JP2008055094A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine capable of correctly putting out prize balls or lent balls, held in the case of the interruption of an outer power source, even when data indicating an error state is changed due to the instability of power, etc., during the interruption of the outer power source. <P>SOLUTION: When the outer power source is interrupted, checksum storage processing is performed, so that operation checksum values are calculated based on putting-out operation data and stored in the putting-out operation storage area 41a of a storage device RAM, and also error checksum values are calculated based on putting-put error data and stored in the putting-out error storage area 41b of the storage device RAM. When the outer power source is restored, checksum determination processing is performed, so as to determine whether or not the respective operation checksum values and the respective error check sum values in the case of the interruption and the restoration are respectively coincident. When only the error checksum values are not coincident, restoration putting-out processing is performed, so as to conduct ball putting-out processing by initializing only the putting-out error data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine provided with a payout control board for controlling payout of prize balls and rental balls.

  A general pachinko gaming machine includes a main control board that controls the game in an integrated manner, a payout control board that controls the payout of game balls in accordance with a payout control command issued from the main control board, and the payout control board. And a ball payout device for paying out game balls. The payout control board includes a central processing unit CPU that executes a ball payout process for driving and controlling the ball payout device according to a payout control command from the main control board to pay out award balls and rental balls, and the ball payout process. A storage device RAM is provided which temporarily stores a plurality of data to be used and can rewrite the data as needed. Here, when receiving a payout control command from the main control board, the central processing unit CPU executes a ball payout process and drives the ball payout device so as to pay out a predetermined number of game balls according to the payout control command. Take control. The storage device RAM is generally divided into a storage area for storing and rewriting data, a free area, and a stack area.

  In such a payout control board, when the external power supply for supplying power to the pachinko gaming machine is cut off, the register value of the central processing unit CPU is saved in the stack area of the storage device RAM, and the current stack pointer value Then, all data stored in the storage area of the storage device RAM or predetermined data is added to obtain a checksum value, and the checksum value is stored in the predetermined storage area. ing. As described above, when the external power supply is cut off, each data relating to the payout of the game ball and its checksum value are stored in the storage device RAM, and thereafter, a process for prohibiting access to the storage device RAM is performed. Yes. Here, a general pachinko gaming machine has a backup in order to save the data in the storage device RAM respectively disposed on the main control board and the payout control board while the external power supply is shut off. A power supply is provided.

  After that, when the external power supply is restored, the payout control board permits access to the storage device RAM, and has not changed since each data stored in the storage area of the storage device RAM is shut off. In order to confirm this, a checksum value is calculated by adding data in the same manner as described above, and this is compared with the checksum value calculated when the external power supply is shut off. Then, if the checksum values at the time of shutting down and the time of return match, it is determined that the data stored in the storage device RAM is correct, and the above-described ball payout processing is executed according to the data. On the other hand, if the checksum values do not match when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns, it is determined that the data stored in the storage device RAM is not correct and all data is initialized. ing. That is, in this case, the ball payout process that was executed before the power is shut off is cleared, and the ball payout process is started again based on the new data.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the storage device RAM of the main control board is mainly targeted, and an address for storing the checksum value is set in the middle of the storage area, and the address before the address is set. After calculating the checksum value from each data stored in the area, further adding each data stored in the area after the address to the checksum value, and storing this checksum value in the storage device RAM, There has been proposed a configuration for performing a process of determining a parity check based on a checksum value when the external power supply is restored.

Further, in Patent Document 2, it is determined whether or not the checksum value stored when the power supply is shut off matches the checksum value calculated when the power supply is restored. A configuration has been proposed in which data other than predetermined data stored in the RAM is erased. Here, the predetermined data that is not deleted is set to data that is unlikely to be illegally changed by a so-called Goto.
JP 2002-95840 A (paragraph number “0156” to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22) JP 2003-180962 A

  As described above, the process of determining whether or not the checksum values at the time when the external power supply is shut off and when the external power source is restored matches the unauthorized access to the storage device RAM during the shut-off. It has the effect of preventing such illegal acts. However, the change in the data stored and held in the storage device RAM between when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns can also occur due to causes other than the above-mentioned fraudulent acts.

  For example, when the external power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power is likely to drop rapidly and become unstable. If the above-described processing for calculating and storing the checksum value is performed in a state where the power is unstable, there is a concern that an erroneous processing may occur in which the checksum value cannot be calculated or stored correctly. If an incorrect checksum value is stored, it does not match the checksum value calculated at the time of recovery, so that the data in the storage device RAM is initialized as described above. Thus, the data in the storage device RAM may change due to the power becoming unstable when the external power supply is cut off.

  In addition, power for holding data in the storage device RAM while the external power supply is shut off is supplied by the backup power supply described above. Here, since the backup power supply is generally configured to supply the electric charge stored in the capacitor, the power is also weak and thus is likely to become unstable. Under such unstable power, the data in the storage device RAM cannot be correctly maintained, and there is a concern that the data may change. If the data in the storage device RAM changes while the external power supply is shut off, the checksum values do not match when the external power supply is shut off and when the external power supply is restored. It will be initialized. As described above, the data in the storage device RAM may change due to the unstable power supplied from the backup power supply.

  On the other hand, as described above, as data used for calculating the checksum value stored in the storage device RAM of the payout control board, data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls or the number of balls lent, and a drive motor provided in the ball payout device are driven. Data for control, storage error data indicating that the ball storage tray storing the paid-out game balls is full, ball packing error data indicating that the ball discharging device has been blocked, etc. are set. Yes.

  Here, the data indicating the number of unpaid award balls and the number of lent balls and the data for controlling the drive motor are data directly related to the award ball and rent payout operations (hereinafter referred to as payout operation data). The storage error data and the ball filling error data are data (hereinafter referred to as “payout error data”) indicating the occurrence of an error indirectly related to the payout operation of prize balls or rental balls. This payout error data indicates an error that the ball storage tray is full or an error that caused a ball clogging. It is not directly related. When these errors occur, a winning ball or a rental ball can be paid out correctly by performing processing or work for eliminating the error.

  Since the payout error data is data for calculating the checksum value together with the payout operation data, for example, when the payout error data changes due to unstable power as described above, the external power supply The checksum values do not match when the system is shut off and when it returns. For this reason, the payout error data and the payout operation data are initialized, and unpaid prize balls and rental balls are lost. This is a disadvantage for only the player without causing any disadvantage to the game store, and can be said to be a completely useless process.

  Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, after adding the data stored in the first half of the storage device RAM to the checksum value, the data stored in the latter half of the added value However, all that is required is to calculate the checksum value by adding all the data. For this reason, when applied to a payout control board, even if only payout error data changes as described above, all the data is initialized and unpaid prize balls and rental balls are not paid out. Can occur.

  Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above, if the checksum values are different between when the external power supply is shut off and when the external power supply is restored, predetermined data that is less likely to be fraudulent by a so-called Goto teacher. It is processed to erase other than. When this is applied to the payout control board, it is the data that represents the number of unpaid prize balls and rented balls that the Goto is likely to cheat, so these are deleted. That is, as described above, even when only the payout error data changes, the number data of unpaid prize balls and rental balls will be erased, so that the player suffers a loss as described above. End up. This patent document 2 is intended only for the main control board and cannot be simply applied to the payout control board.

  The present invention is suitable for a player to properly collect unpaid prize balls, rental balls, etc. when the external power supply is shut off or during shutdown, for example, even if only the payout error data changes. The object is to provide a pachinko game ball that can be paid out.

  The present invention is provided with a central processing unit CPU that performs a ball payout process for paying out award balls and rental balls, and a storage device RAM that temporarily stores and holds a plurality of data used for the ball payout process. The pachinko gaming machine includes a payout control board and a ball payout device that is driven and controlled according to a ball payout process performed by the payout control board and executes payout operations for prize balls and balls. A payout operation storage area for storing a plurality of payout operation data related to the number of balls and balls to be paid out and driving of the ball payout device, a game ball supplied to the ball payout device, and a game ball paid out from the ball payout device A plurality of payout error storage areas for storing a plurality of payout error data, and the central processing unit CPU stores each payout stored in the payout operation storage area when the external power supply is shut off. An operation checksum value is calculated from the operation data, and an error checksum value is calculated from each payout error data stored in the payout error storage area, so that the operation checksum value and the error checksum value are stored in the storage device. A checksum storage process stored in the RAM, and when the external power supply is restored, an operation checksum value is calculated from each payout operation data stored in the payout operation storage area and stored by the checksum storage process A process for determining whether or not the checksum value matches the operation checksum value at the time of blocking, and an error checksum value is calculated from each payout error data stored in the payout error storage area. A check having a process for determining whether or not the stored error checksum value coincides with the stored check If the checksum value is different between the time when the checksum determination process is performed and the time when the checksum determination process is restored, each payout operation data stored in the storage device RAM is Initialize each payout error data and execute the ball payout process, and when it is determined that the respective operation checksum values at the time of shutoff and return are the same and the error checksum values are different, A return payout process for initializing only each payout error data stored in the storage device RAM and executing a ball payout process according to the initialized payout error data and the payout operation data stored in the storage device RAM; It is a pachinko gaming machine characterized by having.

  In such a configuration, when the external power supply is cut off, an operation checksum value is calculated from the payout operation data by checksum storage processing, and an error checksum value is calculated from the payout error data and stored in the storage device RAM. After that, when the external power supply is restored, the checksum determination process adds each payout operation data to calculate the operation checksum value, and compares it with the operation checksum value when shut off. The error checksum value is calculated by adding each payout error data, and compared with the error checksum value at the time of blocking to determine whether or not they match. This confirms whether the operation checksum value, error checksum value, payout operation data, and payout error data stored when the external power supply is shut off after the external power supply is shut off. To do. If the operation checksum values do not match, it is determined that correct payout operation data is not stored, and the return payout process initializes all the payout operation data and the payout error data to perform the ball payout process. Do. In this case, even if unpaid prize balls or rental balls remain, they will not be paid out. On the other hand, if the operation checksum values match and the error checksum values do not match, it is determined that correct payout error data is not stored, and the return payout process initializes only the payout error data and pays out the ball. Process. In this case, if unpaid prize balls or rental balls remain, they will be paid out.

