JP2008253575A - Main control board, game machine and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and securely back up data on prize balls. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a winning signal receiving part 301 for receiving winning signals from winning switches 221-224 in respective winning holes; a prize ball number signal generating part 302 for generating prize ball number signals on the number of prize balls to be paid out in a payout control board 203; a prize ball number signal storage part 303 for storing the prize ball number signals in a prescribed storage area 310; a prize ball number signal transmitting part 304 for transmitting the generated prize ball number signals or the prize ball number signals stored in the prescribed storage area 310 to a payout control board 203; and a prize ball number signal erasing part 305 for erasing the transmitted prize ball number signals from the prescribed storage area 310. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a data backup function for prize balls, a main control board provided in the gaming machine, and a computer program executed by the main control board.

  Conventional gaming machines have a backup function for backing up prize balls that have not been paid out when the gaming machine is powered off. Specifically, the main control board for the gaming state and the payout control board for the payout status each store different information to realize backup.

  Further, as a conventional technique, there is a technique in which a process for temporarily storing a control command for a prize ball for a payout control board and a process that functions immediately after the power supply is restored and retransmits the control command are executed on the main control board. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 below.)

JP 2006-326348 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, since the payout control board has a backup function, not only the control of the payout control board executed by the main control board at power-on is complicated, but also the failure of the payout control board, etc. In the case of this problem, there was a problem that reliable payout based on information relating to prize balls (award ball control commands) could not be executed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a main control board, a gaming machine, and a computer program that can efficiently and more reliably back up a prize ball in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the main control board according to the invention of claim 1 includes a winning signal receiving means for receiving a winning signal from a winning switch of each winning opening, and the winning signal receiving means. Based on the received winning signal, a winning ball number signal generating means for generating a winning ball number signal relating to the number of winning balls to be paid out on the payout control board, and a winning ball number signal generated by the winning ball number signal generating means. A storage means for storing in a predetermined storage area, and a transmission for transmitting the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generating means or the prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area to the payout control board And an erasing unit for erasing the prize ball number signal transmitted by the transmitting unit from the predetermined storage area.

  The main control board according to the invention of claim 2 is a receivable signal for receiving a receivable signal indicating that a prize ball number signal is receivable from the payout control board in the invention of claim 1. Receiving means, and when the receivable signal is received by the receivable signal receiving means, the transmitting means transmits the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generating means to the payout control board. It is characterized by doing.

  A main control board according to a third aspect of the present invention is the main control board according to the first or second aspect, wherein when the power is turned on, the main control board reads out a prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area. Means for transmitting the prize ball number signal read by the reading means to the payout control board.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine includes the main control board and the payout control board according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program according to a winning signal receiving step for receiving a winning signal from a winning switch of each winning opening, and a payout control board based on the winning signal received by the winning signal receiving step. A prize ball number signal generating step for generating a prize ball number signal relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out in the step, a storing step for storing the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generating step in a predetermined storage area; A transmission step of transmitting the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation step to the payout control board; and an erasing step of erasing the prize ball number signal transmitted by the transmission step from the predetermined storage area; Is executed by the main control board.

  According to the above configuration, when backing up information relating to prize balls, information relating to the number of prize balls is stored only by the main control board, so that it is not necessary to provide a backup function on the payout control board. In addition, since information on the number of winning balls for each winning opening is managed by the main control board, the number of winning balls can be easily set for each gaming table.

  The main control board, gaming machine, and computer program according to the present invention store information on the number of prize balls only on the main control board when backing up information on prize balls, so there is no need to provide a backup function on the payout control board. The backup control configuration is further simplified. This makes it possible to efficiently and more reliably back up the prize ball. In addition, since information on the number of winning balls for each winning opening is managed by the main control board, the payout priority can be easily set for each type of game machine.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of a main control board, a gaming machine, and a computer program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103, and a game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a prize opening that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  A display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. As the display unit 104, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the display unit 104, a start winning opening 105 for starting winning is arranged. On the left side of the display unit 104, a winning gate 106 is provided.

