JP2010214212A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine tarted up normally. <P>SOLUTION: After power application, a main control board C executes a first wait processing for waiting a first predetermined time that is sufficient for respective sub control boards H, D and S to complete start-up processing, and then transmits operation permission commands to the respective control boards (a putout control board H, a display control board D and a voice/lamp control board S) respectively. The respective sub control boards H, D and S wait to progress the controls after the start-up processing till receiving the operation permission commands and, after receiving the operation permission commands, start the controls after the start-up processing. This method can adjust the operation timings after the start-up processes of the main control board C and the sub control boards H, D and S to a substantially same timing without any complicated controls so as to normally start up and operate the game machine after the power application. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

  The pachinko machine is controlled by a main control board that mainly controls games, a payout control board that controls payout of prize balls and rental balls, an audio lamp control board that controls sound effect output and lamp lighting, A plurality of control boards such as a display control board that performs display control such as a special symbol or a normal symbol variation display are performed smoothly by sharing their respective roles. Since the capacity of the memory mounted on each control board and the content of the control executed by each control board are different, the time required for the start-up process (initialization process) executed after power-on of the pachinko machine is different for each control board. Each is different.

  For this reason, when each control board performs its own start-up process by turning on the power of the pachinko machine and starts control in the order of startup, if each control board does not start up in the correct order, the pachinko machine will operate normally. There was a problem that it could not be performed and malfunctioned. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can be normally launched.

  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes main control means for controlling a game and sub-control means for controlling the game in cooperation with the main control means. The control unit is configured so that the startup sequence is different from that of the sub-control unit, and the control unit to be terminated later is provided with a timing unit for keeping the time from the start of startup to the end of startup at a predetermined time or more. It is characterized by being.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the control means to be later started up is provided with the time measuring means for keeping the time from the start to the end of the start to the predetermined time or more. Even if the control means is configured so that the startup order is different, there is an effect that the game machine can be normally started up by adjusting the startup order by the timing means.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine which is one example of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. It is the flowchart which showed the NMI interruption process (process at the time of a power failure) performed with a main control board and a payout control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process performed with the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the initialization process performed in the main process of a main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the operation timing adjustment process performed in the initialization process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process performed with the payout control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process performed with the control board for a display.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine that is a kind of a ball game machine, in particular, a first type pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine. Note that it is naturally possible to use the present invention for the third kind pachinko gaming machine and other gaming machines.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning holes 2 through which five to fifteen balls are paid out when a ball wins. A liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as “LCD”) 3 for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (special symbols) and the like is provided at the center of the game board 1. The display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into three in the vertical direction. In each of the three divided display areas, a variable display of symbols is performed while scrolling from top to bottom in the vertical direction.

  Above the LCD 3, a normal symbol display device 6 composed of two LEDs 6 a and 6 b with normal symbols “O” and “X” displayed on the surface is disposed. In this normal symbol display device 6, when the ball that has been driven into the game area passes through the gates 7 arranged on both sides of the LCD 3, the fluctuations in which the LEDs 6 a and 6 b of “◯” and “×” are alternately lit. Display is performed. When the change display is terminated with the “◯” LED 6a, the ordinary electric accessory 4 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  Also, a symbol operating port (first type starting port, ordinary electric accessory) 4 is provided below the LCD 3, and when the ball is awarded to the symbol operating port 4, the variation display of the LCD 3 is displayed. Be started. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. This specific winning opening 5 is a big hit when the display result after the fluctuation of the LCD 3 coincides with one of the predetermined symbol combinations, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds elapses) so that the ball is easy to win. (Or until 10 balls have been won).

  A V zone 5a is provided in the specific winning opening 5, and when the ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is opened, a continuation right is established and the specific winning opening 5 is closed. Thereafter, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of balls win the specific winning opening 5). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state in which the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state in which a so-called predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.

  Note that a state in which a predetermined game value is given in the third type pachinko gaming machine (special game state) is specified when the display result after the change of the LCD 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations. It means that the winning opening is opened for a predetermined time. When the ball wins into the specific winning opening while the specific winning opening is opened, a large winning opening provided separately from the specific winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.

  On the left side of the game board 1, a ball path 8 is formed through which a ball launched into the game area by the launch motor 28 controlled by the launch control board B passes. A blocking valve 9 for blocking the ball path 8 is disposed at one place of the ball path 8. The blocking valve 9 has a ball path blocking solenoid 9a and a valve body 9b operated by the ball path blocking solenoid 9a, and is controlled by the main control board C. Specifically, the ball path blocking solenoid 9a is turned on when the pachinko machine P is turned on, and as a result, the valve body 9b protrudes toward the ball path 8 to block the ball path 8. When the start-up process is completed, the main control board C turns off the ball path blocking solenoid 9a. As a result, the valve body 9b is returned to the ball path blocking solenoid 9a side, and the blocked ball path 8 is opened. A game is played by launching a ball into the game area with the ball path 8 open.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. As shown in FIG. On the main control board C of the pachinko machine P, an MPU 11 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit is mounted. The MPU 11 includes a ROM 12 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 12. A certain RAM 13 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 are stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 13 is configured so that a backup voltage is supplied from a power supply board 50 to be described later even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off. . The RAM 13 includes a backup area 13a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data.

