JP2011115659A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of retaining the randomness of counter values. <P>SOLUTION: When the content of a first RAM is cleared to "0" (S13), the value of the next initial value memory in a second RAM is written in a random number counter of the first RAM and in a current initial value memory (S14 and S15). Accordingly, the updated initial value in the random number counter can be randomly selected from among "0-630" without being fixed value. As a result, even if the content of storage in the first RAM is broken because backup of the first RAM is not effectively executed, inclination of the updated initial value in the random number counter toward a specific fixed value (e.g. "0") can be avoided, and therefore, the randomness of random number values can be retained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, this type of pachinko gaming machine or the like has a display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and starts variably displaying based on a ball that has been driven into the game area winning a symbol operating opening. It is configured as follows. When this variation display matches a predetermined symbol combination, a big hit is made and a predetermined game value is given to the player.

  By the way, the presence / absence of such a jackpot is determined by the timing at which the ball wins the symbol operating port, that is, the timing at which the starting condition of the symbol display is established. That is, the occurrence of a jackpot is determined based on the game conditions that change periodically in the gaming machine and the timing at which the start conditions are established.

  By configuring in this way, the player will be delighted at the timing when the starting condition is established. In addition, the jackpot formation, which is most desired by the players, is given randomness and fairness, and as a result, it is aimed at improving interest.

  However, it may be necessary to return the gaming state to the initial state, for example, during gaming (for example, due to a power failure or closing of a store). The game condition for jackpot determination that has been continuously and periodically changed by this initialization process is also returned to the initial state set in the gaming machine that has nothing to do with the change state until then, There was a fear that the randomness of the game conditions to be continuously changed would be interrupted.

  Therefore, the randomness and fairness of the jackpot that is the basis of the gaming machine is impaired, and the gaming property is remarkably lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can always maintain the jackpot randomness and fairness in the gaming machine.

  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a random number counter updated at a predetermined timing, and determines whether or not to give a predetermined game value to the player based on the value of the random number counter. The first storage means and the second storage means for storing the value of the random number counter, the second storage means is configured separately from the first storage means, Even after the power is turned off, the value of the random number counter can be held without using a backup power supply.

  Means effective for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the operation | movement etc. are demonstrated as needed.

  Means 1. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first storage means is constituted by a volatile memory.

  Examples of the volatile memory include a dynamic RAM and a static RAM that does not supply a backup voltage.

  Mean 2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said second storage means is constituted by a non-volatile memory.

  Examples of the non-volatile memory include an EEPROM, a flash memory, and a static RAM that is supplied with a backup voltage.

  Means 3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to means 1 or 2, wherein the random number counter includes at least one random number counter for determining whether or not to give a predetermined gaming value to the player, and the one random number counter. And a random number counter that determines a gaming state different from the random number counter of the game machine.

  According to the means 3, the random number counter includes at least one random number counter that determines whether or not to give a predetermined game value to the player, and another random number that determines a game state different from the one random number counter. And a counter. As a result, while maintaining the randomness and fairness of the predetermined gaming value (big win state) in the gaming machine, the randomness and fairness of the gaming state other than the granting of the predetermined gaming value (big hit state) should also be maintained Can do.

  Means 4. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the other random number counter can affect the one random number counter.

  According to the means 4, the other random number counter can influence the one random number counter. For example, an example in which a value (initial value determination random number) at which one random number counter starts updating is set by another random number counter is exemplified. As a result, it is possible to maintain the randomness and fairness of a predetermined game value (a jackpot state) in the gaming machine.

  Means 5. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the second storage means stores at least the other random number counter.

  According to the means 5, the second storage means stores at least another random number counter. As a result, even if the stored contents stored in the first storage means are erased, the random number of a predetermined game value (a jackpot state) in the gaming machine based on another random number counter stored in the second storage means Sex and fairness can be maintained.

  Means 6. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein said second storage means only has minimum information of said other random number counter that can affect said one random number counter. A gaming machine that is memorized.

  According to the means 6, the second storage means stores only other random number counters that can affect one random number counter. As a result, it is possible to maintain the randomness and fairness of a predetermined game value (a jackpot state) in the gaming machine. Examples of other random number counters that can affect one random number counter include an initial value determination random number counter that determines an update start value of one random number counter.

  Mean 7 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the minimum information of the other random number counter stored in the second storage means is data composed of 2 bytes or more.

  According to the means 7, the information of the second random number counter stored in the second storage means is composed of 2 bytes. As a result, there is an effect that the writing time to the second storage means can be shortened.

  Means 8. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the value of another random number counter stored in the second storage means is stored in the first storage means. A gaming machine comprising a writing means for writing to the random number counter.

  Means 9. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the value of the first random number counter and the value of the other random number counter are updated within the same range.

  Since the value of one random number counter and the value of the other random number counter are updated within the same range, even if the value of the other random number counter is written in the one random number counter, the subsequent processing can proceed normally.

  Means 10. 10. A gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the writing by the writing means is performed every n cycles of updating the one random number counter.

  Since n is a natural number, the n period means, for example, one period, two periods, three periods,.

  Means 11. In the gaming machine according to means 8 or 9, the game machine includes first clear means that operates in response to an operation of an operator and clears the content stored in the first storage means, and the writing by the writing means A gaming machine, which is performed when the contents of the first storage means are cleared by the first clearing means.

  Note that the first clearing unit does not necessarily clear all the contents stored in the first storage unit, and may clear only a part of the contents stored in the first storage unit. . For example, the first clearing unit may clear only the value of one random number counter stored in the first storage unit.

