JP2009219924A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely hold storage contents of a storage section and to surely clear the storage contents of the storage section, in a game machine capable of preserving data in the storage section whose power is backed up even when the power of the game machine is interrupted and capable of clearing the data by interrupting backup power. <P>SOLUTION: Between the backup power terminal of a CPU 56 and the ground, a capacitor 909 is connected. The capacity of the capacitor 909 is such that the contents of a RAM are held for several seconds when the backup power is interrupted. For the CPU 56 used in the game machine, such capacity is about 1,000 pF-0.1 μF (corresponding to the holding time of about 1 to 4 seconds). The value is smaller than the capacity of the capacitor 908 connected to a power terminal (VDD terminal). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a coin gaming machine in which a game is performed in accordance with a player's operation, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which a game is performed in accordance with a player's operation in a gaming area on a gaming board. .

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display unit capable of changing the display state is provided, and is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player when the display result of the variable display unit becomes a predetermined specific display mode There is.

  The display result of the variable display unit that displays the special symbol is a combination of a specific display mode that is determined in advance. Note that the game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball, or the advantageous state for a player. It is to generate.

  When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended.

  In addition, among the combinations of display modes other than the “big hit” combination, the variable display in which the display result has already been derived and displayed at the stage where some of the display results of the plurality of variable display units have not yet been derived and displayed. A state in which the display mode of the part satisfies a display condition that is a combination of specific display modes is referred to as “reach”. Then, if the display result of the identification information variably displayed on the variable display portion does not satisfy the condition of “reach”, it becomes “missing”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  When a game ball wins a winning opening provided on the game board, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. Since the progress of the game is controlled by game control means mounted on the main board, the number of winning balls based on winning is determined by the game control means and transmitted to the winning ball control board. Hereinafter, the game control means and other control means may be referred to as game device control means, respectively.

  As described above, the gaming machine is equipped with various game device control means including game control means. Generally, each game device control means is constituted by a microcomputer. That is, a program is stored in a ROM or the like, and data temporarily generated for control or data that changes as control proceeds is stored in the RAM. Then, when the power-off state due to a power failure or the like occurs in the gaming machine, the data in the RAM is lost. Therefore, when recovering from a power outage or the like, the player must return to the initial state (for example, the state when the game machine was first turned on at the game store for the first time in the day), which may cause a disadvantage to the player. There is. For example, if a power failure occurs during a jackpot game and the gaming machine returns to the initial state, the player cannot enjoy the benefits based on the jackpot.

  To avoid such a situation, when an unexpected power failure such as a power failure occurs, save the necessary data in the RAM that is backed up, and restore the data that was saved when the power was restored Then you can resume the game. However, if such control is performed, the convenience of the game store where the gaming machine is installed may be impaired. For example, if there is a player who has given up to continue the game without waiting for the game to resume when a power failure occurs and the game can not be continued, other players can start the game from the middle of the game Therefore, it is not preferable to restore the gaming state to the state before the power failure. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for initializing stored data by shutting off the backup power supply even in a state where the data is stored in the RAM that is backed up by the power supply.

  On the other hand, if noise is applied to the power supply line from the backup power supply to the backup power supply terminal of the RAM (which may be built in the CPU), the stored data in the RAM may change.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of storing data in a storage means that is backed up even when the gaming machine is powered off, and in which the storage contents of the storage means are reliably maintained. With the goal.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that performs a predetermined game and can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player as the game progresses, and is a gaming machine for controlling a gaming device provided for a game Game device control board on which the control means is mounted, storage means for storing the control data of the game apparatus control means that fluctuates according to the progress of the game, and the control data is retained in the storage means even when the gaming machine is powered off And a holding power input unit that inputs power from the holding power source, and a voltage stabilizing unit that stabilizes a voltage input to the holding power input unit. To do. The voltage stabilizing means is provided for the purpose of noise removal and voltage waveform smoothing, for example.

  According to the present invention, even when the power is turned off, there is an effect that the stored contents of the storage means are securely held.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the front view which looked at the game board of the pachinko machine from the front. It is the rear view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of CPU periphery for a power supply monitoring and a power supply backup. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a display control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a prize ball control board. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of a power supply board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a power failure generation interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a power failure recovery process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the backup parity data creation method. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of display control command data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a display control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of transmission timing of each control command from a main board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows a display control data output process. It is a timing diagram which shows the mode of output of display control command data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game state restoration process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the control state at the time of recovering after a power failure generate | occur | produces. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for display control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the 2ms timer interruption process of CPU for display control. It is a flowchart which shows the display data reading process of CPU for display control. It is a flowchart which shows the display control process process which CPU for display control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the display control command reception waiting process in a display control process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display state of a variable display part. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure around CPU for prize ball control for power supply monitoring and power supply backup. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit structure of a prize ball control command. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a state of outputting prize ball control command data. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for prize ball control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process of CPU for prize ball control. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of RAM in a prize ball control means. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception process of CPU for prize ball control. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball lending control process. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure generation process which CPU for prize ball control performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the initialization process of CPU for prize ball control. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example surrounding CPU for prize ball control for power supply monitoring and power supply backup.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine. It can also be applied to image-type gaming machines and slot machines.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the rear side of the glass door frame 2. A game area 7 is provided in front of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device 8 including a variable display unit 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a variable display 10 using 7 segment LEDs. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. A passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided on the side of the variable display device 8. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the start winning opening 14 through the ball outlet 13. In the passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball exit 13, there is a gate switch 12 that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 17. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  An open / close plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. Of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball entering one (V zone) is detected by the V count switch 22. A winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. At the bottom of the variable display device 8, a start winning memory display 18 having four display units for displaying the number of winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14 is provided. In this example, with the upper limit being four, each time there is a start prize, the start prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units one by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the lit display unit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 19, 24, and winning of the game balls to the winning openings 19, 24 is detected by winning opening switches 19a, 24a. Decorative lamps 25 blinking during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for absorbing a hit ball that has not won a prize is provided below. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided.

  In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 that is lit when the prize ball is paid out is provided in the vicinity of one speaker 27, and a ball break lamp 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the other speaker 27. Is provided. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

  The card unit 50 has a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not it is in a usable state, and when the remaining amount information recorded in the card has a fraction (a number less than 100 yen), the fraction is indicated as a hitting tray. 3, a fraction display switch 152 for displaying on a frequency display LED provided in the vicinity of 3, a connecting table direction indicator 153 indicating which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit 50, in the card unit 50 Check the card insertion indicator lamp 154 indicating that a card is inserted, the card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and the mechanism of the card reader / writer provided on the back of the card insertion slot 155. In some cases, a card unit lock 156 is provided for releasing the card unit 50.

  The hit ball fired from the hit ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descends the game area 7. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passing gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 changes continuously. Further, when the hit ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display portion 9 starts to rotate if the variation of the symbol can be started. If it is not in a state where the change of the symbol can be started, the start winning memory is increased by 1.

  The rotation of the image in the variable display unit 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of the stop is a combination of jackpot symbols, the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls wins. When the hit ball enters the specific winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a right to continue is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  When the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stop is a combination of jackpot symbols with probability fluctuations, the probability of the next jackpot increases. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in a high probability state. Further, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol in the variable display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
On the back surface of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided on the top of the mechanism plate 36, and the prize ball is placed from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. It is supplied to the prize ball tank 38. The prize balls in the prize ball tank 38 pass through the guide rod 39 and reach the ball dispensing device.

  The mechanism plate 36 includes a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, a game control board (main board) 31 covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer, etc. A relay board 33 for relaying signals between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball control board 37 on which a prize ball control microcomputer for performing payout control of prizes is mounted. Has been. Further, at the lower part of the mechanism plate 36, a hitting ball launching device 34 that launches a hitting ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of the motor, game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c, a prize ball lamp 51, and a ball break lamp A lamp control board 35 for sending a signal to 52 is installed.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball passing through the guide rod 39 passes through the ball break detectors 187a and 187b and reaches the ball dispensing device 97 via the ball supply rods 186a and 186b. The prize balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hit ball supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the connection port 45. A surplus ball passage 46 communicating with the surplus ball receiving tray 4 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed on the side of the communication port 45. A lot of premium balls based on the winnings are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full. Finally, when the premium balls are paid out after the premium balls reach the contact port 45, the premium balls pass through the surplus ball passage 46 and surplus. It is guided to the ball receiving tray 4. When the prize ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the stepping motor in the ball dispensing device 97 is stopped, the operation of the ball dispensing device 97 is stopped, and the driving of the ball striking device 34 is stopped as necessary. In this embodiment, the ball payout device 97 for paying out the game ball by the rotation of the stepping motor is exemplified as the ball payout device for paying out the game ball by driving the electric drive source. A ball dispensing device having a structure for delivering a ball may be used, or a ball dispensing device having a structure in which a stopper is removed by driving of an electric drive source and the game ball is dispensed by its own weight.

