JP2006006776A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a backup function, capable of eliminating a process at the time of the power supply cut if not necessary without adverse effects of the variation of voltage of an outside power supply. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine comprises a first voltage monitoring means for monitoring a first voltage converted by a first voltage converting means and outputting power-cut signals to a CPU when the first voltage is a first lower limit or lower, a second voltage monitoring means for monitoring a second voltage converted by a second voltage converting means and outputting reset signals to the CPU when the second voltage is a second lower limit or lower, and a voltage retaining circuit for extending the time to reduce the second voltage converted by the second voltage converting means to the second lower limit longer than the time to reduce the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means to the first lower limit when the power supply to a power supply line from the outside of the game machine is cut off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a backup function when the power is turned off.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine having a backup function that retains the stored contents immediately before the power is turned off, the first power supply monitoring means for detecting a drop in the power supply voltage and the first power supply monitoring means have detected the power supply voltage drop. A second power supply monitoring means for detecting a power supply voltage drop after a predetermined period, wherein the gaming device control microcomputer performs a power-off process within the predetermined period in response to an input of a detection output from the first power supply monitoring means; There is a gaming machine that executes and resets a system in response to an input of a detection output from the second power supply monitoring means.

However, in the gaming machine that monitors the voltage in two stages by the first voltage monitoring means and the second monitoring means, the power source that has just passed through the rectifier circuit is directly monitored, so the external power supplied to the gaming machine Even if there is a slight voltage fluctuation in the power supply, the monitoring result is likely to be greatly affected, and there is a high possibility that the backup function will work when it is judged that the power supply is cut off when backup is not actually required.
JP 2001-104610 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine having a backup function that is less affected by fluctuations in the voltage of the external power supply and that can eliminate the need for processing when the power is turned off in an unnecessary place. With the goal.

The invention of claim 1 controls a game, performs a backup process of the gaming state by inputting a power-off signal, and performs a system reset control by inputting a reset signal, and a power source from outside the gaming machine The first voltage converting means connected to the power line of the gaming machine that receives the supply of the first voltage converting means for converting the input voltage to the gaming machine itself into the first voltage and maintaining the first voltage constant with respect to the predetermined amplitude of the input voltage. The first voltage conversion means is connected in parallel to the power supply line of the gaming machine, converts the input voltage to the gaming machine itself into a second voltage, and also applies the second voltage to a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage. The second voltage converting means for maintaining the voltage constant, and the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means, and when the first voltage falls below the first lower limit value, the power cut signal is sent to the CPU. Output first Voltage monitoring means and second voltage monitoring means for monitoring the second voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means and outputting the reset signal to the CPU when the second voltage becomes equal to or lower than a second lower limit value. And when the power supply from the outside of the gaming machine is cut off to the power line, the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means is less than the time until the first voltage lowers to the first lower limit value. e Bei voltage holding circuit, wherein the second voltage converted by the second voltage converting means to prolong the time to be decreased to the second lower limit value, the voltage holding circuit is connected to the second voltage converting means and said When power is supplied to the power supply line from outside the gaming machine, the battery is charged. When power supply from outside the gaming machine is cut off, the battery is discharged to the second voltage converting means and converted by the second voltage converting means. Said first A second voltage holding means for holding the voltage at a value higher than the second lower limit value for a certain period of time; and provided between the first voltage converting means and the second voltage holding means, from the second voltage holding means to the And a rectifying element for preventing current from flowing to the first voltage converting means .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the voltage holding circuit is charged when the power supply line is connected to the first voltage conversion means and power is supplied to the power supply line from the outside of the gaming machine. When the power supply is cut off, the first voltage is discharged to the first voltage conversion means, and the first voltage converted by the first voltage conversion means is maintained at a value higher than the first lower limit value for a certain period of time. Holding means, and the rectifying element is provided between the first voltage holding means and the second voltage holding means .

A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the voltage converted by the second voltage converting means is a voltage input to the CPU for operating the CPU.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the second voltage monitoring means also serves as a watchdog timer .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the input voltage to the gaming machine itself is converted into the first voltage and is connected to the predetermined amplitude of the input voltage. However, the first voltage converting means for keeping the first voltage constant and the first voltage converting means are connected in parallel to the power supply line of the gaming machine and convert the input voltage to the gaming machine itself into the second voltage. In addition, the second voltage conversion means for keeping the second voltage constant with respect to a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage, and the first voltage converted by the first voltage conversion means are monitored, and the first voltage is The first voltage monitoring means for outputting the power-off signal to the CPU when the value is lower than the lower limit value, the second voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means is monitored, and the second voltage is a second lower limit value. Output the reset signal to the CPU when 2 voltage monitoring means and a time until the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means is reduced to the first lower limit value when power supply from the outside of the gaming machine is cut off to the power supply line A voltage holding circuit that lengthens the time until the second voltage converted by the second voltage converting means decreases to the second lower limit value, and the voltage holding circuit is connected to the second voltage converting means. The power supply line is charged when power is supplied from the outside of the gaming machine, and when the power supply from the outside of the gaming machine is cut off, it is discharged to the second voltage converting means, and the second voltage converting means The second voltage holding means for holding the second voltage converted by the second voltage value higher than the second lower limit value for a certain period of time, provided between the first voltage conversion means and the second voltage holding means, Second voltage hold By the at least provided with a configuration and a rectifying element for preventing the outflow of current to the first voltage converting means from the stage, the voltage to maintain the output voltage constant against changes in the predetermined amplitude of the input voltage from the gaming machine external Since the voltage converted by the converter is monitored, the adverse effect of voltage fluctuation of the external power supply on the voltage monitoring result can be reduced, and it is not necessary to perform processing when the power is turned off where it is unnecessary. A gaming machine having a function can be provided.