  The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and perform a lottery to open the start winning opening 105 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the display unit 104 or below. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 107, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  The display unit 104 described above starts changing the display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins a specific winning opening (at the time of starting winning), and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big win state, the predetermined winning opening 109 located below is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning game balls is paid out.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, an effect light unit 111 (lamp unit) is provided on two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. Each effect light unit 111 includes a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (see reference numeral 272 in FIG. 2) provided in the effect light unit 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

  In addition, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (see reference numeral 272 in FIG. 2) provided in the effect light unit 111 so as to rotate the light irradiation direction. The motor that is driven to rotate the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 is a motor different from the motor that changes the direction of light irradiation from each light 112 in the vertical direction.

  The effect light unit 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light unit 111 to three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction. it can.

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Accordingly, it is possible to give the player an uplifting feeling due to the attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  Further, the light irradiation direction may be made different when an abnormal situation different from that in a normal game occurs, for example, when some illegal act is performed on the gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to quickly find an abnormal situation such as an illegal act, and to strengthen the deterrence against the illegal act on the gaming machine after the next time.

  An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  A light emitting unit (see reference numeral 263 in FIG. 2) is provided inside the operation handle 113. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of LEDs (see reference numeral 273 in FIG. 2) that emit light when energized. The light emitting unit, for example, energizes the LED when it becomes a big hit state, and causes the LED to emit light. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player and the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the degree of attention of the player in the big hit state can be increased.

  The light emitting unit includes a reflecting member that reflects light emitted from the LED, and a motor (see reference numeral 274 in FIG. 2) that rotates the reflecting member so as to change the direction of reflection by the reflecting member. The light emitting unit can increase the effect of causing the light emitting unit to emit light by reflecting the light emitted from the LED in multiple directions using the reflecting member.

  In this way, by causing the light emitting unit to emit light and conspicuous light emission from the light emitting unit, it is possible to let the player and the surroundings know that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the player who has hit the big hit state The degree of attention can be increased. Then, by raising the player's attention level, the player who has been in a big hit state is given an uplifting feeling by being noted, and the gaming machine of this embodiment is continuously or repeatedly used, The operating rate of the machine can be improved.

  On the upper side and the side of the symbol display unit 104 (on the right side in FIG. 1), there are provided effects (hereinafter referred to as “effects”) 115, 116. The directors 115 and 116 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment schematically represent a part of the Japanese sword (the vicinity of the samurai). The directors 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the directors 115 and 116 as if the blade is pulled out from the sheath and the pulled blade is returned to the sheath again.

  The production role 115 is driven by a solenoid (see reference numeral 275 in FIG. 2), and the production role 116 is driven by a motor (see reference numeral 276 in FIG. 2). By driving the similar directors 115 and 116 with different types of driving sources, it is possible to cause the directors 115 and 116 to perform their own movements, thereby increasing the stage effect.

  In the frame member 110, a chance button 117 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in a specific reach effect during the game.

  In the frame member 110, a cross key 118 is provided next to the chance button 117. The chance button 117 and the cross key 118 constitute an operation unit (see reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3). In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

(Internal configuration of control unit)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 200 includes a plurality of control units. In the example shown in the figure, a main control unit 201, an effect control unit 202, and a prize ball control unit 203 are included. The main control unit 201 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The production control unit 202 controls the production operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 203 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out.

  Based on the program stored in the ROM 212, the main control unit 201 executes a CPU 211 that performs basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 213 that functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the CPU 211, an effect control unit 202, An I / F 214 for inputting / outputting data to / from the prize ball control unit 203 is provided. The main control unit 201 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board.

  On the input side of the main control unit 201, a start winning port detection unit 221 that detects a winning ball that has won a winning winning port 105, a gate detection unit 222 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106, and a normal win An ordinary winning opening detection unit 223 that detects a game ball won in the mouth 107 and a large winning opening detection unit 224 that detects a winning ball won in the big winning opening 109 are connected.

  Connected to the input side of the effect control unit 202 is a chance button detection unit 220 that detects that the chance button 117 has been operated. Although illustration is omitted, on the input side of the production control unit 202, it is detected that the character or figure selected by the cursor key is specified and “ENTER” for confirming the specified character or figure is operated. A detection unit that performs this function may be provided instead of or in addition to the chance button detection unit 220.