  Here, since the payout operation data is data directly related to the payout operation of prize balls and rental balls, when the operation checksum value is different between when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns. Since correct payout operation data cannot be specified, award balls and balls cannot be paid out correctly. This is because the reason why the correct payout operation data cannot be determined is due to the power becoming unstable due to the interruption of the external power supply as described above or due to fraud. The same. Therefore, when the payout operation data changes for some reason, it may be allowed to execute the process of initializing the data in the storage device RAM.

  However, as described above, the payout error data does not change the payout number of winning balls or rental balls even when the external power supply is different between when the external power supply is shut off and when it is restored. For this reason, if the error checksum values do not match when returning, the presence or absence of the error is confirmed, and if an error occurs, it is possible to correctly pay out the winning ball or the rental ball by eliminating the error. This is because the reason why it cannot be determined that the payout error data is correct is that the current has become unstable due to the interruption of the external power supply as described above, or that it is due to fraud. However, the process can be executed without any problem.

  The present invention can be achieved by considering each characteristic of the payout operation data and the payout error data. That is, in the configuration of the present invention, if the operation checksum value does not match between when the external power supply is shut off and when it is restored, even if there are unpaid prize balls or rental balls, these are not paid out, but error check If only the sum value does not match, unpaid prize balls or rental balls are paid out. As a result, for example, as described above, even when the error checksum value or payout error data changes due to unstable power when the external power supply is shut off or during the shutoff, the external power supply Since the unpaid prize balls and rental balls are correctly paid out to the player when the player returns, the player is not disadvantaged unlike the conventional configuration described above.

  In this configuration, in the checksum determination process, if the operation checksum value and the error checksum value are the same when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns, the payout operation is performed. It is determined that the data and the payout error data are correct, and the ball payout process can be executed in accordance with them.

  Further, in this configuration, the payout operation data and the payout error data are provided by providing a payout operation storage area and a payout error storage area for storing the payout action data and the payout error data respectively in the storage device RAM. The distinction is made clearly, and the checksum storage process, checksum determination process, and return payout process can be executed efficiently and stably.

  In this configuration, the storage device RAM is provided with a payout operation storage area and a payout error storage area. In addition to this, it is set so that it does not belong to any of the payout operation data or the payout error data. It is also possible to provide another storage area for storing the processed data.

  In this configuration, when the external power supply is restored, not only indicates that the external power supply has been recovered from an unexpected power outage such as a power failure, but also when the amusement store is closed, for example. It may include a time when the power switch is turned on at the next opening after the power switch is turned off.

  In the pachinko gaming machine described above, the central processing unit CPU of the payout control board calculates an error checksum value after calculating an operation checksum value and storing it in the storage device RAM in the checksum storage processing. A configuration is proposed in which the data is stored in the storage device RAM.

  As described above, when the external power supply is shut off due to a power failure or the like, the power is rapidly reduced, and thus it is likely to become unstable. Therefore, appropriate processing can be performed by executing the checksum storage processing as quickly as possible when the external power supply is shut off.

  In such a configuration, the operation checksum value is first calculated and stored in the state where the power is as high as possible when the external power supply is shut off. As a result, the power required to calculate and store the operation checksum value can be obtained as stably as possible, so that the operation checksum value can be calculated and stored more accurately and stably. Therefore, in the checksum determination process, the determination as to whether or not it matches the operation checksum value at the time of return becomes more accurate. Even if the power becomes unstable during the process of calculating and storing the error checksum value and the error checksum value cannot be stored correctly, the return checkout process performs an accurate operation checksum value. With this determination, the ball payout process is executed. That is, if the operation checksum values match, it is possible to correctly pay out at least award balls and rental balls that have not been paid when the external power supply is shut off.

  In the pachinko gaming machine described above, the storage device RAM of the payout control board configures the payout operation storage area with continuous addresses that sequentially store the payout operation data, and the payout error storage area includes the payout error storage areas. A system composed of consecutive addresses for sequentially storing error data is proposed.

  In such a configuration, since the payout operation storage area is an area in which the payout operation data is continuously stored, the operation checksum value can be obtained by sequentially calculating each of the payout operation data. it can. Similarly, since the payout error storage area is an area in which the payout error data is continuously stored, an error checksum value can be obtained by sequentially calculating each payout error data. Therefore, the processing time required for the checksum storage process can be shortened. As described above, when the external power supply is cut off, the power is drastically reduced, so that the checksum storage processing time can be shortened, so that the operation checksum value and error checksum value can be calculated more accurately and stably. Can be memorized.

  Here, by providing the payout operation storage area and the payout error storage area in succession, the processing time of the checksum storage process can be further shortened, and therefore, it can be preferably used.

  In the pachinko gaming machine described above, a first payout error data group capable of detecting a plurality of payout error data stored in the payout error storage area of the storage device RAM without executing a payout operation by the ball payout device And the second payout error data group that can be detected by executing the payout operation by the ball payout device. In the return payout process, the operation checksum values at the time of shut-off and return are the same. If it is determined that the error checksum values are different, after executing the ball payout process, the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group is initialized, and then the payout error data is respectively set. The detection process to be detected is executed, and when at least one payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group is detected by the detection process, the ball payout process is stopped. Configuration is proposed which is adapted to execute the that process.

  In such a configuration, since each payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group can be detected without executing the payout operation by the ball payout device, the initial payout process is temporarily performed before the ball payout process. Thus, it is confirmed whether or not an error corresponding to each has occurred by a predetermined detection process. Thereby, when an error indicated by the payout error data is recognized, it is possible to appropriately deal with the error before executing the ball payout process. If this error is eliminated, unpaid prize balls and rental balls are correctly paid out according to the payout operation data. On the other hand, if an error corresponding to the payout error data has not occurred, unpaid prize balls and rental balls are immediately paid out according to the payout operation data.

  For example, when the external power supply is shut down, the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group does not detect the occurrence of the error. Assume that the content has changed to the detected occurrence. In this case, when the external power supply is restored, the checksum judging means judges that the error checksum values at the time of restoration and when the power supply is shut off do not match. According to this determination, after each payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group is initialized by return payout processing, it is detected whether an error has occurred at present. Here, since no error corresponding to the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group is detected, these payout error data are not detected, and the ball payout process is executed according to the payout operation data. The same applies to the case where the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group detects the occurrence of the error and changes to the content where no error has been detected during the interruption. In this way, this configuration can check the presence or absence of the current error and resume the game accordingly even if there is a change in the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group.

  As the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group described above, the ball breakage error data indicating that the game ball is not supplied to the ball payout device, and the storage indicating that the ball storage tray for storing the game ball is full A configuration in which error data is set is proposed.

  Here, each error indicated by the ball break error data and the storage error data can be detected without the operation of the ball payout device, and therefore the detection process is relatively easily executed before the ball payout process is executed. be able to. The work of eliminating these errors can be relatively easily solved by a store clerk or a player of the game store. Therefore, even if the ball break error data or storage error data changes while the external power supply is shut off, these errors can be detected relatively easily and early, and even if an error occurs, this can be detected easily and relatively easily. It can be solved in a short time.

  In the pachinko gaming machine that distinguishes the above-mentioned payout error data into the first payout error data group and the second payout error data group, the return payout process has each operation checksum value when shut down and when returned. If it is determined that the error checksum values match and the error checksum values are different, the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group is initialized, and the payout error data is stored as the ball payout process is executed. A configuration is proposed in which detection processing to be detected is executed.

  In such a configuration, since the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group can be detected by executing the payout operation of the ball payout device, only the error checksum value does not match In this case, after the payout error data is initialized, a ball payout process is executed to check whether or not an error indicated by the payout error data has occurred. If no error is detected by executing the ball payout process, the ball payout process is continued and the game is resumed. Further, when an error is detected, a predetermined countermeasure is taken according to the error, and the game is resumed after the error is eliminated.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine in which the above-mentioned payout error data is classified into a first payout error data group and a second payout error data group, the return payout process is performed for each operation checksum when shut down and when returned. If it is determined that the values match and the error checksum values are different, before executing the ball payout process, the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group is initialized and the ball payout A configuration is proposed in which a detection process for detecting the payout error data is executed by driving out the device and paying out a predetermined number of game balls.

  In such a configuration, since the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group can be detected by executing the payout operation of the ball payout device, only the error checksum value does not match In this case, before executing the ball payout process, the payout error data is initialized and then a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the ball payout device to detect the presence or absence of an error indicated by the payout error data. Then, before executing the ball payout process, it is possible to check whether there is an error, and if there is an error, it can be resolved. That is, when executing the ball payout process, all the errors related to the ball payout process are not generated. In this configuration, for example, even if there is a change in the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, it is possible to check the current error and resume the game accordingly.

  Note that it is preferable that the number of prize balls and the number of rented balls are correct so that the game balls paid out by the detection process are subtracted from the unpaid prize balls and rented balls in the ball payout process. .

  As the above-mentioned payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, the ball payout error data indicating that the ball payout device does not execute the game ball payout operation is set. When data is detected by the detection process after initialization, a configuration is proposed in which a process for driving the ball dispensing device a predetermined number of times is executed.