  In order to perform prize ball payout control, signals from the prize opening switches 19 a and 24 a, the start opening switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31. The CPU 56 of the main board 31 knows that a winning corresponding to six prize ball payout has occurred when the start port switch 17 is turned on. Further, when the count switch 23 is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to 15 prize ball payouts has occurred. Then, when the winning opening switch is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to ten winning ball payouts has occurred. In this embodiment, for example, a game ball won in the winning opening 24 is detected by a winning opening switch 24 a provided in a winning ball flow path from the winning opening 24 and won in the winning opening 19. Is detected by a winning port switch 19a provided in a winning ball flow path from the winning port 19.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 4 also shows a prize ball control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a display control board 80. On the main board 31, the basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the program and the signals from the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23 and the winning port switches 19a and 24a are the basic circuit. 53, a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20 according to a command from the basic circuit 53, and lighting of the start memory display 18 A lamp / LED circuit 60 that carries out the extinction lamp and drives the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED and the decorative lamp 25 is mounted.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the image display of the variable display unit 9, and the fact that the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 is provided for outputting the probability variation information and the like to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 that stores a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 that is an example of storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control program, and an I / O port unit 57. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 is a terminal capable of inputting and outputting information in the microcomputer.

Further, the main board 31 includes an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when power is turned on, and an address signal supplied from the basic circuit 53 to decode any I / O port 57. An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the / O port is provided.
Note that there is also switch information input to the main board 31 from the ball dispensing device 97, but these are omitted in FIG.

  A ball hitting device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration around the CPU 56 for power supply monitoring and power supply backup. As shown in FIG. 5, the voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit (first power supply monitoring means) mounted on the power supply board is connected to the interrupt terminal (IRQ terminal) of the CPU 56. The first power supply monitoring circuit is a circuit that monitors the voltage of any one of the various DC power supplies used by the gaming machine and detects a power supply voltage drop. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm the occurrence of power interruption by the interrupt process.

  A second power supply monitoring circuit 903 is mounted on the main board 31. In this example, in the second power supply monitoring circuit 903, the power supply monitoring IC 904 monitors the + 30V power supply voltage, which is the same as the power supply voltage monitored by the first power supply monitoring circuit, and the voltage value falls below a predetermined value. Then, a low level voltage drop signal is generated. For example, the detection voltage of the first power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board (the voltage that outputs the voltage drop signal) is + 16V, and the detection voltage of the second power supply monitoring circuit 903 is + 8V. In such a configuration, since the same voltage is monitored, the difference between the timing at which the first voltage monitoring circuit outputs the voltage drop signal and the timing at which the second voltage monitoring circuit outputs the voltage drop signal is desired. Can be reliably set in a predetermined period. The desired predetermined period is a period from when the power-off process is started according to the voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit until the power-off process is reliably completed.

  The voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring circuit 903 is logically summed with the initial reset signal from the initial reset circuit 65 and then input to the reset terminal of the CPU 56. Therefore, when the initial reset signal from the initial reset circuit 65 exhibits a low level, or when the voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring circuit 903 exhibits a low level, the CPU 56 Inactive state).

  Note that the reset IC 651 of the initial reset circuit 65 sets the output signal to a high level when the + 5V power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or more when the gaming machine is turned on and the voltage of the + 5V power supply rises. That is, the initial reset signal is turned off.

  While the power is not supplied from the + 5V power source that is the driving power source of the CPU 56 or the like, at least a part of the RAM is backed up by the backup power source supplied from the power supply board. In this example, a backup power supply is connected to the backup power supply terminal (VBB) of the CPU 56. Therefore, even if the power to the gaming machine is cut off, the contents of the RAM built in the CPU 56 are saved. When the + 5V power supply is restored, a reset signal is issued from the initial reset circuit 65, so that the CPU 56 returns to a normal operation state. At that time, since necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of the power failure when recovering from the power failure.

  A capacitor 909 is connected between the backup power supply terminal of the CPU 56 and the ground. In order to prevent noise and smooth the power supply voltage, it is desirable that the capacitance of the capacitor 909 be relatively large. By the way, as will be described later, the backup power source provided on the power supply board can be cut off from the RAM to be backed up. Therefore, if the capacity of the capacitor 909 is large, the RAM may be backed up by the capacitor 909 when the backup power supply is shut off. Also, if the capacitance of the capacitor 909 is small, noise reduction and power supply voltage smoothing cannot be sufficiently achieved.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine in which the contents of the RAM are stored even when the gaming machine is powered by the backup power source and the backup power source can be cut off, the capacitance of the capacitor 909 needs to be appropriately selected.

  In this embodiment, when the backup power supply is cut off, for example, a capacity for holding the contents of the RAM for about several seconds is selected. For the CPU 56 used in this embodiment, such a capacity is about 1000 pF to 0.1 μF (corresponding to a holding time of about 1 to 4 seconds). This value is smaller than the capacity of the capacitor 908 connected to the power supply terminal (VDD terminal).

  Note that the above value is merely an example, and the capacity of the capacitor 909 is selected to a value that can reliably clear the contents of the RAM and absorb the expected noise by the backup power-off processing time. The

  FIG. 5 also shows a circuit for removing noise from the voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board. The circuit configuration for noise removal includes a ferrite bead 906, two Schmitt trigger type inverting circuits 907 and 909, and a capacitor 908 installed between the inverting circuits 907 and 909. The ferrite bead 906 mainly removes electromagnetic noise. Further, the Schmitt trigger type inversion circuits 907 and 909 are effective in shaping a rounded waveform. The capacitor 908 shapes the rounded waveform and absorbs instantaneous pulse noise.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 which is an example of realization of the variable display unit 9, output ports (ports A and B) 571 and 572 of the main board 31, and the output buffer circuit 63. It is. The output port 571 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 572 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal).

  The display control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the control data ROM 102. When a strobe signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105, the display control CPU 101 performs display control via the input buffer circuit 105. Receive commands. As the input buffer circuit 105, for example, 74HC244, which is a general-purpose IC, can be used. When the display control CPU 101 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 105 and the display control CPU 101.

  Then, the display control CPU 101 performs display control of the screen displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. The VDP 103 reads out necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 according to the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R, G, and B signals, converted into analog signals by the DA conversion circuit 104, and output to the CRT 82.

  6 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, animal, or an image made up of characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the CRT 82.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing components related to the prize ball, such as the components of the prize ball control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 7, the detection signal from the full switch 48 is input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 through the relay board 71. The full tank switch 48 is a switch for detecting a full tank of the surplus ball receiving tray 4.

  Detection signals from the ball break detection switch 167 and the ball break switch 187 (187a, 187b) are input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The ball break detection switch 167 is a switch for detecting the shortage of replenishment balls in the prize ball tank 38, and the ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a prize ball in the prize ball passage.

  When the detection signal from the ball break detection switch 167 or the ball break switch 187 indicates a broken ball state or the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full tank state, A prize ball control command instructing prohibition of ball lending is transmitted. Upon receiving a prize ball control command for instructing ball lending prohibition, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 stops the ball lending process.

  Further, detection signals from the winning ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B are also input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B are provided in the prize ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 and detect the prize balls actually paid out.

  When there is a prize, a prize ball control command indicating the number of prize balls is input to the prize ball control board 37 from the output ports (ports G and H) 577 and 578 of the main board 31. The output port 577 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 578 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal). A prize ball control command indicating the number of prize balls is input to the I / O port 372a via the input buffer circuit 373. The prize ball control CPU 371 inputs a prize ball control command via the I / O port 372a, and drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with the prize ball control command to perform a prize ball payout. In this embodiment, the winning ball control CPU 371 is a one-chip microcomputer and incorporates at least a RAM.

  The prize ball control CPU 371 outputs a ball lending number signal indicating the number of lending balls to the terminal board 160 and a buzzer driving signal to the buzzer board 75 via the output port 372g. A buzzer is mounted on the buzzer substrate 75. Further, an error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via the output port 372e.

  Further, the detection signal of the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301 </ b> A is input to the input port 372 b of the prize ball control board 37 via the relay board 72. A drive signal from the prize ball control board 37 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the prize ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72.

  The card unit 50 is equipped with a card unit control microcomputer. Further, the card unit 50 is provided with a fraction display switch 152, a connecting table direction indicator 153, a card insertion display lamp 154, and a card insertion slot 155 (see FIG. 1). The balance display board 74 is connected with a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3.

  A ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are given from the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50 via the prize ball control board 37 in accordance with the player's operation. A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending display signal are given to the balance display board 74 from the card unit 50 via the prize ball control board 37. Between the card unit 50 and the prize ball control board 37, unit operation signals (BRDY signals), ball lending request signals (BRQ signals), ball lending completion signals (EXS signals), and pachinko machine operation signals (PRDY signals) are Exchanged via the O port 372f.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When a card is received in the card unit 50, the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the prize ball control board 37. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the prize ball control board 37. Then, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 drives the payout motor 289 to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the player. When the payout is completed, the prize ball control CPU 371 outputs an EXS signal to the card unit 50.

  As described above, all signals from the card unit 50 are input to the prize ball control board 37. Accordingly, with respect to the ball lending control, no signal is input from the card unit 50 to the main board 31, and there is no room for illegal input of signals from the card unit 50 side to the basic circuit 53 of the main board 31. The main board 31 and the prize ball control board 37 are mounted with a solenoid and a driver circuit for driving a motor and a lamp, but these circuits are omitted in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the case where the card unit 50 is provided is taken as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a game ball corresponding to the amount of money is lent according to coin insertion.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply substrate 910. The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the gaming machine control boards such as the main board 31, the display control board 80, the sound control board 70, the lamp control board 35, and the prize ball control board 37, and each gaming machine control board in the gaming machine. And the voltage used by the mechanical components. In this example, AC24V, DC + 30V, DC + 21V, DC + 12V and DC + 5V are generated. A capacitor 916 serving as a backup power supply is charged from a line of power supply for driving DC + 5V, that is, an IC or the like on each substrate.