  The detection units 220 to 224 can be configured using proximity switches or the like. The detection result by the chance button detection unit 220 is input to the effect control unit 202. Detection results from the start winning port detection unit 221, the gate detection unit 222, the normal winning port detection unit 223, and the big winning port detection unit 224 are input to the main control unit 201.

  A prize winning opening / closing part 231 is connected to the output side of the main control part 201, and the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing part 231 is controlled. The special prize opening / closing unit 231 has a function of opening the special prize opening 109 for a certain period of time when a big hit is made, and is configured using a solenoid or the like. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  The production control unit 202 performs production control during the game. The effect control unit 202 includes a CPU 241 that executes effect processing, a ROM 242 that stores various image data such as programs, background images, design images, and character images, and a RAM 243 that functions as a data work area during the CPU 241 arithmetic processing. The VRAM 244 for writing image data to be displayed on the display unit 104 is provided.

In the effect control unit 202, the CPU 241 reads a program stored in the ROM 242, executes various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, and character image display processing, and reads necessary image data from the ROM 242. Write to the VRAM 244. The background image, the design image, and the character image are superimposed and displayed on the display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  In this case, when the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 244 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. . The effect control unit 202 realizes its function by, for example, an effect board.

  The effect control unit 202 receives various data during the game from the main control unit 201, and performs effect control during the game. On the output side of the effect control unit 202, the symbol display unit (LCD) 104, the lamp control unit 251, the first light control unit 252, the second light control unit 253, the accessory control unit 254, The audio control unit 255 is connected.

  The effect control unit 202 displays, for the symbol display unit (LCD) 104, the contents of the effect during the game, such as movement display of symbols, reach (a state where two of the three symbols are aligned), and a big hit Generate and output various display information. The effect control unit 202 outputs to the lamp control unit 251 data for performing lighting control on various lamps 262 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, and the like.

  For the first light control unit 252, the effect control unit 202 changes the irradiation direction of light from each light 112 and data for performing lighting control on the plurality of lights 112 in the effect light unit 111. And outputs data for performing drive control on the motor 272.

  For the second light control unit 253, the effect control unit 202 performs data (LED lighting control data) for performing lighting control on the plurality of LEDs 273 in the light emitting unit 263, and driving for the motor 274 that rotates the reflecting member. Data (motor drive control data) for performing control and the like is output.

  The effect control unit 202 performs, for the accessory control unit 254, data for performing drive control on the solenoid 275 for operating the accessory 115, and for performing drive control for the motor 276 for operating the accessory 116, and the like. Is output.

  The effect control unit 202 performs, for the audio control unit 255, data for performing drive control on an energization mechanism (not shown) that energizes a coil or the like included in the speaker 277 in order to output sound from the speaker 277 (audio output control). Data).

  The prize ball control unit 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 282. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281 that executes prize ball control processing, a RAM 283 that functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 281, and data input / output and payout to / from the main control unit 201 and the launch unit 292. An I / F 284 for outputting data to the unit 291 is provided. The prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by, for example, a payout control board.

  The winning ball control unit 203 performs control for paying out the number of winning balls at the time of winning a prize to the connected paying unit 291. At that time, the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 can receive command data (data relating to the number of prize balls) from the main control part 201 to the main control part (main control board) 201, or the prize ball The state of the control unit (payout control board) 203 is transmitted. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit.

  The winning ball control unit 203 controls the paying unit 291 to pay out the number of winning balls corresponding to the game balls won in each winning port (start winning port 105, normal winning port 107, large winning port 109). Do it. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 configured as described above are provided on different printed boards (main control board, effect board, payout control board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine. In FIG. 3, a main control unit (main control board) 201 provided in the gaming machine includes a winning signal receiving unit 301, a winning ball number signal generating unit 302, a winning ball number signal storage unit 303, and a winning ball number signal transmitting unit. 304, a winning ball number signal erasing unit 305, a receivable signal receiving unit 306, a winning ball number signal reading unit 307, and a predetermined storage area 310.