Further , according to the invention of claim 1 , the voltage holding circuit is connected to the second voltage converting means and charges when the power supply line is supplied with power from outside the gaming machine, and power is supplied from outside the gaming machine. Second voltage holding means for discharging to the second voltage converting means when the voltage is cut off, and holding the second voltage converted by the second voltage converting means at a value higher than the second lower limit value for a certain period of time; And at least a rectifying element provided between the first voltage converting means and the second voltage holding means for preventing current from flowing from the second voltage holding means to the first voltage converting means. , Can increase the certainty of issuing the reset signal after the power-off signal, and further enhance the certainty of performing the backup performed by inputting the power-off signal before the reset It can become.

According to the invention of claim 2 , the voltage holding circuit is charged when the power supply line is connected to the first voltage converting means and power is supplied from the outside of the gaming machine, and the power supply from the outside of the gaming machine is supplied. A first voltage holding means for discharging to the first voltage converting means when disconnected and holding the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means at a value higher than the first lower limit value for a certain period of time; Since the rectifying element is provided between the first voltage holding unit and the second voltage holding unit, it is possible to make the rectifying element less susceptible to the adverse effects of fluctuations in the external power supply voltage.

According to the invention of claim 3 , by ensuring that the voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means is a voltage input to the CPU for operating the CPU, the operation of the CPU is ensured to the end. In addition, the system reset control by the CPU can be more reliably performed.

According to the invention of claim 4 , since the second voltage monitoring means also serves as a watchdog timer, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the nails of the gaming board omitted, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine, and FIG. FIG.

  A gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball as a game medium, and an outer guide rail 4 and an inner guide rail 5 of the game ball are erected in a substantially circular shape on the edge of the game board 3. On the center line of the game area 6 surrounded by the inner guide rail 5, a display device 9, a start winning port 10, a special winning port 15 that is a special electric accessory, and an out port 17 are arranged in order from the top to the bottom. ing. Further, on both upper sides of the ramp wind turbines 18a and 18b, a normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and a normal symbol variation start right gate 21 are below, a lower sleeve winning port 23 and a right sleeve winning port 25 are further below, On both sides of the big winning opening 15, a left dropping winning opening 27 and a right dropping winning opening 29 are arranged. When game balls win the various winning holes, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When a big hit is made, the big winning opening 15 is opened, and a big hit game (special game) in which a game ball is easy to win is executed. Reference numerals 22a and 22b denote wind turbines, F1 denotes an outer frame, and G denotes a glass frame attached to the front frame F2 by a hinge so as to be opened and closed.

  Further, a frame decoration right lamp 35a, a frame decoration upper lamp 35b, and a frame decoration left lamp 35c are provided on the front side of the gaming machine 1, and an upper ball receiving tray 36 for receiving the paid game balls, A lower ball receiving tray 37 for receiving a game ball when the ball receiving tray 36 is saturated, a speaker 38 for generating sound effects, etc., and a launching device 53 for projecting and launching a game ball toward the game area 6 in accordance with the player's launch operation. Etc. are assembled respectively. Hereinafter, each required part will be further described in detail.

  The display device 9 is capable of displaying at least one of characters and designs, and includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module) is used. ), A normal symbol display unit 45 is incorporated in the lower left, and most of the other is a special symbol display unit 42.

  The special symbol display unit 42 displays the determination result by the determination unit for determining whether or not the game is successful. The special symbol display unit 42 of the present embodiment includes a left display region, a center display region, and a right display region divided into three display regions arranged side by side, and the left special symbol (left determination symbol) is included in the left display region. In the center display area, the middle special symbol (medium judgment symbol), and in the right display area, the right special symbol (right judgment symbol) are displayed as a special symbol (judgment symbol) for displaying the determination result for the jackpot. And stop display is possible. In addition to the special symbol (determination symbol), a background image (including characters, background, characters, etc.) may be displayed on the special symbol display unit 42, and the background image changes in the special symbol. Variation display may be possible due to a predetermined condition such as start. In this embodiment, the special symbols (decision symbols) that are changed and stopped in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area are “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7”. , 8, 9, 10, 11 ”.

  The normal symbol display unit 45 variably displays and stops a normal symbol for determining a small hit such as a symbol or a picture (character). The normal symbols that are changed and stopped on the normal symbol display unit 45 in the present embodiment are ten patterns of “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9”. .

  The start winning opening 10 is provided directly below the special symbol display portion 42, and the two movable pieces 10a and 10b are substantially vertically and difficult to win by a solenoid for starting start opening on the back, and a substantially V-shaped (reverse C-shaped). It is controlled so that it can be changed between the expanded and open states that are easy to win. A space between the movable pieces 10a and 10b of the start winning opening 10 corresponds to a winning area. The opening and opening of the start winning opening 10 is performed when a normal symbol is changed on the normal symbol display unit 45 and then a fixed stop is displayed at a specific normal symbol and a small hit (per normal symbol) is established.