  In the backup area 13a, when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine P is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. This is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 13a is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 3). Conversely, returning of each value written to the backup area 13a is performed when the power is turned on (including turning on the power by eliminating the power failure). The same applies to the power recovery process (see FIG. 5). Note that a power failure signal 51 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 50b, which will be described later, is input to the NMI (Non Maskable Interrupt) terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 11 when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like. When a power failure occurs, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) in FIG. 3 is immediately executed.

  The MPU 11 incorporating the ROM 12 and RAM 13 is connected to the input / output port 15 via a bus line 14 constituted by an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 15 includes a clear switch 50c provided on the power supply board 50, a payout control board H that performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls by the payout motor 26, and the above-described variation display of the special symbol and the normal symbol. Display control board D for controlling, sound lamp control board S for controlling the output of sound effects from the speaker 42 and controlling the lighting of LEDs and various lamps 43, the ball path blocking solenoid 9a, and other input / output Each is connected to the device 43.

  The payout control board H performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls, and includes an MPU 21 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 22 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 21 and fixed value data, a work memory, and the like. RAM 23 to be used. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 are stored in the ROM 22 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 23 of the payout control board H is supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply board 50 described later even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, similarly to the RAM 13 of the main control board C described above. It is configured so that data can be retained (backed up) even after the device is turned off. The RAM 23 includes a backup area 23a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data.

  In the backup area 23a, when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine P is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. This is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. The writing to the backup area 23a is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 3). Conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 23a is performed when the power is turned on (the power is turned on by eliminating the power failure). In the same way, the power recovery process is executed.

  The MPU 21 incorporating the ROM 22 and the RAM 23 is connected to the input / output port 25 via a bus line 24 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 25 includes a clear switch 50c provided on the power supply board 50, a main control board C, a payout motor 26 for paying out award balls and rental balls, and a launch for launching the balls to the game area. The control board B and other input / output devices 43 are connected to the control board B, respectively.

  The launch control board B is for controlling permission and prohibition of driving of the launch motor 28 for launching the ball to the game area. The firing motor 28 is allowed to drive when the following three conditions are satisfied (can be driven). That is, first, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control board H (S67, S71). Second, a signal indicating that the player is touching the handle 27 is output from the touch sensor 29 provided on the handle 27. Third, the stop switch 30 for stopping the firing is not operated. When the above three conditions are satisfied, the firing control board B outputs a signal permitting driving to the firing motor 28. When the handle is operated in a state where such a signal is output, the firing motor 28 is driven with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle, and launches the ball to the game area with the intensity.

  The display control board D is for controlling a special symbol variation display using the LCD 3 and a normal symbol variation display using the normal symbol display device 6. The display control board D includes an MPU 31, a ROM 32, a work RAM 33, a video RAM 34, a character ROM 35, an image controller 36, an input port 37, and two output ports 39 and 40. The output of the main control board C is connected to the input of the input port 37, and the output of the input port 37 connects the MPU 31, ROM 32, work RAM 33, image controller 36, and one output port 39. A bus line 38 is connected. The LEDs 6 a and 6 b of the normal symbol display device 6 are connected to the output of this one output port 39. The image controller 36 is connected to the input of the output port 40 by a second bus line 41 different from the bus line 38, and the LCD 3 is connected to the output of the output port 40.

  The MPU 31 of the display control board D is for controlling the display of the LCD 3 and the normal symbol display device 6 based on a display command transmitted from the main control board C. The ROM 32 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 31, and the work RAM 33 temporarily stores work data and flags used when the MPU 31 executes various programs. It is a memory for. The program of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the ROM 32 as a part of the control program.

  The video RAM 34 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the LCD 3, and the display content of the LCD 3 is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM 34. The character ROM 35 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the LCD 3. The image controller 36 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 31, the video RAM 34, and the output port 40 to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads display data stored in the video RAM 34 from the character ROM 35 at a predetermined timing to the LCD 3. It is what is displayed.

  The power supply board 50 includes a power supply unit 50a for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine P, a power failure monitoring circuit 50b, and a clear switch 50c. The power failure monitoring circuit 50b is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal 51 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 11 of the main control board C and the NMI terminal of the MPU 21 of the payout control board H when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 50b monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the largest voltage output from the power supply unit 50a, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal 51 is output to the main control board C and the payout control board H. Based on the output of the power failure signal 51, the main control board C and the payout control board H recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure process (NMI interrupt process in FIG. 3).

  Note that the power supply unit 50a normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control board C and the payout control board H can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The clear switch 50c is a switch for clearing data backed up in the RAM 13 of the main control board C and the RAM 23 of the payout control board H, and is configured as a push button type switch. When the clear switch 50c is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output to the main control board C and the payout control board H. When the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on while the clear switch 50c is pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the main control board C and the payout control board H clear the data in the respective RAMs 13 and 23. Is done.

  Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an NMI interrupt process executed by the main control board C and the payout control board H when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption processing, the states of the main control board C and the payout control board H when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like are stored in the respective backup areas 13a and 23a.