  Means 12. In the gaming machine according to means 8 or 9, the first backup means for holding the value of the one random number counter even after the power is turned off, and the value of the one random number counter stored in the first storage means are Backup confirmation means for confirming whether it is held effectively, and writing by the writing means is such that the value of the one random number counter is effectively held in the first storage means by the backup confirmation means A game machine that is performed when it cannot be confirmed.

  Whether or not the value of the 1 random number counter is effectively held is determined by checking whether the backup voltage value supplied by the first backup means, the value of the 1 random number counter is at a normal value, Judgment is made based on whether or not the storage state of the first storage means having one random number counter is normal (for example, whether or not the written keyword is normal).

  Means 13. 10. A gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the writing by the writing means is performed by an initialization process executed when power is turned on.

  Means 14. 14. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 13, wherein the storing process to the second storing means is executed at a predetermined timing.

  Means 15. 15. A gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the storing process is executed based on a periodic condition that occurs during a game-ready state.

  Means 16. 15. A gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the storage process is executed based on irregular conditions that occur during a game-ready state.

  Means 17. 15. A gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the storage process is executed while transitioning from the game enabled state to the game disabled state.

  Means 18. The gaming machine according to means 14, further comprising a power failure process for resuming (continuing) a game from the state when the power is turned off after the power is turned on again even when the power is turned off while the game is in progress. A game machine characterized in that the process is performed by the power failure process.

  Means 19. The gaming machine described in means 14 includes a termination process that is a process that is executed when the power is turned off and that can be normally executed when the power is turned on next time, and the storage process is performed in the termination process. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  Means 20. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 19, wherein it is determined whether or not the value of another random number counter stored in the second storage means is within a predetermined range. A gaming machine comprising: determining means; and waiting means for waiting for processing when the determining means determines that the value of the other random number counter is not within a predetermined range.

  Means 21. The gaming machine according to means 20, further comprising main control means for controlling the progress of the game, wherein the determination means and standby means are provided in the main control means, and the standby means is executed by the main control means. A gaming machine characterized by waiting for processing.

  When the value of the other random number counter is not within the predetermined range, the waiting means waits for the process of the main control means, so that the progress of the game itself can be waited.

  Means 22. The means 20 or 21 includes a second clearing means that operates in response to an operation of the operator and clears the contents stored in the second storage means. A gaming machine that is released when the two clearing means are activated.

  The second clearing unit does not necessarily clear all the contents stored in the second storage unit, and may clear only a part of the contents stored in the second storage unit. . For example, the second clearing unit may clear only the value of another random number counter stored in the second storage unit.

  Means 23. 23. A gaming machine according to claim 1, or a gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 22, wherein said second clearing means operates in response to an operation by an operator and clears the contents stored in said second storage means. A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  The second clearing unit does not necessarily clear all the contents stored in the second storage unit, and may clear only a part of the contents stored in the second storage unit. . For example, the second clearing unit may clear only the value of another random number counter stored in the second storage unit.

  Means 24. The gaming machine described in means 23 is characterized in that the second clearing means includes one or more switch means, and operates when the switch means is operated under a predetermined condition. Gaming machine.

  Means 25. 25. A gaming machine according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the second clearing means clears the second storage means and also clears the first storage means.

  Means 26. 26. The gaming machine according to any one of means 23 to 25, wherein the second clearing means is provided in the main control means.

  Means 27. 27. A game machine according to claim 1, or a game machine according to any one of means 1 to 26, wherein said first clear means operates in response to an operation of an operator and clears the contents stored in said first storage means. A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  Note that the first clearing unit does not necessarily clear all the contents stored in the first storage unit, and may clear only a part of the contents stored in the first storage unit. . For example, the first clearing unit may clear only the value of one random number counter stored in the first storage unit.

  Means 28. 27. The game machine according to claim 27, wherein the game control proceeds and main control means including the first storage means and second storage means, and one or more controls provided in addition to the main control means. And a signal output means configured to be able to output a signal to each control means. The first clear means outputs a clear signal to the main control means by the signal output means. A game machine characterized in that the control means clears the contents of the first storage means.

  Means 29. 29. A gaming machine according to claim 28, wherein the first clearing means and the signal output means are provided in a power supply means for supplying power to the main control means.

  Means 30. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 29, further comprising first backup means for retaining the contents stored in the first storage means even after the power is turned off. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  Means 31. The gaming machine according to claim 30, wherein the first backup means is provided in the power supply means and supplies a backup voltage from the power supply means to the first storage means.

Means 32. 32. A gaming machine according to means 30 or 31, wherein the first backup means comprises a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the output power of the power supply means.
Examples of the rechargeable battery include a lithium battery. Instead of the rechargeable battery, the first backup means may be configured by a battery that cannot be charged.

Means 33. 32. A gaming machine according to means 30 or 31, wherein the first backup means is constituted by a capacitor.
Examples of the capacitor include a large capacity electrolytic capacitor and a spar capacitor.

  Means 34. A plurality of random number counters that are updated at a predetermined timing, and a main control unit that has storage means for storing the values of the plurality of random number counters. In a gaming machine that gives a special gaming state advantageous to a player when at least one of the values coincides with one of the predetermined values, the storage means of the main control means is stored based on a predetermined condition A gaming machine comprising: first storage means capable of erasing contents; and second storage means capable of erasing contents stored under the predetermined condition.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, there is an effect that the randomness of the random number counter can be maintained.