  The transformer 911 converts AC voltage from the AC power source into 24V. The AC 24V voltage is output to the connector 915. The rectifier circuit 912 also generates a DC voltage of +30 V from AC 24 V and outputs it to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. The DC-DC converter 913 generates + 21V, + 12V, and + 5V and outputs them to the connector 915. The connector 915 is connected to, for example, a relay board, and power of a voltage necessary for each gaming machine control board and mechanism parts is supplied from the relay board. Note that a power switch 918 for stopping or starting the power supply to the gaming machine is installed on the input side of the transformer 911.

  The + 5V line from the DC-DC converter 913 branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacitance capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. Capacitor 916 has power so that the storage state can be maintained with respect to a backup RAM (a RAM that is backed up by power, that is, a storage means that can enter a storage content holding state) of the gaming machine control board when power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. Backup power supply. Further, a backflow preventing diode 917 is inserted between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line.

  A battery that can be charged from a + 5V power supply may be used as the backup power supply. In the case of using a battery, a rechargeable battery is used in which the capacity disappears when a state in which no power is supplied from the +5 V power source continues for a predetermined time.

  The power supply board 910 is mounted with a power monitoring IC 902 that constitutes the first power supply circuit described above. The power supply monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power interruption by introducing the + 30V power supply voltage and monitoring the + 30V power supply voltage. Specifically, when the + 30V power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (+ 16V in this example), a voltage drop signal is output because the power supply is cut off. The + 30V power supply voltage is a voltage immediately after being converted from AC to DC. The voltage drop signal from the power monitoring IC 902 is supplied to the main board 31, the prize ball control board 37, and the like.

  The predetermined value for the power monitoring IC 902 to detect the power interruption is lower than the normal voltage, but is a voltage that allows the CPU on each gaming device control board to operate for a while. Further, since the power monitoring IC 902 is configured to monitor a voltage that is higher than the voltage for driving the CPU (+5 V in this example) and immediately after being converted from AC to DC, the CPU The monitoring range can be expanded for the required voltage. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed. Further, when + 30V is used as the monitoring voltage, the voltage supplied to the various switches of the gaming machine is + 12V, so that it can be expected to prevent erroneous switch-on detection at the time of instantaneous power interruption. That is, when the voltage of the + 30V power supply is monitored, it is possible to detect a decrease in the level before + 12V created after the creation of + 30V starts to drop. Therefore, when the voltage of the + 12V power supply decreases, the switch output becomes in the on state. However, if the power supply interruption is recognized by monitoring the + 30V power supply voltage that decreases faster than + 12V, the switch output becomes the power It is possible to enter a state of waiting for recovery and not detect switch output.

  Further, since the power monitoring IC 902 is mounted on the power supply board 910 separate from the gaming apparatus control board, a voltage drop signal can be supplied from the first power monitoring circuit to the plurality of gaming apparatus control boards. Even if there are any number of gaming device control boards that require a voltage drop signal, it is only necessary to provide one first power supply monitoring means. Doing so does not increase the cost of the gaming machine.

  Further, an initialization operation switch 919 is mounted on the power supply board 910. In this example, when the initialization operation switch 919 is pressed, the capacitor 916 is grounded through a resistor, and the charge stored in the capacitor 916 is discharged. Accordingly, the potential of the backup power supply becomes 0V and the backup power supply is cut off.

  Here, the initialization operation switch 919 in which one is grounded and the other is connected to the capacitor 916 is illustrated as the backup power supply cutoff means, but the cutoff means may be a switch that short-circuits both ends of the capacitor. By disconnecting the connector 915, the backup power source can be shut off.

  The output of the initialization operation switch 919 is input to the CPU 56 of the main board 31 via the input port, and the CPU 56 confirms the state of the initialization operation switch 919 via the input port when the gaming machine is turned on, If it is detected that the initialization switch 919 is pressed, the contents of the RAM may be initialized by software. Further, a switch circuit may be placed between the backup power supply and the backup power supply terminal of the CPU 56, and when the CPU 56 detects that the initialization operation switch 919 is pressed, the switch circuit may be turned off.

  In this embodiment, since the power switch 918 and the initialization operation switch 919 are mounted on the power supply board 910 that is installed independently of the other control boards, the game after replacement in the case of replacement of the game board, etc. Even if the power supply board 910 is used as it is for the board, the power failure processing using the power switch 918 and the initialization operation switch 919 described later can be executed in the replaced game board.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 56 on the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main process, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not it is a time of recovery from a power failure (step S1). Whether or not the power failure has been recovered is confirmed by, for example, a power-off flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is cut off.

  That is, when power is turned on again in the state where the RAM area is backed up, the power-off flag is accurately stored in the RAM because the state when the power is turned off is stored in the RAM. If the gaming machine is turned on while the RAM area is not backed up, the contents of the RAM are indeterminate, so the value of the power-off flag is incorrect. Therefore, it can be confirmed whether or not it was at the time of recovery from the power failure according to the set state of the power-off flag. Even if the power-off flag is set when the gaming machine is turned on without being backed up, it is erroneously assumed that it was at the time of recovery from a power failure by the parity diagnosis described later. It is prevented from being judged.

  When it is at the time of recovery from a power failure, the CPU 56 executes a power failure recovery process described later (step S4). If it is not time to recover from a power failure, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S1 and S2). Thereafter, in the main process, the process proceeds to a loop process in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S6) is confirmed. In the loop, a display random number update process (step S5) is also executed.

  In the normal initialization process, as shown in FIG. 10, after the register and RAM clear process (step S2a) and the necessary initial value setting process (step S2b) are performed, a timer allocation is periodically performed every 2 ms. Initial setting of the timer register provided in the CPU 56 (setting that the time-out is 2 ms and the timer repeatedly operates) is performed so as to cause a delay (step S2c). That is, in step S2c, processing for activating a timer interrupt and processing for setting a timer interrupt interval are executed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the internal timer of the CPU 56 is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is set to 2 ms. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S11).

  When detecting that the timer interrupt flag is set in step S6, the CPU 56 resets the timer interrupt flag (step S7) and executes a game control process (step S9). With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the game control process is executed in the main process, but the game control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the game control process. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first performs a process of setting a display control command sent to the display control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (display control data setting process: step S21), and then displays the display control command. An output process is performed (display control data output process: step S22).

  Next, a process of outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port is performed (data output process: step S23). Also, output data setting processing is performed for setting output data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information, etc., output to the hall management computer in the storage area (step S24). Further, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S25).

  Next, a process of updating each counter indicating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S26).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed in accordance with the normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 inputs the states of the gate sensor 12, the start port sensor 17, the count sensor 23, and the winning port switches 19a and 24a via the switch circuit 58, and determines whether or not there has been a winning for each winning port or winning device. (Switch processing: step S29). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating a display random number such as a random number that determines the type of stop symbol (step S30).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs signal processing with the prize ball control board 37 (step S31). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a prize ball control command is output to the prize ball control board 37. The prize ball control CPU mounted on the prize ball control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the prize ball control command.

  As described above, the main process includes a process for determining whether or not to shift to the game control process, and the timer control process based on the timer interrupt periodically generated by the internal timer of the CPU 56 is used for the game control process. Since a flag for determining whether or not to shift is set, all the game control processes are executed reliably. In other words, until all the game control processes are executed, it is not determined whether or not to shift to the next game control process, so it is guaranteed that all the processes in the game control process are completed. ing.

  Conventional general game control processing is forcibly returned to the initial state by an external interrupt that occurs periodically. If it demonstrates in accordance with the example shown by FIG. 12, for example, even if it was during the process of step S31, it was forcibly returned to the process of step S21. In other words, there is a possibility that the next game control process will be started before all the processes in the game control process are completed.

  Here, the game control process executed by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is executed according to the flag set in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that the internal timer of the CPU 56 periodically generates. A hardware circuit that generates a signal periodically (for example, every 2 ms) is provided, a signal from the circuit is introduced into an external interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, and it is determined whether or not to shift to a game control process by the interrupt signal. A flag may be set for this purpose. Even in such a configuration, the determination of the flag is not performed until all of the game control processes are executed, so that it is guaranteed that all the processes in the game control process are completed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a power failure occurrence interrupt process executed in response to an interrupt based on a voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit of the power supply board 910. In the power failure occurrence interrupt process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S41). In the power failure interrupt generation process, a checksum generation process is performed to ensure the storage of the RAM contents. If another interrupt process is performed during the process, the CPU may not be able to operate before the checksum generation process is completed. Settings are made so that no interruption occurs.

  Next, the CPU 56 turns off all output ports (step S42). If necessary, the contents of each register are stored in the backup RAM area (step S43). Further, a power-off flag is set (step S44). Further, an appropriate initial value is set in the backup check data area of the backup RAM area (step S45), the exclusive value is sequentially obtained for the initial value and the data in the backup RAM area (step S46), and the final calculation value is obtained. Is set in the backup parity data area (step S47). Thereafter, the RAM access is prohibited (step S48). When the power supply voltage is lowered, the level of various signal lines may become unstable and the contents of the RAM may be altered, but if the RAM access is prohibited in this manner, the data in the backup RAM will be altered. There is no.