  When the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure signal 51 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 50b to the NMI (Non Maskable Interrupt) terminals of the MPUs 11 and 21 of the main control board C and the payout control board H, respectively. Is done. Then, the MPUs 11 and 21 interrupt the control being executed and start the NMI interrupt process of FIG. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 3 is stored in the ROMs 12 and 22 of the main control board C and the payout control board H, respectively. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal 51 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 50a so that the processing of the main control board C and the payout control board H can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is performed within this predetermined time. Executed.

  In the NMI interrupt process, first, the values of each register and I / O are written to the stack area (S1), and then the values of the stack pointer are written to the backup areas 13a and 23a and saved (S2). Further, the power failure occurrence information is written in the backup areas 13a and 23a (S3), and the state at the time of power failure due to the occurrence of the power failure or the like is stored. Thereafter, after other power failure processing is executed (S4), the processing is looped until the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main process executed on the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. The main control of the pachinko machine P is executed by this main process. In the main process, interrupts are first prohibited (S11), and then the initialization process shown in FIG. 5 is executed (S12).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the initialization process (S12) executed in the main process of the main control board C when the pachinko machine P is turned on. In this process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 13a is returned to the original state, and the game control is continued from the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid, or if the clear switch 50c is pressed when the power is turned on even if the backup is valid, RAM clear and initialization processing is executed. Although this initialization process (S12) is described in the form of a subroutine, it is a process that is executed before setting the stack pointer, so it is actually executed in sequence after the process of S11 without calling a subroutine. The

  First, a stack pointer is set (S41), and then it is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 50c is turned on (S42). If the clear switch 50c is not turned on (S42: No), it is confirmed whether the backup is valid (S43). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 is correctly stored. If the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. On the other hand, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. If the backup is valid (S43: Yes), the process proceeds to S46, the operation timing adjustment process (see FIG. 6) is executed, and then each state of the main control board C is returned to the state before the power is turned off. Let On the other hand, if the backup is not valid (S43: No) or the clear switch 50c is turned on (S42: Yes), RAM clear and initialization processing is executed (S44), and the RAM 13 and I / O, etc. Are initialized, an operation timing adjustment process (see FIG. 6) is executed, and the initialization process ends. After the process of S45 is completed, the process of S13 in FIG. 4 is executed.

  Note that the operation timing adjustment processing (S45, S46) is performed so that the timings at which the control boards C, H, B, D, and S start the game control after the start-up processing is almost the same. This is a process for adjustment. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the process from S46, first, the operation timing adjustment process is executed (S46), and then the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 13a and written to the stack pointer. That is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interrupt is restored (S47). Thereafter, the stack area after returning the value of the stack pointer, that is, data such as each register and I / O saved in the backup area 13a is read from the backup area 13a, and these data are read from the original register and I / O. Etc. (S48). Further, the interrupt state is returned to the state before the power interruption (before the power failure) stored in the process of FIG. 3 executed at the time of the power failure, that is, the state before the NMI interrupt is generated (S49), and the NMI interrupt return. To return to the place where the processing was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. In the process of S13, a timer interrupt is set (S13). Examples of the timer interrupt set here include a timer interrupt that generates a strobe signal for transmitting a command to each control board H, D, and S. After setting the timer interrupt, each interrupt is permitted (S14). After the interruption is permitted, the output data updated in the previous process is output to each port at once by the special symbol variation process (S25), display data creation process (S27), ramp / information processing (S28), etc. The port output process is executed (S15).

  Further, a random number update process (S16) for updating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot by “+1” is executed, and a storage timer subtraction process is executed (S17). The storage timer subtraction process shortens the time for symbol variation display when there is a predetermined number or more of reserved balls for jackpot determination and the symbol variation display is being performed on the LCD 3.

  In the switch monitoring process (S18), according to the state of each switch read by the INT interrupt, a ball that has been driven into the game area is awarded to the winning port 2, the winning port 5, and the symbol operating port 4, Processing related to passing through the gate 7 and payout of prize balls is performed. In the symbol counter update process (S20), a counter update process for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed as a result of the variable display performed on the LCD 3 is performed. In the symbol check process (S21), based on the counter value updated in the symbol counter update process (S20), the jackpot symbol, the off symbol, and the reach symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S25). Etc. are determined.

  After that, the normal symbol variation process (S23) displays the variation of the “O” and “X” LEDs 6a and 6b as the ordinary symbols, and if the variation display results in a jackpot, the ordinary electric accessory is displayed. A jackpot process is performed to open the (first type symbol operating port 4) for a predetermined time. After that, the state flag is checked (S24), and if the special symbol variation start or variation display is in progress on the LCD 3 (S24: during symbol variation), the ball passes the symbol operation port 4 by the special symbol variation process (S25). Based on the value of the random number counter read at the timing of the determination, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and the special symbol variation process is executed on the LCD 3. On the other hand, if the result of checking the status flag indicates that the jackpot is being hit (S24: hitting the jackpot), a jackpot process (S26) such as opening the jackpot 5 is executed. Further, as a result of checking the status flag, if the symbol is neither changing nor being a big hit (S24: Other), the processing of S25 and S26 is skipped and the process proceeds to the display data creation processing of S27.