  Here, the ball filling error data indicates that the ball payout device has caused a ball clogging. When such a ball clogging occurs, a prize ball or a rental ball is not paid out. Therefore, in the return payout process, when the ball clogging error data is detected, the ball clogging device is driven a predetermined number of times to eliminate this ball clogging. In this configuration, for example, if the ball clog error data changes while the external power supply is shut off, the error checksum value does not match when the error is restored. Whether or not a ball clogging error has occurred is newly detected.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine having a plurality of supply paths for supplying the game balls to the ball payout device, the game balls at least at one location of the supply paths as payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group. When the piece-out error data indicating that the piece-out error data is not supplied is set and the piece-out error data is detected in the detection process after initialization, the process of stopping execution of the ball-out process is performed. The proposed configuration is proposed.

  A pachinko gaming machine has a configuration including a plurality of supply paths for supplying game balls to a ball payout device. This allows the payout operation by the ball payout device to be properly executed because game balls are supplied from other supply paths even if a ball breaks in some of the supply paths.

  In such a configuration, when the ball breakage occurs at least in one of the plurality of supply paths by the return payout process, the piece piece error data is detected, and the piece piece error data is The payout error data belongs to the payout error data group. For example, if the single piece error data changes while the external power supply is shut off, the error checksum value does not match when the error is restored. Whether or not it has occurred is newly detected.

  As described above, the present invention is a control process by the payout control board, and when the external power supply is cut off, the checksum storage process calculates the operation checksum value from the payout operation data, and the memory RAM pays out. The error checksum value is calculated from the payout error data and stored in the payout error storage area of the storage device RAM, and when the external power supply is restored, the checksum determination process is used to shut off. It is judged whether each operation checksum value and each error checksum value match when returning, and if only the error checksum value does not match, a return error process results in a payout error. Only the data is initialized and the ball payout process is executed. For example, when the external power supply is restored, even if the error checksum value or the content of the payout error data changes due to power instability during or after the external power supply is cut off, If the thumb value and the payout operation data have not changed, unpaid prize balls and balls are paid out accordingly. Therefore, as in the conventional configuration described above, even when the data indicating that the ball is not directly related to the prize ball or the number of rented balls, the ball storage tray is full, or the like changes while the external power supply is shut off, It doesn't happen to clear up to renting a ball. Therefore, even when the external power supply is cut off due to a power failure or the like, it is possible to correctly pay out unpaid prize balls and balls except when the payout operation data cannot be determined to be correct.

  Further, the central processing unit CPU of the payout control board calculates the operation checksum value in the checksum storage processing and stores it in the storage device RAM, and then calculates the error checksum value and stores it in the storage device RAM. In this configuration, since the operation checksum value is calculated and stored in advance with the power as high as possible when the external power supply is shut off, the operation checksum value is accurately and stably stored. Therefore, the determination by the checksum determination process can be performed more accurately. Therefore, when the external power supply is turned off and then returned, the above-described operational effect of the present invention for correctly paying out unpaid prize balls and rental balls is enhanced.

  In addition, the storage device RAM of the payout control board configures the payout operation storage area with continuous addresses that sequentially store the payout operation data, and continuously stores the payout error storage area with the payout error data. If it is configured by address, the processing time required for the checksum storage process can be shortened, and the operation checksum value and error checksum value can be calculated accurately and stably. I can remember. Therefore, when the external power supply is restored, the payout operation data and the payout error data can be confirmed more accurately, and the above-described operational effect of correctly paying out unpaid prize balls and rental balls is enhanced.

  In the return payout process, if only the error checksum values at the time of interruption and return are different, the payout operation by the ball payout device is not executed before the ball payout process is executed. After initializing the payout error data belonging to the detectable first payout error data group, a detection process for detecting each of the payout error data is executed, and at least one of the first payout error data group belonging to the detection process is executed. When the payout error data is detected, in the configuration in which the process of stopping the ball payout process is executed, if the error checksum value does not match in the checksum determination process, before the ball payout process, In order to confirm the presence or absence of an error state represented by the payout error data, it is possible to pay out normally unpaid prize balls or rental balls after making the error not occurring. Can can.

  Here, as the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group, the ball breakage error data indicating that the game balls are not supplied to the ball payout device, and the ball storage tray storing the game balls are full. In the configuration in which the storage error data is set, the error indicated by the ball breakage error data and the storage error data can be detected and eliminated without executing the payout operation. Even if these error data change during the interruption, the detection and elimination of these errors can be performed relatively easily when the error data is restored. Therefore, even if these errors occur, the game can be restarted early after the external power supply is restored.

  The return payout process is a second payout error data group that can be detected by executing a payout operation by the ball payout device when only the error checksum values at the time of interruption and return are different. In the configuration in which the detection process for detecting the payout error data is executed in accordance with the execution of the ball payout process, the payout error data associated with the ball payout process is initialized. By performing the process of confirming the presence or absence of an error state represented by the data, it is possible to shorten the process when returning. Further, if the error checksum value does not match in the checksum determination process, the presence / absence of an error is confirmed. Therefore, even if an error occurs, it is possible to appropriately cope with this.

  In the return payout process, when only the error checksum values at the time of interruption and return are different, the payout operation by the ball payout device is executed before executing the ball payout process. Detecting the payout error data by initializing payout error data belonging to the detectable second payout error data group and driving the ball payout device to pay out a predetermined number of game balls If the error checksum value does not match in the checksum determination process, the process for confirming whether there is an error state represented by the payout error data before executing the ball payout process By performing the above, it is possible to pay out normally unpaid award balls and rented balls after making the error-free state.

  Here, as the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, the ball payout error data indicating that the ball payout device does not execute the game ball payout operation is set. When the error data is detected by the detection process after initialization, in the configuration in which the process for driving the ball dispensing device a predetermined number of times is executed, if the ball jamming error data has changed while the external power supply is shut off In addition, it is confirmed whether or not a ball clogging error has occurred by return payout processing. If this error has occurred, this error can be resolved and unpaid prize balls or rental balls can be paid out correctly. it can.

  Further, here, in the pachinko gaming machine having a plurality of supply paths for supplying the game balls to the ball payout device, as the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, the game is played in at least one place of each of the supply paths. The piece piece error data indicating that the ball is not supplied is set, and the return payout process performs a process of stopping execution of the ball piece process when the piece piece error data is detected in the detection process after initialization. With this configuration, if the piece error data has changed while the external power supply is shut off, this error occurs after checking whether a piece break error has occurred during the return payout process. If this is the case, this can be resolved and unpaid prize balls and rental balls can be paid out correctly.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described according to the following examples.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is attached to an outer frame 2 that is fixed upright on a game island facility (not shown), and is attached to the outer frame 2 through a hinge member 3 so as to be opened and closed. It consists of a gaming machine main body 4.

  The gaming machine main body 4 is mainly composed of a main body frame 5 that is pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 via the hinge member 3 and a game board 7 that is detachably attached to the main body frame 5. Furthermore, a front door 6 is attached to the front surface of the main body frame 5 so that it can be opened and closed, and a substantially circular opening (not shown) in which a glass plate (not shown) is fitted on the front surface of the front door 6 is provided. Is formed. And it is provided so that the above-mentioned game board 7 may face from this opening part. Note that the game board 7 is detachably fixed to the main body frame 5 (fixing equipment), and such a holding structure that has been conventionally used is suitably employed, and details thereof are omitted.

  In addition, an upper ball storage tray 9 for temporarily storing a large number of game balls is provided on the front surface of the front door 6. Furthermore, an operation handle 10 connected to a hitting ball launching device (not shown) for flipping a game ball to the game area 8 of the game board 7 is disposed at the lower front portion of the main body frame 5 so that the launch strength of the game ball can be adjusted. It has become. Further, on the left side of the operation handle 10, there is provided a lower sphere storage dish 11 in which excessive game balls are stored when the game balls are full in the upper sphere storage dish 9.

  On the front surface of the game board 7, a guide rail 12 for guiding the game ball launched by the hitting ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 7 is disposed, and the game area 8 is defined by the guide rail 12. Yes. In addition, a symbol display device 15 using a liquid crystal display is disposed almost at the center of the game area 8, and an ordinary electric accessory 16 is disposed below the symbol display device 15. Furthermore, a large winning opening 17 that is opened and closed by an opening / closing lid 18 is disposed below the ordinary electric accessory 16. In addition, a plurality of general winning ports 19 are provided at appropriate positions on the game board 7.

  In such a pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball rental unit 20 is provided adjacent to the left side of the outer frame 2. This ball lending unit 20 is used to insert a prepaid card in which amount data is recorded. Based on a ball lending request by a player, the number corresponding to the lending amount is stored up to the stored amount data. In exchange for paying out the game balls by the pachinko gaming machine 1, the loan amount is subtracted from the stored amount data. A card insertion slot (insertion slot) 21 is provided in the center of the front of the ball lending unit 20. When a player inserts a prepaid card from the insertion slot 21, the card balance is read and the card slot 21 is located above the insertion slot 21. The card insertion lamp 22 lights up. A ball lending switch 23 for paying out a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined lending amount in response to a single pressing operation is provided above the card insertion lamp 22. Further, a card use lamp 24 is provided above the ball lending switch 23 to notify the player that a prepaid card can be inserted. The ball lending unit 20 has a configuration that has been used conventionally, and details thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a back mechanism plate 13 that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 5 is attached to the back side of the main body frame 5. A ball tank 25 is disposed on the upper side of the back mechanism plate 13 so as to be able to receive a game ball supplied from a supply tank of the game island equipment through a flexible pipe (not shown). Immediately below the ball tank 25, a tank rail 26 that receives the game ball that has flowed into the ball tank 25 and flows downward is disposed. The tank rail 26 is inclined in the right direction when viewed from the back, and two rows of alignment paths (not shown) are formed in order to flow the game balls in the tank rail 26 in two rows. ing.