  Next, the CPU 56 issues a halt command (HALT command) (step S49). That is, the CPU itself is put into a state where it does not operate except for reset release or interrupt generation. However, since interruption is prohibited in step S41, no interruption occurs. Therefore, the operation is internally stopped before the operation is prohibited from the outside by the reset signal from the power monitoring IC 904 shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 56 reliably stops operation when the power is turned off. As a result, the RAM access prohibition control and the operation stop control described above can reliably prevent the RAM contents from being destroyed due to an abnormal operation that may occur as the power supply voltage decreases. .

  In this embodiment, the power failure occurrence interrupt process is configured to issue a halt command at the final part, but the program may be in a loop state.

  Further, as described above, the power-off flag that is set before the RAM access is prohibited is used when determining whether or not to recover from a power failure when the power is turned on. Further, the processing of steps S41 to S49 is completed before the second power supply monitoring unit generates the voltage drop signal. In other words, the detection voltages of the first voltage monitoring means and the second voltage monitoring means are set so that the second power supply monitoring means is completed before generating the voltage drop signal.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power failure recovery process (step S4). In the power failure recovery process, the CPU 56 first performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S51). In the case of recovery after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, so the check result is normal. If the check result is not normal, the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of power-off, so the initialization process similar to the initialization process (step S2) executed at the time of power-on not at the time of power failure recovery is executed. (Steps S52 and S54).

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state to the state at the time of power-off (step S53) and clears the power-off flag (step S55).

  Here, it is confirmed in step S1 whether or not the recovery from the power failure, and if the recovery from the power failure, the parity check is performed. First, the parity check is performed and the check result is not normal. If it is determined that the power is not recovered from the power failure, the initialization process of step S2 is executed. If the check result is normal, the game state return process may be performed. That is, it may be determined whether or not recovery from a power failure is made based on the result of the parity check.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a backup parity data creation method. However, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the size of the data in the backup data RAM area is 3 bytes for simplicity. In the power failure generation process based on the power supply voltage drop, as shown in FIG. 15A, initial data (00H in this example) is set in the backup check data area. Next, an exclusive logical sum of “00H” and “F0H” is taken, and an exclusive logical sum of “16H” is obtained. Further, an exclusive OR of the result and “DFH” is taken. Then, the result (“39H” in this example) is set in the backup parity data area.

  When the power is turned on again, parity diagnosis is performed in the power failure recovery process. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of parity diagnosis. If all the data in the backup area is stored as it is, the data as shown in FIG. 15A is set in the backup area when the power is turned on again.

  In the processing of step S51, the CPU 56 sequentially performs exclusive OR for each data in the backup data area using the data (in this example, “39H”) set in the backup parity data area in the backup RAM area as initial data. Process. If all the data in the backup area is stored as it is, the final calculation result matches “00H”, that is, the data set in the backup check data area. If a bit error has occurred in the data in the backup RAM area, the final calculation result is not “00H”.

  Therefore, the CPU 56 compares the final calculation result with the data set in the backup check data area, and if they match, the parity diagnosis is normal. If they do not match, the parity diagnosis is abnormal.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game control means is provided with a storage means (a backup RAM in this example) that is backed up for a predetermined period even when the power of the gaming machine is cut off. The CPU 56 (specifically, a program executed by the CPU 56) is configured to perform a game state recovery process (step S53) for recovering the game state based on the backup data if the storage means is in the backup state.

  In this embodiment, if the power-off flag is set when the power is turned off and the power-off flag is set when the power is turned on, the gaming state is restored based on the control data stored in the backup RAM. Yes, the program counter value is saved in the backup RAM when the power is turned off, and if the power-off flag is set when the power is turned on, the saved program counter value is returned and the program that was executed when the power was turned off. Control may be resumed from the portion.

  In addition, as an example of control data (control data that fluctuates according to the progress of the game), special symbol process flags related to special symbol fluctuations and jackpot games (waiting for winning prizes, during special symbol fluctuation, during big bonus, Flags indicating the status of opening, etc.), display control commands that were being sent when a power failure occurred, special symbol fluctuation period that passed until the time of the power failure, timer values such as the waiting time for waiting for customers, and the opening time of a special prize opening, There is data indicating the state of probability change, the number of reserved memories, and the state of error.

  As control data related to the variation of the normal symbol, there is data indicating the normal symbol process flag, the elapsed time of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus, the number of reserved memories, and the like. There is also data indicating the display status of various lamps and LEDs. For example, there is data indicating a start winning memory display regarding special symbol variation, a start winning memory display regarding normal symbol variation, a display state of various lamps / LEDs for a game effect, and a display state of a prize ball lamp / ball-out lamp. Furthermore, there is data indicating a sound generation state.

  In addition, in the prize ball control means described later, there is data indicating the number of prize balls and the number of balls lent as control data that varies with the progress of the game.

  In this embodiment, the first power supply monitoring means is mounted on the power supply board 910 as shown in FIG. 8, and the second power supply monitoring means is mounted on the main board 31 as shown in FIG. Yes. When the power supply voltage decreases, the second power supply monitoring means (power supply monitoring IC 904 in this example) generates a voltage drop signal when the first power supply monitoring means (power supply monitoring IC in this example) is generated. IC 902) is set to be later than the time when the voltage drop signal is generated. Further, the voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring means is input to the reset terminal of the CPU 56.

  Then, the CPU 56 enters the halt state after executing the power failure generation processing (power failure processing) based on the voltage drop signal from the first power monitoring means (power monitoring IC 902). The reset state will be entered. That is, the operation of the CPU 56 is completely stopped. In the halt state, the + 5V power supply voltage value gradually decreases and the input / output state becomes indefinite. However, since the CPU 56 is in the reset state, the abnormal operation based on indefinite data is prevented.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 enters the halt state in response to the detection output input from the first power supply monitoring means, and the system in response to the detection output input from the second power supply monitoring means. Since it is configured to be reset, it is possible to reliably store data when the power is turned off, and to prevent a disadvantage from being brought to the player.

  In this embodiment, the power supply monitoring ICs 902 and 904 monitor the same power supply voltage, but may monitor different power supply voltages. For example, the first power supply monitoring circuit on the power supply board 910 may monitor the + 30V power supply voltage, and the second power supply monitoring circuit on the main board 31 may monitor the + 5V power supply voltage. Then, the power supply monitoring IC 904 of the main board 31 is delayed so that the timing at which the second power supply monitoring circuit generates the low-level voltage drop signal is later than the timing at which the first power supply monitor circuit generates the voltage drop signal. Threshold level (voltage level for generating a voltage drop signal) is set. For example, the threshold is 4.25V. 4.25 V is lower than the normal voltage, but is a voltage that allows the CPU 56 to operate for a while.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 56 detects the first voltage drop signal (voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring means) from the power supply board via the maskable external interrupt terminal (IRQ terminal). However, the first voltage drop signal may be introduced into the non-maskable interrupt interrupt terminal (NMI terminal). In that case, the power-off process is executed by the NMI process. Further, the first voltage drop signal from the power supply board may be detected via the input port 570. In that case, the input port is monitored in the main process.

  Further, when detecting the first voltage drop signal from the power supply board via the IRQ terminal, the IRQ interrupt mask is set at the start of the game control process of step S10 of the main process, and the IRQ is set at the end of the game control process. The interrupt mask may be canceled. By doing so, an interruption is applied before and after the start of the game control process, and the game control process is not interrupted. Therefore, the command transmission is not interrupted when the prize ball control command is sent to the prize ball control board 37 or the like. Therefore, even when a power failure occurs, the award ball control command and the like are reliably transmitted.

Next, display control of the variable display unit 9 will be described.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of display control command data using 8-bit data. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, the type of control is instructed by the upper 4 bits of the 8 bits, and the specific control content is instructed by the lower 4 bits. For example, in this example, if the upper 4 bits are [0, 0, 0, 1], the variation type or the like is indicated by a numerical value of the lower 4 bits. If the upper 4 bits are [1, 0, 0, 0], [1, 0, 0, 1] or [1, 0, 1, 0], the lower 4 bits are numerically displayed on the variable display unit 9. The stop symbol of the left symbol, the middle symbol, or the right symbol that is variably displayed is instructed.

  If the upper 4 bits are [1, 1, 0, 1], it indicates a demonstration screen display command. If the upper 4 bits are [1, 1, 1, 0], it indicates an error display command. If the upper 4 bits are [1, 1, 1, 1], it means that all symbols stop command (confirm command). In these commands, the lower 4 bits are set to 0, for example.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 sends a command indicating the variation type and a command indicating the left / right middle stop symbol to the display control board 80 at the start of symbol variation. The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 can specify the symbol variation time by a command indicating the variation type. When a plurality of types of variation modes corresponding to the specified variation time are prepared, the display control CPU 101 determines which variation mode to use. As described above, regarding the symbol variation control, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 only sends information that can identify the variation time and information that can identify the fixed symbol at the start of variation, and the specific symbol variation control is displayed. This is realized by the control of the control CPU 101. Further, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 sends a confirmation command to the display control board 80 when the fluctuation time has elapsed.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control command sent from the main board 31 to the display control board 80. As shown in FIG. 17, the display control command is composed of 8-bit data and a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 18 is a specific process of step S27 in the game control process shown in FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs any one of steps S300 to S309 shown in FIG. 18 according to the value of the special symbol process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Special symbol variation waiting process (step S300): Waiting for the start opening sensor 17 to be turned on after hitting the start winning opening 14 (the winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 in this embodiment). When the start opening sensor 17 is turned on, if the start winning memory number is not full, the starting win memory number is incremented by one. Then, a big hit determination random number is extracted.