  In the display data creation process (S27), the demo data displayed on the LCD 3 in addition to the symbol variation display, the display data of the “◯” and “x” LEDs 6a and 6b, etc. are created, and the lamp / information processing (S28). Then, various ramp data including the ramp data of the holding ball are created. In the sound effect process (S29), sound effect data corresponding to the game situation is created. These display data and sound effect data are output to the control boards H, D, and S by the port output process (S15) and the timer interrupt process.

  After the end of the sound effect process (S29), the random number initial value update process (S30) for updating the initial value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot during the remaining time until the next execution timing of the process of S15 comes. ) Repeatedly. Since each process of S15 to S29 needs to be executed periodically, in the process of S31, an elapsed time from the previous execution of the process of S15 is checked (S31). As a result of the check, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S15 (S31: Yes), the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (S31: No), the process proceeds to S30. And the execution of the random number initial value update process (S30) is repeated. Here, since the execution time of each process of S15-S29 changes according to the state of a game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the process of S15 comes is not a fixed time. Therefore, the initial value of the random number counter can be updated at random by repeatedly executing the random number initial value update process (S30) using the remaining time.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation timing adjustment process (S45, S46) executed in the initialization process of FIG. 4 on the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. The operation timing adjustment process is performed for each control board including the main control board C (the payout control board H, the launch control board B, the display control board D, and the sound lamp control board S) after the start-up process is completed. The start timing is adjusted.

  First, the ball path blocking solenoid 9a is turned on (S51), and the valve element 9b is projected to the ball path 8 to block the ball path. Thus, the valve body 9b protruding into the ball path 8 can reliably prevent the ball from being driven into the game area before each control board C, H, B, D, S starts its operation. it can.

  After the ball path 8 is blocked by the valve body 9b, a first weight process is executed (S52), and then an operation permission command is sent to each control board (dispensing control board H, display control board D, voice lamp control board S). Transmit (S53). When each control board H, D, S receives this operation permission command, it completes the start-up process and starts controlling the game. Note that a launch permission signal is output from the payout control board H that has received the operation permission command to the launch control board B (see S67 and S71 in FIG. 7). Here, the progress of the process is weighted for the first predetermined time by the first wait process. The first predetermined time is set based on the startup time of the control boards C, H, D, and S having the latest startup time. That is, when the main control board C completes the execution of the first wait process (S52), the start-up process of all the control boards C, H, D, S is surely completed and the game control can be started immediately. As described above, the first predetermined time is set.

  Each control board C, H, B, D, and S of the pachinko machine P is added with various functions every time the model is changed. Therefore, the time required for start-up processing for each model or each control board is affected by the function. Are different. Since the game of the pachinko machine P is controlled by the control boards C, H, B, D, and S, the control start timing is adjusted so that the control boards C, H, B, D, and S It is desirable to be able to start game control all at once. At that time, each control board C, H, B, D, S confirmed the completion of the startup process in both directions, and all the control boards C, H, B, D, S completed the startup process. It can be considered that the game control is started after confirming this, but the control becomes extremely complicated.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first predetermined time is set based on the startup time of the control boards C, H, D, and S having the latest startup time, and after waiting for the predetermined time, the main control board is set. An operation permission command is transmitted from C to each of the control boards H, D, and S, and control of the game is started simultaneously on each of the control boards C, H, D, and S. Therefore, the control start timing can be adjusted with a simplified program. Further, even when the startup time of some control boards changes due to a design change or the like, the first predetermined time of the first wait process of the main control board C is changed in accordance with the changed control boards. Since it can respond easily, it has the outstanding versatility. In this embodiment, the wait process is timed by a soft timer. However, the first predetermined time may be measured using a timer, a free running counter, or the like built in the MPU 11 instead of the soft timer.

  After the operation permission command is transmitted to each of the control boards H, D, and S, the second wait process is executed (S54) and waits for a second predetermined time. Thereafter, the ball path blocking solenoid 9a is turned off (S55), the valve body 9b is returned from the ball path 8, the block of the ball path 8 is released, and this operation timing adjustment process is ended. The second wait process is provided in consideration of the time until each control board H, D, S that has received the operation permission command actually starts controlling the game. Since the launch control board B is configured by a logic circuit that does not have an MPU, when the launch permission signal output from the payout control board H that has received the operation permission command is input, the other control boards H, D, and S are input. Compared to the above, the firing motor 28 can be fired in a very short time. Therefore, the second weight process is provided so that the ball is not driven into the game area before each control board H, D, S that has received the operation permission command starts controlling the game, and the ball path 8 is blocked. The release is slightly delayed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the main process of the payout control board H. In this main process, first, the stack pointer is set (S61), and then the launch permission signal output to the launch control board B is turned off (S62) to prohibit the launch of the ball. It is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 50c is turned on (S63). If it is not turned on (S63: No), it is confirmed whether or not the backup is valid (S64). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 23 is correctly stored. If the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. On the other hand, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. If the backup is valid (S64: Yes), the process proceeds to S70 and waits for reception of an operation permission command transmitted from the main control board C.