  A case rail 27 is connected to the downstream end of the tank rail 26 to flow the game ball down in the vertical direction. The case rail 27 includes two front and rear flow paths (not shown) through which the game balls flow down in two rows. A ball payout device 28 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls is disposed at the lower end of the case rail 27. In other words, the game balls arranged in the front and rear two rows by the tank rail 26 are supplied to the ball dispensing device 28 through the case rail 27 while maintaining the two rows. As described above, the tank rail 26 and the case rail 27 that supply the game balls from the ball tank 25 to the ball dispensing device 28 in two rows form two supply paths according to the present invention.

  The above-described ball dispensing device 28 to which game balls are supplied from the case rail 27 in two rows in the front-rear direction includes a dispensing screw (not shown) composed of spiral blades that are continuous in the vertical direction, and a drive motor that rotates the dispensing screw. 29 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The game balls supplied in two front and rear rows can be alternately sent downward by rotating the payout screw for each predetermined angle. That is, by controlling the rotation of the drive motor 29, a predetermined number of game balls can be paid out. The drive motor 29 is a stepping motor.

  Thus, the game balls paid out from the ball payout device 28 flow out to the above-described upper ball storage tray 9 through the payout path 30. Further, a bypass path (not shown) communicating with the lower sphere storage dish 11 is connected in the middle of the payout path 30. When the upper sphere storage dish 9 is full, the lower sphere storage dish passes through the bypass path. The game ball flows out to 11.

  A plurality of substrate cases 31 are fixed to the back mechanism plate 13. As will be described later, the board case 31 contains various control boards constituting a control circuit for controlling games and the like. Furthermore, a wiring cable (not shown) for connecting each control board of each board case 31 and a power supply table (not shown) for supplying power are connected via a predetermined connector (not shown).

  On the other hand, the above-described case rail 27 is provided with ball break switches S1 and S2 (see FIG. 3) that are turned on by the passage of game balls in the two rows of flow paths in the front and rear. Normally, since the game balls are continuously supplied from the tank rail 26 to the case rail 27, the ball break switches S1 and S2 are continuously ON. In addition, the above-described ball payout device 28 is provided with payout sensors S3 and S4 (see FIG. 3) that detect game balls paid out from the payout screw. The payout sensors S3 and S4 are respectively disposed at the front and back positions at which the game balls supplied to the ball payout device 28 in two front and rear rows are sent out by the payout screw. That is, unless a game ball is sent out from either the front or back, it is not detected by the payout sensor S3 or S4.

  In addition, a lower plate full switch S5 (see FIG. 3) that is turned on when a large amount of game balls stays in a downstream end portion of a bypass passage (not shown) through which the game balls flow down to the lower ball storage tray 11 described above. It is arranged. That is, when the lower ball storage tray 11 is full of game balls, the lower ball full switch S5 is turned on because the game balls overflow to the downstream end of the bypass path.

Next, a control circuit composed of a control board and the like built in the board case 31 will be described.
In the control circuit of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 60, a payout control board 61, an effect control board 62, and a power supply board 63 are arranged. The main control board 60 is connected to the payout control board 61 and the effect control board 62 via wiring cables (not shown), respectively, and commands issued from the main control board 60 are sent to the payout control board 61 and the effect control board 61. It is transmitted to the control board 62.

  The main control board 60 controls the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. The main control board 60 includes switches and sensors for detecting the game balls that have flowed into the ordinary electric accessory 16, the big prize opening 17, and the general prize opening 19 disposed on the game board 7. A solenoid that operates the ordinary electric accessory 16 and a solenoid (not illustrated) that operates the opening / closing lid 18 that opens and closes the prize winning port 17 are connected to each other via a panel relay terminal plate. The main control board 60 is provided with a central processing unit CPU, a storage device ROM, and a storage device RAM. Here, the storage device ROM stores a control program, various random number tables, and the like, and the storage device RAM temporarily stores signals associated with ON operations of the respective switches and the like. The central processing unit CPU executes control processing according to the control program stored in the storage device ROM in accordance with the ON operation of each switch or the like. Then, according to the control processing, each solenoid is operated, or a predetermined command is transmitted to the above-described payout control board 61 and effect control board 62.

  In addition, the effect control board 62 performs a symbol control effected by the symbol display device 15 described above, a control for emitting sound from various speakers, a control for emitting various lamps, and the like. The effect control board 62 is connected with a liquid crystal effect display for effect display on the symbol display device 15, a lamp control board 64 for controlling light emission of various LEDs via an LED relay terminal board, and a speaker. A production relay terminal board is connected to each. The effect control board 62 also includes a central processing unit CPU, a storage device ROM, and a storage device RAM, as with the main control board 60 described above. Such an effect control board 62 controls and executes effects by the symbol display device 15, light emission of each LED, and sound generation of the speaker in accordance with the effect control command received from the main control board 60.

  Further, the payout control board 61 controls and executes a payout operation for paying out a prize ball or a rented ball by driving and controlling the above-described ball payout device 28. The payout control board 61 is connected to a door opening switch (not shown) that is turned on when the front door 6 is opened, and the lower pan full switch S5 described above, and a ball is connected via a payout relay terminal. The cutting switches S1 and S2, the payout sensors S3 and S4, and the drive motor 29 for rotating the payout screw are connected. Further, the ball lending unit 20 is connected to the ball lending unit 20 via the ball lending device connection board 66. The ball lending device connection board 66 reads the amount data from the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot 21 of the ball lending unit 20, or subtracts the amount data by the operation of the ball lending switch 23 to set a lending ball. Is. Furthermore, a launch control board 65 for controlling a hitting ball launching device (not shown) for launching a game ball to the game board 7 is connected. Each launching control board 65 is connected to each solenoid or sensor that is operated by operating the operation handle 10.

  The payout control board 61 is provided with a central processing unit CPU, a storage device ROM, and a storage device RAM. Here, the central processing unit CPU controls and executes a payout operation of the ball payout device 28 in order to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls in accordance with a payout control command from the main control board 60, or a signal from the ball lending unit 20 Accordingly, processing for controlling the ball payout device 28 is performed in order to pay out a predetermined number of balls. The storage device ROM stores a program for controlling the payout operation by the ball payout device 28 and the like. The storage device RAM temporarily stores signals from the various switches and sensors described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device RAM includes a storage area, a free area, and a stack area, and predetermined data can be appropriately written and rewritten in each area. The storage device RAM is a main part of the present invention and will be described in detail later.

  Further, an error content display yellow LED 33 and an error content display red LED 34 that are lit / flashed when a predetermined error state is detected are connected to the payout control board 61.

  The power supply board 63 described above converts electric power supplied from an external power source into a predetermined voltage and transmits it to the main control board 60, the payout control board 61, and the effect control board 62 described above. As shown in FIG. 4, an AC 24 V current is transmitted to the power supply board 63 from an external power supply. Circuits for converting the AC24V into DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V are provided. In addition, an overload protection circuit, a reset circuit, a power failure detection circuit, a backup capacitor (backup power supply), and the like that prevent excessive current from flowing are provided. Here, the power failure detection circuit determines that a power failure has occurred when the power supplied from the external power source is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and sends a signal indicating that to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 61. Is transmitted to the effect control board 62. Further, the backup capacitor stores the power supplied from the external power source, and is stored in each storage device RAM to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 61 when the power failure detection circuit determines that a power failure has occurred. The power for holding the stored data is supplied. Furthermore, the power supply board 63 is connected to a changeover switch for turning on / off the external power supply and a RAM clear switch for initializing data in the storage device RAM. Here, if the changeover switch is turned on with the RAM clear switch turned on, the reset circuit temporarily supplies power to the storage device RAMs of the main control board 60 and the payout control board 61 during the supply of external power. And all the data stored in each storage device RAM are initialized.

  The main control board 60, the payout control board 61, and the effect control board 62 to which DC32V, DC12V, and DC6V power are respectively supplied from the power supply board 63 are motors, switches, sensors, LEDs, speakers, and displays that are driven and controlled. Distributes predetermined power to devices and the like.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 as described above, the control process performed by the payout control board 61 when the external power supply is shut off and when the external power supply is subsequently restored will be described in detail according to the following embodiments. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device RAM of the payout control board 61 controls the payout operation of the ball payout device 28 by the central processing unit CPU of the payout control board 61 in order to pay out winning balls and balls. The storage area 41 (7F00H to 7F47H: 72 bytes) in which each data used for the storage is stored, the empty area 42 (7F48H to 7FDDH: 150 bytes), and various register values of the central processing unit CPU of the payout control board 61 are saved. And a stack area 43 (7FDEH to 7FFFH: 34 bytes).

  The storage area 41 includes a payout operation storage area 41a (7F00H to 7F2FH), a payout error storage area 41b (7F30H to 7F3FH), and a payout information storage area 41c (7F40H to 7F47H). The payout operation storage area 41a, the payout error storage area 41b, and the payout information storage area 41c are set so that their addresses are successively connected. Here, in the payout operation storage area 41a, prize ball processing data x1 (5 bytes), ball rental processing data, as the number of award balls and balls to be paid out and the payout operation data X for driving the ball payout device 28 are processed. Data x2 (8 bytes), payout processing data x3 (3 bytes), communication processing data x4 (22 bytes), motor drive processing data x5 (5 bytes), input signal processing data x6 (3 bytes), backup processing data x7 ( 2 bytes) are defined, and addresses for successively storing these are set. Further, in the payout error storage area 41b, as a plurality of payout error data Y related to the game balls supplied to the ball payout device 28 and the game balls payed out from the ball payout device 28, out of ball error data y1 (2 bytes), Each area for storing storage error data y2 (3 bytes), payout disconnection error data y3 (4 bytes), ball clogging error data y4 (3 bytes), single piece error data y5 (2 bytes), error notification processing data y6 (2 bytes) Addresses are set for storing these in succession. Further, in the payout information storage area 41c, addresses at which the error information acquisition processing data z1 (3 bytes) and the backup processing data z2 (4 bytes) are successively stored are determined.