It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine in the 1st example of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows an error process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number counter update process. It is a flowchart which shows a next initial value memory update process. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine in 2nd Example. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine in 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows an error process. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine in 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows an error process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number counter update process. It is a flowchart which shows an initial value counter update process.

  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. Of course, the present invention can be used for other gaming machines such as a third-class pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, and a slot machine.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 1 of a pachinko machine P in a first embodiment of the present invention. 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. In addition, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 3 for displaying symbols as a plurality of types of identification information is provided at the center of the game board 1. The display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into three in the horizontal direction. In each of the three divided display areas, a variable display of symbols is performed while scrolling from right to left in the horizontal direction.

  Below the LCD 3, a symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4 is provided, and when the ball wins the symbol operating port 4, the above-described variation display of the LCD 3 is 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 are 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 predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. In particular, a main control board C that controls the game content of the pachinko machine P, a display control board D that controls the display of the LCD 3, It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure with the power supply board S provided with the power supply board clear switch 18a mentioned later.

  The main control board C of the pachinko machine P includes an MPU 11 that is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 12 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data, and a first RAM 13 and a second RAM 20 that are used as work memories. It has. The programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 7 are stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program. The first RAM 13 is provided with a random number counter 13a and a current initial value memory 13b, and the second RAM 20 is provided with a next initial value memory 20a.

  The random number counter 13a is a counter for determining the occurrence of a jackpot, and is updated by one count every 2 ms in the range of “0 to 630” by the random number counter update process (S6) of FIG. If the value of the random number counter 13a acquired when the ball that has been driven into the game board 1 wins the symbol operating slot 4 is, for example, “7”, a big hit occurs. When the jackpot is generated, a jackpot command is sent from the main control board C to the display control board D described later. The display control board D controls the variable display of the LCD 3 to the jackpot state based on the jackpot command.

  The current initial value memory 13b is a memory for storing an initial value during update of the random number counter 13a, and the next initial value memory 20a is a memory for storing an initial value of the next update of the random number counter 13a. . Both the current initial value memory 13b and the next initial value memory 20a are updated within the same range of “0 to 630” as the update range of the random number counter 13a.

  The update of the value of the next initial value memory 20a is repeatedly executed during the remaining time until the next execution timing of S2 comes in the processes of S8 and S9 of the main process shown in FIG. Since this remaining time is an indefinite time that changes according to the state of the game, the value of the next initial value memory 20a is randomly updated. Therefore, by using the value in the next initial value memory 20a as the initial value for updating the random number counter 13a, the initial value for updating the random number counter 13a can be changed at random.

  In addition, since the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is updated for each round of the random number counter 13a, even if the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is changed, the uniformity of the random number value (obtained continuously) In this case, the same value is not taken, and all values can be taken out with the same probability).

  The MPU 11, the ROM 12, the first RAM 13, and the second RAM 20 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 that includes an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to a power supply board S and a display control board D, which will be described later, and is also connected to a main control board clear switch 16 and another input / output device 17. The main control board C sends operation commands to the display control board D and other input / output devices 17 via the input / output port 15 to control them. The fluctuation display of the LCD 3 and the opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 are also controlled based on this operation command.

  The MPU 11 and the first RAM 13 have a backup terminal VBB, and a backup voltage is supplied from the backup terminal VBB even when the power is turned off. The second RAM 20 is configured to be backed up with a backup battery 20b connected thereto. Therefore, even if the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the closing of a hall, the contents of the first RAM 13 and the second RAM 20 are retained (backed up). The battery 20b connected to the second RAM 20 is accommodated in a state of being encapsulated while being sealed in a substrate box (not shown). Therefore, the main control board clear switch 16 can be operated only when the sealing of the board box is released (or the board box is destroyed) and the board box is opened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal act from being performed on the battery 20b and prevent the value of the next initial value memory 20a backed up in the second RAM 20 from being illegally cleared.

  The first RAM 13 stores the value of the random number counter 13a that is updated by one count in the range of “0 to 630”. Therefore, since the final update value of the random number counter 13a is continuously stored even in the event of a power failure or the like, the update of the random number counter 13a can be continued from the final update value after the power failure is resolved, and the continuity of the random number counter 13a is increased. There is no interruption. Further, since the initial value (current initial value memory 13b) of the random number counter 13a being updated is also stored in the first RAM 13, the value of the random number counter 13a is updated by one count up to the initial value (current initial value memory 13b). By doing so, the random number counter 13a can be updated only once, and the uniformity of the random number value is not impaired.

  Similarly, the value of the next initial value memory 20a of the second RAM 20 is continuously stored during a power failure or the like. The value of the next initial value memory 20a is a value updated at random using an indefinite time as described above. Therefore, by using the value of the next initial value memory 20a as the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is set to a predetermined value after the power failure is resolved and becomes a specific value. Unbiasing can be avoided, and the randomness of random values can be maintained.

  Further, the value of the next initial value memory 20a is a value that is randomly updated in the range of “0 to 630” using the indefinite time as described above. Therefore, when the value of the random number counter 13a is cleared for some reason, the random number counter 13a is updated from the value of the next initial value memory 20a by writing the value of the next initial value memory 20a into the random number counter 13a. Can start. That is, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a can be set to a value randomly selected from “0 to 630” without using a fixed value such as “0”, for example. Therefore, every time the first RAM 13 is cleared, it is possible to avoid that the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is biased to a specific fixed value (for example, “0”). As a result, the randomness of the random number value can be maintained, and fraudulent acts such as illegally generating a jackpot by a so-called “hanging board” or the like can be prevented.