Special symbol determination process (step S301): When variable symbol special display can be started, the number of start winning memories is confirmed. If the starting winning memorized number is not 0, it is determined whether to win or not depending on the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number.
Stop symbol setting process (step S302): The stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols is determined.

  Reach operation setting process (step S303): It is determined whether or not a reach operation is performed according to the value of the reach determination random number, and a change time of the reach operation is determined according to the value of the reach operation random number.

  All symbol variation start processing (step S304): Control is performed so that the variation display unit 9 starts variation of all symbols. At this time, information capable of specifying the left / right middle final stop symbol and the variation time is transmitted to the display control board 80.

  All symbol stop waiting process (step S305): When a predetermined time has elapsed, a confirmation command is sent so that all symbols displayed on the variable display unit 9 are stopped.

  Big hit display process (step S306): When the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, control is performed so that display control command data for the big hit display is sent to the display control board 80, and the internal state (process flag) is stepped. Update to shift to S307. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309. The combination of jackpot symbols is a combination of left and right middle symbols. Further, the display control CPU 101 of the game control board 80 displays a big hit on the variable display unit 9 in accordance with the display control command data. The jackpot display is made to notify the player of the occurrence of the jackpot.

  Big winning opening opening process (step S307): Control for opening the big winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S308): Control for sending display control command data for the big prize opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of a closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307 if the end condition for the big hit gaming state is not satisfied. If the end condition for the big hit gaming state is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

  Jackpot end process (step S309): A display for notifying the player that the jackpot gaming state has ended is performed. When the display is completed, the internal flag and the like are returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

  The module (step S22 in FIG. 12) that performs the process of sending the display control command in the game control program according to the process of each step described above outputs the corresponding display control command data to the output port and outputs the strobe signal. Turn on.

  FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of each control command related to symbol variation in the variable display unit 9. In this embodiment, when starting the symbol variation, the CPU 56 of the main substrate 31 sends a variation start command and a symbol designating command indicating the left and right middle symbols to the display control substrate 80.

  Then, when confirming the symbol variation, a variation stop command (confirmation command) is sent to the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 mounted on the display control board 80 performs display control according to the variation mode specified by the variation start command. The change start command includes information indicating the change time.

  FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of each control command related to the big hit game executed when the display result of the variable display unit 9 is a predetermined big hit symbol. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 sends a big hit start command to the display control board 80 when the big hit game is started. Further, after a predetermined time elapses, a one round (1R) designation command is transmitted. When the display control CPU 101 receives the jackpot start command, it performs display control at the start of the jackpot. Also, when a 1-round designation command is received, the first round is displayed.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 sequentially sends commands indicating each round to the display control board 80. The CPU of the display control board 80 performs corresponding display control according to these commands.

  At the end of the big hit game, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 sends a big hit end command to the display control board 80. When receiving the jackpot end command, the display control CPU 101 sets the control state to a game waiting state after a predetermined time.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the display control data output process (step S22) in the game control process shown in FIG. In the display control data output process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not a port A output request is set (step S581). The port A output request is set in response to a command output request from a special symbol process or the like in the display control data setting process (step S21).

  If the port A output request is set, the port A output request is reset (step S582), and the contents of the port A storage area are output to the output port (output port A) 571 (step S583). Further, the port A output counter is incremented by 1 (step S584), and bit 7 of the output port (port B) 572 is set to 0 (step S585).

  If the port A output request is not set, it is determined whether or not the value of the port A output counter is 0 (step S586). If the value of the port A output counter is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the port A output counter is 2 (step S587). When the value of the port A output counter is not 2, that is, 1, the value of the port A output counter is incremented by 1 (step S588).

  When the value of the port A output counter is 2, the value of the port A output counter is cleared (step S589), and bit 7 of the output port (output port B) 572 is set to 1 (step S590).

  Bit 7 of the output port B is a port for outputting a strobe signal (INT signal) given to the display control board 80. Bits 0 to 7 of the output port A are ports for outputting display control command data. In this embodiment, the display control data output process shown in FIG. 20 is executed once every 2 ms. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, the data output process shown in FIG. 20 causes the INT signal to be at a low level (on state) for 4 ms when the display control command data is output.

  Note that 4 ms of the ON period of the INT signal is an example, and the on period may be shorter or longer. In addition, although a 1-byte display control command is illustrated here, the length of the display control command is not limited to 1 byte, and a display control command longer than 1 byte may be used.

Next, the game state restoration process will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the gaming state recovery process performed in the power failure recovery process illustrated in FIG. In this example, if it is necessary to restore the register contents, the CPU 56 restores the value stored in the backup RAM to the register (step S61). Then, the gaming state at the time of a power failure is confirmed based on the data stored in the backup RAM. For example, the gaming state can be confirmed by the value of the special symbol process flag corresponding to the progress of the special symbol process.

  If the gaming state is changing symbols (step S62), control is performed to send an error display control command which is an example of a display control command and a special display command indicating the left and right stop symbols to the display control board 80. (Steps S63, S64). If the game state is not changing, a control is performed to send a display control command and a confirmation command to the display control board 80 indicating the left and right stop symbols sent last before the occurrence of the power failure (step S65). , S66). Information about the left and right stop symbols sent last before the occurrence of a power failure is stored in the backup RAM of the main board 31.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control state when the power is restored after a power failure. In FIG. 23, the variable display state is realized by the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80.

  FIG. 23A shows an example of a case where recovery is performed after a power failure occurs during symbol variation. In this case, when the power is restored, a display control command and an error display command indicating the left and right stop symbols are sent from the main board 31 (steps S63 and S64 in FIG. 22). When receiving the error display command, the display control CPU 101 displays an error as a special display on the variable display unit 9. Also, the game control means on the main board 31 returns to the gaming state in which the symbols are changing at the time of power failure recovery, specifically, the state of all symbol stop waiting processing (step S306 in FIG. 18) in the special symbol process, so When completed, a confirmation command is sent to the display control board 80.

  When receiving the confirmation command, the display control CPU 101 displays the left and right stop symbols in an error display state. When the next display control command is received, the error display is stopped. The next display control command is, for example, a big hit start command when it is determined to be a big hit, and when it is decided not to be a big hit, the main board 31 at the start of the next symbol variation. Is a command (command that can specify the fluctuation time) indicating the start of fluctuation sent out from. Also, when the game control means sends out a demo screen command when, for example, a winning at the start winning opening 14 does not occur continuously for a predetermined period, the error display is stopped when the demo screen command is received. May be.

  In the main board 31, various parameters used at the start of the change are stored in the backup RAM. Accordingly, the display result (determined symbol) or the like in the fluctuation after power restoration is the same as the display result or the like that should have been in the fluctuation interrupted by the power failure. Therefore, there is no disadvantage to the player.

  FIG. 23 (B) shows an example in the case of recovery after a power failure occurs during a big hit game. In this case, when the power is restored, a display control command and a confirmation command indicating the left and right stop symbols are sent from the main board 31 (steps S65 and S66 in FIG. 22).

  In this case, the game control means is the game state during the big hit game when the power failure is restored, specifically, the special prize process opening process or the special prize opening release start process in the special symbol process (step S308 or S307 in FIG. 18). Therefore, a display control command related to the big hit game indicating the number of rounds is sent to the display control board 80 as appropriate. The display control CPU 101 can return the control state to the state in which the jackpot game is in accordance with a command related to the jackpot game.

  In the main board 31, various parameters during the big hit game (number of times of opening of the big winning opening, number of winning balls of the big winning opening, etc.) are stored in the backup RAM. Therefore, the gaming state for the player also returns to the state before the power failure, so there is no disadvantage to the player.

  FIG. 23C shows an example in the case where a recovery is made after a power failure occurs in a game waiting state. In this case, when the power is restored, a display control command and a confirmation command indicating the left and right stop symbols are sent from the main board 31 (steps S65 and S66 in FIG. 22). The display control CPU 101 can display the left and right middle symbols displayed immediately before the occurrence of a power failure on the variable display unit 9 based on the display control command indicating the left and right middle stopped symbols. That is, the display state can be returned to the state before the occurrence of the power failure.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display control CPU 101 in the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 enters the loop state after initializing the output port and work area and initializing the timer (step S101). In the initial process, a timer setting is made such that a timer interrupt occurs every 500 μs and every 2 ms. Therefore, in the loop state, when a 500 μs timer interrupt is applied, a 500 μs timer interrupt process is performed (step S102), and when a 2 ms timer interrupt is applied, a 2 ms timer interrupt process is performed (step S103). The display control command reception process is performed in the 500 μs timer interrupt process, and the display control process is performed in the 2 ms timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process. When a 2 ms timer interrupt is applied, the display control CPU 101 performs an initial process such as starting a timer so that the next 2 ms interrupt is applied (step S111), and then performs a display control process (step S112). Execute.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the display control command read process executed in the 500 μs timer interrupt process. In the display control command reading process, the display control CPU 101 reads bit 7 of the input port assigned to the strobe signal (INT signal). Then, it is confirmed whether bit 7 is on (low level) (step S501). If it is on, the display control command data is read from the input port assigned to display control command data input (step S502). As described above, the INT signal is set to a low level when the CPU 56 of the main board 31 outputs new display control command data.

  If the INT signal is off, the display communication counter is cleared (step S506). The display communication counter is used to count the number of display control command data receptions when the INT signal is on.