Next, each data stored in the payout operation storage area 41a, the payout error storage area 41b, and the payout information storage area 41c will be described.
(1) Prize ball processing data x1
Data indicating the total number of award balls (award ball number-of-payout buffer), data indicating the number of game balls detected by the payout sensor during a payout operation (award ball number counter), etc. This is data used for a ball payout process for prize balls executed in response to a control command.
(2) Ball rental processing data x2
Lending executed in response to a ball lending button operation, such as data indicating whether or not a lending request signal (BRQ) has been received (BRQ determination flag) and data indicating the processing status of a ball lending operation (ball lending status flag) This is data used for a ball payout process.
(3) Data for payout processing x3
Used for ball payout processing of prize balls and rental balls, such as data for measuring the number of consecutive payouts (25 payout counts) and data indicating whether payout processing is prohibited or permitted (payout status flag) It is data to be.
(4) Communication processing data x4
Data that stores payout control commands from the main control board 60 (input command buffer), data that stores data for external output signals for output to the amusement island equipment (external terminal control output port buffer), etc. Data used for communication control processing for transmitting and receiving commands and signals between the two.
(5) Motor drive processing data x5
Data (motor drive output port buffer) for storing a motor drive signal for driving the drive motor 29 (see FIG. 3) of the ball payout device 28, data indicating the operation state of the drive motor 29 (payout flag), etc. This is data used for driving control of the drive motor 29 by outputting a predetermined motor drive signal.
(6) Input signal processing data x6
This is data used to process the input signals such as edge data and level data for the input signals from the ball break switches S 1 and S 2, the payout sensors S 3 and S 4, the lower pan full switch S 5, and the ball rental unit 20.
(7) Backup processing data x7, z2
The backup processing data is data used for backup processing of each data performed when the external power supply is shut off or restored. Among these, the stack pointer storage buffer indicating the value of the stack pointer when the external power supply is shut down, and the delay timer for measuring the time when the ball breakage error and the lower plate full error are not notified when the power is restored, The payout operation storage area 41a is stored. On the other hand, the operation checksum values Ps and Pr obtained by adding the other power failure flag indicating whether or not the backup is performed when the power is shut down and each payout operation data X stored in the payout operation storage area 41a, Error checksum values Qs and Qr obtained by adding the payout error data Y stored in the payout error storage areas 41b stored in the payout error storage area 41b are stored in the payout information storage area 41c. I have to.
(8) Out of ball error data y1
Error data for processing a ball-out error state in which there is no game ball to be supplied to the ball dispensing device 28, a ball-out flag indicating whether or not a ball-out error state has occurred, and a ball-out error state And a ball break switch input buffer for measuring the duration of the. Here, the ball-out error state is confirmed when both of the above-mentioned ball-out switches S1 and S2 are OFF.
(9) Storage error data y2
Error data for processing a lower plate full error state in which the lower ball storage tray 11 is full, a lower plate full flag indicating whether or not a lower plate full error state has occurred, and a lower plate full error It consists of a bottom plate full switch input buffer for measuring the duration of the state. Here, the lower plate full error state is confirmed by the ON operation of the lower plate full switch S5 described above.
(10) Discharge disconnection error data y3
This is data for processing the payout disconnection error state, and includes a payout sensor timer for measuring and monitoring the payout disconnection error state in the payout sensors S3 and S4.
(11) Ball filling error data y4
Data for processing a ball clogging error state, a payout ball monitoring timer for monitoring a ball clogging state by measuring a detecting ball detection interval by the payout sensors S3 and S4, and determining a ball clogging error state And a retry counter for counting the number of retries for driving the drive motor 29.
(12) Single piece error data y5
A piece of data for processing a piece piece error state, which is a piece of data for monitoring the piece piece error state by measuring the number of game balls that are continuously paid out by one of the payout sensors S3 and S4. It consists of a break counter.
(13) Data for error notification processing y6
The error notification processing data includes a payout abnormality flag and an abnormal state display timer. Here, the payout abnormality flag is data for outputting or displaying various error states, including a ball breakage error state, a lower plate full error state, a ball clogging error state, a payout disconnection error state, and a piece breakage error state. Various error states consisting of information (bits) are shown. In addition, the abnormal state display timer includes a yellow LED 33 for error content display (see FIG. 3) that lights / flashes when a ball shortage error state and a lower pan full error state are detected, a ball clogging error state, a payout disconnection error state, This is for measuring each lighting / flashing time with the red LED 34 for error content display (see FIG. 3) which is turned on / flashing when a one-off error state is detected.
(14) Error information acquisition processing data z1
Data for performing error information acquisition processing when the external power supply is restored, and an error information acquisition flag indicating that the error information acquisition processing is being executed and the processing time of the error information acquisition processing are measured And an error information acquisition monitoring timer.

  Here, in the plurality of payout error data Y stored in the payout error storage area 41b, the above-mentioned ball break error data y1, the storage error data y2, and the payout disconnection error data y3 are set as a first payout error data group Y1, The above-mentioned ball-packing error data y4 and piece-cut error data y5 are used as a second payout error data group Y2. The error states indicated by the data y1 to y3 of the first payout error data group Y1 can be detected without driving the ball payout device 28, and the data y4 and y5 of the second payout error data group Y2 are detected. Can be detected by driving the ball payout device 28 and paying out the game balls.

Next, a process in which the payout control board 61 stores each data in the storage device RAM when the external power supply is shut off will be described.
When the external power supply is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power drops rapidly. At this time, when the power drops below a predetermined threshold, the power failure detection circuit of the power supply board 63 determines that a power failure has occurred and transmits a signal indicating the occurrence of the power failure to the payout control board 61. Upon receiving this signal, the payout control board 61 turns on the power failure flag, and each payout operation data X (award ball processing data x1, ball rental processing data) stored in the payout operation storage area 41a of the storage device RAM. Data x2, payout processing data x3, communication processing data x4, motor drive processing data x5, input vibration processing data x6, backup processing data x7) are sequentially added from the address above the area, An operation checksum value Ps (see FIG. 5) that is the cumulative sum is calculated. Then, the operation checksum value Ps is stored in the payout information storage area 41c of the storage device RAM.

  After completing the calculation and storage of the operation checksum value Ps, the payout control board 61 sets each payout error data Y (ball-out error data y1, storage error data) stored in the payout error storage area 41b of the storage device RAM. y2, the payout disconnection error data y3, the ball jamming error data y4, the piece piece error data y5, and the error notification processing data y6) are added in order from the address above the area, and the error checksum which is the cumulative sum thereof is added. A value Qs (see FIG. 5) is calculated. Then, the error checksum value Qs is stored in the payout information storage area 41c of the storage device RAM.

  Here, the process of calculating and storing the operation checksum value Ps and the error checksum value Qs when the external power supply is cut off is the checksum storage process according to the present invention.

  Then, the payout control board 61 performs processing for prohibiting access to the storage device RAM. During the period when the external power supply is shut off, as described above, the backup power is supplied from the backup capacitor of the power supply board 63 to the storage device RAM, and the data in the storage device RAM is stored. It comes to hold.

Next, processing executed by the payout control board 61 when the external power supply is restored will be described.
When the power failure ends, the external power supply is restored and power supply to the dispensing control board 61 is started via the power supply board 63. In accordance with this, the payout control board 61 first executes a reset process shown in FIG. When it is confirmed that the power failure flag is ON, the operation checksum value Ps stored in the payout information storage area 41c of the storage device RAM is read, and each payout operation data stored in the payout operation storage area 41a is read. A new operation checksum value Pr is calculated by sequentially adding X. Then, the operation checksum value Ps at the time of interruption is compared with the operation checksum value Pr at the time of return to determine whether or not they match.

  Here, if the operation checksum values Ps and Pr do not coincide with each other, the routine proceeds to normal power-on processing. The power-on process is a process executed when the power is turned on when the game store is opened, and is a process for initializing all data and starting a new game. In this case, it is determined that correct payout operation data X is not stored, and all data stored in the storage device RAM is initialized. In other words, in the case where a prize ball or a rental ball is to be paid out when it is shut off, the data of the prize ball or the rental ball disappears, and the player cannot acquire the prize ball or the rental ball. Become. For the power-on process, a commonly used process can be applied, and the details are omitted.

  If the operation checksum values Ps and Pr are determined to match, the error checksum value Qs stored in the payout information storage area 41c is read and stored in the payout error storage area 41b. The respective payout error data Y that have been added are sequentially added to calculate a new error checksum value Qr. Then, the error checksum value Qs at the time of interruption and the error checksum value Qr at the time of return are compared to determine whether or not they match.

  Here, if the error checksum values Qs and Qr match, the return payout setting data shown in FIG. 7 is acquired. This return / payout setting data sets the power failure flag to OFF, clears the operation checksum values Ps and Pr and the error checksum values Qs and Qr, sets the error information acquisition flag to OFF, and sets the error information acquisition monitoring timer to “0”. Is set as In this case, after completion of the reset process, the process proceeds to a main process (see FIG. 9) described later, and the error information acquisition flag is OFF. Perform payout processing. The error information acquisition flag indicates that the payout error data Y has changed. In the main process, the error status indicated by the payout error data y1 to y3 of the first payout error data group Y1 is confirmed. Used to move to the first error data acquisition process.

  On the other hand, if the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match, the error detection setting data shown in FIG. 8 is acquired. In this error detection setting data, the power failure flag is turned OFF, the operation checksum values Ps and Pr and the error checksum values Qs and Qr are cleared, the error information acquisition flag is turned ON, and the error information acquisition monitoring timer is set to “1000 ms. To "". Further, the ball break flag, the lower pan full flag, and the payout abnormality flag are turned OFF, and each timer and counter are set to a predetermined number. That is, each payout error data Y is initialized by acquiring the error detection setting data.