  The winning signal receiving unit 301 receives a winning switch from each winning port (start winning port detecting unit 221, gate detecting unit 222, normal winning port detecting unit 223, and big winning port detecting unit 224) each time a winning is detected. , Each receiving a winning signal. The winning signal receiving unit 301 can distinguish and determine from which winning switch the winning signal is received. Specifically, the winning signal receiving unit 301 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 214 shown in FIG.

  The prize ball number signal generation unit 302 generates a prize ball number signal related to the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 based on the winning signal received by the winning signal receiving unit 301. The award ball number signal is a signal determined for each award ball number to be paid out, and specifically includes command data in which 2 bytes (CODE is 1 byte, DATA is 1 byte) is 1 packet. .

  The winning ball number signal generation unit 302 determines which winning switch the winning signal is received from, and generates a winning ball number signal based on the determined winning ball number so that the number of winning balls is predetermined for each winning switch. Specifically, the prize ball number signal generation unit 302 realizes its function by the CPU 211 executing, for example, programs stored in the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 shown in FIG.

  The prize ball number signal storage unit 303 stores the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation unit 302 in a predetermined storage area 310. The predetermined storage area 310 realizes its function by a non-volatile memory, specifically, for example, the RAM 213 shown in FIG. By using a non-volatile memory, even when the power is turned off, the data is stored without being erased.

  The award ball number signal storage unit 303 may store the award ball number signal in the order of generation when storing the award ball number signal, or may be classified and stored for each input switch. Specifically, the prize ball number signal storage unit 303 realizes its function by the CPU 211 executing programs stored in the ROM 212 and RAM 213 shown in FIG.

  The prize ball number signal transmission unit 304 transmits the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation unit 302 to the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 at a predetermined timing described later. The prize ball number signal transmission unit 304 generates a prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation unit 302 and stored in a predetermined storage area 310 by the prize ball number signal storage unit 303 at a predetermined timing described later. The prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 may be transmitted.

  When the prize ball number signal transmission unit 304 reads and transmits the prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area 310, the prize ball number signal transmission unit 304 may sequentially read and transmit the signals in the order stored in advance, and is classified for each input switch. In the case where it is stored, the priority order of transmission may be determined for each classification. For example, a prize ball number signal corresponding to a winning signal of a predetermined input switch may be preferentially read and transmitted, or prize ball number signals may be read and transmitted in the order of increasing (or decreasing) prize ball number. . This makes it possible to set the payout priority for each model. Specifically, the award ball number signal transmission unit 304 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 214 shown in FIG.

  The winning ball number signal deleting unit 305 deletes the winning ball number signal transmitted by the winning ball number signal transmitting unit 304 from the predetermined storage area 310 when transmission is completed. By doing so, since no data remains when the power is turned off, it is possible to prevent the prize balls from being repeatedly paid out when the power is turned on. Specifically, the award ball number signal erasing unit 305 realizes its function by the CPU 211 executing a program stored in the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 shown in FIG.

  The receivable signal receiving unit 306 receives a receivable signal indicating that a prize ball number signal can be received from the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203. Specifically, the receivable signal receiving unit 306 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 214 shown in FIG.

  The award ball number signal transmission unit 304 sends the award ball number signal to the award ball control unit (payout control board) 203 at a predetermined timing, that is, when a receivable signal is received by the receivable signal reception unit 306. Send. In this way, the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 transmits the prize ball number signal and the predetermined storage area 310 even though the prize ball cannot be paid out due to a functional failure or the like. It is possible to prevent the winning ball from being paid out in response to the winning ball.

  The prize ball number signal reading unit 307 reads the prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area 310 when the power is turned on. Specifically, the prize ball number signal reading unit 307 realizes its function by the CPU 211 executing a program stored in the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 shown in FIG.

  Then, the receivable signal receiving unit 306 transmits the prize ball number signal read by the prize ball number signal reading unit 307 to the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 at the predetermined timing described above. As a result, among the prize ball number signals generated by the prize ball number signal generation unit 302, a signal that has not been transmitted to the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 when the power is turned off is displayed as the prize ball control unit. (Payout control board) 203 can be transmitted, and when the power is turned on, the payout of the prize ball can be surely executed.