  If the INT signal is on, it is checked whether or not the received display control command data is the same as the command data received immediately before (500 μs before) (step S503). If they are not the same, the display communication counter is cleared (step S506). If they are the same, it is confirmed whether or not the display communication counter has reached a predetermined maximum value (MAX) (step S504).

  If the maximum value has not been reached, the value of the display communication counter is incremented by 1 (step S505). Here, the maximum value is a value larger than the value (3 in this example) that is determined to have received display control command data reliably, and is used for the purpose of, for example, counting the number of receptions in 4 ms. It is done.

  Next, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value after the display communication counter is “3” (step S507). If it is “3”, the received data is stored in the received command storage area (step S509). Then, the received data is stored in the work area (step S510). Note that the data stored in the work area is used in step S503 in the next interrupt process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 receives the same display control command data, for example, three times consecutively, it sets the communication end flag on the assumption that the display control command has been received. When the communication end flag is set, processing such as symbol change and background / character display switching is performed based on the display control command stored in the received command storage area.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S112) in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the display control process process, any one of steps S720 to S870 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Display control command reception waiting process (step S720): Whether or not a display control command or the like capable of specifying the variation time is received by reading the contents of the work area in which the reception command is set in response to the communication end flag being turned on. Check.

  Reach operation setting process (step S750): It is determined which pattern of a plurality of variation modes corresponding to a display control command (for example, a command for designating a reach type) that can specify the received variation time is to be used.

  All symbol variation start processing (step S780): Control is performed so that variation of the left and right middle symbols is started.

  Symbol variation processing (step S810): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, background, and character) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors whether a confirmation command is sent from the main board 31. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

  All symbol stop waiting setting process (step S840): When a display control command for instructing all symbols to stop is received at the end of the variation time, control for stopping the symbol variation and displaying the final stop symbol (determined symbol) is performed. Do.

  Big hit processing (step S870): After the variation time is over, control of big hit notification display, round display during big hit game, probability variable big hit display or normal big hit display is controlled.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control command reception waiting process (step S720). In the display control command reception waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a display control command capable of specifying the variation time has been received (step S751). If received, the error display on the variable display unit 9 is erased (step S752), and the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the reach operation selection process (step S753). Therefore, the reach operation selection process is subsequently executed.

  Further, when the display control CPU 101 receives the display control command indicating the left / right middle stop symbol (step S754), the display control CPU 101 stores information indicating the left / right middle stop symbol (step S755). When an error display command is received (step S756), an error is displayed on the variable display unit 9 (step S757). When a confirmation command is received (step S758), the stored stop symbol is displayed on the variable display unit 9 (step S759).

  When a command sent during the big hit game is received (step S760), the error display on the variable display unit 9 is deleted (step S761), and the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit middle processing. Setting is performed (step S762). Therefore, the big hit middle processing is executed thereafter. The command sent during the big hit game is, for example, a command indicating the number of rounds or a command indicating the number of winning prizes.

  In addition, when the demonstration screen command is received (step S763), the display control CPU 101 deletes the error display (step S764). When receiving the demonstration screen command, the display control CPU 101 deletes the error display and displays the demonstration screen on the variable display unit 9.

  Since the display control CPU 101 performs the same processing when the power is turned on normally and at the time of recovery from the power failure, the display control process flag is initialized at the time of recovery from the power failure, and the display control process processing waits for display control command reception. It becomes a state. As shown in FIG. 23A, when a power failure occurs during symbol variation and recovery from the power failure occurs, an error display command and a display control command indicating the left and right stop symbols are sent from the main board 31. . Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, a confirmation command is sent out.

  In the display control board 80, when the display control CPU 101 confirms that the display control command indicating the left and right stop symbols has been received in step S754 shown in FIG. 28, the display control CPU 101 stores information indicating the stop symbols, and in step S756. When it is confirmed that the error display command has been received, an error is displayed. When it is confirmed in step S758 that the confirmation command has been received, the stored stop symbol is displayed. Here, the error display is not erased. The error display is deleted when a display control command capable of specifying the variation time, a command during a big hit game, or the like is received (steps S752 and S761).

  Therefore, when a power failure occurs and the gaming state is recovered, the error display is continuously displayed on the variable display unit 9 for a while. Therefore, a player or the like can easily recognize that a power failure has occurred and the gaming state has been recovered. The information about the stop symbols of the left and right middle symbols received from the main board 31 at the start of the fluctuation before the occurrence of the power failure is erased in the display control board 80 due to the occurrence of the power failure. Since the command indicating the stop symbol of the middle symbol is transmitted, the right and left middle stop symbols can be displayed on the variable display unit 9 at a predetermined timing.

  When a power failure occurs during the big hit game and the power is restored from the power failure, as shown in FIG. 23B, a display control command and a confirmation command indicating stop symbols in the left and right are sent from the main board 31. In the game control means on the main board 31, the game state is restored to the state at the time of the power failure, so that the control during the big hit game is resumed and a display control command related to the big hit game is sent out. In the display control board 80, when receiving the display control command related to the big hit game, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to the value of the big hit middle processing and returns the control state to the big hit middle processing (step S762). . Since the display control command indicating the left / right middle stop symbol is sent when the power failure is restored, the display control CPU 101 can display the regular left / right middle stop symbol on the variable display unit 9 at the end of the big hit game.

  When a power failure occurs in the game waiting state and the power is restored from the power failure, a display control command and a confirmation command indicating the left and right stop symbols are sent from the main board 31 as shown in FIG. The The CPU 101 for display control stores information indicating the stop symbol when confirming that the display control command indicating the left / right stop symbol is received in step S754, and displays the stop symbol when confirming that the confirmation command is received in step S758. Displayed on the variable display unit 9. In this way, since the display control command indicating the left / right middle stop symbol is transmitted when the power failure is restored, the display control CPU 101 can display the regular left / right middle stop symbol on the variable display unit 9.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the variable display unit 9 by the above-described control. As shown in FIG. 29 (A), when a power failure occurs when the symbol is fluctuating and then recovered, an error is displayed on the variable display portion 9 as shown in FIG. 29 (B). When the change period ends and a confirmation command is received from the main board 31, a stop symbol is displayed. Thereafter, in this example, when a command indicating a change start for the next change start is received, the error display is deleted.

Next, the operation of the winning ball control means when a power failure occurs will be described.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration example around the prize ball control CPU 371 for power supply monitoring and power supply backup. As shown in FIG. 30, the voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit (first power supply monitoring means) mounted on the power supply board 910 is supplied to the interrupt terminal (IRQ terminal) of the prize ball control CPU 371. Have been entered. Therefore, the prize ball control CPU 371 can confirm the occurrence of power interruption by the interruption process.

  While power is not supplied from the + 5V power source that is the driving power source of the prize ball control CPU 371 or the like, at least a part of the built-in RAM of the prize ball control CPU 371 is connected to the backup terminal by the backup power source supplied from the power board 910. The contents are saved even if the power to the gaming machine is cut off. When the +5 V power supply is restored, the reset signal is issued from the initial reset circuit 935, so that the winning ball control CPU 371 returns to the normal operation state. At that time, since necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of the power failure when recovering from the power failure.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 30, a second power supply monitoring circuit 933 is mounted on the winning ball control board 37. In this example, in the second power supply monitoring circuit 933, the power supply monitoring IC 934 monitors the + 30V power supply voltage that is equal to the power supply voltage monitored by the first power supply monitoring circuit of the power supply substrate 910, and the voltage value is predetermined. When the value falls below this value, a low level voltage drop signal is generated. In the case where the second power supply monitoring circuit 933 is provided, the detection voltage (voltage that will output a voltage drop signal) of the second power supply monitoring circuit 933 is mounted on the power supply board 910. Lower than the detection voltage of the power monitoring circuit.

  The voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring circuit 933 is logically summed with the initial reset signal from the initial reset circuit 935 and then input to the reset terminal of the winning ball control CPU 371. Therefore, the prize ball control CPU 371 has a low level when the initial reset signal from the initial reset circuit 935 is low, or when the voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring circuit 933 is low. The reset state (non-operating state) is entered.

  A capacitor 939 is connected between the backup power supply terminal of the prize ball control CPU 371 and the ground. Also in this case, in the gaming machine in which the content of the RAM built in the prize ball control CPU 371 is stored even when the gaming machine is powered by the backup power source and the backup power source can be cut off, the capacity of the capacitor 939 is large. Appropriately selected. For example, when the backup power supply is cut off, a capacity for holding the contents of the RAM for about several seconds is selected. Note that the capacity of the capacitor 939 is smaller than the capacity of the capacitor 938 connected to the power supply terminal (VDD terminal).

  In this embodiment, the winning ball control board 37 also includes a ferrite bead 936, two Schmitt trigger type inverting circuits 937 and 939, and a circuit for noise suppression that is provided between the inverting circuits 937 and 939. Is installed. Therefore, sufficient noise countermeasures are taken against the detection signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board 910 by the combination of the ferrite beads 936, the inverting circuits 937 and 939, and the capacitor 938, and the inverting circuit 937 is provided. , 939 and the capacitor 938 perform the smoothing function of the signal, so that even if a level fluctuation occurs in the detection signal, the influence is prevented from being transmitted to the IRQ terminal.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a bit configuration of a prize ball control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the prize ball control board 37. As shown in FIG. 31, the upper 4 bits in one byte are used as a control designating unit, and the lower 4 bits are used as an area indicating the number of prize balls.