  The main control board clear switch 16 is a switch for instructing to set an initial value after clearing the contents stored in the second RAM 20 of the main control board C. When the main control board clear switch 16 is depressed, the depression signal is input to the MPU 11 via the input / output port 15. The MPU 11 determines whether or not the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition based on the pressing signal, and if it is determined that the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition, the MPU 11 is stored in the second RAM 20. "0" is cleared and the initial value is set. Therefore, when it is necessary to initialize the second RAM 20 for some reason, the second RAM 20 can be initialized by pressing the main control board clear switch 16 under a predetermined condition.

  Here, the main control board clear switch 16 is housed in a state of being encapsulated in a board box (not shown) together with the main control board C, and the board box performs illegal actions on the main control board C. In order to prevent this, it is sealed using a seal fitting (not shown) or the like. Therefore, the main control board clear switch 16 can be operated only when the board box is unsealed and the board box is opened. In order to release the sealing of the board box, it is necessary to destroy the sealing metal fitting. Therefore, the main control board clear switch 16 is prevented from being inadvertently or illegally operated, and the value of the next initial value memory 20a stored in the second RAM 20 is prevented from being cleared. Can do.

  The power supply board S includes a power supply unit 18 that supplies driving power to each control board, an input / output device, and the like, and the power supply unit 18 is provided with a power supply board clear switch 18a. The power supply board clear switch 18a is a switch for instructing to set an initial value after clearing the contents stored in the first RAM 13 of the main control board C to “0”. For example, if the store is closed in the probability variation state, there is a game machine in the probability variation state when the store is opened the next day, which causes problems such as inequalities in the game state. Therefore, in order to eliminate this state, it is necessary to clear the contents backed up in the memory of each board (for example, the first RAM 13 of the main control board C). Therefore, by providing the power supply substrate clear switch 18a, the backed up contents can be cleared at a necessary timing, and the above problems can be solved.

  When the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed, a clear signal informing the press is output from the power supply board S to the main control board C, and this clear signal is sent to the MPU 11 via the input / output port 15 of the main control board C. Entered. Based on the clear signal, the MPU 11 of the main control board C determines whether or not the power board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition. If the MPU 11 determines that the power board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition, the first RAM 13 “0” is cleared from the contents stored in the memory, and then the initial value is set. The clear signal is also output to the display control board D and other input / output devices.

  The power supply unit 18 includes a backup battery 18b. The voltage output from the battery 18b is used as a backup voltage for backing up the MPU 11 and the first RAM 13 of the main control board C. The MPU 11 and the first RAM 13 To the VBB terminal.

  The display control board D is a control board for controlling the change display of symbols by the LCD 3 as a display device. The display control board D includes an MPU 21, a ROM 22, a work RAM 23, a video RAM 24, a character ROM 25, an image controller 26, an input port 27, and an output port 28. The output of the main control board C is connected to the input of the input port 27, and the output of the input port 27 is connected to the bus line 29 that connects the MPU 21, ROM 22, work RAM 23, and image controller 26. The image controller 26 is connected to the input of the output port 48, and the LCD 3 is connected to the output of the output port 48.

  The MPU 21 of the display control board D is for controlling the display of the LCD 3 based on a display command transmitted from the main control board C. The MPU 21 performs display control of the LCD 3 in accordance with an operation command output from the main control board C. The ROM 22 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 21 and fixed value data, and the work RAM 23 temporarily stores work data and flags used when the MPU 21 executes various programs. It is a memory for.

  The video RAM 24 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 24. The character ROM 25 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the LCD 3. The image controller 26 adjusts the timings of the MPU 21, the video RAM 24, and the output port 28 to intervene in reading and writing data, and displays display data stored in the video RAM 24 from the character ROM 45 according to instructions from the MPU 21. Is read out and displayed on the LCD 3.

  Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing 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, an initialization process is first executed (S1). Here, the initialization process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an initialization process (S1) executed in the main process of the main control board C. This initialization process is the first process executed after the power is turned on. First, whether or not the value of the next initial value memory 20a stored in the second RAM 20 is within the range of “0 to 630”. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the value immediately before turning off the power is stored (S11). As a result, when the value of the next initial value memory 20a is within the range of “0 to 630” (S11: Yes), an appropriate value is stored (backed up) in the second memory 20, so that the processing The process proceeds to S12, and the same is confirmed for the first RAM 13.

  In the process of S12, it is confirmed whether the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid (S12). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the first RAM 13 is correctly stored. Whether or not the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid may be determined by checking the backup voltage applied to the VBB terminal of the MPU 11 and determining whether or not the voltage value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. .

  As a result of the check, if the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. Conversely, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. If the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid (S12: Yes), the values immediately before the power is turned off are appropriately backed up in the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b, so this initialization process (S1) Exit.

  If the backup of the first RAM 13 is not valid (S12: No), the contents of the first RAM 13 are destroyed, so the initial value is set after clearing the contents of the first RAM 13 to “0” (S13). The value of the next initial value memory 20a of the second RAM 20 is written into the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b (S14, S15), and this initialization process (S1) is terminated.

