bi-directionally between two control boards, and that when the control boards receive various signals, the various signals can be normally received. Can be transmitted to the control board that has transmitted various signals, the reception state can be grasped, and when not received, there is a communication circuit configured to transmit until various signals are received again. Can be mentioned. Here, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball control board is received from the game control board, a reception confirmation signal for causing the game control board to recognize the reception is received. It is set as the structure which does not transmit to a control board. In addition, the one-way communication circuit can transmit a signal only in one direction from a control board to another control board, for example, and the processing proceeds as if the signal was received even if the control board did not receive it. A communication circuit having a configuration may be used.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the data for notifying the control state related to the prize ball transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board is The data indicating the number of unpaid award balls to be added or subtracted is data notifying that the predetermined capacity or more has been reached.

  For example, the storage capacity of the RAM of the prize ball control board exceeds a capacity (for example, 80 percent) slightly smaller than the upper limit value of the RAM capacity.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 3 of the present invention is the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the data for notifying the control state relating to the prize ball transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board is: This is data that informs the contents of an error relating to award ball payout.

  Examples of the error content related to the payout of the prize ball include that the lower plate is full, the ball tank is empty, and the game ball is clogged with a ball bowl.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 4 of the present invention is the ball ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means of the game control board and the game control board. When transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, the prize ball control boards both input a signal to the forced interrupt terminal of the CPU, and determine the type of data received at this time to cause a power failure It is configured to shift to processing or prize ball data reception processing.

  The power failure processing includes, for example, storing the prize ball data or the like in the RAM provided on the prize ball control board, and stopping the operation of the CPU. The prize ball data receiving process includes, for example, a process of transmitting a signal indicating that when the number of prize balls not paid out is larger than a predetermined value by receiving data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. .

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 5 of the present invention is the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means of the game control board, the award is given. When the ball control board inputs a signal to the forced interruption terminal of the CPU and shifts to power failure processing, and the game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, the prize ball control board is If a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal of the CPU, and other processing is not being executed, the process proceeds to reception processing of the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. A notification signal is transmitted to the game control board.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 6 of the present invention is a game control board that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control board that pays out a prize ball to the player, and the occurrence of success or failure due to the entry of the game ball A sub control board including at least a symbol control board for displaying the game control board, the prize ball control board, and a power supply board that supplies power to the sub control board, and the game control board includes the power supply board. A power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply, a storage means for storing a gaming state when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means, and a gaming state stored in the storage means even in a power failure state A memory holding power supply for storing and holding, and at the time of power failure recovery, the game is resumed from the stored gaming state, and communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a bidirectional communication circuit, and the sub control board Against A ball and ball game machine having a one-way communication circuit that can only be transmitted from the game control board, wherein the game control board indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to detection of a game ball winning at each prize opening. The data is transmitted to the prize ball control board, and the transmitted data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is erased, and the prize ball control board receives the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. Addition to the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, subtracting from the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls by paying out the winning ball, and reception of the data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid out in spite of bidirectional communication A confirmation signal is not transmitted to the game control board, and the prize ball control board reports the fact to the game control board when the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls added and subtracted exceeds a predetermined capacity. Transmits a signal to the game control board that receives the signal is characterized by being configured to suspend the transmission of data indicating a prize balls number paid out.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball game machine according to the present invention, a game control board that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control board that pays out a prize ball to a player, and the occurrence of success or failure due to the entry of the game ball A sub control board including at least a symbol control board for displaying the game control board, the prize ball control board, and a power supply board that supplies power to the sub control board, and the game control board includes the power supply board. A power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply, a storage means for storing a gaming state when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means, and a gaming state stored in the storage means even in a power failure state A memory holding power supply for storing and holding, and at the time of power failure recovery, the game is resumed from the stored gaming state, and communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a bidirectional communication circuit, and the sub control board Against A ball and ball game machine having a one-way communication circuit that can only be transmitted from the game control board, wherein the game control board indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to detection of a game ball winning at each prize opening. The data is transmitted to the prize ball control board, and the transmitted data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is erased, and the prize ball control board receives the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. Addition to the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, subtracting from the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls by paying out the winning ball, and reception of the data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid out in spite of bidirectional communication A confirmation signal is not transmitted to the game control board, and the prize ball control board is informed that the unpaid prize is received when the power failure detection means of the game control board notifies that a power failure has occurred. Wherein the data indicating the number and configured to stop the control of the CPU after transmitting to the gaming control board.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 8 of the present invention is the bullet ball game machine according to claim 7, wherein 1 byte of data indicating the number of unpaid award balls transmitted to the game control board when a power failure occurs is transmitted. It is characterized by the following data capacity.

In claim 1, the game control board and the prize ball control board are configured by a bidirectional communication circuit, and the control state of the prize ball control board can be confirmed by the game control board, and the prize ball to be paid out. Since the reception confirmation signal for the data indicating the number is not transmitted to the game control board (the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is one-way communication), the game control board and the prize ball control board It is possible to reduce a control burden related to transmission / reception of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out most frequently, and to perform suitable control.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the game control board is informed that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to be added / subtracted by the prize ball control board exceeds a predetermined capacity. To avoid the disadvantage of the player that occurs when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board is received in a state where the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing data relating to the balls is insufficient. be able to.

  At this time, transmission of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by the game control board is interrupted when the game control board receives data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls has exceeded a predetermined capacity. It can also be configured to. With this configuration, the storage capacity of the RAM of the winning ball control board can be reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the content of the error relating to the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board, unified control (batch control) of electrical decorations can be performed when an error occurs. In addition, it is also possible to make a notification according to the content of the error, since it is possible to perform notification using the sound control board or the symbol control board.

  In claim 4, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board to the prize ball control board, when notifying the occurrence of a power failure, the prize ball control board is both forcedly interrupted. Executed, because the game control board can also determine the error state of the prize ball control board, so there is no problem in the configuration in which data is unilaterally transmitted from the game control board to the prize ball control board, It is possible to further reduce the processing load related to transmission / reception between the game control board and the prize ball control board.

  In claim 5, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board to the prize ball control board, the prize ball control board is executed with a controllable interrupt. The winning ball control board can reduce the processing load of the winning ball control board without interrupting the process being executed. In addition, when the forced interruption is applied, it is a time when an abnormal state occurs when the game control board notifies the prize ball control board of the occurrence of a power failure, and the prize ball control board needs to determine the type of the received data Since the determination process is reduced by eliminating the time, it is possible to shorten the time from reception to subsequent processing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the prize ball control board is not provided with a memory holding power source, and the prize ball control board does not back up data relating to the prize ball, and the game control board also backs up data relating to the prize ball. Therefore, it is not necessary to incorporate a backup-related circuit (the second memory holding power supply) in the prize ball control board, which can contribute to cost reduction and power failure from the game control board to the prize ball control board. Since it is not necessary to transmit a detection signal, the control burden can be further reduced. Further, by reducing the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board, a game caused by not backing up data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board at the time of a power failure The disadvantage of the person can be minimized.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, since the prize ball control board does not back up the data relating to the prize ball, and the game control board also backs up the data relating to the prize ball, the backup ball related circuit (the circuit related to the prize ball control board) It is not necessary to incorporate a second memory holding power source), which can contribute to cost reduction. In addition, when a power failure occurs, the data regarding the winning ball stored in the RAM of the winning ball control board at the time of receiving the power failure detection signal is not configured to back up the data regarding the winning ball on the winning ball control board. Since it is configured to transmit to the game control board, it is possible to eliminate a player's disadvantage caused by the occurrence of a power failure.

  In claim 8, since the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls at the time of a power failure transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board has a data capacity of 1 byte or less, the game control board The time required for the prize ball control board to transmit data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is as short as possible under the time constraint until the prize ball control board is stopped after the power failure is detected. In addition, it is possible to stably back up data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls. The prize ball control board always calculates data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls and stores it as data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls within 1 byte, and stores this data in a register. By configuring, data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to the game control board can be transmitted more quickly.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following contents, and it goes without saying that various forms can be adopted as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a rectangular outer frame 11 and a front frame 12. A known card reader (prepaid card unit) 13 is provided on the left side of the outer frame 11. It has been. The front frame 12 is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 by hinges 14 at the upper and lower left ends. An upper plate 15 is provided below the front frame 12, and a lending button 16, a settlement button 17 and a balance display unit 18 are provided on the upper plate 15. When a prepaid card is inserted into the card slot 19 of the card reader 13, the stored balance is displayed on the balance display unit 18, and when the lending button 16 is pressed, the game ball is lent out and the game ball is loaded from the payout slot of the upper plate 15. Discharged.

  A window-shaped metal frame 20 is removably attached to the front frame 12 with respect to the front frame 12. A plate glass 21 is double fitted in the metal frame 20. A game board 22 is stored behind the plate glass 21. A lower plate 23 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 12, and a firing handle 24 is attached to the right side of the lower plate 23. A rotation ring (not shown) is held on the outer periphery of the launch handle 24, and the game ball can be launched onto the game board 22 by rotating clockwise. The upper plate 15 and the lower plate 23 are connected to each other, and are configured to guide the game ball to the lower plate 23 when the upper plate 15 is full of game balls.

  FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the back side. As shown in the drawing, a mechanism board 26 to which the above-described game board 22 is detachably attached is housed in the above-described outer frame 11. The mechanism panel 26 is provided with a ball tank 27, a ball cage 28, and a payout device 29 from above. With this configuration, if there is a winning game ball at the winning opening on the game board 22, a predetermined number of gaming balls can be discharged from the ball tank 27 via the ball bowl 28 to the above-described upper plate 15 by the payout device 29. . In addition, a game control board 30 and a prize ball control board 31 can be attached to and detached from the mechanism board 26, a special symbol display device 32 is provided to the game board 22, and a launch control board 33 is provided to the lower left portion of the front frame 12. External connection terminal boards 50 are respectively attached to the left side of the display device 32.

  Next, the game board 22 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 22 has an LCD panel unit 32a (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) constituting a special symbol display device 32 in the center, and a special symbol start port 36 as a first type start port at the lower part thereof. The normal symbol display device 37 at the upper part of the LCD 32a, the normal symbol start ports 38 and 39 on the left and right of the LCD 32a used for starting the variation of the symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 37, the special winning port 40 below the special symbol start port 36, There are provided an out-port 41 at the bottom of the game board surface, a right-sleeve winning port 52a which is a general winning port, a right-falling winning port 52b, a left-sleeling winning port 52c, a left-falling winning port 52d, a game nail (not shown) and the like. With this configuration, when the above-described launch handle 24 is rotated, the launch motor 33a driven by the launch control board 33 is driven, and the game ball on the upper plate 15 is launched onto the game board 22 via the guide rail. . If the launched game ball wins each winning hole, the game ball is taken into the back of the game board as a safe ball, and if not won, it is taken into the back of the game board through the out port 41 as well.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 described above will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the electrical circuit of the pachinko machine 10 includes the game control board 30, the prize ball control board 31, the symbol control board 32b which is the sub control board 42, the launch control board 33, the lighting control board 34, and the sound control. It consists of a substrate 35 and the like.

  The game control board 30 is configured as a logic operation circuit centered on an 8-bit one-chip microcomputer incorporating a ROM that stores a game control program and a RAM that serves as a work area for operations, etc. An external input / output circuit for performing input / output with the actuators is also provided. On the input side of the game control board 30, a special symbol start port switch 36a, normal symbol start port switches 38a, 39a, general winning port switches 52a ', 52b', 52c ', 52d', a count switch 40b, a touch switch 24a, etc. Is connected. In addition, a prize winning solenoid 40c, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 36b, and the like are connected to the output side.

  The special symbol start port switch 36a is in the special symbol start port 36 on the game board 22, and the normal symbol start port switches 38a and 39a are respectively in the normal symbol start port 38 and 39, and the general winning port switches 52a 'and 52b', 52c ′ and 52d ′ are the right sleeve winning opening 52a, the right falling winning opening 52b, the left sleeve winning opening 52c and the left falling winning opening 52d, the count switch 40b is in the large winning opening 40, and the touch switch 24a is a general winning opening. Each is attached to a firing handle 24. Here, the count switch 40b wins all the game balls to win in the big winning opening 40, and the general winning opening switches 52a ', 52b', 52c ', 52d' win the general winning openings 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d. The touch switch 24a is used to detect that the player is touching the firing handle 24. The large winning opening solenoid 40c connected to the output side is used to open and close the large winning opening 40 and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 36b is used to open and close the special symbol starting opening 36, respectively.

  Similar to the game control board 30 described above, the symbol control board 32b is configured as a logic operation circuit centered on an 8-bit one-chip microcomputer. An LCD module 32c and a backlight 32d are connected to the output circuit.

  The prize ball control board 31 is configured as a logical operation circuit using a microcomputer like the game control board 30, and the full circuit switch 43, the ball dead switch 44, and the prize ball detection switch 51 are connected to the input circuit for output. A prize ball motor 54 is connected to the circuit. Further, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR payment display device 47 are bidirectionally connected to the prize ball control board 31. The award ball motor 54 is provided in the above-described payout device 29 and causes a predetermined number of game balls to flow downward from the ball cage 28. A game ball paid out from the prize ball motor 54 is detected by a prize ball detection switch 51. The ball break switch 44 is mounted in the ball tank 27 and the full tank switch 43 is mounted in the lower plate 23. The full tank switch 43 indicates that the game ball is full in the lower plate 23. This is for detecting each of the sphere tanks 27 being empty. The CR adjustment display device 47 includes the lending button 16, the adjustment button 17, and the balance display unit 18 of the upper plate 15 described above. Here, the communication between the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 can bidirectionally transmit and receive various signals, and when the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 receive the various signals. Is configured as a bidirectional communication circuit capable of transmitting a reception confirmation signal indicating that various signals have been normally received to the control board that has transmitted the various signals, but the prize ball control board 31 pays out. When data indicating the number of prize balls is received from the game control board 30, a reception confirmation signal for data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is not transmitted to the game control board 30.

  The launch control board 33 controls driving of the launch motor 33a according to the amount of rotation of the launch handle 24 operated by the player, and for stopping the launch when the player presses the launch stop switch 24b. It is. The touch switch 24 a is built in the launch handle 24 and detects that the player is touching the launch hand 24.

  The illumination control board 34 is mainly composed of driving elements such as transistors. Upon receiving a command from the game control board 30, the normal symbol display device 37, various lamps 34a such as jackpot lamps and error lamps, and various LEDs 34b are turned on. It is for displaying.

  The sound control board 35 includes a sound source IC, an amplifier, and the like, and is used to drive and control the speaker 49 in response to a command from the game control board 30.

  A circuit for one-way communication so that transmission to the sub-control board 42 such as the above-described symbol control board 32b, launch control board 33, illumination control board 34, and sound control board 35 can be transmitted only from the game control board 30. It is configured as. This one-way communication circuit can be implemented using an inverter circuit or a latch circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, various power supplies are supplied from the power supply board 55 via the power supply AC24V, as shown in FIG. 5, for the power supply to the sub control board 42 including the game control board 30, the prize ball control board 31, the symbol control board 32b and the like. . The power supply board 55 is configured to generate DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V from a 24V AC power supply, and further generate a full wave 24V to the sub-control board 42 to supply necessary power to each control board.

  The game control board 30 is provided with a backup power source 64, and the prize ball control board 31 is provided with a backup power source 57. Even if the power supplied from the power board 55 is interrupted, the CPU 56 and the prize ball control of the game control board 30 are provided. A backup power supply (VBB) is supplied to the CPU 58 of the substrate 31. Here, the CPU 56 and the CPU 58 have a configuration in which ROM and RAM are integrated. In the event of a power failure, the game control board 30 stores the game state, and the prize ball control board 31 stores data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM provided on each board, and is backed up by a backup power source. Yes.

  The sub-control board 42 may be provided with a backup power source, or the game control board 30 or the prize ball control board 31 may be configured to supply the backup power source to the sub-control board 42. In this case, the sub-control board 42 can back up the state before the power failure. Further, the CPU 59 of the sub-control board 42 has a configuration in which ROM and RAM are integrated.

  Further, the game control board 30 is provided with a power failure detection circuit 60, and when a power failure is detected, a power failure detection signal is transmitted to the prize ball control board 31. Here, the prize ball control board 31 may be provided with a power failure detection circuit. In that case, since the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 detect the power failure by the respective power failure detection circuits, there is no need to transmit a power failure detection signal from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31. , Can reduce the control burden

  As shown in FIG. 6, the game control board 30 sets data indicating power failure detection on the data bus 59 a when a power failure is detected, and transmits an NMI signal to the prize ball control board 31. The prize ball control board 31 determines the data received at this time, and proceeds to a power failure process or prize ball data reception process, which will be described later.

  Also, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31, data transmission data indicating prize ball number data (not a power failure detection) is set on the data bus 59a. Then, an NMI signal is transmitted, and then data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out to the data bus is set and transmitted. Further, the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out transmitted to the prize ball control board 31 is deleted from the game control board 30.

  The prize ball control board 31 is forcibly interrupted and executed both when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out and at the time of power failure detection signal transmission, and the game control board 30 can also determine the error status of the prize ball control board 31. Because of this configuration, there is no problem in the configuration in which data is unilaterally transmitted from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31, and the processing load related to transmission / reception between the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 is not affected. This can be further reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the prize ball control board 31 sets data indicating various errors on the data bus and transmits an NMI signal when transmitting data indicating various errors related to payout, ball breakage, etc. When transmitting unpaid full tank data indicating that the data indicating the number of unpaid award balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, the data indicating the unpaid full tank is set on the data bus and an NMI signal is transmitted.

  Here, the data transmitted from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30 is data indicating various errors, so that an error lamp that has been directly controlled from the prize ball control board 31 in the past can also be used as the sub control board 42. It becomes possible to control with the electrical decoration control board 34 which is, and unified control (collective control) of electrical decoration can be performed. In addition to the light emission of the error lamp by the control of the lighting control board 34, it is possible to make a notification that the sound control board 35 or the symbol control board 32b as the sub control board 42 performs control. The symbol control board 32b can display character information by a display device, such as an announcement by voice by driving, and the contents of the error (for example, the lower plate 23 is full, the ball tank 27 is empty, The notification according to the ball clogging at 28 or the like can be easily performed.