  As shown in FIG. 32, if bits 7, 6, 5, and 4 are “0, 1, 0, 0” in the control designation unit, this indicates a payout number designation command, and “0, 1, 0, “1” indicates a payout designation command. The payout number designation command is sent to the winning ball control board 37 as soon as the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects winning.

  The ball break designation command whose bits 7, 6, 5, and 4 are “1, 0, 0, 0” is transmitted from the main board 31 when it is detected that there is no supply ball. Further, the firing stop designation command in which bits 7, 6, 5, 4 are “1, 0, 0, 1” is issued when the surplus ball receiving tray 4 is full and the full switch 48 is turned on (full state). (When the flag is turned on).

  The prize ball control command is output as data of 1 byte (8 bits: prize ball control commands D7 to D0) from the main board 31 to the prize ball control board 37. The prize ball control commands D7 to D0 are output in positive logic. When prize ball control commands D7 to D0 are output, a negative logic prize ball control INT signal is output.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, when the prize ball control commands D7 to D0 are output from the main board 31, the prize ball control INT signal becomes low level for 5 μs or more. The prize ball control INT signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the prize ball control CPU 371 on the prize ball control board 37. Therefore, when there is an interruption, the prize ball control CPU 371 can recognize that the prize ball control commands D7 to D0 are sent from the main board 31, and perform a prize ball control command reception process in the interrupt process.

  The command configuration shown in FIG. 31 is an example, and other configurations may be used. For example, the upper and lower order in one byte may be reversed from the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing main processing of the prize ball control CPU 371. In the main process, the prize ball control CPU 371 first performs an initial value setting process such as clearing the RAM area (step S701). When data is set in the RAM area (backup RAM area) backed up by the power supply of the built-in RAM, the clearing process of those areas is not performed. Thereafter, in this embodiment, the winning ball control CPU 371 proceeds to a loop process for confirming the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702).

  In the initialization process in step S701, the non-backup RAM area is cleared if the total number storage value to be described later is not zero. Then, settings for restarting the prize ball are made. For example, an in-price ball processing flag is set. Even if it is a backup RAM area, if it is an area not related to the number of winning balls, it may be cleared by designating those addresses. In addition to these processes, the timer register provided in the prize ball control CPU 371 is initialized so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (the timeout is set to 2 ms and the timer is repeatedly operated). ) Is performed. That is, processing for activating a timer interrupt and processing for setting a timer interrupt interval are executed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the internal timer of the winning ball control CPU 371 is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is set to 2 ms. Then, as shown in FIG. 35, when a timer interrupt occurs, the prize ball control CPU 371 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S711).

  When detecting that the timer interrupt flag has been set in step S702, the winning ball control CPU 371 resets the timer interrupt flag (step S703), and executes prize ball control processing and ball lending control processing (step S703). Steps S705 and S706). With the above control, in this embodiment, the prize ball control process and the ball lending control process are started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the prize ball control process and the like are executed in the main process, but the prize ball control process and the like may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of use of the RAM built in the prize ball control CPU 371. In this example, a total number storage (for example, 2 bytes) and a rental ball number storage are formed in the backup RAM area. The total number storage stores the total number of payouts instructed from the main board 31 side. The rental ball number storage stores the number of balls that have not been paid out.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a prize ball control command reception process by an interrupt process. The prize ball control INT signal from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the prize ball control CPU 371. Therefore, when the prize ball control INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the prize ball control CPU 371 is interrupted, and the prize ball control command reception process shown in FIG. 37 is started.

  In the prize ball control command reception process, the prize ball control CPU 371 first reads 1-byte data from the input port assigned to the prize ball control command data (step S852). If the read data is a payout number instruction command (step S853), the number specified by the payout number instruction command is added to the total number memory (step S855). Otherwise, a communication end flag is set (step S854). In this example, the communication end flag is a flag indicating that a command other than the payout number instruction command has been received.

  As described above, the prize ball control CPU 371 mounted on the prize ball control board 37 stores the number of prize balls included in the payout number instruction command sent from the CPU 56 of the main board 31 in the backup RAM area (total number memory). Remember.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control process (step S705). In the prize ball control process, the prize ball control CPU 371 checks whether the total number memory is not 0 (step S511). If the total number storage is not 0, the prize ball control CPU 371 performs a prize ball payout process (step S512). In the winning ball payout process, if the payout motor 289 is not turned on, it is turned on, and it is confirmed whether or not a game ball has been paid out by the detection output of the winning ball count switch 301A. When it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S513), the total number storage value is decremented by 1 (step S514). Further, when the value of the total number storage becomes 0 (step S515), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S516).

  The contents of the total number storage are saved by the backup power source of the power supply board 910 for a predetermined period even if the gaming machine is turned off. Accordingly, when the power is restored during the predetermined period, the prize ball control CPU 371 can continue the prize ball payout process based on the contents of the total number memory.

  When the power is turned on, the prize ball control CPU 371 can determine whether to perform normal initial setting processing or restore the state in the prize ball simply by checking the data in the backup RAM area. In other words, it is possible to resume the prize ball processing for the unpaid prize balls by simple determination.

  The prize ball control CPU 371 manages the number of prize balls instructed from the main board 31 as a total number in the total number memory, but may manage each prize ball number (for example, 15, 10, or 6). Good. For example, a number counter corresponding to the number of winning balls is provided, and when a payout number designation command is received, the number counter corresponding to the number designated by the command is incremented by one. When the prize ball payout for each prize ball number is completed, the corresponding number counter is decremented by one. Also in that case, each number counter is formed in the backup RAM area. Therefore, even if the power of the gaming machine is cut off, if the power is restored during a predetermined period, the prize ball control CPU 371 can continue the prize ball payout process based on the contents of each number counter.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the ball lending control process (step S706). In the ball lending control process, the prize ball control CPU 371 checks whether or not a prize ball is being paid out (step S531). If no prize ball is being paid out, it is checked whether or not the number of lent balls is not 0 (step S532). If the number of lent balls is not 0, the prize ball control CPU 371 performs a ball rent process (step S533). In the ball lending process, if the payout motor 289 is not turned on, it is turned on, and it is confirmed whether or not a game ball has been paid out by the detection output of the ball lending count switch 301B. When it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S534), the value of the number of lent balls is decremented by 1 (step S535). Further, when the value of the lending ball number storage becomes 0 (step S536), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S537). In this embodiment, prize balls and ball lending are performed by the same payout device.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is a ball lending request from the card unit 50 (step S538). If there is a request, the number corresponding to the number of requested units is added to the value of the lending ball number storage (step S539).

  The contents of the rental ball number storage are saved by the backup power source of the power supply board 910 for a predetermined period even when the power of the gaming machine is cut off. Therefore, when the power supply is restored during the predetermined period, the winning ball control CPU 371 can continue the ball lending process based on the contents of the lending ball number storage.

  The prize ball control CPU 371 manages the number of balls lent requested in the number of units (for example, 100 yen unit) from the card unit 50 as the total number in the lent number storage, but may be managed in the number of units. For example, a ball lending number counter is provided, and when there is a ball lending request, the ball lending number counter is incremented by one. When the payout of the number of units is completed, the ball lending number counter is decremented by 1. Even in this case, the ball lending counter is formed in the backup RAM area. Therefore, even if the power of the gaming machine is cut off, if the power is restored during a predetermined period, the prize ball control CPU 371 can continue the ball lending process based on the content of the ball lending number counter.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a power failure occurrence interrupt process executed by the prize ball control CPU 371 in response to an interrupt from the first power supply monitoring means. When the power monitoring IC 902 on the power supply board 901 detects a drop in the power supply voltage, the voltage drop signal indicates a voltage drop, and the power failure occurrence interrupt process is started. In the power failure occurrence interrupt process, the winning ball control CPU 371 sets the interrupt prohibition (step S801), sets the RAM access prohibition state (step S802), and issues a halt command (HALT command) (step S803). ).

  That is, the CPU itself is put into a state where it does not operate except for reset release or interrupt generation. Therefore, before the operation is prohibited from the outside by the reset signal from the power supply monitoring IC 934 shown in FIG. Therefore, the winning ball control CPU 371 reliably stops operation when the power is turned off. As a result, the RAM access prohibition control and the operation stop control described above can reliably prevent the RAM contents from being destroyed due to an abnormal operation that may occur as the power supply voltage decreases. .

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a part of the initialization process (step S701) executed by the prize ball control CPU 371 when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on or the power is restored, the prize ball control CPU 371 first checks whether the value of the total number storage or the number of lent balls stored in the backup RAM area is 0 (step S901). ). If both are 0, there is no unpaid game ball at the time of the previous power-off, and normal initialization processing is performed. That is, the register and the entire RAM area are cleared (step S903), and the stack pointer is initialized (step S904).

  If the value of the total number storage or the lending ball number storage is not 0, an address is designated and the register and the non-backup RAM area are cleared (step S905). Then, a setting for resuming the lending of the prize balls or balls is performed. For example, an in-price ball processing flag is set (step S906). Even if it is a backup RAM area, if it is an area not related to the number of payouts, it may be cleared by designating those addresses.

  Thus, the prize ball control CPU 371 can determine whether to perform normal initial setting processing or restore the state in the prize ball simply by checking the data in the backup RAM area when the power is turned on. That is, with a simple determination, the payout process can be resumed for unpaid prize balls and unpaid lending balls.