  On the other hand, if the backup is not valid (S64: No) or the clear switch 50c is turned on (S63: Yes), RAM clear and initialization processing is executed (S65), and the RAM 23, I / O, etc. Are initialized, and the start-up process of the payout control board H is completed.

  Thereafter, the control waits until the operation permission command transmitted from the main control board C is received (S66: No). If the operation permission command is received (S66: Yes), the control starts. Specifically, after outputting the firing permission signal to the firing control board B (S67), the interruption is permitted (S68), and each process executed in the main process of the payout control board H is executed (S69). Each of these processes is repeated. Thereby, the payout control board H can match the progress timing of the control after the start-up process with the timing of the main control board C. It should be noted that the launch permission signal continues to be output from the payout control board H to the launch control board B unless the launch of the ball is prohibited. In other words, if the firing control board B does not output a firing permission signal from the payout control board H, the firing motor 28 cannot make the firing motor 28 ready to fire.

  In the processing from S70, firstly, the control waits until the operation permission command transmitted from the main control board C is received (S70: No). If the operation permission command is received (S70: Yes), the control starts. Specifically, after outputting a firing permission signal to the firing control board B (S71), the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 23a and written to the stack pointer, before power is turned off (before power failure), That is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interrupt is restored (S72). After that, the stack area after returning the value of the stack pointer, that is, data such as each register and I / O saved in the backup area 23a is read from the backup area 23a, and each data is read from the original register and I / O. Etc. (S73). Further, the interrupt state is returned to the state before the power interruption (before the power failure) stored in the processing of FIG. 3 executed at the time of the power failure, that is, the state before the NMI interrupt is generated (S74), and the NMI interrupt return. To return to the place where the processing was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off. Thus, even when the backup is valid, the payout control board H can match the progress timing of the control after the start-up process with the timing of the main control board C.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main process of the display control board D. In this main process, first, an initialization process as a start-up process is executed (S81), a character or the like can be displayed on the display screen of the LCD 3, and "Please wait for a while" is displayed on the LCD 3 screen. (S82). With this display, the control waits until an operation permission command transmitted from the main control board C is received (S83: No). If the operation permission command is received (S83: Yes), each process executed in the main process of the display control board D is executed (S84), and each process is repeated.

  Thereby, the display control board D can match the control progress timing after the start-up process with the timing of the main control board C. Moreover, since a predetermined standby message is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 3 during the standby period, even if it takes a long time for the game to start after the power is turned on, the pachinko machine P may be damaged. It is possible to wait for the start-up process of the entire pachinko machine P without causing any anxiety.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, after the power is turned on, each sub control board (each sub control board) H, D, S completes the start-up process on the main control board C. After executing a first wait process that waits for a sufficient first predetermined time, an operation permission command is transmitted to each sub-control board (payout control board H, display control board D, sound lamp control board S). It is configured. Each sub-control board H, D, S waits for the progress of the control after the startup process until such an operation permission command is received, and after receiving the operation permission command, It is configured to start control. Therefore, the operation timing after the start-up process of the main control board C and each of the sub control boards H, D, S can be adjusted to substantially the same timing without using complicated control.

  The startup time of the main control board C and each of the sub control boards H, D, S (time until the initialization process is completed) varies depending on the types of the sub control boards H, D, S, and the sub control board H , D, and S are different for each model of the pachinko machine P even if the types are the same. In such a case, in order to smoothly start up the pachinko machine P, it is necessary to adjust the start-up timing between the main control board C and the sub-control boards H, D, S. As this adjustment method, when each control board C, H, D, S completes its own start-up process, it communicates to that effect, and all control boards C, H, D, S start up. A method of proceeding control after confirming that the processing is completed can be considered. However, according to such an adjustment method, the control boards C, H, D, and S must be configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with each other. Further, when the number of control boards increases, the startup timing adjustment process becomes very complicated. Furthermore, the control must be configured so that the start-up completion signal output from the control board that has completed the start-up process can be input to the control board during the start-up process, which makes control extremely complicated.

  Further, since the sub control boards H, D, and S are controlled mainly by commands transmitted from the main control board C, if the sub control boards H, D, and S are started before the main control board C, the sub control boards H, D, and S are controlled. Since the control boards H, D, and S wait for a command to be transmitted after the start-up process of the main control board C is completed, the command can be reliably received. As a result, the main control board C and the sub-control board H can be received. , D and S can be adjusted, and control can be started smoothly. In other words, the start-up of the main control board C is terminated after the sub-control boards H, D, S.