  In addition, on the back of the game board 3, a start winning port detection switch (start winning port sensor) for detecting a game ball won in the start winning port 10 is provided in the winning ball passage. In this embodiment, The detection of a winning ball by the start winning port detection switch is set as a cause for determining whether or not a big win (game win / fail) has been made and a cause for starting the variation display of the special symbol (determination symbol). In addition, even if a game ball wins the start winning opening 10 while the special symbol display unit 42 displays the variation of the special symbol, the variation display of the special symbol cannot be started immediately. The change display is temporarily held, and the number of hold balls is reduced by the change display of the special symbol. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of special symbol reservations is set to four.

  The normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 detect a game ball passing through both gates 19, 21 by a normal symbol variation start switch provided on the back of the game board 3. Thus, the normal symbol display unit 45 starts to change the normal symbol. In addition, during the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol variation generated by the game ball passing through the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 can be held up to four times. Is stored, and the number of ordinary symbols retained is reduced by the start of normal symbol fluctuation. Furthermore, a left sleeve winning port detection switch and a right sleeve winning port detection switch for detecting the winning balls of the left sleeve winning port 23 and the right sleeve winning port 25, and the left dropping winning port 27 and the right dropping winning port 29 are detected. A left drop winning opening detection switch and a right drop winning opening detection switch for detecting a winning ball are respectively provided on the back of the corresponding game board.

  The special prize opening 15 includes an opening / closing plate 16 that is opened and closed by a special prize opening opening solenoid provided on the back of the game board 3. The special winning opening 15 is normally in a state in which the opening / closing plate 16 is closed, and a part of the special winning opening 15 has a specific area that is opened when the special winning opening 15 is opened to allow a winning. A winning opening 52 is provided. Further, the specific area winning opening 52 is provided with an open / close door that is opened and closed by a specific area opening solenoid in a predetermined condition. The specific area winning opening 52 is provided with a specific winning ball detection switch (specific area sensor) for detecting a specific winning ball so that a continuation right to reopen the large winning opening 15 is established by detecting the winning ball. Has been. In addition, a winning ball count switch (count sensor) for detecting a winning ball that has won the grand winning port 15 and has not won the specific area winning port 52 is provided in the approximate center of the large winning port 15. It has been.

  The launching device 53 has a launching motor that is driven by the operation of the operation lever 54 on the back side, and the game ball is ejected by the driving of the launching motor. The launch ball fired by the launch device 53 is guided to the game area 6 through a launch ball guide path formed between the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5 erected on the game board surface. The game ball guided to the game area 6 rolls downward and rolls down and wins the respective devices and the winning holes, or if no winning is made anywhere, from the out port 17 of the game board 3. It is discharged to the back side. Note that the prepaid card unit 56 is connected to the gaming machine 1 of this example.

  A game performed by the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. In the gaming machine 1, when game balls launched toward the game area 6 by the launching device 53 win a variety of winning holes in the game area 9, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, which will be described later. It is paid out to the upper ball receiving tray 36 from the apparatus. Further, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21, and the game ball is detected by the normal symbol variation start switch, the main control board 120 described later. When a detection signal is sent to and the number of normal symbol fluctuation hold is less than 4, a random number for determining a small hit and determining a normal symbol is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in a normal symbol numerical value in the RAM of the main control board 120 Once stored in the area. The stored random numbers for determining the small hits / ordinary symbols are sequentially read out, and based on the read random numbers, the determination of the normal symbol (small hit) is performed, and the normal symbol display unit 45 The normal symbol variation starts and stops after a predetermined time variation. At this time, if the hit determination result of the normal symbol is a small hit, the small winning normal symbol, in this example, stops at an odd number, the start winning opening 10 is in the expanded winning area, and the game ball is easy to win. Become. When a game ball wins in the winning area of the start winning opening 10, a predetermined number (5 in this example) of game balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device as prize balls.

  Further, when a game ball is won in the winning area of the start winning opening 10, and a winning ball is detected by the start winning opening detecting switch, a detection signal is sent to the main control board 120, and the number of special symbol variation hold is four. If the number is less than 1, the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol combination determining random number value are acquired, and the acquired numerical values are temporarily stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM of the main control board 120. Then, the stored jackpot winner determination random number value is sequentially read out, and the jackpot winner determination is performed based on the read jackpot winner determination random number value. A random number for determining a combination is acquired. Also, a variation mode determining random value is acquired before the start of variation of the special symbol. Then, according to the selected variation mode determined based on the acquired variation mode determination random value, the special symbol starts to change in the special symbol display unit 42 and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display unit 42 is stopped and displayed in a jackpot fixed special symbol combination, in this example, in a rounded pattern (a state in which the same numbers are arranged like '7, 7, 7'). Then, it becomes a big hit, and it shifts to a special game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player. In the special gaming state, the open / close plate 16 of the grand prize opening 15 is opened to make it easy to receive the game balls falling on the surface of the gaming area 6 so that the big prize opening 15 can be awarded. When a prize is won, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls by the prize ball payout device. The opening / closing plate 16 has a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls detected after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) or by the specific winning ball detection switch and the winning ball count switch. It is supposed to close at the moment.

  If the specific winning ball detection switch detects a winning ball to the specific area winning port 52 while the big winning port 15 is open or within about 2 seconds after the big winning port 15 is closed, the right to repeat the jackpot again And the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate 16 is repeated a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, a maximum of 16 times).