  As described above, when the backup of the first RAM 13 is not validated, the value of the next initial value memory 20a of the second RAM 20 is set in the random number counter 13a (and the current initial value memory 13b) as the initial value of the update. . The value of the next initial value memory 20a is a value that is randomly backed up in the range of “0 to 630” using an indefinite time, and that it is within that range in the processing of S11. It has already been confirmed. Therefore, by writing the value of the next initial value memory 20a to the random number counter 13a, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is not fixed, and a value randomly selected from “0 to 630” can do. As a result, even when the backup of the first RAM 13 is not validated and its contents are destroyed, it is possible to avoid that the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is biased to a specific fixed value (for example, “0”). And the randomness of the random value can be maintained.

  On the other hand, when the value of the next initial value memory 20a stored in the second RAM 20 is not within the range of “0 to 630” in the processing of S11 (S11: No), backup is performed in the second RAM 20 due to the voltage drop of the battery 20b. Since there is a possibility that a writing error or the like has occurred due to a failure or an influence of noise, error processing (S16) is executed, and after dealing with such a problem, the initialization processing is terminated. Here, the error processing (S16) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the error process (S16) executed in the initialization process (S1) of the main control board C. In this process, since the value of the next initial value memory 20a of the second RAM 20 is outside the appropriate range (“0 to 630”), there is a possibility that the game may be hindered if the process is continued as it is. Therefore, it waits until the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S21: No), and the game is interrupted.

  Thereafter, when the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S21: Yes), the values of the first RAM 13 and the second RAM 20 are corrected so as to correct the value of the next initial value memory 20a to a value within an appropriate range. After the content is cleared to “0”, an initial value is set (S22, S23), and this error processing is terminated. Note that the initialization (S22) of the first RAM 13 may be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. After execution of the initialization process (S1), whether or not the power supply board clear switch 18a provided on the power supply board S is pressed under a predetermined condition, that is, whether the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed is careless by the operator. It is determined whether or not it is due to an incorrect operation (erroneous operation) (S2). When the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition (S2: Yes), since the pressing is a command to initialize the first RAM 13, after clearing all contents of the first RAM 13 to “0” An initial value is set (S5). After the initialization of the first RAM 13, the value of the next initial value memory 20a of the second RAM 20 is written to the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b of the first RAM 13 (S14, S15).

  On the other hand, when the power board clear switch 18a is not pressed, or when the power board clear switch 18a is pressed but the pressing does not satisfy a predetermined pressing condition (S2: No), the first RAM 13 is initialized. Since there is a possibility that the power supply board clear switch 18a has been pressed due to an inadvertent instruction or an operator's inadvertent operation (erroneous operation), the process proceeds to S6 without initializing the contents of the first RAM 13 Transition.

  As described above, the value stored in the first RAM 13 is cleared (and the initial value is set) only when the power supply substrate clear switch 18a provided on the power supply substrate S is pressed under a predetermined condition. For this reason, the values of the random number counter 13a and the like stored in the first RAM 13 are erroneously cleared (and the initial value is set) by an inadvertent operation (erroneous operation) of the clear switches 16 and 18a by an operator (for example, a store clerk in the hall). Setting), and as a result, it is possible to maintain the randomness of the value of the random number counter 13a that determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred.

  When the contents of the first RAM 13 need to be cleared, the clearing process can be executed by pressing the power supply substrate clear switch 18a under a predetermined condition. In this case, the value of the next initial value memory 20 a stored in the second RAM 20 is written into the random number counter 13 a of the first RAM 13 that has been cleared. Since the value of the next initial value memory 20a is a value that is randomly updated in the range of “0 to 630”, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a does not become a fixed value such as “0”, for example. , And a random value of “0 to 630”. Therefore, every time the first RAM 13 is cleared, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a can be avoided from being biased to a specific fixed value (for example, “0”), and the randomness of the random number value can be maintained. Can do.

  Here, for example, an illegal board is attached between the main control board C and the power supply board S, a clear signal illegally generated from the board is output to the main control board C, and the first RAM 13 is cleared. An illegal act that unreasonably lowers the randomness of the random number counter 13a can be considered. However, according to the pachinko machine P of the first embodiment, even when such a clear signal is illegally generated, only the first RAM 13 is cleared and the contents of the second RAM 20 are retained. Therefore, by writing the value of the next initial value memory 20a held in the second RAM 20 to the cleared random number counter 13a, the random number counter 13a starts updating from the written value of the next initial value memory 20a. Therefore, since the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is randomly changed, a person who has performed an illegal act cannot grasp the value and, as a result, can prevent such an illegal action.

  Here, the pressing condition of the power supply substrate clear switch 18a determined in S2 will be described. The pachinko machine P in the present embodiment has the following method so that the values of the random number counter 13a and the like are not accidentally cleared (and the initial values are set) by an inadvertent operation (erroneous operation) of the power board clear switch 18a. Only when it is pressed (operated), the contents of the first RAM 13 are cleared, and then the initial value is set.

  As a first pressing method, the content of the first RAM 13 is cleared and an initial value is set only when the power supply substrate clear switch 18a is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).

  As a second pressing method, the contents of the first RAM 13 are cleared only when the power board clear switch 18a is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time (for example, when pressed twice within 2 seconds), and the initial value is set. It is to set.

  The third pressing method is a combination of the first and second pressing methods described above. For example, pressing of the power supply substrate clear switch 18a for 5 seconds or more was repeated twice within 15 seconds. Only in some cases, the contents of the first RAM 13 are cleared and an initial value is set.