  Further, the data transmitted from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30 is used as data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, thereby giving the prize ball control board 31 a prize. Avoiding the disadvantage of the player that occurs when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 is received in a state where the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing data relating to the balls is insufficient. be able to. Here, the reception confirmation signal of the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is not transmitted to the game control board 30. For this reason, the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 are configured by a bidirectional communication circuit, and the control state of the prize ball control board 31 can be confirmed by the game control board 30, while the game control board 30 and the prize ball It is possible to reduce the control burden related to transmission / reception of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out most frequently with the control board 31 and to perform suitable control.

  Here, the power failure detection circuit 60 provided on the game control board 30 includes a comparator IC 1A, resistors R41 to R45, and the like, as shown in FIG. The negative input terminal of the comparator IC1A is supplied with a DC5V power source divided by resistors R43 and R44, and the positive input terminal is supplied with a DC12V power source divided by resistors R41 and R42 for output. The terminal is pulled up to DC5V by resistor R45. With the above configuration, the output terminal of the comparator IC1A changes the output signal from the high level to the low level when the voltage of the DC12V power supply decreases.

  In addition, a reset circuit 62 is provided on the game control board 30 and includes a voltage monitoring IC 11, resistors R17, R18 and R19, a bypass capacitor C10, and the like as shown in FIG. The VSB terminal that is the input terminal of the voltage monitoring IC 11 is supplied with a DC12V power source divided by the resistors R17 and R18, and the RESET terminal that is the output terminal is pulled up to DC5V by the resistor R19. With the above configuration, the RESET terminal, which is the output terminal of the voltage monitoring IC 11, changes the reset signal to be output from the high level to the low level when the voltage of the DC12V power supply decreases. This signal is sent to each CPU of the game control board 30, the prize ball control board 31, and the sub control board 42. Here, the reset circuit 62 may be provided on the power supply board 55. In this case, a reset signal is sent from the power supply board 55 to each control board.

  With reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 and the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 when the power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 or the control operation will be described. When the pachinko machine 10 is powered on, the power board 55 generates DC 32V, DC 12V, and DC 5V, which is a battery backup power source (VBB). Each of the generated power supplies is supplied to each control board, and the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 perform an operation start-up process as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when power is turned on to the power supply board 55 (point P1), the voltage of the DC12V power supply gradually rises from 0V to 12V in a parabolic manner. When the voltage of the DC12V power supply that gradually rises to the reference value LV1, the reset of the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 is released, and the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 starts a security check operation (point P2). At this time, in this specific example, each sub-control board 42 is configured to execute the original control without executing the security check operation. When the power supply voltage of DC12V is the reference value LV1, the reset of the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 has not been released, and the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 has not yet started up.

  When the power supply voltage of DC12V increases from the reference value LV1 to the reference value LV2, the reset of the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 is released, and the CPU 56 starts a security check operation (point P3). The security check time T1 of the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 is designed to be equal to or longer than the security check time T2 of the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31. As is well known, the security check is a function in which the CPUs 56 and 58, which are one-chip microcomputers, check whether or not the contents of the ROM into which the game progress contents are written are legitimate contents.

  The security check time T1 of the game control board 30 is longer than the security check time T2 of the prize ball control board 31, and the reset release time of the CPU 58 of the game control board 30 is later than the reset release time of the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 ( Points P4 and P5). Thus, when the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 starts executing the game control according to the program written in the ROM, the prize ball control board 31 has already executed the game control. As a result, even if the game control board 30 transmits data to the prize ball control board 31 immediately after the power is turned on, the prize ball control board 31 is executing the original control, so that the data can be reliably received. .

  Next, the operation when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off will be described according to the timing chart shown in FIG. When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off (point P6), the power supply voltage of DC12V generated by the power supply board 55 decreases substantially immediately after the cut off, but then decreases linearly after a predetermined time. 0V. When the reference voltage LV3 is reached while gradually decreasing linearly (point P7), a power failure is detected by the power failure detection circuit 60 and a power failure detection signal is transmitted from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31. The forced interrupt terminal NMI of the CPU 58 of the substrate 31 becomes low level, and the non-maskable interrupt is applied to the CPU 58. At this time, the CPU 58 can save data indicating the current prize ball payout state (unpaid prize ball data or the like) and the ball lending payout state, and thereafter prohibit access to the RAM.

  When the voltage of the power supply voltage DC12V decreases from the reference voltage LV3 to the reference voltage LV4 (point P8), the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 is reset and stops its operation. Thereafter, when the power supply voltage of DC12V gradually decreases and reaches the reference voltage LV5 (point P9) as time elapses, the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 saves data indicating the current game progress status, and then stores the data in the RAM. Prohibit access and stop operation.

  Here, as described above, the RAM of each of the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 is backed up by a battery, and the data stored in the RAM is stored for a predetermined time (about 1 hour in this embodiment) even when the power is turned off. 20 minutes to about 3 hours and 30 minutes).

  Next, operations when the power is turned off and when the power is turned on when the power failure detection circuit 60 of the game control board 30 detects a power failure will be described. First, the process at the time of power-off will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, after the power failure is detected by the power failure detection circuit 60, the prize ball control board 31 receives the process executed by the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 and the NMI signal from the game control board 30. This process is executed by the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 after determining that the data relates to the power failure detection. When the processing executed by the CPU 56 and CPU 58 shifts to this routine, first, processing for writing the predetermined value 55H into a plurality of predetermined areas of the RAM is performed (S100). The predetermined value to be written may be any value, but 55H or AAH in which each bit in one byte is alternately “1” and “0” is preferable.

  After a predetermined value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM, data saving is executed (S110). In the data saving process, in the game control board 30, the current game progress status, for example, whether the game is highly probable, whether it is a big hit, whether the symbol is changing on the special symbol display device 32. This is a process of writing data indicating the progress of the game, such as whether or not, in a predetermined area of the RAM. On the other hand, the prize ball control board 31 is a process of writing each data indicating a payout state of the current award ball number and a payout state of a lending ball into a predetermined area of the RAM, such as data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls. This save process need not be configured to execute this process as long as it is an algorithm that always writes the current state to a predetermined area of the RAM. When the data saving is executed, access to the RAM is prohibited (S120).

  This RAM access prohibition process is to improve the accuracy and certainty of data to be saved by prohibiting writing to the RAM when the power supply voltage is unstable. Thereafter, when the reset signal output from the reset circuit 62 is lowered to a low level, the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 that has received the reset signal stops the operation, and the operation of the CPU 58 of the game control board 30 also stops (S130). ). On the other hand, when each reset signal does not drop to a low level within a predetermined time, it is when the power supply voltage is temporarily lowered and then returned to the original voltage. In this case, after the process for prohibiting access to the RAM is released (S140), the process returns to the return and the original process is executed.

  When the power is turned on and the security check is completed, the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 executes a power-on routine shown in FIG. This routine is executed only once when the reset signal rises from a low level to a high level. When the process moves to this routine, it is determined whether or not the power failure is restored (S150). In this specific example, the DC5V backup power supply is configured to store and hold the data stored in the RAMs of the CPU 56 and the CPU 58 for about 1 hour 20 minutes to about 3 hours 30 minutes by the capacitor as described above. For this reason, the data in the RAM is not stored and held in a normal state in which power is turned on the next morning after the end of business rather than a power failure. Thereby, the predetermined value written in the predetermined area of the RAM at the time of a power failure is a value different from the predetermined value without being stored and held. On the other hand, a general power failure including a momentary power outage is restored after one hour. At the time of such a power failure, the predetermined value written in the predetermined area of the RAM is stored and held without changing. Therefore, by comparing the values written in the predetermined area of the RAM, it is determined whether or not the power failure is restored.

  If it is determined in step S150 that the power failure is not restored (S150: NO), initial setting (S160) such as clearing the memory value is executed, and an affirmative determination is made when the power failure is restored. (S150: YES), the recovery process (S170) is executed, and the process returns. In the restoration process, the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 performs preparations for executing the normal process from the data indicating the progress of the saved game, and transmits a command code notifying each control board that the game has been restored from the power failure. .

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 periodically executes a known main routine shown in FIG. 14 by a hardware interrupt every 2 ms. That is, this main routine is composed of the main process and the residual process. Although details are omitted, it is determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S200), initial setting (S201), initial random number update (S202), unacceptable random number update (S203). , Jackpot symbol random number update (S204), off symbol random number update (S205), normal symbol random number update (S206), each input process (S207), success / failure determination process (S208), image output process (S209), each output process ( S210), out-of-design symbol random number update (S211), and initial random number update (S212). Thereby, when a power failure occurs, the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 can continue to control the game from the progress state of the game before the power failure, and does not give the player an unexpected disadvantage or discomfort.

  On the other hand, when the power is turned on and the security check is completed, the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 executes a main routine shown in FIG. In this routine, it is determined whether or not the power failure is restored by the same processing as the processing in step S150 described above (S300). If an affirmative judgment is made that the power failure is restored (S300: YES), the data is stored and retained. Based on the data, the payout of the prize ball is executed (step S310), and the payout of the rental ball is executed (S320). Thus, if there is data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls when a power failure occurs, the payout of prize balls is executed based on the data stored and retained after the power failure is restored. Similarly, if there is unpaid ball lending data when a power failure occurs, ball lending is paid out based on the data stored and retained after the power failure is restored. Thereby, even if a power failure occurs, there is no disadvantage to the player. If it is determined in step S300 that the power failure is not restored (S300: NO), normal processing is executed after the initial setting (S330).