  For this purpose, a delay circuit is provided for delaying the reset signal output to each control board C, H, D, S when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on to the main control board C in a hardware manner. The start timing of the start-up process of the main control board C is started from the sub control boards H, D, S by delaying the input timing of the reset signal to C from the input timing of the reset signal to the sub control boards H, D, S. It is also conceivable that the start-up of the main control board C after the sub-control boards H, D, S is terminated by delaying. However, as represented by the recent increase in size of the LCD 3, etc., the burden on the sub-control boards H, D, and S that control each part of the pachinko machine P tends to increase. For this reason, the startup time of the sub-control boards H, D, and S tends to increase, and cannot be handled by hardware delay circuits alone. Further, since the sub control boards H, D, and S are configured to share control of the pachinko machine P, the sub control boards H, D, and S may be individually replaced to form different models. In such a case, the combination of the main control board C and the sub control boards H, D, and S constituting the pachinko machine P is different, so that the delay circuit must be designed in accordance with the combination, and the hardware The delay circuit alone cannot handle it.

  On the other hand, the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment is configured to output an operation permission to the sub control boards H, D, S after executing a wait process for a predetermined time on the main control board C. The operation timings of the main control board C and the sub control boards H, D, and S can be easily adjusted without using only complicated control and hardware delay circuits. This is because the weight time can be easily adjusted. A hardware delay circuit may be added to the configuration of this embodiment.

  Note that the timing means described in claim 1 in this embodiment corresponds to the first wait process (S52) executed in the operation timing adjustment process (FIG. 6).

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.

  In the operation timing adjustment process of S45 and S46 in the above-described embodiment, the first wait process (S51) has waited for the first predetermined time, but the wait time of the first wait process in the operation timing adjustment process of S45 The wait time of the first wait process in the process of S46 may be a different time. That is, since the operation timing adjustment process of S45 is executed after the RAM clear and initialization process (S44), the wait time of the first wait process in the operation timing adjustment process of S46 is shortened by the time of the process of S44. You may make it do.

  In the above embodiment, a blocking valve 9 for blocking the ball path 8 is provided in order to prevent the ball from being launched into the game area during the start-up process of each control board C, H, D, S. The firing motor 28 is configured so as not to be fired unless a firing permission signal is output from the dispensing control board H to the firing control board B. However, it is not always necessary to provide both configurations simultaneously in one pachinko machine P, and only one of the configurations is provided, and the ball is played in the game area during the start-up process of each control board C, H, D, S. May be prevented from being fired. Note that once the firing permission signal is output from the dispensing control board H to the firing control board B, the firing motor 28 is fired regardless of the output state of the firing permission signal until the next firing prohibition signal is output. You may comprise so that it may be in a possible state.

  Further, until the start-up process of each control board C, H, D, S is completed, the power supply to the launch control board B or the launch motor 28 is stopped so that the ball is not launched into the game area. May be. When stopping the ball launching into the game area by the blockade valve 9 (when the firing permission signal is not used), the fired ball will not be driven into the game area, but the ball can be fired, so the user will be out of order. This is not desirable. On the other hand, if the power supply to the launch control board B or the launch motor 28 is stopped, the launch itself is not performed, so the launch of the ball to the game area is stopped without giving the player a sense of incongruity. be able to. In addition, there is one system that stops the ball launching to the game area by the blocking valve 9 and one system that stops the power supply to the launch control board B or the launch motor 28 to stop the ball launch to the game area. It may be added to the pachinko machine.

  The launch control board B and the payout control board H are configured separately, but the launch control board B is built in the payout control board H (or vice versa), and both control boards B and H are controlled by one. You may comprise with a board | substrate. According to such a configuration, the firing permission signal (S62, S67, S71 in FIG. 7) output from the payout control board H to the firing control board B becomes unnecessary, and the control can be simplified correspondingly.

  The ball path blocking solenoid 9a may be constituted by a keep solenoid that is a self-holding solenoid. The keep solenoid is a combination of a high performance permanent magnet and a conventional open frame solenoid. When an instantaneous energization (one pulse) is applied to the coil, the plunger attracts the shaft, and after the attraction, the shaft is attracted and held by a permanent magnet. By using this keep solenoid for the ball path blocking solenoid 9a, it is possible to extend the life of the power supply substrate 50 and to reduce the heat generation of the ball path blocking solenoid 9a itself.

  You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said Example. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine (commonly known as a two-time right, a three-time right, etc.) that increases the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, twice or three times). May also be implemented. Moreover, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state on the condition that a ball is awarded in a predetermined area. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the game machine may be implemented as various game machines such as an alepatchi, a sparrow ball, a slot machine, a game machine in which a so-called pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

  In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is that “a variable display means for confirming and displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed in a variable manner, and the symbol resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operating lever). The change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol Is a slot machine provided with a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player. In this case, the game medium is typically a coin, a medal or the like.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable display means for displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  The modification of this invention is shown below. In a gaming machine comprising main control means for controlling a game and sub-control means for controlling a game based on a command output from the main control means, the sub-control means is connected to the main control means. A gaming machine 1 that waits for the progress of control until an operation permission is input. Control of the game of the pachinko machine is mainly performed by the main control means. The main control means includes a payout control means for paying out a prize ball and a lending ball, a sound lamp control means for effect sound output control and lamp lighting control, and a display for display control such as symbol variation display. Sub-control means such as control means are connected. These sub-control means are controlled mainly by commands transmitted from the main control means. When the power of the pachinko machine is turned on, each control unit performs its own startup process (initialization process). Only after the start-up process is completed can the game control proceed. However, since the time required for the start-up process varies from control means to control means, the control means that finishes the start-up process early will start control before the start-up process of other control means is finished, causing a malfunction. It becomes. According to the gaming machine 1, the sub-control unit waits for the control to proceed until the operation permission is input from the main control unit. Therefore, even if the time required for the start-up process varies from one control unit to another, By adjusting the operation timing of the means, the gaming machine can be operated normally after the power is turned on.