  A plurality of control devices for controlling the game, a ball guiding device, and the like are provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 shows the back side of the gaming machine 1, and main control boards include a power receiving board 100, a power supply board 110, a main control board 120, a display control board 130, a payout control board 140, a voice control board 150, A lamp control board 160, a firing control board 170, etc. are shown. Reference numeral 181 denotes a payout device (award ball payout device and rental ball payout device), 183 denotes a ballless switch board (award ball / ball rental), 185 denotes a payout relay board, 187 denotes a RAM clear switch, 189 denotes a ball storage tank, Reference numeral 191 denotes a ball guide rod. The electrical connection of the control board and the like is simply shown using the block diagram of FIG.

  The power receiving board 100 is a power receiving portion on the gaming machine 1 side with respect to an external power supply (AC24V) supplied from outside the gaming machine.

  The power supply board 110 receives an external power supply from the power receiving board 100 to make it a power supply suitable for the gaming machine 1, monitors the power supply voltage, generates a backup power supply, and outputs a power-off signal. Is. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the power supply board 110 is connected to a power supply line of a gaming machine that is supplied with power from the outside of the gaming machine, and serves as an input port serving as a power receiving port from the power receiving board 100. A rectifier circuit using a diode that rectifies a switch, an inductor, and an AC external power supply (AC24V) into a direct current (DC34V). A first regulator (first voltage converting means), a first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) connected to a voltage input terminal of the first regulator, and converting the direct current 34V into a second voltage (DC5V). A second regulator (second voltage converting means), a second input capacitor connected to a voltage input terminal (second voltage holding means) of the second regulator; (Second voltage holding means), a first output capacitor and a second output capacitor connected to output terminals of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) and the second regulator (second voltage conversion means), the first A diode (rectifier element) provided between an input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and a second input capacitor (second voltage holding means), and a first voltage converted by the first regulator (first voltage conversion means). The first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) that monitors the voltage drop of the voltage (DC12V) and outputs a power-off signal when the first voltage (DC12V) becomes equal to or lower than the first lower limit value, during backup The RAM clear clear switch 187 for clearing the RAM of the payout control board 140 for backup of the RAM in the payout control board 140 when the power is turned off. A backup capacitor for charging and discharging the load is provided. Furthermore, the direct current 34V rectified by the rectifier circuit, the first voltage (DC12V) converted by the first regulator (first voltage conversion means), the first 2 the second voltage (DC5V) converted by the regulator (second voltage conversion means), the power-off signal output by the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means), and the RAM clear switch 187 An output port is provided for outputting a RAM clear signal or the like generated by an operation (depressing the operation button in this embodiment) to each board such as the payout control board 140. Hereinafter, the main ones will be further described.

  As the first regulator (first voltage converting means), what is generally called a regulator is used. A DC 34V power source rectified by the rectifier circuit is input, and the input DC 34V power source is used. It is converted (transformed) into a first voltage of DC 12V and output from the output terminal of the first regulator. At that time, the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) outputs the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) with respect to a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage (in this embodiment, an amplitude of DC 40V to DC 16V). The first voltage can be maintained at a constant voltage of 12V DC. When the input voltage falls below the minimum value of the predetermined amplitude (DC 16V in this embodiment), the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) The output first voltage decreases from DC 12V. As described above, the first regulator (first voltage converting means) has a width that is allowed for the input voltage value, and the output voltage is lowered by falling below the minimum value in the allowable width. The input voltage of the gaming machine itself input to the first regulator (first voltage converting means) is a direct current 34V generated by rectifying an alternating current 24V of an external power supply by the rectifier circuit, and this rectified game The input voltage of the machine itself (DC 34V) is directly affected by the external power supply (effect of voltage change of the external power supply). For example, the external power supply (AC24V) causes some voltage fluctuation such as a momentary voltage drop due to surge etc. In this case, the voltage drops or rises instantaneously from DC 34V. However, when the first regulator (first voltage converting means) in the present embodiment is used, a constant output voltage (first voltage) is supplied with a certain width against the voltage fluctuation of the external power supply. Therefore, the gaming machine can be operated stably.

  The first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) is connected to the voltage input terminal of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) in the line from the rectifier circuit, and the direct current of 34 V generated by the rectifier circuit. Is entered. Then, power is supplied from the external power supply (AC24V) to the power supply line of the gaming machine, and the power supply (AC34V) rectified from the rectifier circuit is output to the power supply line of the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means). The first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) is charged, and when the power supply from the outside is cut off due to power interruption or the like, the charge previously charged is transferred to the first regulator. Discharge to (first voltage conversion means). Therefore, even if the voltage of the external power supply temporarily drops below the allowable amplitude of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) due to a momentary power cut-off of the external power supply, the first input capacitor Since the power supplied to the first regulator (first voltage converting means) is maintained at a certain voltage level by the discharge from the (first voltage holding means), the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) is It is possible to cope with a change in the external power supply, compared with the case where the power supply is not provided. The first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) also serves as a bypass capacitor for avoiding noise.

  The first output capacitor is composed of two parallel capacitors connected to the output terminal of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means), and each is transformed by the first regulator (first voltage conversion means). The first voltage (DC12V) is input and charged. The first output capacitor functions to suppress a voltage drop that is likely to occur when gaming devices are simultaneously operated in each board and the power supply board 110 to which the first voltage (DC 12 V) is supplied.