  Thus, when the power supply substrate clear switch 18a is simply pressed, the contents of the first RAM 13 are not cleared and the initial value is set, but the power supply substrate is cleared under a predetermined condition as in the first to third pressing methods. Only when the switch 18a is pressed, by clearing the contents of the first RAM 13 and setting an initial value, it is possible to prevent erroneous clearing of the values of the random number counter 13a and the like, and as a result, whether or not a jackpot has occurred is determined. It is possible to maintain the randomness of the value of the random number counter 13a. The first to third pressing methods may be applied to the pressing condition of the main control board clear switch 16 in S21 (see FIG. 5).

  After the clear process of the first RAM 13 is executed by pressing the power supply substrate clear switch 18a (S2 to S5), the random number counter update process is executed (S6). Here, the random number counter update process (S6) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a random number counter update process (S6) executed in the main process of the main control board C. In this process, the value of the random number counter 13a is updated by “+1” within a range of “0” to “630”.

  First, 1 is added to the value of the random number counter 13a (S31), and it is checked whether or not the value of the random number counter 13a is equal to or greater than “631”, that is, whether or not it exceeds the update range value of the random number counter 13a ( S32). If the value of the random number counter 13a after the addition is “631” or more (S32: Yes), the value of the random number counter 13a is cleared to “0” because it exceeds the update range value (S33). On the other hand, if the value of the random number counter 13a after the addition is “630” or less (S32: No), the value is within the update range, so the process of S13 is skipped to maintain the value after the addition. Move on to processing.

  In the process of S34, the updated value of the random number counter 13a is compared with the value of the current initial value memory 13b. Since the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a currently being updated is stored in the current initial value memory 13b, if both values are equal (S34: Yes), the update of the random number counter 13a has been completed once. That is. Therefore, in such a case, the value of the next initial value memory 13c storing the initial value of the next update of the random number counter 13a is written to the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b (S35, S36), and the random number counter 13a is updated. Change the initial value of.

  In this way, since the random number counter 13a changes the initial value of the update every time one round of update is completed, the random number uniformity (the same value is not obtained when continuously acquired, It is possible to obtain a random value that all values can be extracted with the same probability. Furthermore, since the value of the next initial value memory 13c, which is the initial value of the update, is updated using an indefinite time that changes according to the state of the game, as will be described later, the initial value of the random number counter 13a is updated. The value can be changed randomly.

  On the other hand, when the updated value of the random number counter 13a is not equal to the value of the current initial value memory 13b (S34: No), the update of the random number counter 13a has not been completed yet, so the processing of S35 and S36 is completed. By skipping the process, the random number counter updating process is terminated while maintaining the values of the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After the update of the random number counter 13a is completed by the process of S6, the process proceeds to S7, and each process (S7) for controlling the progress of the game is executed on the main control board C.

  After the end of each process (S7), the next initial value memory update process (S8) is repeatedly executed by the processes of S8 and S9 during the remaining time until the execution timing of the next process of S2 comes. That is, the time elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S2 is checked (S9), and if the result of the check indicates that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S2 (S9: No), the process is performed. The process proceeds to S8, and the execution of the next initial value memory update process (S8) is repeated.

  Here, since the execution time of the process in S2 to S7 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the process of S2 is not a fixed time but a game situation. It becomes an indefinite time that changes accordingly. Therefore, by updating the next initial value memory 13c repeatedly using such an indefinite time and using the value of the next initial value memory 13c as the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a, the initial update of the random number counter 13a is performed. The value can be changed randomly.

  On the other hand, as a result of repeatedly executing the process of S8, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S2 (S9: Yes), the process proceeds to S2, and the processes of S2 to S8 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the next initial value memory update process (S8) is repeatedly updated an indefinite number of times using the remaining time while periodically executing the processes of S2 to S7 (every 2 ms).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the next initial value memory update process (S8) executed in the main process of the main control board C. This next initial value memory update process (S8) is a process repeatedly executed using the remaining time in the main process shown in FIG. 3, and the next initial value memory 13c for storing the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a. Is updated by “+1” within the range of “0” to “630” of the update range of the random number counter 13a.

  First, 1 is added to the value of the next initial value memory 13c (S41), and whether or not the value of the next initial value memory 13c is “631” or more, that is, whether or not the update range value of the random number counter 13a is exceeded. (S42). If the value of the next initial value memory 13c after the addition is equal to or greater than “631” (S42: Yes), the value of the next initial value memory 13c is cleared to “0” because the update range value is exceeded (S43). . On the other hand, if the value of the next initial value memory 13c after the addition is equal to or less than “630” (S42: No), the value is within the update range, so the processing of S43 is skipped to maintain the value after the addition. Then, the next initial value memory update process is terminated.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the value of the next initial value memory 20a is stored in the second RAM 20 that is configured to be backed up by the battery 20b, whereas in the second embodiment, the nonvolatile content that can retain the contents even after the power is turned off. The value of the next initial value memory 30a is stored in the EEPROM 30, which is the above memory. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the above-mentioned 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P in the second embodiment. The main control board C includes an MPU 11, a ROM 12, a first RAM 13, and a main control board clear switch 16 as in the first embodiment, and an EEPROM 30 instead of the second RAM 20 in the first embodiment. ing. The values of the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b are stored in the first RAM 13 as in the first embodiment, and the value of the next initial value memory 30a is stored in the EEPROM 30.

  The MPU 11, the ROM 12, the first RAM 13, and the EEPROM 30 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 including an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15.

  The EEPROM 30 is a non-volatile memory that can be rewritten when the power is turned on and can retain its contents even after the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure (or the closing of the hall), the contents of the EEPROM 30 are retained (backed up).