  Next, a flow chart is used for data indicating the number of winning balls to be sent and received between the game control board 30 and the winning ball control board 31, various error signals, processing for unpaid full tank signals, and processing for winning ball payout. I will explain.

  First, processing relating to data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out and processing upon receiving an error signal realized by the 8-bit one-chip microcomputer in the game control board 30 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a prize ball data creation process that is performed in the input process of the main routine that repeats every 4 ms on the game control board 30 and shows a process of determining a signal that indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out.

  In this process, the game control device 30 first determines whether or not the game ball has won the special symbol starting port 36 (S400). If a negative decision is made without winning (S400: NO), the process proceeds to step S402. If an affirmative decision (S400: YES), the lower first bit of the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid stored in the prize ball data storage buffer is set to 1. (S401). Here, the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is represented by 1 byte data, such as 00000000, and the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning the special symbol start port 36 is 00000001. Each bit represents a winning state at the corresponding winning opening, where 1 indicates detection and 0 indicates no detection.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol start ports 38 and 39 have won a prize (S402). If the determination is negative (S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is affirmative (S402: YES), the lower second bit is set to 1 (S403). The data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning only the normal symbol start ports 38 and 39 is 00000010.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the V switch in the special winning opening 40 has detected a winning of a game ball (S404). If the determination is negative (S404: NO), the process proceeds to step V406. If the determination is affirmative (S404: YES), the lower third bit is set to 1 (S405). Data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning only the V switch is 00000100.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the count switch 40b detects a winning game ball (S406). If the determination is negative (S406: NO), the process proceeds to step S408, and if the determination is affirmative (S406: YES), the lower 4th bit is set to 1 (S407). The data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid out by winning only the count switch 40b is 00001000.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the right sleeve winning opening 52a has been won (S408). If the determination is negative (S408: NO), the process proceeds to step S410, and if the determination is affirmative (S408: YES), the lower fifth bit is set to 1 (S409). Data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid out by winning only the right sleeve winning opening 52a is 00010000.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the right winning prize opening 52b (S410). If the determination is negative (S410: NO), the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is affirmative (S410: YES), the lower 6th bit is set to 1 (S411). The data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning only the right falling entrance 52b is 00100000.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the left sleeve winning opening 52c has been won (S412). If the determination is negative (S412: NO), the process proceeds to step S414. If the determination is affirmative (S412: YES), the lower 7th bit is set to 1 (S413). Data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid out by winning only the left sleeve winning opening 52c is 01000000.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a winning is made to the left drop winning opening 52d (S414). If the determination is negative (S414: NO), the process proceeds to step S416, and if the determination is affirmative (S414: YES), the lower 8th bit is set to 1 (S415). The data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning only the left falling entrance 52d is 10000000.

  These prize ball data are stored in the prize ball data storage buffer (S416), and the process returns to return.

  Here, a prize ball data storage buffer for storing eight data (prize ball data storage 00H to 07H) indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, and a prize ball for transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out separately. Since the data storage buffer is provided, there is no problem even if the number of storage is increased.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the processing load can be reduced by allocating from the lower order bits in order of the winning opening having the highest winning frequency and the winning opening.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process of transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out created in FIG. 16 to the prize ball control board 31, which is performed in the output process of the main routine repeated every 4 ms on the game control board 30. is there.

  In this process, the game control board 30 first determines whether or not there is data stored in the prize ball data storage buffer in step S416 (whether it is not 00000000) (S500). In the process, when there is no data in the prize ball data storage buffer, a prize ball data shift process is performed. The prize ball data shift process is performed when there is no data in the prize ball data storage buffer and there is data stored in the prize ball data storage 00H, and indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out stored in the prize ball data storage 00H. Processing for transferring data to the prize ball data storage buffer is performed. At the same time, the process of moving the prize ball data stored in the prize ball data storage 01H to 07H to the previous area is performed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S500 (S500: NO), the process returns from this routine without performing substantial processing. If the determination is affirmative (S500: YES), it is determined whether an unpaid full tank signal is received from the prize ball control board 31 (S501). Here, the unpaid full tank signal is data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is equal to or larger than a predetermined capacity of the RAM capacity of the prize ball control board 31.

  If the determination is affirmative (S501: YES), the process returns and the transmission of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out can be interrupted. Thereby, the storage capacity of the RAM of the winning ball control board 31 can be reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction. If the determination is negative (S501: NO), it is determined whether or not the lower 1st bit of the prize ball data stored in the prize ball data storage buffer is 1 (S502).

  If an affirmative decision is made (S502: YES), four winning ball data are set on the data bus (S503), the lower first bit is set to 0 (S504), and the process proceeds to step S525. If a negative determination is made (S502: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower 2nd bit is 1 (S505).

  If an affirmative determination is made (S505: YES), four prize balls are set on the data bus (S506), the lower 2 bits are set to 0 (S507), and the process proceeds to step S525. If a negative determination is made (S505: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower third bit is 1 (S508).

  If the determination is affirmative (S508: YES), 15 prize balls are set on the data bus (S509), the lower 3 bits are set to 0 (S510), and the process proceeds to step S525. If a negative determination is made (S508: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower 4th bit is 1 (S511).

  If the determination is affirmative (S511: YES), 15 prize balls are set in the data bus (S512), the lower 4th bit is set to 0 (S513), and the process proceeds to step S525. If the determination is negative (S511: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower 5 bits is 1 (S514).

  If the determination is affirmative (S514: YES), 10 winning ball data are set on the data bus (S515), the lower 5th bit is set to 0 (S516), and the process proceeds to step S525. If the determination is negative (S514: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower 6 bits is 1 (S517).

  If the determination is affirmative (S517: YES), 10 winning ball data are set in the data bus (S518), the lower 6th bit is set to 0 (S519), and the process proceeds to step S525. If the determination is negative (S517: NO), it is determined whether the data of the lower 7th bit is 1 (S520).

  If the determination is affirmative (S520: YES), 10 winning ball data are set on the data bus (S521), the lower 7th bit is set to 0 (S522), and the process proceeds to step S525. If the determination is negative (S520: NO), 10 winning balls are set on the data bus (S523), the lower 8th bit is set to 0 (S524), and the process proceeds to step S525.

  In step S525, data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is transmitted from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31 and the process returns. The data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is deleted after being transmitted to the prize ball control board 31.

  When the game control board 30 receives data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds the predetermined capacity from the prize ball control board 31, the game control board 30 indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out. Data transmission can be interrupted (S501: YES). Therefore, when the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 is received in a state where the storage capacity of the RAM provided in the prize ball control board 31 for storing and storing data relating to the prize balls is insufficient It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player that occurs.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process performed in the main routine of the game control board 30 when an error signal is received from the prize ball control board 31.

  The main controller 30 first determines whether various error signals have been received from the prize ball control board 31 (S600). If the determination is negative (S600: NO), the process returns from this routine without performing substantial processing. If the determination is affirmative (S600: YES), it is determined whether the various error signals are payout errors (S601).

  If the determination is affirmative (S601: YES), a launch stop signal is transmitted from the game control board 30 to the launch control board 33 (S602), a payout error notification signal is sent (S603), and the process returns. If a negative determination is made (S601: NO), it is determined whether or not each error signal is a ball-out error (S604).

  If the determination is affirmative (S604: YES), a firing stop signal is transmitted to the firing control board 33 (S602), a ball break error notification signal is transmitted (S605), and the process returns. If a negative determination is made (S604: NO), a firing stop signal is transmitted to the firing control board 33 (S602), a full tank error notification signal is transmitted (S606), and the process returns.

  Here, each error notification signal is a signal transmitted from the game control board 30 to at least one board of the symbol control board 32b, the illumination control board 34, and the sound control board 35. For example, when a payout error notification signal is transmitted to the symbol control board 32b, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a payout error using graphics, characters, etc. as a display on the LCD 32a. Similarly, when a payout error notification signal is transmitted to the illumination control board 34, the occurrence of a payout error can be notified using the light emitted from the lamps 34a. Furthermore, by sending a payout error notification signal to the sound control board 35, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a payout error using the audio output from the speaker 49. Further, by configuring the payout error notification signal to be transmitted to all the control boards of the symbol control board 32b, the illumination control board 34, and the sound control board 35, the effect of the notification can be further enhanced. The same applies to the case of a ball break error notification signal and a full tank error notification signal transmission. Note that the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the firing stop signal is transmitted at all errors. By taking the configuration as shown in FIG. 18 above, notification according to the content of the error can be easily performed.