  Here, when the external power supply is restored, the operation checksum value Pr and the error checksum value Qr are calculated, and the operation checksum value Ps and the error checksum value Qs when the external power supply is shut off are compared and matched. The process for determining whether or not to perform the checksum determination process according to the present invention.

  When the reset process described above is completed, the process proceeds to the main process shown in FIG. In the main process, it is determined whether or not the above error information acquisition flag is ON. Here, when the error information acquisition flag is OFF (when the operation checksum values Ps and Pr and the error checksum values Qs and Qr match each other), the process proceeds to output processing. Each process executed after this output process is a process generally performed to pay out a winning ball or a rental ball, and the details are omitted. In the main process, the process from the output process to the ball lending output setting process is integrated into the ball payout process according to the present invention.

  When the error information acquisition flag is ON (when the operation checksum values Ps and Pr match and the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match), the first error information acquisition process shown in FIG. Migrate to The first error information acquisition process includes a ball break error state indicated by the ball break error data y1 belonging to the first payout error data group Y1 described above, a lower plate full error state indicated by the storage error data y2, and a payout disconnection. This is a process of confirming the payout disconnection error state indicated by the error data y3. This process is executed only once when the external power supply is restored.

  In the first error information acquisition process, the above-described ball break switches S1, S2, payout sensors S3, S4, and lower pan full switch S5 are monitored over a predetermined monitoring time (error information acquisition monitoring timer: 2 seconds). Here, when the payout sensors S3 and S4 respectively detect the game balls for 500 ms (the payout sensor timer in FIG. 8), it is determined as a payout disconnection error state, and the payout disconnection error data y3 is set to have an error. To do. Further, if both of the ball break switches S1 and S2 are continuously OFF for 500 ms (ball break switch input buffer in FIG. 8), it is determined that a ball break error state has occurred and the ball break error data y1 is set to have an error. . If the lower pan full switch S5 is continuously ON for 1000 ms (the lower pan full switch input buffer in FIG. 8), it is determined that the lower pan full error state and the storage error data y2 is set to have an error.

  When it is confirmed that the error states indicated by the payout disconnection error data y3, the ball breakage error data y1, and the storage error data y2 have occurred, the process proceeds to corresponding error processing (not shown). Here, each error processing will be briefly described. In the payout disconnection error state, the yellow LED 33 for error content display (see FIG. 3) and the red LED 34 for error content display (see FIG. 3) are turned on and a payout flag indicating whether or not the ball payout process can be executed. Is set to prohibit payout, and the process of immediately stopping the payout operation is performed. If the ball is out of error, only the error content display red LED 34 is blinked, the payout flag is set to the payout prohibition, and the payout operation is immediately stopped. Further, in the lower plate full error state, only the error content display yellow LED 33 blinks and the above-described payout flag is set to the payout prohibition to immediately stop the payout operation.

  In this manner, the payout operation by the ball payout device 28 is stopped, and the error occurrence is notified by the error content display yellow LED 33 and the error content display red LED 34, thereby eliminating the error to the store clerk or player of the game store. Prompt. When the error is resolved, the process returns to the first error information acquisition process, and the error information acquisition flag is turned OFF. Then, the process returns to the main process.

  If none of the ball break error, payout disconnection error, or lower plate full error is detected in the first error information acquisition process described above, the error information acquisition flag is turned OFF without performing error processing, and the main process is performed. Return.

  Returning to the main process, since the error information acquisition flag is OFF, the process shifts to an output process to execute a ball payout process. In the ball payout process, in the game frame switch process, a process of monitoring the state of the ball break switches S1, S2, payout sensors S3, S4, and the lower pan full switch S5 is performed. Then, in this game frame switch process, a piece-out error detection process shown in FIG. 11 is performed. This piece-out error detection process is a process that is normally executed during the ball payout process, and in the process of proceeding with the ball payout process, the drive motor 29 of the ball payout device 28 is driven to control the game ball payout operation. Is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the payout sensors S3 and S4 detect the game ball. Then, when five or more consecutive game balls are detected by only one of the payout sensors S3 and S4, it is determined as a single piece error state and the single piece error data y5 is set to have an error. As a result, the process shifts to one-piece error processing. In this error process, only the red LED 34 for error content display (see FIG. 3) is lit, a payout flag indicating whether or not the ball payout process can be executed is set to be payout prohibition, and the payout operation is immediately stopped. As a result, the store clerk or player of the game store is urged to eliminate the error. When the error is resolved, the process returns to the game frame switch process. Note that if a piece-out error is not detected, the ball payout process is continued.

  Further, the ball payout process proceeds in the main process, and the payout operation process is executed. In this payout operation process, as shown in FIG. 12, a ball clogging error detection process for detecting the drive state of the drive motor 29 of the ball payout device 28 is performed. In this ball clogging error detection process, the game balls continuously detected by the payout sensors S3 and S4 are counted to detect whether or not a ball clogging error has occurred. This ball clogging error detection process is a process that is normally executed during the ball payout process, and if the game balls cannot be detected by the payout sensors S3 and S4 for 300 ms in the course of progressing the ball payout process. Then, a retry process is performed in which the drive motor 29 is operated once again, and if a game ball cannot be detected even if the retry process is performed twice in succession, it is determined that a ball clogging error state has occurred. Then, the ball clogging error data y4 is set to have an error, and only the error content display yellow LED 33 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, and the retry process described above is repeated. As a result, the occurrence of the ball clogging error state is notified and the error is urged to be resolved. Thereafter, when the ball clogging error state is resolved, the process returns to the dispensing operation process. If no ball clogging error is detected, the ball payout process is continued.

  In this way, in the main process, it is checked whether or not a piece-out error and a ball clogging error have occurred in accordance with the payout of the winning ball and the rental ball by the ball payout process. If any error occurs, an error process for dealing with each error is executed. If no error occurs, the ball payout process is continued as it is.

  In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the external power supply is cut off due to a power failure while the player is playing the game with the pachinko gaming machine 1. Further, the game state at the time of the power failure is in the middle of the big hit game that opens and closes the above-described big prize opening 17, and the lower ball storage tray 11 is full and the lower tray full switch S5 is turned ON. It is assumed that the payout of individual prize balls is stopped. In this state, the above-described prize ball processing data x1 indicates that there are ten prize balls, and the above-described storage error data y2 indicates that the lower ball storage dish 11 is full. The prize ball processing data x1 and the storage error data y2 are stored in the storage device RAM, and each is an element for calculating the operation checksum value Ps and the error checksum value Qs described above.

  When the external power supply is cut off due to a power failure, the power is likely to drop rapidly and become unstable. In addition, during the period when the external power supply is shut off, power for holding data stored therein is supplied from the backup capacitor described above to the storage device RAM. Since the power of the backup capacitor is weak, it tends to be unstable. As described above, it is assumed that when the external power supply is shut off or during the shut-off, the storage error data y <b> 2 changes to the content in which no error has occurred due to the power becoming unstable. It is assumed that the lower plate full error in which the lower sphere storage tray 11 is full is maintained (is not solved) while the external power supply is shut off.

  Then, when the external power supply returns, the reset process (see FIG. 6) is executed as described above. In this reset process, the operation checksum values Ps and Pr match when shut off and when they return, but the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match because the storage error data y2 has changed. Therefore, the error detection setting data shown in FIG. 8 is acquired, and each payout error data Y is initialized. Note that the payout operation data X retains data at the time of interruption, so that prize ball processing data x1 indicating that 10 prize balls exist is also held.

  Next, when the process proceeds to the main process (see FIG. 9), since the error information acquisition flag is ON, the process proceeds to the first error information acquisition process (see FIG. 10). In this first error information acquisition process, as described above, the ball-out error state, the lower plate full error state, and the payout disconnection error state are respectively confirmed. Here, since the lower sphere storage tray 11 is full and the lower tray full switch S5 is ON, it is detected that a lower tray full error has occurred. Accordingly, the storage error data y2 is set to the content indicating that the lower sphere storage dish 11 is full, and the process proceeds to error processing (not shown) for dealing with the lower dish full error. In this error process, as described above, only the error content display yellow LED 33 blinks, and the above-described payout flag is set to the payout prohibition to immediately stop the payout operation. Then, by the notification that the yellow LED 33 for displaying the error contents blinks, the player or the clerk of the game store moves the game ball in the lower ball storage tray 11 to the ball box, etc., thereby eliminating the lower plate full error state. To do. Thus, when the lower plate full switch S5 is turned OFF, the storage error data y2 becomes a content in which no lower plate full error has occurred.

  Further, since the ball-out error state and the payout disconnection error state are not detected, the error information acquisition flag is turned OFF and the process returns to the main process when the above-mentioned lower plate full error is eliminated. Then, a ball payout process is executed. In this ball payout process, award balls are paid out in accordance with the payout operation data X, and a process of confirming a piece-out error state and a ball clogging error state is performed along with this payout. Here, since no error state is detected, ten prize balls are sequentially paid out correctly. Thus, the game is resumed.

  In this way, even when the storage error data y2 changes from the content where the lower pan full error has occurred to the content which has not occurred while the external power supply is shut off, By checking, a lower plate full error is detected, and error processing corresponding to the error is executed. When the lower plate full error is resolved, the award ball remaining when shutting off is correctly paid out.

  The same applies to the case where the above-mentioned ball break error data y1 and payout disconnection error data y3 change while the external power supply is shut off. In any case, the same processing can be executed to produce the above-described effects.