  Thus, since the memory for storing the value of the next initial value memory 30a is configured by the EEPROM 30, even if the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the value of the next initial value memory 30a can be retained (backed up). It is possible to prevent the randomness value that determines the occurrence of the jackpot from being lowered.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The main control board C in the first embodiment is provided with two RAMs (first RAM 13 and second RAM 20) for storing the random number counter 13a and the like and the next initial value memory 20a separately. The main control board C in the embodiment is provided with only one RAM 40 for storing the random number counter 40a and the like and the next initial value memory 40c. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the above-mentioned 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P in the third embodiment. The main control board C includes the MPU 11, the ROM 12, and the main control board clear switch 16 as in the first embodiment, and replaces the two RAMs (first RAM 13 and second RAM 20) in the first embodiment. RAM 40 is provided. The RAM 40 is provided with a random number counter 40a, a current initial value memory 40b, and a next initial value memory 40c.

  The MPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 40 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 that includes an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15.

  The RAM 40 has a backup terminal VBB, and a backup voltage is supplied from the backup terminal VBB even when the power is turned off. The backup terminal VBB is also provided in the MPU 11 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the contents of the RAM 40 are retained (backed up) even if the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the closing of a hall.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing 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, an initialization process is first executed (S51). Here, the initialization process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an initialization process (S51) executed in the main process of the main control board C. This initialization process is the first process executed after the power is turned on. First, it is confirmed whether the backup of the RAM 40 is valid (S61). This confirmation is made based on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 40 is correctly stored, as in the first embodiment. Whether or not the backup of the RAM 40 is valid may be determined by checking the backup voltage applied to the VBB terminal of the MPU 11 and checking whether the voltage value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  As a result of the check, if the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. Conversely, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. If the backup of the RAM 40 is valid (S61: Yes), the value immediately before the power is turned off is appropriately backed up in the RAM 40, and the initialization process (S1) is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the backup of the RAM 40 is not valid (S61: No), whether or not the value of the next initial value memory 40c is destroyed, that is, the next initial value memory 40c is in the range of “0 to 630”. It is confirmed whether or not a value is stored (S62). As a result, when the value of the next initial value memory 40c is in the range of “0 to 630” (S62: Yes), values other than the next initial value memory 40c among the values stored in the RAM 40 are set to “0”. After clearing, an initial value is set (S63), and the value of the next initial value memory 40c is written into the random number counter 40a and the current initial value memory 40b (S64, S65).

  As described above, even when the backup of the RAM 40 is not validated, if a value in an appropriate range (“0 to 630”) is stored in the next initial value memory 40c, the next initial value memory 40c is stored. The value is written to the random number counter 40a or the like. Therefore, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 40a can be set to a variable value in the range of “0 to 630” without using a fixed value (for example, “0”). As a result, even when the backup of the RAM 40 is not validated and its contents are destroyed, it is possible to avoid the initial value of the update of the random number counter 40a being biased to a specific fixed value, and the randomness of the random value can be reduced. Can be held.

  On the other hand, in the process of S62, when a value in the range of “0 to 630” is not stored in the next initial value memory 40c (S62: No), the value of the next initial value memory 40c is also destroyed. Then, error processing (S66) is executed, and after dealing with such a problem, the initialization processing is terminated. Here, the error processing (S66) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an error process (S66) executed in the initialization process of the main control board C. In this process, the value of the next initial value memory 40c of the RAM 40 is out of the proper range (“0 to 630”), so that if the process is continued as it is, there is a possibility that the game may be hindered. Therefore, it waits until the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S67: No), and the game is interrupted.

  Thereafter, when the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S66: Yes), the contents of the RAM 40 are set to "0" in order to correct the value of the next initial value memory 20a to a value within an appropriate range. After clearing, an initial value is set (S68), and this error processing is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. After execution of the initialization process (S1), whether or not the power supply board clear switch 18a provided on the power supply board S is pressed under a predetermined condition, that is, whether the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed is careless by the operator. It is determined whether or not it is due to an incorrect operation (erroneous operation) (S2). When the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition (S2: Yes), since the pressing is a command to initialize the RAM 40, the content of the RAM 40 is cleared to “0”. Of the values stored in the RAM 40, values other than the next initial value memory 40c are cleared to “0” and then an initial value is set (S52), and the values of the uninitialized next initial value memory 40c are set to the random number counter 40a and The current initial value memory 40b is written (S53, S54).

  As described above, the pachinko machine P in the third embodiment holds the value of the next initial value memory 40c by pressing the power supply substrate clear switch 18a under a predetermined condition, and values other than the next initial value memory 40c. Can be cleared from the RAM 40, and then the stored value of the next initial value memory 40c can be written into the random number counter 40a or the like. Since the value of the next initial value memory 40c is a value that is randomly updated in the range of “0 to 630”, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 40a does not become a fixed value such as “0”, for example. , And a random value of “0 to 630”. Therefore, every time the RAM 40 is cleared, it is possible to avoid the initial value of the update of the random number counter 40a from being biased to a specific fixed value, and the randomness of the random number value can be maintained.