  Next, processing relating to a prize ball realized by the 8-bit one-chip microcomputer in the prize ball control board 31 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The prize ball data receiving process performed by the prize ball control board 31 shown in FIG. 19 will be described. This process is executed when it is determined that the NMI signal transmitted from the game control board 30 relates to data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

  When the process proceeds to this routine, it is determined whether or not data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 has been received (S700). If a negative determination is made (S700: NO), the routine returns. If the determination is affirmative (S700: YES), it is determined whether the received data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is data of four prize balls (S701). Here, the communication between the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 is a bidirectional communication circuit. When the control board receives data, the data is normally sent to the control board that has transmitted the data. However, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball control board 31 is received in step S700, the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is received. The reception confirmation signal is not transmitted to the game control board 30. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a control burden related to transmission / reception of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out most frequently between the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 and to perform suitable control. In addition, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 is transmitted to the forced interrupt (NMI) terminal, data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball control board 31 is provided. There is no problem even if the reception confirmation signal for recognizing the reception is not transmitted at the time of reception.

  If the determination is affirmative (S701: YES), the unpaid counter is incremented by 4 (S702), and the process proceeds to step S706. Here, the unpaid counter is a counter that stores data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out transmitted from the game control board 30, and adds the number of prize balls designated by the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out to the counter. Configured. If the determination is negative (S701: NO), it is determined whether or not there are 10 winning balls data (S703).

  If the determination is affirmative (S703: YES), the unpaid counter is incremented by 10 (S704), and the process proceeds to step S706. If a negative determination is made (S703: NO), the unpaid counter is incremented by 15 (S705), and the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, it is determined whether the unpaid counter added or subtracted by the above processing is larger than a predetermined value that has been set. If the determination is negative (S706: NO), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S706: YES), the payment indicating the number of unpaid prize balls from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30 is not less than a predetermined value. A full signal is transmitted (S707), and the process returns. Since the game control board 30 executes a process that does not cause the payout process by the transmission of this signal (S501: YES), the storage capacity of the RAM provided in the prize ball control board 31 for storing and storing data relating to the prize ball is large. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage of the player that occurs when the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 is received in an insufficient state.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a prize ball payout process performed on the prize ball control board 31. In this process, it is first determined whether or not various error flags are 0 (S800). If a negative determination, that is, if an error has occurred (S800: NO), the routine returns from this routine for error handling. If the determination is affirmative (S800: YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter indicating the number of prize balls that have been paid out is 0 (S801).

  If the determination is affirmative (S801: YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the unpaid counter is greater than 0 (S802). If the determination is negative (S802: NO), there is no need to pay out, and the routine returns.

  If the determination is affirmative (S802: YES), it is determined whether the value of the unpaid counter is 15 or more (S803). When the determination is affirmative (S803: YES), since the maximum number of prize balls to be paid out is 15, the prize ball increases the value of the payout counter by 15 (S804) and decreases the value of the unpaid counter by 15 ( S805), return to return. Here, the payout counter is a counter on which the current payout process is executed, and is configured to be decremented (decremented by 1) every time one winning ball is paid out.

  If the determination is negative (S803: NO), the payout counter is made equal to the value of the unpaid counter in order to pay out the number of unpaid winning balls (S806), the value of the unpaid counter is set to 0 (S807), and the process returns.

  When a negative determination is made in step S801 (S801: NO), in order to pay out the prize ball, the prize ball motor 54 is driven to pay out the prize ball (S808), and the prize ball detection switch 51 detects that the prize is paid out. It is determined whether or not there is (S809).

  If the determination is affirmative (S809: YES), the value of the payout counter is decreased by 1 (S810), and the process returns. Here, it is assumed that data indicating the number of paid-out prize balls is not transmitted to the game control board 30.

  If the determination is negative (S809: NO), a payout error signal is transmitted to the game control board 30 because an error relating to payout has occurred (S811), the payout error flag is set to 1 (S812), and the process returns. Here, the payout error flag becomes 0 (cleared) by receiving a reset signal or a RAM clear signal transmitted from the game control board 30.

  As described above, the number of prize balls shown in the payout counter and the unpaid counter is paid out by the processing of FIG. 20, and unpaid prize ball data is thereby subtracted.

  Next, a prize ball error process performed on the prize ball control board 31 shown in FIG. 21 will be described. When the process proceeds to this routine, it is determined whether or not the ball break switch 44 is detected (S900). If the determination is affirmative (S900: YES), a ball-out error signal is transmitted to the game control board 30 (S901), the ball-out error flag is set to 1 (S902), and the process returns.

  If the determination is negative (S900: NO), the ball break error flag is set to 0 (S903), and it is determined whether or not the full switch 43 is detected (S904).

  If the determination is affirmative (S904: YES), a full tank error signal is transmitted to the game control board 30 (S905), the full tank error flag is set to 1 (S906), and the process returns. If the determination is negative (S904: NO), the full error flag is set to 0 (S907), and the process returns.

  As described above, the data indicating various detected errors (out of ball error, full tank error) is set in the data bus 59b and the NMI signal is transmitted from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30 by the processing of FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, while the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 are configured by the bidirectional communication circuit, the reception confirmation signal for the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is received. Since it is configured not to transmit to the game control board 30, the control burden on data transmission / reception indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out most frequently between the game control board 30 and the prize ball control board 31 can be reduced. In addition, since the reception confirmation signal is transmitted with respect to other information (for example, a power failure detection signal), it is possible to perform suitable control taking advantage of the bidirectional communication.

  In addition, since the game control board 30 is notified that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to be added / subtracted by the prize ball control board 31 exceeds a predetermined capacity (S707), the prize ball control board 31 receives a prize ball. To avoid the disadvantage of the player that occurs when the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 is received in a state where the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing the data is insufficient Can do. At this time, when the game control board 30 receives data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, the game control board 30 interrupts transmission of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. It can also comprise so that (S501). Further, with this configuration, the storage capacity of the RAM of the winning ball control board 31 can be reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction.

  Further, since the content of the error relating to the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30, it becomes possible to control the error lamp by the illumination control board 34, and unifying the illumination relations. Control can be performed. Further, in addition to the light emission of the error lamp by the control of the illumination control board 34, it is possible to make a notification that the control is performed by the sound control board 35 or the symbol control board 32b, and the notification according to the content of the error can be easily performed. It has an effect that can be done.

  In addition, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31, when notifying the occurrence of a power failure, the prize ball control board 31 is both forcedly interrupted and executed. Since the game control board 30 can also determine the error state of the ball control board 31, there is no problem in the configuration in which data is unilaterally transmitted from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31. And the processing load related to transmission and reception between the prize ball control board 31 and the prize ball control board 31 can be further reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a ball game machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment takes the configuration of FIGS. 22 and 23 instead of FIGS. 6 and 7 of the first embodiment. The description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 1st Embodiment uses description as 100 series.

  In the first embodiment, when the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 30 to the prize ball control board 31 is transmitted and when a power failure is notified, the forced interrupt terminal of the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 is used. This is executed by inputting a signal to (NMI terminal). Further, when various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 31 to the game control board 30 and when an unpaid full tank signal is transmitted, a signal is sent to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) of the CPU 56 of the game control board 30. It was configured to be entered and executed. In contrast, in the second embodiment, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 130 to the prize ball control board 131 is transmitted, a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal) to notify the occurrence of a power failure. In this case, a signal is input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed. Further, when various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 131 to the game control board 130, a signal is input to a normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal), and when an unpaid full tank signal is transmitted, a forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal). This is a configuration that is executed by inputting a signal to.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, the game control board 130 sets data indicating prize ball number data (not a power failure detection) to the data bus 159a and transmits an INT signal. To do. Thereby, the winning ball control board 131 can reduce the processing load without interrupting the processing being executed.

  When transmitting a power failure detection signal, an NMI signal is transmitted to the prize ball control board 131 without using the data bus 159a. When a forced interrupt is applied, it is when an abnormal state occurs, so that it is not necessary to determine the type of data, and the determination processing is reduced, so that the time from reception to subsequent processing can be shortened.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 23, the winning ball control board 131 sets data indicating the type of error in the data bus 159b and transmits an INT signal to the game control board 130. Since it is a controllable interrupt, the game control board 130 can perform processing with little influence on the processing being executed.

  Further, when transmitting an unpaid full tank signal notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, an NMI signal is transmitted. When the game control board 130 is forcibly interrupted is when the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, it is not necessary to determine the type of the data, and the subsequent processing is performed after reception. Can be shortened, so that the prize ball to be paid out from the game control board 130 in a state where the RAM capacity of the prize ball control board 131 provided for storing and storing data relating to the prize ball is insufficient. It is possible to more stably avoid the disadvantage of the player that occurs when the data indicating the number is received.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 130 to the prize ball control board 131 is transmitted, the prize ball control board 131 is executed with a controllable interrupt. The prize ball control board 131 can reduce the processing load of the prize ball control board 131 without interrupting the process being executed. Further, when the forced interruption is applied, it is a time when an abnormal state occurs when the game control board 130 notifies the prize ball control board 131 of the occurrence of a power failure, and it is not necessary to determine the type of data, thereby reducing the determination process. As a result, the time from reception to the subsequent processing can be shortened.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a ball game machine according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, FIG. 24 is used instead of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. The description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 1st Embodiment uses description as 200 series.