  In the first embodiment, if the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match, the ball filling error data y4 and the piece error data y5 as the second payout error data group Y2 are also initialized once. Thereafter, processing for confirming whether or not a ball clogging error or a piece-out error has occurred is executed during normal ball payout processing. That is, even if a ball clogging error state or a piece-out error state occurs, the ball payout process is executed assuming that there is no such error once. Therefore, during this ball payout process, the process and actual gaming state may be different, but the time required to detect these errors is extremely short (300 ms or 500 ms). There is virtually no problem for the player. Then, if the occurrence of a ball clogging error or a piece-out error is confirmed, as described above, processing corresponding to each error is executed, and after the error is eliminated, the remainder of the winning ball is paid out correctly.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the return payout process according to the present invention is such that the operation checksum values Ps, Pr and the error checksum values Qs, Qr are matched to each other in the reset process. When the process of moving to the ball payout process and the operation checksum values Ps and Pr match and the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match, the payout error data Y is initialized and the main process The process proceeds to the ball payout process via the first error information acquisition process, and a process for confirming the presence or absence of each error state indicated by each payout error data Y is provided. Further, the return payout process also includes a process of shifting to the power-on process without matching the operation checksum values Ps and Pr.

  Example 2 is the main process shown in FIG. 15, and after the first error information acquisition process, the second error information acquisition process for checking the above-mentioned piece-out error state and the ball clogging error state is set, Before executing the payout process, all errors can be checked and resolved. That is, the second embodiment is obtained by adding a second error information acquisition process to the main process as compared with the first embodiment described above.

  Similar to the first embodiment described above, when the external power supply is shut off due to a power failure or the like, the payout control board 61 calculates and stores the operation checksum value Ps and the error checksum value Qs. Is executed, and processing for prohibiting access to the storage device RAM is performed. Thereafter, when the external power supply is restored, a reset process (see FIG. 6) is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In the reset process, when the respective operation checksum values Ps and Pr and the error checksum values Qs and Qr when the external power supply is shut off and when they return to each other match, the return payout setting shown in FIG. Set the data. As the return payout setting data of the second embodiment, the first error acquisition flag, the second error acquisition flag, and the payout number setting flag are added in the case of the above-described first embodiment, and these are all turned OFF. Here, the first error acquisition flag is an index for determining whether or not the first error information acquisition process described later is executed, and the second error acquisition flag is for determining whether or not the second error information acquisition process described later is executed. It is an indicator. Further, the payout number setting flag is an index used in the process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls in order to detect an error state in the second error information acquisition process.

  On the other hand, when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns, the operation checksum values Ps and Pr match, but when the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match, the error shown in FIG. Set the detection setting data. As the error detection setting data of the second embodiment, in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the first error acquisition flag described above is turned ON, and the second error acquisition flag and the payout number setting flag are added OFF. is there.

  When the reset process ends, the process proceeds to the main process shown in FIG. In the main process, it is determined whether or not the above error information acquisition flag is ON. Here, when the error information acquisition flag is OFF (when the return payout setting data is acquired), the process proceeds to the ball payout process (each process after the output process).

  When the error information acquisition flag is ON (when error detection setting data is acquired), it is confirmed whether the first error acquisition flag is ON / OFF. Here, since the first error acquisition flag is ON, the process proceeds to the first error information acquisition process shown in FIG.

  The first error information acquisition process of the second embodiment is based on the ball break error state indicated by the ball break error data y1 belonging to the first payout error data group Y1 and the storage error data y2, as in the first embodiment described above. This is a process of confirming the lower plate full error state shown and the payout disconnection error state indicated by the payout disconnection error data y3. If these errors have occurred, error processing similar to that in the first embodiment is executed. If no error has occurred, or if the error has been resolved after executing error processing, the first error acquisition flag is turned OFF and the second error information acquisition flag is turned ON.

  When the first error information acquisition process ends in this manner, the process returns to the main process shown in FIG. At this time, since the first error acquisition flag is OFF as described above, ON / OFF of the second error acquisition flag is confirmed without shifting to the first error information acquisition process. Here, since the second error acquisition flag is ON, the process proceeds to the second error information acquisition process shown in FIG.

  In the second error information acquisition process, a predetermined number (up to five) of game balls are continuously paid out, whereby a ball clogging error state indicated by the ball filling error data y4 belonging to the second payout error data group Y2 described above. And the piece piece error state indicated by the piece piece error data y5. That is, first, it is confirmed by the prize ball payout buffer and the payout number counter whether or not there is an unpaid payout number. Here, if there is no unpaid, no piece-out error state or ball clogging error state has occurred, so the error information acquisition flag is turned OFF and the second error information acquisition process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an unpaid, 5 game balls out of the unpaid number are continuously paid out by the payout motor driving process. Along with this payout motor driving process, a piece-out error detection process (see FIG. 11) and a ball-filling error detection process (see FIG. 12) similar to those in the first embodiment are performed, so that a piece-out error and a ball-clogging error are detected. Is detected. If a piece-out error or a ball clogging error has occurred, error processing corresponding to each is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the error is resolved after this error processing or if no error is detected, the error information acquisition flag is set to OFF and the second error information acquisition processing is terminated.

  Here, the prize ball payout number buffer indicates the total number of prize balls to be paid out as described above, and in the second error information acquisition process, the unpaid amount based on the payout control command and the ball lending instruction. It is data indicating the number of game balls. As described above, the payout number counter indicates the number of game balls detected by the payout sensor during the payout operation. In the second error information acquisition process, the number of game balls to be paid out continuously. This is data (maximum 25). In the second error information acquisition process, the control process is performed so that game balls are continuously paid out by the payout number counter by sequentially assigning from the prize ball payout number buffer to the payout number counter.

  When the second error information acquisition process is thus completed, the process returns to the main process shown in FIG. In the main process, since the error information acquisition flag is OFF, the ball payout process (each process after the output process) is executed. In this ball payout process, the remaining prize balls and rental balls obtained by subtracting the number of game balls paid out in the second error information acquisition process are paid out. In this way, the game is resumed.

  In the second embodiment, for example, similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the external power supply is shut off, there are ten prize balls and the lower ball storage tray 11 is full. Assume that the dish is full. The storage error data y2 held in the storage device RAM is not filled with the lower storage tray 11 because the power supplied from the backup capacitor becomes unstable while the external power supply is shut off. Assume that the content has changed.

  When the external power supply is restored, the reset check process causes the operation checksum values Ps and Pr to coincide with each other when the power supply is shut off, and the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not coincide with each other. Is set. Then, the process proceeds from the main process to the first error information acquisition process, and it is confirmed that the lower plate full error state has occurred. As a result, the process shifts to an error process for dealing with the lower plate full error. Thereafter, when the lower tray full error is resolved, the process returns to the main process. Then, the process proceeds to the second error information acquisition process, and since there are unpaid prize balls, it is confirmed that there are no piece-out errors and a ball clogging error by continuously paying out five game balls. After completing the second error information acquisition process, the process returns to the main process and the ball payout process is started. However, in this ball payout process, since five game balls have already been paid out in the second error information acquisition process, the remaining five prize balls are paid out here. Thus, even if the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match between when the external power supply is shut off and when it returns, if the operation checksum values Ps and Pr match, a prize ball or a loan The ball is paid out correctly.

  In the second embodiment, the second error information acquisition process for confirming the piece-out error and the ball clogging error belonging to the second payout error data group Y2 is performed before executing the ball payout process. The configuration is such that all errors are eliminated before the ball payout process is executed.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the second error information acquisition process is set before the ball payout process, and various flags are turned on / off accordingly. It is the structure which performs a control process similarly to Example 1 mentioned above. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same processing are omitted as appropriate.

  Even in the second embodiment, the process of calculating and storing the operation checksum value Ps and the error checksum value Qr when the external power supply is cut off is the checksum storage process according to the present invention. is there. In addition, when the external power supply is restored, the operation checksum value Pr is calculated by reset processing, and it is determined whether or not it matches the operation checksum value Ps stored when the power supply is shut off. The process of calculating the value Qr and determining whether or not it matches the error checksum value Qs when shut off is the checksum determination process according to the present invention. Further, when the operation checksum values Ps, Pr and the error checksum values Qs, Qr respectively match in the checksum determination processing, processing for executing the ball payout processing in the main processing, error checksum values Qs, The process of executing the ball payout process after performing the first error information acquisition process and the second error information acquisition process without matching only Qr is the return payout process according to the present invention.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, an unpaid winning ball or a loan is made by a checksum storage process performed when an external power supply is cut off during a game and a checksum determination process (reset process) performed when the game is restored later. The checksum value for each of the payout operation data X relating to the number of balls and the driving of the ball payout device 28 and the plurality of payout error data Y for confirming the presence or absence of an error by detecting a game ball before and after the ball payout device 28. Are calculated and determined respectively, and return payout processing (main processing, first error information acquisition processing, second error information acquisition processing) is performed according to the determination. According to this configuration, as long as the payout operation data X is accurately stored, unpaid prize balls and rental balls are correctly paid out regardless of the presence or absence of an error indicated by the payout error data Y. Therefore, for example, as described above, even when the external power supply is cut off or the power becomes unstable during the cut-off, the payout error data Y or the error checksum value Qs becomes an incorrect content. In addition to correctly paying out award balls and rental balls that have been unpaid at the time of interruption, it is possible to restart the game by reconfirming whether or not an error has occurred when returning.

  Further, when the payout error data Y has changed (when the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match), a process for initializing each payout error data Y and confirming the current error state is performed. Like to do. For this reason, the presence or absence of an error can be correctly confirmed upon return, and if an error has occurred, a corresponding action can be appropriately implemented.

  In the first and second embodiments, if the respective operation checksum values Ps and Pr are not the same when the external power supply is shut off and returned, all the dispensing operation data X and the dispensing error data Y are displayed. Is trying to initialize. Here, as described above, the payout operation data X includes the number data of prize balls and rental balls. If the data is tampered with illegally, the illegal prize balls and rental balls are paid out. Become. In other words, it is the data that is most easily and efficiently performed by a fraudster. Therefore, in the present invention, when it is determined that the correct payout operation data X is not stored while the external power supply is shut off, all data is initialized regardless of the cause, thereby preventing an illegal profit from being paid out. I have to.