  2. The gaming machine or the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control means includes a time measuring means for executing a wait process for a predetermined time after power-on, and after the wait for the predetermined time by the time measuring means, the sub-control A gaming machine 2 that outputs an operation permission to the means. The start-up time of the main control means and the sub-control means (time until the initialization process is completed) differs for each model. Further, when there are a plurality of sub-control means, each sub-control means is different. In such a case, in order to smoothly start up the gaming machine, it is necessary to adjust the startup timing between the main control means and the sub-control means. In this adjustment method, when each start-up process is completed, the respective control means communicate with each other, and control is advanced after it is confirmed that the start-up processes of all the control means are completed. A method is conceivable. However, according to such an adjustment method, each control means must be configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with each other. In addition, when the number of control means increases, the startup timing adjustment process becomes very complicated. Furthermore, the control must be configured so that the start-up completion signal output from the control means that has completed the start-up process can be input by the control means during the start-up process, and the control becomes complicated in this respect as well.

  In addition, since the sub-control means is controlled mainly by a command transmitted from the main control means, if the sub-control means is started before the main control means, the sub-control means will be set after the start-up process of the main control means is completed. Since the command to be transmitted is waited, the command can be reliably received. As a result, the operation timing of the main control means and the sub control means can be adjusted, and the control can be started smoothly. In other words, the main control means is started up and terminated after the sub-control means. For this purpose, a delay circuit is provided for delaying the reset signal output to each control means when the gaming machine is turned on to the main control means, and the input timing of the reset signal to the main control means is provided to the sub-control means. It is also conceivable that the main control means is started after the sub-control means and delayed by delaying the start of the start-up process of the main control means from the sub-control means with a delay from the input timing of the reset signal. However, as represented by the recent increase in size of liquid crystal display devices and the like, the burden on the sub-control means for controlling each part of the gaming machine tends to increase. For this reason, the start-up time of the sub-control means tends to increase, and it cannot be handled only by a hardware delay circuit. Further, since the sub-control means is configured to share the control of the gaming machine, the sub-control means may be individually replaced to form a different model. In such a case, the combination of the main control means and the sub-control means constituting the gaming machine is different, so that a delay circuit must be designed for each combination, and only a hardware delay circuit can be used. Absent.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine 2 is configured to output the operation permission to the sub-control unit after the main control unit executes the wait process for a predetermined time by the timing unit, so that complicated control and hardware The operation timing of the main control means and the sub control means can be easily adjusted without using only the delay circuit. This is because the weight time can be easily adjusted. Note that the configuration of the gaming machine 2 may be provided together with a hardware delay circuit.

  2. The gaming machine or the gaming machine 2 according to claim 1, wherein the timing means executes a wait process for a predetermined time, and the main control means ends the start-up process of the sub-control means by the timing means. It is configured to end its own start-up process later, and outputs an operation permission for allowing the sub-control means to proceed with the control of the sub-control means after the end of the self-start-up process. Characteristic gaming machine 3. Since the main control means executes the wait process for a predetermined time by the time measuring means and outputs the operation permission to the sub control means, the main control means can be used without using complicated control and hardware delay circuits. The operation timing of the control means and the sub control means can be easily adjusted. This is because the weight time can be easily adjusted. Note that the configuration of the gaming machine 3 may be provided together with a hardware delay circuit.

  In the gaming machine 2 or 3, a plurality of the sub control means are provided, and the predetermined time for the main control means to wait is set based on the rise time of the sub control means having the slowest rise time. A gaming machine 4. For example, the total time of the start-up process (initialization process) of the main control means and the wait process for a predetermined time is set to a time longer than the rise time of the sub-control means having the slowest rise time. According to such a configuration, after the completion of the startup of the main control means (including the execution of the wait process), all the sub-control means are surely started up. The operations of the control means and the sub-control means can be started simultaneously.

  Any one of the gaming machines 1 to 4 has a display device for displaying characters and images, and the sub-control means includes a display control means for performing display control using the display device. The gaming machine 5 according to claim 5, wherein the control means performs a predetermined display on the display device until an operation permission is input from the main control means. If the start-up process after power-on takes a long time, the gaming machine does not operate during that time, which is not preferable because the user may think that the gaming machine is out of order. According to the gaming machine 5, since the predetermined display is made on the display device until the start-up process is completed, the user's anxiety during the start-up time can be resolved. In addition, as the predetermined display, a display indicating that the operation is waiting, a display for allowing the user to wait for the start of the game, and a display indicating that the start-up process is being executed, etc. Is exemplified.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 5, the ball is fired to the game area to play a game, and the ball is not allowed to be fired to the game area until an operation permission is output from the main control means. A gaming machine 6 characterized by comprising launch control means. Since the firing restriction means disables the ball from being launched into the game area until the operation permission is output from the main control means, the game area is not yet played until the operations of the main control means and the sub-control means are started. The ball is not fired, and therefore the gaming state is not changed.