  In the first embodiment, the game control board 30 includes a power failure detection circuit 60 and a backup power supply 64, and the prize ball control board 31 includes a backup power supply 57. In the third embodiment, the game control board 230 includes a power failure detection circuit 260 and a backup power supply 264 as in the first embodiment, and the prize ball control board 231 does not include a power failure detection circuit and a backup power supply. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 24, as in the first embodiment, various power supplies are supplied from the power supply board 255 to the sub control board 242 including the game control board 230, the prize ball control board 231, the symbol control board 232b, etc. via the power supply AC24V. Has been. The power supply board 255 is configured to further generate a full wave 24V from the 24V AC power supply to the DC32V, DC12V, DC5V and the sub-control board 42, and supply the necessary power to each control board.

  The game control board 230 includes a power failure detection circuit 260 and a backup power supply 264, and is configured to supply a backup power supply (VBB) to the CPU 256 even when the power supplied from the power supply board 255 is interrupted. . The game control board 230 is configured to back up the game state, and in the first embodiment, backs up data relating to unsent prize balls that was performed on the prize ball control board 31. That is, the data stored in the RAM in the CPU 258 of the prize ball control board 231 is not backed up. Further, a backup power supply may be provided on the sub control board 259, or a backup power supply may be supplied from the game control board 230 to the sub control board 242.

  The prize ball control board 231 is configured not to include a power failure detection circuit and a backup power source. Compared with the first embodiment, since no backup-related circuit is provided, the cost can be reduced. Further, since the data relating to the prize ball is not backed up by the prize ball control board 231 but is backed up by the game control board 230, it is not necessary to transmit a power failure detection signal from the game control board 230, and the game control board 230 and the prize ball It is possible to reduce a control burden related to transmission / reception between the control boards 231. Further, by reducing the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board 231, a game caused by not backing up data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board 231 at the time of a power failure The disadvantage of the person can be minimized.

  In addition, when the game control board 230 interrupts the transmission of the data relating to the prize balls, the game control board 230 backs up the data relating to the unsent prize balls, so that the game control board 230 stores and holds the data after the return. The prize ball is paid out by transmitting data relating to the prize ball to the prize ball control board 231. Here, at the time of return, the CPU 258 of the prize ball control board 231 starts executing control more than the CPU 256 of the game control board 230 (FIG. 10), so that immediately after the power is turned on, the game control board 230 becomes the prize ball control board 231. Even if the data is transmitted, the prize ball control board 231 is executing the original control, so that the data can be reliably received.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the prize ball control board 231 is configured not to back up the data relating to the prize ball, and the game control board 230 is configured to back up the data relating to the prize ball together with the game state. 231 does not need to incorporate a backup-related circuit, can contribute to cost reduction, and it is not necessary to transmit a power failure detection signal from the game control board 230. Therefore, the game control board 230 and the prize ball control board 231 It is possible to further reduce the control burden related to transmission / reception between the two. Further, by reducing the storage capacity of the RAM provided for storing and storing data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board 231, a game caused by not backing up data relating to prize balls on the prize ball control board 231 at the time of a power failure This has the effect of minimizing the disadvantages of the person.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the ball game machine of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, FIG. 25 is used instead of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, FIG. 26 is used instead of FIG. 18, and the processing of FIG. 27 is used. The description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 1st Embodiment uses description as 300 series.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. The electrical circuit of the pachinko machine 310 includes a game control board 330, a prize ball control board 331, a symbol control board 332b which is a sub-control board 342, a launch control board 333, an electrical decoration control board 334, and a sound control board 335 as shown in the figure. The communication between the game control board 330 and the prize ball control board 331 is a bidirectional communication circuit. In the first embodiment, a one-way communication circuit that can transmit only from the game control board 30 to the symbol control board 32b, the launch control board 33, the illumination control board 34, and the sound control board 35 is used. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, a one-way communication circuit from the game control board 330 is used for the symbol control board 332b, the illumination control board 334, and the sound control board 335, and a prize ball for the launch control board 333. A one-way communication circuit from the control board 331 is configured. As a result, when an error relating to the payout of a prize ball occurs, an instruction can be issued directly from the prize ball control board 331 to the launch control board 333 without going through the game control board 330, and the processing load of the game control board 330 is reduced. Can be reduced.

  In addition, the touch switch 324a is connected to the game control board 30 in the first embodiment, but in the fourth embodiment, the launch control board 333 is connected to the prize ball control board 331 through a one-way communication circuit, and payout etc. Since the data related to the prize ball control board 331 is sent to the launch control board 333, the touch switch 324a is connected to the prize ball control board 331.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a process that is performed in the main routine of the game control board 330 and receives an error signal from the prize ball control board 331.

  The game control board 330 first determines whether various error signals have been received from the prize ball control board 331 (S1000). If the determination is negative (S1000: NO), the process returns from this routine without performing substantial processing. If the determination is affirmative (S1000: YES), it is determined whether the various error signals are payout errors (S1001).

  In the case of an affirmative determination (S1001: YES), in the first embodiment, a process of transmitting a payout error notification signal is performed after transmitting a firing stop signal to the firing control board 33. In the fourth embodiment, however, the firing control board is processed. Since 333 is connected to the prize ball control board 331, a payout error notification signal is transmitted without transmitting a firing stop signal (S1002), and the process returns. If a negative determination is made (S1001: NO), it is determined whether or not each error signal is a ball-out error (S1003).

  If the determination is affirmative (S1003: YES), the firing stop signal is not transmitted here, but a ball break error notification signal is transmitted (S1004), and the process returns. If the determination is negative (S1003: NO), a full stop error notification signal is transmitted without transmitting a firing stop signal (S1005), and the process returns.

  Here, each error notification signal is a signal transmitted from the game control board 331 to at least one of the symbol control board 332b, the illumination control board 334, and the sound control board 335. For example, when a payout error notification signal is transmitted to the symbol control board 332b, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a payout error using graphics, characters, etc. as a display on the LCD 332a. Similarly, when a payout error notification signal is transmitted to the illumination control board 334, the occurrence of a payout error can be notified using the light emitted from the lamps 342a. In addition, by transmitting a payout error notification signal to the sound control board 335, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a payout error using the audio output from the speaker 349. By adopting such a configuration, notification according to the content of the error can be easily performed. Further, by configuring the payout error notification signal to be transmitted to all of the symbol control board 332b, the illumination control board 334, and the sound control board 335, the effect of the notification can be further enhanced. The same applies to the case of a ball break error notification signal and a full tank error notification signal transmission.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process performed in the prize ball control board 331 when a signal for stopping the launch when various errors occur is transmitted from the prize ball control board 331 to the launch control board 333.

  In this process, first, it is determined whether or not various error flags indicating that an error has occurred are 1 (S1100). If the determination is negative (S1100: NO), no error has occurred and there is no need to stop firing, so the routine returns without performing any substantial processing. If the determination is affirmative (S1100: YES), it is determined whether the payout error flag is 1, that is, whether various errors are payout errors (S1101).

  If the determination is affirmative (S1101: YES), a firing stop signal is transmitted from the winning ball control board 331 to the firing control board 333 (S1102), and the process returns. In this embodiment, since the one-way communication from the prize ball control board 331 to the launch control board 333 is configured, a signal for stopping the launch due to the occurrence of various errors is transmitted from the prize ball control board 331, and the launch is performed. It is set as the structure which can be stopped. If the determination is negative (S1101: NO), it is determined whether or not the ball-out error flag is 1 (S1103).

  If the determination is affirmative (S1103: YES), a firing stop signal is transmitted to the firing control board 333 (S1102), and the process returns. If a negative determination is made (S1103: NO), a full tank error has occurred, so a firing stop signal is transmitted to the firing control board 333 (S1102), and the process returns.

  With the processing of FIG. 27 described above, it is possible to stop the launch by directly transmitting a signal for stopping the launch due to the occurrence of various errors from the prize ball control board 331 (S1102).

  When transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 330 to the prize ball control board 331 as in the second embodiment, a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal) to notify the occurrence of a power failure. If the error signal is input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed, and various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 331 to the game control board 330, the signal is sent to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal). When an unpaid full tank signal is input and transmitted, a signal may be input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the one-way communication circuit from the game control board 330 is used for the symbol display device 332, the illumination control board 334, and the sound control board 335, and the prize ball control is performed for the launch control board 333. Since the circuit is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the board 331, when an error relating to the payout of a prize ball occurs, an instruction is directly issued from the prize ball control board 331 to the launch control board 333 without going through the game control board 330. And the processing burden on the game control board 330 can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a ball game machine according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, FIG. 28 is used instead of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. The description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 1st Embodiment uses description as 400 series.

  In the first embodiment, the game control board 30 is provided with a power failure detection circuit 60 and a backup power supply 64, and the prize ball control board 31 is provided with a backup power supply 57, and the power supplied from the power supply board 55 is interrupted. However, the backup power supply (VBB) is supplied to the CPU 56 of the game control board 30 and the CPU 58 of the prize ball control board 31 by the backup power supplies 64 and 57 provided respectively. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the game control board 430 includes a power failure detection circuit 460 and a backup power source 464 as in the first embodiment, and the prize ball control board 431 includes a power failure detection circuit and a backup power source. When the power supplied from the power supply board 455 is interrupted, the backup power supply 464 provided on the game control board 430 causes the backup power supply (VBB) to be supplied to the CPU 456 of the game control board 430 and the CPU 458 of the prize ball control board 431. ) Is supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 28, various power supplies are supplied from the power supply board 455 to the sub control board 442 including the game control board 430, the prize ball control board 431, the symbol control board 432b, etc. via the power supply AC24V as in the first embodiment. ing. The power supply board 455 is configured to generate a full wave 24V from the 24V AC power supply to the DC32V, DC12V, DC5V, and the sub-control board 42 and supply the necessary power to each control board.