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the main control unit (main control board). In the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is first determined whether or not a winning signal has been received (step S401). Here, after receiving the winning signal and receiving it (step S401: Yes), a winning ball number signal is generated based on the received winning signal (step S402).

  Next, the prize ball number signal generated in step S402 is stored in the predetermined storage area 310 shown in FIG. 3 (step S403). Then, it is determined whether or not a receivable signal has been received from the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 (step S404).

  In step S404, it waits for the reception of a receivable signal, and if it is received (step S404: Yes), it is stored in the predetermined storage area 310 in step S403 or the prize ball number signal generated in step S402. The award ball number signal is sequentially transmitted to the award ball control unit (payout control board) 203 (step S405), and in step S406, the award ball number signal is stored in a predetermined storage area 310, and in step S405. Erasing is performed from the transmission completed.

  Thus, a series of processes when a single winning signal is won is completed. Therefore, this process is repeatedly executed every time a winning signal is received. In FIG. 4, the generated award ball number signal is transmitted after being stored (step S403). However, these processes may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

  The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows the processing contents when the power is shut off during the game for some reason and then the power is turned on. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, it is first determined whether or not the power is turned on in a state where the power is cut off (step S501). If the power is turned on after waiting for the power to be turned on (step S501: Yes), the predetermined storage area 310 is read (step S502).

  As a result of executing the reading, when there is a prize ball number signal (step S503: Yes), the process proceeds to step S404 in FIG. 4, and when a receivable signal is received (step S404: Yes), a predetermined signal is received. The award ball number signals stored in the storage area 310 are sequentially transmitted (step S405). As a result, the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 receives the prize ball number signal that has not been transmitted from the main control unit (main control board) 201 to the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 due to the power interruption. It can be received and the corresponding prize ball can be paid out.

  In step S503, when there is no prize ball number signal in the predetermined storage area 310 (step S503: No), it is determined that there is no prize ball for which payout has not been completed when the power is turned off. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S401 in FIG. 4 and waits for a normal winning signal reception.

  As described above, it is possible to efficiently and accurately perform the data backup of the award ball number signal when the power is shut off and then the power is turned on again only by the backup function of the main control board.

(Prize ball control process)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the prize ball control unit (main control board). In the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on in a state where the power is cut off (step S601). If the power is turned on after waiting for the power to be turned on (step S601: Yes), a predetermined initial setting is executed (step S602).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a prize ball number signal is received from the main control unit (main control board) 201 (step S603). If a prize ball number signal is received (step S603: Yes), the prize ball number is stored in a predetermined storage area (not shown) (step S604), and the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, when the prize ball number signal is not received (step S603: No), the process proceeds to step S605 without doing anything.

  Next, in step S605, it is determined whether the mode is waiting for a prize ball payout or waiting for a prize ball payout (step S605). Here, when the mode is paying out a prize ball (step S605: No), the process proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, when the mode is waiting for paying out a prize ball (step S605: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is stored (step S606).

  If there is no memorized prize ball number in step S606 (step S606: No), the process proceeds to step S612. On the other hand, if there is a memorized number of prize balls (step S606: Yes), the mode is switched to payout of prize balls (step S607). Next, it is determined whether or not a payout ball has been detected (step S608). If not detected (step S608: No), the process proceeds to step S612.

  If a payout ball is detected in step S608 (step S608: Yes), 1 is subtracted from the memorized number of prize balls (step S609). Then, it is determined whether or not the memorized number of winning balls has become 0 (the memorized number of winning balls = 0) (step S610). Here, when the memorized number of winning balls is not 0 (step S610: No), the process proceeds to step S612. On the other hand, when the memorized number of winning balls is 0 (step S610: Yes), the winning ball payout is completed, so the mode is switched to the waiting for paying the winning ball (step S611), and then the process proceeds to step S612. .