  The gaming machine 6 includes launching means for launching a ball into the game area, and the launch restricting means closes a passage path of the ball launched from the launching means to the game area, thereby launching the ball into the game area. A gaming machine 7 that is disabled.

  In the gaming machine 7, the launch restricting means includes a switch means disposed on the outer side of the passage path to the game area of the ball, and a sealing means that projects into the passage path when the switch means is operated. And the launch restricting means operates the switch means until the operation permission from the main control means is input, and blocks the passage route of the ball by the blocking means. 8. In addition, an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid or a keep solenoid can be exemplified as the switch means, and a block valve or the like can be exemplified as the block means.

  Any one of the gaming machines 6 to 8 includes launching means for launching the ball to the game area, and the launching means waits for the launch of the ball until the launch permission is input. The gaming machine 9 is characterized in that it waits for a firing permission output to the launching means until an operation permission is input from the control means.

  In any one of the gaming machines 6 to 8, the game machine includes a launching unit that launches a ball to the game area, and the launching unit is configured to be unable to launch a ball when a launch permission signal is not input. The gaming machine 10 is characterized in that the firing restriction means waits for an output of a firing permission signal to the firing means until an operation permission from the main control means is inputted. Any one of the gaming machines 6 to 8 includes launching means for launching a ball to the game area, and the launching means is configured to be able to launch a ball only when a launch permission signal is input. The gaming machine 11 is characterized in that the regulating means waits for an output of a firing permission signal to the launching means until an operation permission from the main control means is input.

  Any one of the gaming machines 6 to 8 includes a launching unit that launches a ball to the game area, and the launching control unit supplies driving power to the launching unit until an operation permission is input from the main control unit. A gaming machine 12 characterized by being stopped. The launching unit is exemplified by a launch control board and a launching motor, and the launching control unit is exemplified by a discharge control board that supplies driving power to the launching control board and launching motor.

  In any one of the gaming machines 9 to 12, the main control means outputs an operation permission to the sub-control means to allow the launching means to launch the ball, and after the second predetermined time has elapsed, the main control means A gaming machine 13 that releases the blockage of the passage route to the gaming area. After the operation permission is output from the main control means, even if the launching means can operate earlier than the other sub-control means, the passage path to the game area of the ball is blocked until the second predetermined time has passed. Therefore, the ball can be launched into the game area after the sub-control means can be reliably operated. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reflect the outcome of the game with the ball launched into the game area.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 13, the operation permission output from the main control unit to the sub control unit is also used as a signal output to the sub control unit at the end of the startup process of the main control unit. A gaming machine 14 characterized by A signal that is output to the sub-control means at the end of the start-up process of the main control means, and is also used as an operation permission signal. For the main control means, the number of output signals during the start-up process is For the means, the number of input signals during the start-up process can be reduced to improve the efficiency of the start-up process.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 13, the operation permission output from the main control means to the sub-control means is constituted by a signal for notifying the sub-control means of the state of the gaming machine. . By combining the operation permission signal with a signal that informs the state of the gaming machine, the number of output signals at the time of start-up processing for the main control means, while the number of input signals at the time of start-up processing for the sub-control means Can be reduced to improve the efficiency of the startup process. In addition, as a signal notifying the state of the gaming machine, a tank state signal (command) indicating whether or not the storage tank of the ball is empty, and a lower plate state signal indicating whether or not the lower plate is full of balls (Command) etc. can be illustrated.

  The gaming machine 16 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and in response to the operation of the operation handle, a ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the ball is awarded to an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition (or passing through the working port), the identification information variably displayed on the display means is determined and stopped after a predetermined time. Further, at the time of outputting the special gaming state, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include values to which value (including information written on a magnetic card as well as premium balls) is given.

  16. The gaming machine 17 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever) Alternatively, when a predetermined time elapses, the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is output on the condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. A gaming machine provided with a special gaming state output means. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  16. The gaming machine 18 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine includes “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The variation of the identification information is started due to the operation, the variation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed, and the confirmation at the time of the stop is confirmed. Special game state output means for outputting a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the identification information is specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium, and at the time of starting the variation of the identification information Is a gaming machine that requires a predetermined number of balls and is configured so that a large number of balls are paid out when the special gaming state is output.

1 Game board 3 Liquid crystal display (LCD)
8 Ball path 9 Blocking valve 9a Ball path blocking solenoid 9b Valve body 13a, 23a Backup area 27 Handle 28 Launch motor 29 Touch sensor 30 Stop switch 50 Power supply board 50a Power supply unit 50b Power failure monitoring circuit 50c Clear switch 51 Power failure signal 52 Clear signal B Launch control board C Main control board (main control means)
D Display control board (one of the sub-control means)
H Discharge control board (one of the sub-control means)
P Pachinko machine (game machine)

Claims (1)

  A gaming machine comprising main control means for controlling a game and sub-control means for controlling the game in cooperation with the main control means.

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