  The game control board 430 includes a power failure detection circuit 460 as in the first embodiment, and transmits a power failure detection signal indicating that a power failure has occurred from the game control board 430 to the prize ball control board 431 when a power failure is detected. In addition, the game control board 430 is provided with a backup power supply 464, and even if the power supplied from the power supply board 455 is interrupted, the backup power supply (VBB) is supplied to the CPU 456 of the game control board 430. The backup power supply (VBB) is also supplied to the CPU 458 of 431. At this time, the game control board 430 backs up the gaming state, and the prize ball control board 431 is configured to back up unpaid prize ball data. Further, a backup power supply may be provided on the sub control board 459, or a backup power supply may be supplied from the backup power supply 464 of the game control board 430 to the sub control board 442.

  The prize ball control board 431 is not provided with a power failure detection circuit and a backup power source. Compared to the first embodiment, since no backup-related circuit is provided, the cost can be reduced.

  The game control board 430 is provided with a power failure detection circuit 460. When a power failure is detected, a power failure detection signal is transmitted to the prize ball control board 431. Here, the winning ball control board 431 may be provided with a power failure detection circuit. In that case, the game control board 430 and the prize ball control board 431 detect the power failure by the respective power failure detection circuits, so there is no need to transmit a power failure detection signal from the game control board 430 to the prize ball control board 431. , Can reduce the control burden

  When transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 430 to the prize ball control board 431 as in the second embodiment, a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal) to notify the occurrence of a power failure. If the error signal is input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed, and various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 431 to the game control board 430, the signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal). However, when an unpaid full tank signal is transmitted, a signal may be input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the backup power supply 464 provided on the game control board 430 is configured to supply the backup power to the CPU 456 of the game control board 430 and the CPU 457 of the prize ball control board 431. While backing up the data relating to the prize ball, it is not necessary to incorporate a backup-related circuit in the prize ball control board 431, which can contribute to cost reduction.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a ball game machine according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31 and FIG. The sixth embodiment uses FIG. 24 instead of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, uses FIG. 29 instead of FIG. 7, uses FIG. 30 instead of FIG. 11, and uses the processing of FIG. Description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 1st Embodiment uses description as 500 series.

  FIG. 24 is used for the configuration for supplying power from the power supply substrate 555 and the configuration of each control board. That is, the game control board 530 is provided with a power failure detection circuit 560 and a backup power source 564, and the game control board 530 is configured to back up the gaming state and the number of unpaid prize balls in a lump.

  The prize ball control board 531 is not provided with a power failure detection circuit and a backup power source. Therefore, since the backup-related circuit is not provided, the cost can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

  Next, FIG. 6 is used for the configuration of signal transmission from the game control board 530 to the prize ball control board 531, and the prize ball control board 531 is transmitted both when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out and when a power failure detection signal is transmitted. Is configured to be executed with a forced interrupt. For this reason, there is no problem in the configuration in which data is unilaterally transmitted from the game control board 530 to the prize ball control board 531, and the processing load relating to transmission / reception between the game control board 530 and the prize ball control board 531 is further reduced. be able to.

  As for signal transmission from the prize ball control board 531 to the game control board 530, as shown in FIG. 29, data for notifying the control state regarding the prize ball is set in the data bus 559b and the NMI signal is sent to the prize ball control board. 531 to the game control board 530. Here, in the first embodiment, the data for notifying the control state relating to the prize ball to be transmitted is only the data notifying the contents of various errors and the data notifying that the unpaid prize ball data exceeds a predetermined capacity. However, in the sixth embodiment, since the data regarding the winning ball is not backed up, the data notifying the contents of various errors and the data indicating that the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls exceeds a predetermined capacity, and Data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is also transmitted.

  Even when a power failure is detected, DC5V supplied from the power supply board 555 to the VCC of the prize ball control board 531 is sent for a short time, but before the CPU 558 of the prize ball control board 531 stops. Processing is possible, and a signal of data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is transmitted to the game control board 530 during that time. Therefore, the prize ball control board 531 is configured to stop the control of the prize ball control board 531 after transmitting the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to the game control board 530 after receiving the power failure signal. Even if it is not the structure which backs up the data regarding a prize ball, the disadvantage of the player which arises by generation | occurrence | production of a power failure can be eliminated.

  In addition, the prize ball control board 531 is always configured to calculate data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls and store it in advance in a register as data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls within 1 byte to prepare for power failure detection. Thus, data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to the game control board 530 can be transmitted more quickly.

  In addition, the data signal indicating the number of unpaid prize balls transmitted to the game control board 530 is configured to have a data capacity of 1 byte or less, whereby the control of the prize ball control board 531 is stopped after a power failure is detected. Under time constraints, the time required for the prize ball control board 531 to transmit the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is shortened as much as possible, and the backup of the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is stably performed. Can be done.

  Next, the operation when power is turned off will be described with reference to FIG. When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 510 is cut off (point P10) and reaches the reference voltage LV6 (point P11), a power failure is detected, and the game control board 530 saves data indicating the current game progress status to the RAM. After the access is prohibited, the CPU 556 is stopped. When the voltage of the power supply voltage DC12V drops to the reference voltage LV7 (point P12), the forced interrupt terminal of the CPU 558 of the prize ball control board 531 goes to a low level, and a non-maskable interrupt is applied to the CPU 558. At this time, the CPU 558 saves the data indicating the current prize ball payout state and the ball lending payout state, and thereafter prohibits access to the RAM. When the voltage of the power supply voltage DC12V further decreases to the reference voltage LV8 (point P13), the CPU 558 enters a reset state and stops its operation.

  When the power is turned off, the CPU 556 of the game control board 530 is first stopped and then the CPU 558 of the prize ball control board 531 is stopped. Thereby, there is an effect that the data transmitted before the CPU 556 of the game control board 530 is turned off is reliably received by the prize ball control board 531.

  Next, an unpaid prize ball receiving process performed on the game control board 530 shown in FIG. 31 will be described. This process is performed when the game control board 530 receives an unpaid prize ball number signal indicating the number of unpaid prize balls transmitted from the prize ball control board 531 when a power failure occurs.

  When the process executed by the CPU 556 of the game control board 530 shifts to this routine, it is determined whether or not an unpaid prize ball signal indicating the number of unpaid prize balls has been received from the prize ball control board 531 (S1200). If a negative determination is made (S1200: NO), the process returns from this routine without performing substantial processing. If the determination is affirmative (S1200: YES), the number of unpaid prize balls indicated in the unpaid prize ball number signal is stored in the RAM in the CPU 556 of the game control board 530, and the stored contents of the RAM are maintained by the backup power source ( S1201).

  At the time of power failure recovery, data corresponding to the number of unpaid prize balls is transmitted from the game control board 530 to the prize ball control board 531, and the number of unpaid prize balls is paid out without backing up the prize ball control board 531. Can do. Here, at the time of return, the CPU 558 of the prize ball control board 531 starts to execute control from the CPU 556 of the game control board 530 so that the game control board 530 sends data to the prize ball control board 531 immediately after the power is turned on. Even if it is transmitted, the prize ball control board 531 is executing the original control, so that the data can be reliably received.

  Further, a backup power source provided on the game control board 530 is also preferable because it can supply power only to the CPU 556 of the game control board 530, and the capacity can be reduced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the prize ball control board 531 does not back up the data relating to the prize ball, and the game control board 530 also backs up the data related to the prize ball. It is not necessary to incorporate related circuits, which can contribute to cost reduction. Further, even if the configuration relating to winning ball control is not backed up by the prize ball control board 531 when a power failure occurs, the data relating to the prize ball stored in the RAM of the prize ball control board 531 at the time of receiving the power failure detection signal, Since it is configured to transmit to the game control board 530, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantage of the player caused by the occurrence of a power failure.

  In addition, since the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls sent to the game control board 530 at the time of the power failure is a data capacity of 1 byte or less, the data of the prize ball control board 531 is detected after the power failure of the game control board 530 is detected. Data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls by shortening the time required for the prize ball control board 531 to transmit data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls as much as possible under the time constraint until the control is stopped. Can be backed up stably. Also, the prize ball control board 531 always calculates data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls, stores it as data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls within 1 byte, and stores this data in a register. By configuring, data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to the game control board 530 can be transmitted more quickly.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a ball game machine according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the seventh embodiment, FIG. 22 is used instead of FIG. 6 used in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 32 is used instead of FIG. The description of the component of this embodiment corresponding to the component of 6th Embodiment uses the description as 600 series.