  As the second regulator (second voltage conversion means), what is generally called a regulator is used like the first regulator (first voltage conversion means), and a direct current of 34 V rectified by the rectifier circuit is used. The DC power supply of 34V is transformed into a second voltage of DC 5V and output from the output terminal of the second regulator. At this time, the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) outputs the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) with respect to a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage (in this embodiment, an amplitude of DC 40V to DC 8V). The second voltage can be maintained at a constant voltage of 5V DC, and the input voltage to the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) is lower than the minimum value of the predetermined amplitude (DC 8V in this embodiment). Then, the second voltage output from the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) decreases from DC 5V. As described above, the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) has a width that is allowed with respect to the input voltage value, and the output voltage is lowered when the width falls below the allowable width. The input voltage of the gaming machine itself input to the second regulator (second voltage converting means) is a direct current 34V generated by rectifying the alternating current 24V of the external power supply by the rectifier circuit, and the gaming machine itself As described above, the input voltage (direct current 34V) is directly affected by the external power supply (the influence of the voltage change of the external power supply). When this occurs, the voltage drops instantaneously from DC 34V or rises. However, when the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) in the present embodiment is used, a constant output voltage (second voltage) is supplied with a certain width against the voltage fluctuation of the external power supply. It is possible to operate the gaming machine stably.

  The second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) is connected to the voltage input terminal of the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) in the line from the rectifier circuit, and the direct current of 34 V generated by the rectifier circuit. Is entered. Then, power is supplied from the external power supply (AC24V) to the power supply line of the gaming machine, and the power supply (AC34V) rectified from the rectifier circuit is output to the power supply line of the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). If the power supply from the outside is cut off due to power interruption or the like, the charge that has been charged is discharged to the second regulator (second voltage conversion means). Therefore, even if the voltage of the external power supply temporarily falls below the allowable amplitude of the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) due to a momentary power interruption or the like, the second input capacitor (second voltage) Since the power supplied to the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) is maintained at a certain voltage level by the discharge from the holding means), the power supply is maintained to a certain extent, compared with the case where the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) is not provided. It becomes possible to cope with fluctuations in the external power supply. The second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) also serves as a bypass capacitor for avoiding noise.

  The second output capacitor is composed of two parallel capacitors connected to the output terminal of the second regulator (second voltage conversion means), and each is transformed by the second regulator (second voltage conversion means). The second voltage (DC5V) is input and charged. The second output capacitor functions to suppress a voltage drop that is likely to occur when gaming devices are simultaneously operated in each substrate and the power supply substrate 110 to which the second voltage (DC 5 V) is supplied.

The diode (rectifier element) provided between the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) has an anode at the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means). The first regulator (first voltage converting means) side including the cathode, the cathode is the second regulator (second voltage converting means) side including the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means), from the second regulator side The current is prevented from flowing out to the first regulator side. A first regulator (first voltage conversion means) side including the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and a second regulator (second voltage conversion means) including the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). In the line connecting the means) side, no power supply line other than the line passing through the diode (rectifier element) is provided. Therefore, when the external power supply is cut off and the power is cut off, the first input capacitor (first voltage holding unit) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding unit) start discharging. From the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means), not only the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) but also the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) and the second regulator (second voltage conversion means). The current also flows to the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) from the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). Does not flow, and flows only to the second regulator (second voltage converting means) side. As a result, when the power is turned off, the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) is always discharged before the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). In this embodiment, the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means), the first regulator (first voltage conversion means), the diode (rectifier element), the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). ) And the second regulator (second voltage converting means) constitute a voltage holding circuit of the present invention.

  The first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) is a known IC for voltage monitoring, and the voltage input terminal of the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) includes: The first voltage (DC12V) transformed by the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) is divided and inputted. The divided voltage is reduced to a voltage that matches the performance of the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means). Of course, DC 12V may be directly input. The first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) outputs a power-off signal from the signal output terminal when the input voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first lower limit value. In the present embodiment, the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) is configured such that the DC 12V of the first voltage transformed by the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) has a first lower limit value. When the voltage drops to 10.3 V DC, the voltage input to the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means) is divided and set so as to be equal to or lower than the detection value. It has the same effect as monitoring DC 12V.

  A flow of power in the power line of the power board 110 will be described. The AC 24V external power source input from the power receiving board 100 is rectified to 34V DC by the rectifier circuit and output from the output port to each board as a DC 34V required for each board. Note that the DC 34V power source is used for devices that require a relatively large voltage, such as driving a motor, and that do not require a relatively accurate voltage.

  The rectifier circuit is connected to a DC 34V line A2 separately from a line A1 that outputs DC 34V directly to each substrate. A voltage input terminal of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) and a voltage input terminal of the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) are connected in parallel to the line A2. That is, the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) and the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) are supplied with power from the DC 34V power supply line A2 having the same root.

  The DC 34V power source input to the first regulator (first voltage converting means) is transformed to a first voltage DC 12V, and the line A3 output to each board and the first voltage monitoring reset IC ( It is divided into a line A4 that is input to (first voltage monitoring means) The DC 12V power supply of the first voltage is used for sensor monitoring etc. on each substrate.