  Further, the storage device RAM of the payout control board 61 is provided with a payout operation storage area 41a set so that each address for storing a plurality of payout operation data X is continuous, and stores a plurality of payout error data Y. The payout error storage area 41b is set so that the addresses are continuous, the payout operation storage area 41a is set as an area above the storage device RAM, and the payout error storage area 41b is set below the payout operation storage area 41a. Provided. Thus, the operation checksum value Ps is calculated from the plurality of payout operation data X used for the number of prize balls and the drive control of the ball payout device 28 in the state where the external power supply is cut off and the power is suddenly reduced. Storage of the error checksum value Qs from a plurality of payout error data Y for confirming the presence / absence of an error by detecting a game ball before and after the ball payout device 28 in order for a relatively short time. Can be done with. Here, since the operation checksum value Ps can be calculated and stored while being relatively stable due to a high current, the accuracy and stability of these processes are high. Therefore, when the external power supply is restored, at least the processing for determining the operation checksum values Ps and Pr can be correctly executed. Even if the error checksum value Qs calculated and stored in an unstable power state is stored as an incorrect value, each error indicated by these payout error data Y when the external power supply is restored. Since the process of initializing and reconfirming the state (first error information acquisition process, second error division acquisition process, etc.) is executed, the game can be restarted correctly.

  In the first and second embodiments, the payout operation storage area 41a for storing the payout operation data X includes the input processing data and the backup processing data, and calculates the operation checksum value including these data. In other configurations, the payout information storage area that excludes the input processing data and the backup processing data from the checksum value calculation target so as to shorten the processing time of the checksum storage processing. It can also be configured to store in 41c. As described above, the data stored in the payout operation storage area 41a and the data stored in the payout error storage area 41b can be appropriately set according to the balance between the processing time for calculating the checksum value and the storage area. is there.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, whether or not there is an error state indicated by data belonging to the first payout error data group Y1 (ball-out error data y1, storage error data y2, payout disconnection error data y3), Even after the game is resumed after shifting to the ball payout process, it is preferable to perform a process of confirming at any time by monitoring each switch and sensor in the ball payout process. Similarly, in the second embodiment, whether or not there is an error state indicated by data belonging to the second payout error data group Y2 (ball-filled error data y4, piece-out error data y5) It is preferable to perform a process of confirming at any time by monitoring the sensor.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the configuration is such that five game balls are continuously paid out in the second error information acquisition process to detect a piece-out error state. In addition, the number of game balls to be paid out It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the game balls are continuously paid out for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms).

  In the first and second embodiments, the address of each data is set so that the payout operation data X and the payout error data Y are stored continuously. Each address can be set so that data is appropriately distributed. For example, the addresses may be set so that the payout operation data (x1 to x7) and the payout error data (y1 to y6) are alternately repeated. In this case, it is essential to store the address of each data separately.

  In the first and second embodiments, the accumulated sum of the data stored in the payout operation storage area 41a and the payout error storage area 41b of the storage device RAM is used as the checksum value. In this configuration, in addition to this processing, a calculation may be performed using the parity bits of the data stored as the error detection code, and a determination may be made in duplicate based on the checksum value and the parity bits.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, when only the error checksum values Qs and Qr do not match, all the five types of data y1 to y5 described above are initialized as the payout error data Y, and Although the configuration is such that the error state is confirmed, as another configuration, the configuration may be such that initialization is limited to specific payout error data. For example, it may be configured to perform the process of initializing only data belonging to the first payout error data group.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the error content display yellow LED 33 and the error content display red LED 34 are arranged, and when an error state indicated by each payout error data is reached, a predetermined lighting / blinking mode is used. Although it is the structure which made it alert | report an error, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports an error with the liquid crystal display part of the symbol display apparatus 15 as another structure. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports an error by uttering an audio | voice or a predetermined sound.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the situation where the payout error data and the error checksum value are incorrect when the external power supply is cut off or the power being cut off becomes unstable is exemplified. Similar processing is executed even if the contents are incorrect. For example, even if only the payout error data or the error checksum value becomes incorrect due to an illegal act, the winning ball is correctly paid out if the same processing is performed. In addition, for example, the situation where the external power supply is shut off has been described as a power failure, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the external power supply is cut off due to some circumstances (for example, occurrence of a malfunction). Furthermore, the same processing may be performed when the power is turned off at the end of the amusement store and then turned on.

1 is a front view of a pachinko game board 1. FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is a block circuit diagram which shows the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit which supplies electric power to a control circuit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the address map of memory | storage device RAM arrange | positioned at the payout control board. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reset process executed by the payout control board 61 when the external power supply is restored in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating return payout setting data acquired in the reset process in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating error detection setting data acquired in the reset process in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed by the dispensing control board 61 when the external power supply is restored in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st error information acquisition process which transfers from the main process same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the piece piece error detection process for detecting a piece piece error state. It is a flowchart which shows the ball clogging error detection process for detecting a ball clogging error state. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating return payout setting data acquired in a reset process in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating error detection setting data acquired in a reset process in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the payout control board 61 when the external power supply is restored in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first error information acquisition process that is shifted from a main process in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second error information acquisition process that is shifted from the main process in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 11 Lower ball storage tray (ball storage tray)
28 Ball dispenser 41a Discharge operation storage area 41b Discharge error storage area 61 Discharge control board Ps Operation checksum value (when external power supply shuts off)
Pr operation checksum value (when external power supply returns)
Qs Error checksum value (when external power supply is cut off)
Qr Error checksum value (when external power supply returns)
X Discharge operation data Y Discharge error data Y1 First payout error data group Y2 Second payout error data group y1 Ball break error data y2 Storage error data y4 Ball jam error data y5 Single break error data

Claims (9)

A payout control board comprising a central processing unit CPU that performs ball payout processing for paying out winning balls and balls, and a storage device RAM that temporarily stores and holds a plurality of data used for the ball payout processing. When,
In a pachinko gaming machine including a ball payout device that is driven and controlled according to a ball payout process by the payout control board and executes a payout operation of prize balls or rental balls,
The storage device RAM stores a payout operation storage area for storing a plurality of payout operation data related to the number of award balls and balls to be paid out and driving of the ball payout device, a game ball supplied to the ball payout device, and the ball payout device A payout error storage area for storing a plurality of payout error data relating to game balls paid out from
The central processing unit CPU is
When the external power supply is shut off, an operation checksum value is calculated from each payout operation data stored in the payout operation storage area, and an error check is performed from each payout error data stored in the payout error storage area. A checksum storage process for calculating a sum value and storing an operation checksum value and an error checksum value in the storage device RAM;
When the external power supply is restored, the operation checksum value is calculated from each payout operation data stored in the payout operation storage area, and matches the operation checksum value when shut off stored by the checksum storage processing. Processing to determine whether to perform the error checksum value calculated from each payout error data stored in the payout error storage area and stored in the checksum storage processing A checksum determination process including a process for determining whether or not the
When it is determined that the operation checksum values are different between when the checksum is cut off and when the checksum is restored, each payout operation data and each payout error data stored in the storage device RAM When the ball check-out process is executed and the operation checksum values are the same and the error checksum values are different from each other when they are shut off and returned, the storage device RAM And a return payout process for executing the ball payout process according to the payout error data stored in the storage device RAM. A pachinko machine characterized by   The central processing unit CPU of the payout control board calculates the operation checksum value in the checksum storage process and stores it in the storage device RAM, and then calculates the error checksum value and stores it in the storage device RAM. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the pachinko gaming machine is configured as described above.   The storage device RAM of the payout control board configures the payout operation storage area with continuous addresses that sequentially store the payout operation data, and the payout error storage area includes continuous addresses that sequentially store the payout error data. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pachinko gaming machine is configured as described above. A first payout error data group capable of detecting a plurality of payout error data stored in the payout error storage area of the storage device RAM without executing a payout operation by the ball payout device, and a payout operation by the ball payout device Is distinguished from the second payout error data group that can be detected by executing
In the return payout process, if it is determined that the respective operation checksum values at the time of shut-off and return are the same and the error checksum values are different, the first process is performed before the ball payout process is executed. After initialization of the payout error data belonging to the payout error data group, a detection process for detecting the payout error data is executed, and at least one payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group is detected by the detection process. Then, the pachinko gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a process of stopping the ball payout process is executed.   As the payout error data belonging to the first payout error data group, the ball breakage error data indicating that the game balls are not supplied to the ball payout device, and the storage error data indicating that the ball storage tray storing the game balls is full The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein and are set.   The return payout process determines the payout errors belonging to the second payout error data group when it is determined that the operation checksum values at the time of shut-off and return are the same and the error checksum values are different. 6. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein data is initialized and a detection process for detecting the payout error data is executed in accordance with the execution of the ball payout process.   In the return payout process, when it is determined that the respective operation checksum values at the time of interruption and the return are the same and the error checksum values are different, before the ball payout process is executed, The payout error data belonging to the two payout error data groups is initialized, and the ball payout device is driven and controlled to pay out a predetermined number of game balls, thereby executing detection processing for detecting the payout error data. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that. As the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, ball clogging error data indicating that the ball payout device does not execute the game ball payout operation is set,
8. The return payout process is configured to execute a process of driving the ball payout device a predetermined number of times when the ball jamming error data is detected by a detection process after initialization. Pachinko machines. In a pachinko gaming machine having a plurality of supply paths for supplying game balls to the ball dispensing device,
As the payout error data belonging to the second payout error data group, one piece error data indicating that a game ball is not supplied in at least one place of each supply path is set,
8. The return payout process according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a process for stopping execution of the ball payout process is performed when the piece piece error data is detected by a detection process after initialization. Pachinko machine.

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