  In the sixth embodiment, when transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 530 to the prize ball control board 531 and when notifying the occurrence of a power failure, the forced interrupt terminal (NMI) of the prize ball control board 531 is used. A signal is input to the terminal), and when various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 531 to the game control board 530, when an unpaid full tank signal is sent, and when an unpaid prize ball data signal is sent In addition, both are configured to be executed by inputting a signal to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) to the game control board 630. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 630 to the prize ball control board 631 is transmitted, a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal) to notify the occurrence of a power failure. In this case, a signal is input to the forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed. When various error signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 631 to the game control board 630 and when an unpaid full tank signal is sent, a signal is input to the normal interrupt terminal (INT terminal) to indicate the number of unpaid prize balls. In the case of transmitting a data signal, the signal is input to a forced interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) and executed.

  The configuration for signal transmission from the game control board 630 to the prize ball control board 631 uses FIG. When transmitting data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, the game control board 630 sets data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out to the data bus 659a and transmits an INT signal. As a result, the winning ball control board 631 can reduce the processing load without interrupting the processing being executed. Further, at the time of power failure detection signal transmission, an NMI signal is transmitted to the prize ball control board 631 without using the data bus 659a. When a forced interrupt is applied, it is when an abnormal state occurs, so that it is not necessary to determine the type of data, and the determination processing is reduced, so that the time from reception to subsequent processing can be shortened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the prize ball control board 631 sets various error signals and unpaid full tank signals to the data bus 659b, and transmits an INT signal to the game control board 630. Since it is a controllable interrupt, the game control board 630 can perform processing with little influence on the processing being executed. Further, an NMI signal is transmitted when a data signal indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is transmitted. Since a forced interrupt is applied to the game control board 630, it is not necessary to determine the type of data, and the time from reception to subsequent processing can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to stably back up data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls when a power failure is detected.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the game control board 630 to the prize ball control board 631 is transmitted, a controllable interrupt is applied to the prize ball control board 631 and executed. The prize ball control board 631 can reduce the processing load of the prize ball control board 631 without interrupting the process being executed, and if a forced interrupt is applied, the game control board 630 controls the prize ball. When an abnormal state occurs when notifying the circuit board 631 of the occurrence of a power failure, it is not necessary to determine the type of data, and the determination processing is reduced, thereby shortening the time from reception to subsequent processing. it can.

  In addition, when various error signals and unpaid full tank signals are transmitted from the prize ball control board 631 to the game control board 630, the game control board 630 is executed because a controllable interrupt is issued to the prize ball control board 631. Processing can be performed with little effect on the processing inside. In addition, when the unpaid prize ball number data signal is transmitted, the game control board 630 is forcibly interrupted, so that the time from reception to the subsequent processing can be shortened. Can be stably backed up.

1 is an external perspective view showing a gaming machine 10 adopting the present invention. It is the back view which looked at the gaming machine 10 from the back. 2 is a front view showing a configuration of a game board 22 of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing configurations of a power supply board 55, a game control board 30, a prize ball control board 31, and a sub control board 42 according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmission from the game control board 30 which concerns on 1st Embodiment to the prize ball control board 31. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows signal transmission from the prize ball control board 31 which concerns on 1st Embodiment to the game control board 30. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a power failure detection circuit 60. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a reset circuit 62. FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the state at the time of power activation. It is a timing chart which shows the state at the time of power interruption. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a power failure processing routine. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the power-on routine. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed in a main routine of the game control board 30. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed in a main routine of a prize ball control board 31. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball data creation process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball data transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball payout error process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball data reception process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball payout process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball error process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing signal transmission from game control board 130 to prize ball control board 131 concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows signal transmission from the prize ball control board 131 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to the game control board 130. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply board 255, the game control board 230, the prize ball control board 231, and the sub control board 242 which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game machine 410 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball payout error process performed with the game control board 330 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball payout error process performed with the prize ball control board 331 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply board 455, game control board 430, prize ball control board 431, and sub control board 442 which concern on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing signal transmission from prize ball control board 531 to game control board 530 concerning a 6th embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the state at the time of the power shutdown concerning a 6th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an unpaid prize ball reception process. It is a block diagram showing signal transmission from prize ball control board 631 to game control board 630 concerning a 7th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 13 ... Prepaid card unit 22 ... Game board 24 ... Launch handle 24a ... Touch switch 24b ... Launch stop switch 30 ... Game control board 31 ... Prize ball control board 32b ... Design control board 33 ... Launch control board 33a ... Launch Motor 34 ... Electrical control board 35 ... Sound control board 36 ... Special symbol starting port 36a ... Special symbol starting port switch 40 ... Large winning port 40b ... Count switch
47 ... CR payment display device 49 ... Speaker 50 ... External connection terminal board 55 ... Power supply board
56, 58 ... CPU (one-chip microcomputer)
57, 64 ... Backup power supply
60 ... Power failure detection circuit 62 ... Reset circuit

Claims (8)

A game control board that controls the progress of the game,
A prize ball control board for delivering a prize ball to a player;
A sub control board including at least a symbol control board for displaying the occurrence of success or failure due to the entry of a game ball;
A power supply board for supplying power to the game control board, the prize ball control board and the sub-control board,
In the game control board,
A power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply board;
Storage means for storing a gaming state when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means;
A first memory holding power source for storing and holding the gaming state stored in the storage means even in a power failure state,
When power is restored, the game is resumed from the stored game state,
Communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a bidirectional communication circuit,
A ball game machine that is a one-way communication circuit that can transmit only from the game control board to the sub-control board,
The prize ball control board includes a unique second memory holding power source different from the first memory holding power source,
The game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to detection of a winning game ball to each prize opening to the prize ball control board, and indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out. Configure to erase data,
The winning ball control board adds the received data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid to the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, subtracts it from the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls by paying out the winning ball, The data indicating the number of winning balls is configured to be stored and held by the second storage holding power supply in the event of a power failure,
In addition, the prize ball control board transmits data notifying the control state regarding the prize ball to the game control board, while the bidirectional ballot circuit is used for the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. Do not send a reception confirmation signal to the game control board,
A ball game machine characterized by being configured as described above. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The data for notifying the control state relating to the prize ball transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board is data notifying that the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls to be added or subtracted exceeds a predetermined capacity. A ball game machine characterized by In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The bullet ball game machine, wherein the data for notifying the control state relating to the prize ball transmitted from the prize ball control board to the game control board is data notifying the content of the error relating to the prize ball payout. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
When the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means of the game control board and when the game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, both the prize ball control boards are A bullet ball game machine configured to input a signal to a forced interrupt terminal, determine a type of data received at this time, and shift to a power failure process or a prize ball data reception process. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
When the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means of the game control board, the prize ball control board inputs a signal to the forced interrupt terminal of the CPU and proceeds to a power failure process,
When the game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out, the prize ball control board inputs a signal to the normal interrupt terminal of the CPU, and the payout board is not executing other processing. A bullet ball game machine configured to transmit to the game control board a signal informing that it waits if the process shifts to a reception process of data indicating the number of prize balls to be issued and other processes are being executed. . A game control board that controls the progress of the game,
A prize ball control board for delivering a prize ball to a player;
A sub control board including at least a symbol control board for displaying the occurrence of success or failure due to the entry of a game ball;
A power supply board for supplying power to the game control board, the prize ball control board and the sub-control board,
In the game control board,
A power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply board;
Storage means for storing a gaming state when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means;
A memory holding power source for storing and holding the gaming state stored in the storage means even in a power failure state,
When power is restored, the game is resumed from the stored game state,
Communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a bidirectional communication circuit,
A ball game machine that is a one-way communication circuit that can transmit only from the game control board to the sub-control board,
The game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to detection of a game ball winning at each prize opening to the prize ball control board, and indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out. Configure to erase data,
The winning ball control board adds the received data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid to the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, and subtracts the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls by paying out the winning ball. In spite of communication, the reception confirmation signal for the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is configured not to be transmitted to the game control board,
The prize ball control board transmits a signal notifying the game control board when the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls added and subtracted exceeds a predetermined capacity, and when receiving the signal, the game control board Is a bullet ball game machine configured to interrupt transmission of data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out. A game control board that controls the progress of the game,
A prize ball control board for delivering a prize ball to a player;
A sub control board including at least a symbol control board for displaying the occurrence of success or failure due to the entry of a game ball;
A power supply board for supplying power to the game control board, the prize ball control board and the sub-control board,
In the game control board,
A power failure detection means for detecting a power failure state of the power supplied from the power supply board;
Storage means for storing a gaming state when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection means;
A memory holding power source for storing and holding the gaming state stored in the storage means even in a power failure state,
When power is restored, the game is resumed from the stored game state,
Communication between the game control board and the prize ball control board is a bidirectional communication circuit,
A ball game machine that is a one-way communication circuit that can transmit only from the game control board to the sub-control board,
The game control board transmits data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to detection of a game ball winning at each prize opening to the prize ball control board, and indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out. Configure to erase data,
The winning ball control board adds the received data indicating the number of winning balls to be paid to the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls, and subtracts the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls by paying out the winning ball. In spite of communication, the reception confirmation signal for the data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is configured not to be transmitted to the game control board,
When the prize ball control board is informed that a power failure has occurred by the power failure detection means of the game control board, the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is transmitted to the game control board and then the CPU A ball game machine characterized by being configured to stop control. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 7,
A bullet ball game machine characterized in that data indicating the number of unpaid award balls transmitted to the game control board when a power failure occurs has a data capacity of 1 byte or less.

Images