  The direct current 34V power source input to the second regulator (second voltage converting means) is transformed to the second voltage direct current 5V, the line A5 output to each board, and the line connected to the backup capacitor. It is divided into A6. The DC 5V power supply of the second voltage is used as an operating voltage for each board or the power supply board 110 itself, such as an IC or CPU. The line A6 connected to the backup capacitor is provided with a resistor R1 for converting DC 5V to DC 3V suitable for the backup capacitor, and reaches the backup capacitor after passing through the resistor R1. It is connected. The backup capacitor has a capacity sufficient to supply enough power for storage to the backup RAM for a sufficient time even when the external power supply is cut off. The line A6 connected to the backup capacitor is connected to a substrate requiring backup via an output port.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 120 has a CPU, RAM, ROM, a one-chip microcomputer provided with a plurality of counters, and an input / output for connecting the one-chip microcomputer to the display control board 130 and the payout control board 140. The circuit, the one-chip microcomputer and the relay board (the big prize opening 15 is connected to the relay board), the voice control board 150, the lamp control board 160, the start prize opening detection switch, and other switches and sensors are connected. Consists of input / output circuits, etc., and performs main control related to games. The CPU includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and performs calculation control, as well as random numbers related to big hits and small hits (per regular symbol for opening and opening the start winning opening 10) And a control command (control signal) can be output (transmitted) to each of the substrates. The RAM includes a storage area for a detection signal of a start winning opening detection switch and a detection signal of a normal symbol variation start switch, a storage area for various random values generated by the CPU, a storage area for temporarily storing various data, Provided with flag and CPU work area. The ROM stores not only game control programs and control data, but also jackpot and jackpot determination values. The main control board 120 operates upon receiving power from the power board 110.

  In the main control board 120, as shown in FIG. 6, the main process M1 and the interrupt process (S20) shown in FIG. 7 are performed. In the main process M1, initialization (S10) is performed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and then a loop process is performed. In the initial setting (S10), settings required when the power is turned on, such as initial setting of CPU peripheral devices, are performed.

  The interrupt process (S20) is performed as an interrupt process for the main process M1 every 2 ms. In this interrupt process (S20), an input process (S21) for acquiring information from various sensors (switches) is performed. A game process (S22) regarding fluctuation, stoppage, etc. is performed. Next, based on the sensor information input in the input process (S21), payout information such as prize balls is output to the payout control board 140 (S23). In the other output process (S24) performed subsequently, other game information necessary for each board is output, and the process necessary for other games is performed in the other process (S25).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, an input circuit connecting the one-chip microcomputer and the main control board 120, the one-chip microcomputer, An output circuit or the like connecting the display device 9 is used to control display on the special symbol display unit 42 and the normal symbol display unit 45 based on a control signal output from the main control board 120. The CPU of the display control board 130 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and performs calculation control. The RAM of the display control board 130 has a storage area for various data and a work area for the CPU. The ROM of the display control board 130 stores invariant information for display control, that is, programs, image data, constants, and the like.

  The payout control board 140 is connected to the main control board 120 by electrical connection means such as wiring, and receives a control command output from the main control board 120 to receive the payout device (award ball and rental ball payout device). ) 181 is controlled. As shown in FIG. 5, the payout control board 140 has a payout data input port for inputting payout data from the main control board 120, a power supply of DC 34V, DC 12V, and DC 5V from the power supply board 110 and a backup. DC 3V power source, RAM clear signal and power input port for inputting the power-off signal, photocoupler for receiving signals from sensors, one-chip microcomputer incorporating ROM, RAM and CPU, one-chip Watchdog IC (second voltage monitoring means) connected to the reset terminal (RST) of the CPU of the microcomputer, payout motor output port for outputting the CPU control signal to the payout motor, output port for the LED and other devices Is provided. The ROM stores a payout control program, the RAM functions as a storage unit having a program work area, a temporary storage area, and a backup storage area, and the CPU stores a control program stored in the ROM, etc. The payout control is performed according to the above, and a watchdog timer clear signal is output to the watchdog IC (second voltage monitoring means).

  The watchdog IC is known and includes a watchdog timer that is connected to a reset terminal (RST) of the CPU of the one-chip microcomputer and counts a predetermined time. When the watchdog timer counts up (a predetermined time has elapsed), a reset signal is output to the reset terminal of the one-chip microcomputer. When the watchdog IC receives the watchdog timer clear signal output from the one-chip microcomputer, the watchdog timer counter returns to the initial value and starts counting again. The watchdog IC also functions as a second voltage monitoring means, and the DC 5V of the second voltage is supplied from the power supply substrate 110 as a power supply for operating the watchdog IC, and the DC 5V is a predetermined voltage. When the value falls below (second lower limit value), a reset signal is output to the reset terminal of the one-chip microcomputer.

  The operation of the power supply board 110, the main control board 120, and the payout control board 140 when the power is cut off will be described. When the external power supply (AC24V) is cut off for some reason, the direct current 34V voltage output from the rectifier circuit of the power supply substrate 110 first decreases. Next, a DC 12V first voltage output from the first regulator (first voltage converting means) supplied with DC 34V power from the rectifier circuit and an output from the second regulator (second voltage converting means). The second voltage of DC 5V is lowered. However, the first regulator (first voltage converting means) and the second regulator (second voltage converting means) include the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means). ) Is connected, the charge stored in the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) is converted into the first regulator (first voltage conversion means). ) And the second regulator (second voltage conversion means), the first voltage and the second voltage are maintained to some extent. At this time, the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) side to the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) side and the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) side are connected to the first input capacitor (second voltage holding means) side. The charge stored in one voltage holding means flows, whereas the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the first regulator (first voltage) from the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) side. To the voltage conversion means) side, due to the action of the diode (rectifier element) provided between the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means), The flow of charges stored in the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) is suppressed. Therefore, the lowering of the second voltage consisting of DC 5V by the second regulator (second voltage converting means) is made slower than the lowering of the first voltage consisting of DC 12V by the first regulator (first voltage converting means). It becomes possible.