  In this embodiment, the winning ball control CPU 371 detects a first voltage drop signal from the maskable external interrupt terminal (IRQ terminal) power supply board (voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring means). However, the first voltage drop signal may be introduced into the non-maskable interrupt interrupt terminal (NMI terminal). In that case, the power failure generation process shown in FIG. 39 is executed by the NMI process. Further, the first voltage drop signal may be detected through the input port. In that case, the input port is monitored in the main process executed by the prize ball control CPU 371.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first voltage drop signal from the power supply board 910 is input to the interrupt terminals of the main board 31 and the prize ball control board 37. As shown in FIG. , A delay circuit 936 may be provided in front of the interrupt terminal. In such a configuration, the timing at which the CPU 56 of the main board 31 recognizes that the first power supply monitoring unit has detected a voltage drop is the timing at which the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 recognizes. Faster than.

  The CPU 56 and the prize ball control CPU 371 perform power-off processing in response to the first voltage drop signal. The CPU 56 starts the power-off process earlier than the prize ball control CPU 371. That is, the game control process by the CPU 56 stops earlier than the prize ball control process by the prize ball control CPU 371 stops. Then, the prize ball control command sent during the game control process is surely received by the prize ball control CPU 371 even when the power is cut off. Since the prize ball control CPU 371 stores the number of prize balls based on the received prize ball control command in the backup RAM area, the number of prize balls is retained even during a power failure and processed after the power failure is restored. Therefore, when the delay circuit 936 is provided, the winning ball payout based on the winning detected by the game control means can be more reliably performed. Therefore, it can prevent more effectively that a disadvantage is given to a player.

  Further, the first voltage drop signal may be delayed by software without providing the delay circuit 936. For example, the prize ball control CPU 371 does not start the interrupt process immediately when an interrupt based on the first voltage drop signal occurs, but starts the timer and continues the main process. Then, when the timer times out, the processing of steps S801 to S803 shown in FIG. 40 is executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the RAM is used as the storage unit. However, any storage unit other than the RAM may be used as long as the storage unit can be electrically rewritten.

  Further, here, the prize ball control means is exemplified as the game device control means other than the game control means, but the second power supply monitoring means may be provided for the display control means, the sound control means, and the lamp control means. Good.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments, a predetermined game value can be given to a player when a special symbol stop symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 based on a start winning combination is a combination of a predetermined symbol The second type pachinko gaming machine that becomes a predetermined game value can be given to a player when there is a winning in a predetermined area of the electric game that is released based on the start winning Or a third type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols Even so, the present invention can be applied.

  In each of the above embodiments, the following gaming machines are also disclosed.

  A gaming machine comprising a shut-off means capable of artificially shutting off the power supply from the holding power supply to the storage means.

  A gaming machine provided with a power supply board that is provided separately from the gaming apparatus control board and generates at least a power supply voltage used by the gaming apparatus control board, and the holding power supply is mounted on the power supply board.

  A gaming machine in which the voltage stabilizing means is, for example, a capacitor.

  The capacity of the capacitor is preferably a small capacity that can be discharged immediately when the power supply from the holding power supply to the storage means is cut off, as long as the voltage stabilizing function can be achieved.

  The capacity of the capacitor is preferably smaller than the capacity of the capacitor installed to stabilize the voltage input to the power supply input unit for driving the gaming machine control means.

  The game machine mounted on the power supply board is a shut-off means capable of artificially shutting off the power supply from the holding power supply to the storage means.

  The game device control means is a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the control data retained even when the gaming machine is powered off is data relating to whether or not the game state is a specific game state such as a big hit. A gaming machine configured to include.

  A variable prize device such as a big prize opening is provided, and the game device control means is a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the control data held even when the power of the gaming machine is turned off relates to the state of the variable prize device. A gaming machine that is configured to be data.

  A payout device for paying out a predetermined prize game medium is provided, and the game device control means is a payout control means for performing prize payout control, and control data held even when the power of the gaming machine is turned off is a prize game paid out from the payout device. A gaming machine configured to be data related to the quantity of media.

  A lending device for lending a predetermined game medium is provided, and the game device control means is a payout control means for performing game medium lending control, and control data held even when the power of the gaming machine is turned off is stored in the game medium to be paid out from the lending device A gaming machine configured to be data related to quantity.

  Power supply monitoring means for outputting a predetermined interrupt signal to the gaming device control means when a voltage drop of the predetermined potential power source used by the gaming machine is detected. The gaming device control means is configured to output an interruption signal from the power supply monitoring means. In response to the predetermined power-off process, the game apparatus can be controlled based on the control data held by the holding power supply when the power-off state is recovered. Gaming machines.

  A gaming machine configured to include a process for preventing access to the storage means in a predetermined power-off process executed by the gaming apparatus control means.

  The power supply monitoring means is a gaming machine configured to monitor a voltage having a higher potential than the driving power supply of the gaming apparatus control microcomputer in the gaming apparatus control means.

  A second power supply monitoring means for detecting a power supply voltage drop is provided after a predetermined period when the power supply monitoring means detects a voltage drop. A game machine that is configured to be reset in response to an input of.

  The power supply monitoring unit and the second power supply monitoring unit monitor the same power supply voltage, and the voltage at which the second power supply monitoring unit detects a voltage drop is lower than the voltage at which the power supply monitoring unit detects a voltage drop. A configured gaming machine.

  In the case where the power supply from the holding power supply to the storage means is provided with a shut-off means that can be cut off artificially, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged even if the power cut-off occurs. It is also possible to improve the convenience in operating the gaming machine at the amusement store.

  When the holding power supply is mounted on the power supply board, the holding power can be supplied to a plurality of gaming device control boards, and the cost of the gaming machine as a whole can be reduced.

  When the voltage stabilizing means is a capacitor, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the storage contents of the storage means are securely held without being affected by noise or the like.

  If the capacity of the capacitor is small enough to discharge immediately when the power supply from the power supply for storage to the storage means is cut off, as long as the voltage stabilization function can be achieved, The problem that the contents of the RAM are not cleared by the power-off process can be solved.

  When the capacity of the capacitor is smaller than the capacity of the capacitor installed in the power input unit for driving the gaming device control means, the content of the RAM is surely cleared by the shut-off process of the holding power, and the assumption is made It is possible to realize a configuration that can absorb generated noise.

  When the power supply board is equipped with a shut-off means that can artificially shut off the power supply from the holding power supply to the storage means, shut off the holding power to a plurality of gaming device control boards at once. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the entire gaming machine.

  The gaming device control means is a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the control data retained even when the gaming machine is powered off is data relating to whether the gaming state is a specific gaming state such as a big hit. When configured to include, it is possible to recover the gaming state including the specific gaming state at the time of recovery from a power failure or the like.

  When the game device control means is a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the control data retained even when the gaming machine is powered off is configured to be data related to the state of the variable winning device. When recovering from a power failure or the like, for example, it is possible to restore the open state of the jackpot game middle prize winning opening.

  The game device control means is a payout control means for performing the prize payout control, and the control data retained even when the gaming machine is powered off is configured to be data related to the quantity of the prize game media paid out from the payout device. If so, the payout of the unpaid premium game media can be automatically resumed upon recovery from a power failure or the like.

  The game device control means is a payout control means for performing game medium lending control, and the control data held even when the gaming machine is powered off is configured to be data relating to the number of game media paid out from the lending device. If it is, the payout of unrented game media can be automatically resumed upon recovery from a power failure or the like.

  The gaming device control means executes predetermined power-off processing according to the interrupt signal from the power supply monitoring means, and based on the control data held by the holding power supply when recovering from the power-off state In the case where the gaming device can be controlled, there is an effect that the gaming state can be returned to the state before the power is turned off when the power is restored.

  If the predetermined power-off process executed by the gaming device control means includes a process for preventing access to the storage means, the data in the storage means is destroyed when the power is turned off. There is an effect that there is nothing.

  When the power supply monitoring means is configured to monitor a voltage having a higher potential than the driving power supply of the gaming apparatus control microcomputer in the gaming apparatus control means, the voltage required by the IC such as the gaming apparatus control microcomputer As a result, the monitoring range can be expanded and more precise monitoring can be performed.

  A second power supply monitoring means for detecting a power supply voltage drop is provided after a predetermined period of time when the power supply monitoring means detects a voltage drop. When the system is reset in response to the input, the game control microcomputer operation is also stopped from the outside by the system reset, so that more reliable data storage can be performed when the power is turned off. .

  The power supply monitoring unit and the second power supply monitoring unit monitor the same power supply voltage, and the voltage at which the second power supply monitoring unit detects a voltage drop is lower than the voltage at which the power supply monitoring unit detects a voltage drop. When configured, the difference between the timing at which the power supply monitoring means generates the detection output and the timing at which the second power supply monitoring means generates the detection output can be reliably set in a desired predetermined period.

1 Pachinko machine 31 Main board 37 Prize ball control board 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU
80 Display control board 101 Display control CPU
371 CPU for prize ball control
902,904 Power supply monitoring IC
903, 933 Second power supply monitoring circuit 910 Power supply board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a predetermined game and can be controlled in a gaming state advantageous to the player as the game progresses,
A gaming device control board on which gaming device control means for controlling a gaming device to be used for gaming is mounted, and storage means for storing control data of the gaming device control means that varies according to the progress of the game, The holding power for holding the control data in the storage means even when the power of the gaming machine is cut off, the holding power input unit for inputting power from the holding power, and the holding power input unit A gaming machine comprising voltage stabilizing means for stabilizing the voltage to be output.

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