  In step S612, it is determined whether or not the mode is paying out a prize ball (step S612). When the mode is paying out a prize ball (step S612: Yes), the payout motor (payout unit 291) is set to drive (step S613), and the process returns to step S603. On the other hand, when the mode is not paying out a prize ball, that is, waiting for a prize ball to be paid out (step S612: No), the payout motor (payout unit 291) is set to stop (step S614), and then the process returns to step S603. Thereafter, steps S603 to S614 are repeatedly executed.

  In any of the above steps S603 to S614, the number of prize balls is stored only in a predetermined storage area 310 provided in the main control unit (main control board) 201. A predetermined storage area (configured by a non-volatile memory, not shown) may be secured in the (payout control board) 203, and the number of prize balls may be stored in the predetermined storage area.

  However, in the predetermined storage area secured in the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203, for example, immediately after outputting the error signal from the payout control board 203 to the main control unit 201, the main control unit Only the number of prize balls corresponding to the payout command received from 201 is stored. That is, even when the in-error signal is output in the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203, the payout command is received before the in-error signal is received by the main control unit (main control board) 201. If it is, the number of prize balls based on the payout command is stored.

  When the number of prize balls is stored in a predetermined storage area secured in the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203, after the error is released, the number of prize balls stored is paid out. Thus, even when a payout command output from the main control unit (main control board) 201 is received immediately after outputting the in-error signal, the required number of winning balls can be paid out.

  As described above, when backing up information relating to prize balls, information relating to the number of prize balls is stored only in the main control unit (main control board) 201. Therefore, the backup function is provided in the prize ball control unit (payout control board) 203. There is no need to provide it. Accordingly, the backup control configuration is further simplified, and more efficient and reliable backup can be realized. In addition, since information related to the number of winning balls for each winning opening is managed by the main control board, the payout priority can be easily set for each type of game machine.

  Note that the method for controlling the main control board of the gaming machine described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer such as the effect board. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the main control board, gaming machine, and computer program according to the present invention relate to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, and in particular, gaming machines having a backup function for information related to prize balls of gaming machines, the gaming machines And a computer program to be executed by the main control board.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the process sequence of the main control part (main control board). It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the process sequence of the main control part (main control board). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a prize ball control part (payout control board).

Explanation of symbols

201 Main control unit (main control board)
203 Prize ball control unit (payout control board)
291 payout unit 221 start winning port detecting unit 222 gate detecting unit 223 normal winning port detecting unit 224 large winning port detecting unit 301 winning signal receiving unit 302 winning ball number signal generating unit 303 winning ball number signal storage unit 304 winning ball number signal transmission Unit 305 Prize ball number signal erasing unit 306 Receivable signal receiving unit 307 Prize ball number signal reading unit 310 Predetermined storage area

Claims (5)

A winning signal receiving means for receiving a winning signal from each winning switch of each winning opening;
Based on the winning signal received by the winning signal receiving means, a winning ball number signal generating means for generating a winning ball number signal related to the number of winning balls to be paid out on the payout control board;
Storage means for storing the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation means in a predetermined storage area;
Transmitting means for transmitting the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generating means or the prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area to the payout control board;
Erasing means for erasing the prize ball number signal transmitted by the transmitting means from the predetermined storage area;
A main control board comprising: Receivable signal receiving means for receiving a receivable signal indicating that a prize ball number signal is receivable from the payout control board,
The transmission means transmits the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation means to the payout control board when a receivable signal is received by the receivable signal reception means. The main control board according to claim 1. Read-out means for reading out a prize ball number signal stored in the predetermined storage area when the power is turned on,
3. The main control board according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the prize ball number signal read by the reading unit to the payout control board. 4.   A gaming machine comprising the main control board and the payout control board according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A winning signal receiving process for receiving a winning signal from each winning switch at each winning opening;
Based on the winning signal received by the winning signal receiving step, a winning ball number signal generating step for generating a winning ball number signal related to the number of winning balls to be paid out on the payout control board;
A storage step of storing the prize ball number signal generated by the prize ball number signal generation step in a predetermined storage area;
A transmitting step of transmitting the award ball number signal generated by the award ball number signal generating step to the payout control board;
An erasing step of erasing the prize ball number signal transmitted by the transmission step from the predetermined storage area;
Is executed by the main control board.

Images