  As the charge stored in the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) decreases, the voltage applied to the voltage input terminal of the first regulator (first voltage conversion means) also starts to drop from 34V, When the direct current becomes 16V or less, the first voltage output from the first regulator (first voltage converting means) starts to decrease from the direct current 12V. When the first voltage reaches 10.3 V which is set to the first lower limit value, the voltage input to the first voltage monitoring reset IC falls below a predetermined detection value, thereby A power-off signal is output from the first voltage monitoring reset IC to the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140. The one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140 that has received the power-off signal performs power-off processing (backup processing), and present game ball payout information (such as the number of payouts) as current game information immediately before the power-off. Are stored in a RAM backup area in the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140. During this time, the second regulator (second voltage converting means) is stored in the charge stored in the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) and in the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means). The discharged electric charge is discharged to the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) side, whereby a voltage of DC 8V or more is applied to the voltage input terminal of the second regulator (second voltage conversion means). Therefore, the second voltage that is transformed and output by the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) maintains DC 5V. The game information in this embodiment is data used as determination information when the gaming machine performs an operation.

  Thereafter, the charges stored in the first input capacitor (first voltage holding means) and the second input capacitor (second voltage holding means) are reduced by being used as described above. 2 When the voltage applied to the voltage input terminal of the regulator (second voltage conversion means) drops to DC 8V or less, the second voltage transformed and output by the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) is DC 5V. Begins to decline. When the second voltage becomes equal to or lower than the DC 4.3V set as the second lower limit value, a voltage drop is detected by the watch dog IC (second voltage monitoring means) of the payout control board 140, and the watch dog IC A reset signal is output from the (second voltage monitoring means) to the reset terminal of the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140.

  The one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140 to which the reset signal is input is in a state where the CPU may perform system reset control and the power may be turned off. That is, after the power cut signal is output by the first voltage monitoring reset IC (first voltage monitoring means), the reset signal is surely output by the watch dog IC (second voltage monitoring means). There is no risk of this order going wrong. Further, the second voltage of DC 5V output from the second regulator (second voltage conversion means) is a voltage used for the operation of the CPU in the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140, and the power supply in the gaming machine Therefore, the CPU in the one-chip microcomputer can surely perform the backup process. FIG. 11 is a timing chart of power-off and reset signals. The first regulator (second voltage converter) outputs the first voltage output from the first regulator (first voltage converter) when the first lower limit value (DC 10.3 V) is reached. Assuming that the time until the voltage reaches the second lower limit (DC 4.3V) is T1, the length of T1 is the power-off monitoring process (the power-off signal is input by the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140). If the input is input, the process of performing a backup process or the like is started, and the capacitance of the second input capacitor is set so as to be longer than the time until the backup ends. Yes.

  The payout control board 140 performs a main process M2 shown in FIG. 8, an interrupt process (S40) shown in FIG. 9, and a power-off monitoring process (S44) shown in FIG.

  The main process M2 in the payout control board 140 is a process performed when the power is turned on or when the system is restored after the reset signal is input. First, it is determined whether or not the power-off flag is ON (S31), and the power-off flag is turned ON. If this is the case, this determination process is repeated, and when the power-off flag is turned OFF, an interrupt prohibition process for prohibiting an interrupt in the interrupt process (S40) is performed (S32). Thereafter, various devices are initialized (S33), and it is then determined whether a RAM clear signal is input, that is, whether the RAM clear switch 187 is operated (S34). When the RAM clear signal is input (when the RAM clear switch 187 is operated), the data in the RAM backup area on the payout control board 140 is cleared (erased) (S35). When the RAM clear signal is not input (when the RAM clear switch 187 is not operated), the data stored in the RAM backup area on the payout control board 140 is read and the gaming state immediately before the power is turned off. Return to. Thereafter, an interrupt permission process for permitting an interrupt in the interrupt process (S40) is performed (S37), and then a loop process is performed.

  The interrupt process (S40) in the payout control board 140 is executed as an interrupt process every 2 ms, and a process related to payout is performed. First, reception processing of a payout command (control signal indicating how many balls are to be paid out) from the main control board 120 is performed (S41), and then the operation for the number of payouts based on the received payout command is performed by the payout device. A prize ball operation process for transmitting a signal to be performed by the motor is performed (S42). Thereafter, a watchdog timer clear signal for clearing and resetting the watchdog timer in the watchdog IC is output (S43). Subsequently, a power-off monitoring process (S44) described later is performed. Various processes are performed such as checking the information and confirming that there is no abnormality or outputting a control signal such as an LED for notifying the payout (S45).

  In the power-off monitoring process (S44), it is first determined whether or not a power-off signal has been input (S44-1). If it has not been input, the power-off monitoring process (S44) ends. On the other hand, when a power-off signal is input, data on the current game information immediately before the power-off, for example, data on the current game state such as prize ball payout data, sensor abnormality, etc. 140 is stored in the backup area in the RAM of the one-chip microcomputer (S44-2), and then the power-off flag is turned on (S44-3). The power-off flag is turned off when the power to the CPU in the one-chip microcomputer of the payout control board 140 is turned off. After that, the interrupt is disabled (S44-4), and then a loop process is performed and a standby state is entered until the power is turned off.

  The sound control board 150 is connected to the main control board 120 by electrical connection means such as wiring, and controls sound emitted from the speaker 38 based on a control signal output from the main control board 120.

  The lamp control board 160 controls the frame decoration lamps 35a to 35c and other lamp devices (for example, a lamp device provided on a display frame body of a display device provided on the game board surface). The launch control board 170 controls the launch motor in the launch device 53.

  As described above, in the present invention, since the voltage converted by the voltage converting means for keeping the output voltage constant with respect to the change in the predetermined amplitude of the input voltage from the outside of the gaming machine is monitored, the adverse effect of the fluctuation of the external power supply voltage is small. Thus, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having a backup function that can eliminate the need for processing when the power is turned off due to the influence of fluctuations in the external power supply voltage where unnecessary.

  In the block diagram of this embodiment, ports and ICs that are not particularly important in the configuration of the present invention are omitted. In this embodiment, the voltage holding circuit is composed of the first input capacitor, the second input capacitor, and the diode. For example, the voltage holding circuit is configured by changing the capacitances of the first output capacitor and the second output capacitor. A circuit may be configured. In that case, since the first output capacitor and the second output capacitor are used as auxiliary power supplies for simultaneous operation of gaming machines, the amount of charge may not be sufficient for the voltage holding circuit, so that the optimum voltage holding is possible. The configuration of the circuit is that of the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the minimum value of the amplitude of the input voltage to the first regulator and the second regulator is set to 16V (first regulator) and 8V (second regulator). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The width can be appropriately selected. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a capacitor is used to hold the voltage, but a chargeable / dischargeable battery may be used. In this embodiment, the payout control board has been mainly described as an example. However, in addition to this, a one-chip my computer that receives a power-off signal and a reset signal is provided, and a game state is stored by power-off processing. As long as it has processing, it can be applied to other substrates. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines, and can be applied to other gaming machines.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a reverse view of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows simply connection of the control board etc. of the game machine. It is a block diagram which shows simply the structure of the power supply board of the same gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows simply the structure of the payout control board of the same gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the main process which the main control board in the same gaming machine performs. It is a flowchart of the interruption process in the main process which the same main control board performs. It is a flowchart of the main process in the payout process which the payout control board in the same game machine performs. It is a flowchart of the interruption process which the same payout control board performs. It is a flowchart of the power-off monitoring process which the same payout control board performs. It is a timing chart of a power-off and reset signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 3 Game board 9 Display apparatus 10 Start winning opening 15 Large winning opening 53 Launching device 110 Power supply board 120 Main control board 140 Delivery control board

Claims (6)

CPU that controls the game, performs a backup process of the gaming state by the input of the power-off signal, and performs a system reset control by the input of the reset signal;
Connected to the power supply line of the gaming machine that receives power supply from the outside of the gaming machine, converts the input voltage to the gaming machine itself to the first voltage, and makes the first voltage constant for a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage. First voltage converting means for maintaining;
The first voltage conversion means is connected in parallel to the power supply line of the gaming machine, converts the input voltage to the gaming machine itself into the second voltage, and keeps the second voltage constant for a predetermined amplitude of the input voltage. Second voltage conversion means for maintaining
In a gaming machine equipped with
First voltage monitoring means for monitoring the first voltage converted by the first voltage conversion means, and outputting the power-off signal to the CPU when the first voltage falls below a first lower limit;
A second voltage monitoring means for monitoring the second voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means, and outputting the reset signal to the CPU when the second voltage falls below a second lower limit;
When the power supply from the outside of the gaming machine is cut off to the power supply line, the second voltage is longer than the time until the first voltage converted by the first voltage conversion means drops to the first lower limit value. A gaming machine comprising: a voltage holding circuit that lengthens a time until the second voltage converted by the conversion means decreases to the second lower limit value. The voltage holding circuit is connected to the second voltage conversion means and charges when power is supplied to the power supply line from outside the gaming machine, and when the power supply from outside the gaming machine is cut off, the second voltage is supplied. Second voltage holding means for discharging to the conversion means and holding the second voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means at a value higher than the second lower limit value for a certain period of time;
And at least a rectifying element provided between the first voltage conversion unit and the second voltage holding unit and configured to suppress an outflow of current from the second voltage holding unit to the first voltage conversion unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.   The voltage holding circuit is connected to the first voltage conversion means and charges when power is supplied to the power supply line from outside the gaming machine, and when the power supply from outside the gaming machine is cut off, the first voltage is supplied. First voltage holding means for discharging to the converting means and holding the first voltage converted by the first voltage converting means at a value higher than the first lower limit value for a certain period of time, the rectifying element being the first The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is provided between a voltage holding means and the second voltage holding means.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voltage converted by the second voltage conversion means is a voltage input to the CPU for operating the CPU.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second voltage monitoring means also serves as a watchdog timer. A CPU for controlling the game;
A first regulator connected to the power line of the gaming machine;
A second regulator connected to the power line of the gaming machine in parallel with the first regulator;
First voltage monitoring means for monitoring the first voltage converted by the first regulator;
Second voltage monitoring means for monitoring the second voltage converted by the second regulator;
A first input capacitor connected to the first regulator;
A second input capacitor connected to the second regulator;
A gaming machine equipped with
The CPU performs gaming state backup processing by inputting a power-off signal, and performs system reset control by inputting a reset signal,
The first voltage monitoring means outputs the power-off signal to the CPU when the first voltage converted by the first regulator becomes equal to or lower than a first lower limit value.
The second voltage monitoring means outputs the reset signal to the CPU when the second voltage converted by the second regulator is equal to or lower than a second lower limit value.
A gaming machine, wherein a diode is provided between the first input capacitor and the second input capacitor to prevent a current from the second input capacitor from flowing to the first input capacitor side.

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