  In addition, the MPU 11 that has received the clear signal outputs an illegally generated clear signal to the main control board C and clears the RAM 40 to execute an illegal act that unduly lowers the randomness of the random number counter 40a. The values other than the next initial value memory 40c are cleared from the RAM 40 to “0”. Therefore, by writing the value of the next initial value memory 40c held in the RAM 40 without being cleared to “0” into the cleared random number counter 40a or the like (S53, S54), the random number counter 40a is set to the next written value. Update is started from the value of the initial value memory 40c. Therefore, since the initial value of the update of the random number counter 40a is randomly changed, a person who has performed an illegal act cannot grasp the value, and as a result, such an illegal action can be prevented.

  After the RAM 40 is initialized by pressing the power supply substrate clear switch 18a (S2, S53 to S54), the processes of S6 to S9 are executed. Since the processes (S6 to S9) are common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the pressing condition of the power supply substrate clear switch 18a in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the first to third pressing methods described above can be applied.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the value of the next initial value memory 20a is stored in the second RAM 20, and the value of the next initial value memory 20a is written to the second RAM 20 every time "+1" is updated. In the fourth embodiment, the value of the initial value counter 13c stored in the first RAM 13 is written into the next initial value memory 50a of the EEPROM 50a only when a big hit occurs. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the above-mentioned 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P in the fourth embodiment. The main control board C includes the MPU 11, the ROM 12, the first RAM 13, and the main control board clear switch 16 as well as the first embodiment, and also includes the EEPROM 30 instead of the second RAM 20 in the first embodiment. . The first RAM 13 is provided with a random number counter 13a, a current initial value memory 13b, and an initial value counter 13c, and the EEPROM 30 is provided with a next initial value memory 30a. The information stored in the next initial value memory 30a is data composed of 2 bytes.

  The MPU 11, the ROM 12, the first RAM 13, and the EEPROM 30 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 including an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15.

  As described in the second embodiment, the EEPROM 30 is a non-volatile memory, and its contents are retained (backed up) even if the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power failure (or the closing of a hall).

  The initial value counter 13c is a counter for determining the initial value of the next update of the random number counter 13a, and is updated within the same range of “0 to 630” as the update range of the random number counter 13a. As for the value of the initial value counter 13 c, when a big hit occurs, the updated value at that time is written in the next initial value memory 30 a of the EEPROM 30.

  Similarly to the initial value counter 13c, the next initial value memory 30a is a counter for storing the initial value of the next update of the random number counter 13a, and the value of the initial value counter 13c described above is written. Thus, it is updated within the range of “0 to 630”. Here, the value of the initial value counter 13c described above is a value that is updated at random using an indefinite time, and the timing of writing the value of the initial value counter 13c to the next initial value memory 30a (the jackpot occurrence timing) ) Also arrives indefinitely depending on the state of the game. Therefore, the value of the next initial value memory 30a is also updated at random.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main process executed on the main control board C of the pachinko machine P in the fourth embodiment. The main control of the pachinko machine P is executed by this main process.

  In the main process, an initialization process is first executed (S101). Here, the initialization process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an initialization process (S101) executed in the main process of the main control board C. This initialization process is a process executed first after power-on. First, whether or not the value of the next initial value memory 30a stored in the EEPROM 30 is within the range of “0 to 630”, That is, it is confirmed whether or not the value immediately before turning off the power is stored (S111). As a result, when the value of the next initial value memory 30a is within the range of “0 to 630” (S111: Yes), since the appropriate value is stored (backed up) in the first RAM 13, the process is performed in S112. Migrate to

  In the process of S112, it is confirmed whether the power board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition (S112). If the power board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition (S112: Yes), an instruction to clear the first RAM 13 is given. Therefore, the process proceeds to S114.

  On the other hand, if the power supply board clear switch 18a is not pressed under a predetermined condition (S112: No), it is confirmed whether the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid (S113). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the first RAM 13 is correctly stored. Whether or not the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid may be determined by checking the backup voltage applied to the VBB terminal of the MPU 11 and determining whether or not the voltage value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. .

  As a result of the check, if the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. Conversely, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. When the backup of the first RAM 13 is valid (S113: Yes), the values immediately before the power is turned off are appropriately backed up in the random number counter 13a, the current initial value memory 13b, and the initial value memory 13c. The process (S101) ends.

  When the backup of the first RAM 13 is not valid (S113: No), the contents of the first RAM 13 are destroyed. When the power supply substrate clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition (S112: Yes), the clearing of the first RAM 13 is instructed. Therefore, in this case, the initial value is set after clearing the contents of the first RAM 13 to “0” (S 114), and the next initial value memory 30 a stored in the EEPROM 30 to the random number counter 13 a and the current initial value memory 13 b of the first RAM 13. Is written (S115, S116), and the initialization process (S101) is terminated.

  As described above, when the power supply substrate clear switch 18a is pressed, that is, when it becomes necessary to clear the first RAM 13, or when the backup of the first RAM 13 is not enabled, the random number counter 13a (and In the current initial value memory 13b), the value of the next initial value memory 30a of the EEPROM 30 is set as an initial value for updating. The value of the next initial value memory 30a is a value that is randomly backed up in a range of “0 to 630” using an indefinite time, and that the value in the range is within the range in the processing of S111. It has already been confirmed. Therefore, by writing the value of the next initial value memory 30a to the random number counter 13a, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is not fixed, and a value randomly selected from “0 to 630” can do. As a result, even when it becomes necessary to clear the contents of the first RAM 13, or even when the backup of the first RAM 13 is not enabled and the contents are destroyed, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a is a specific fixed value. (E.g., “0”) can be avoided, and the randomness of the random value can be maintained.

  On the other hand, if the value of the next initial value memory 30a stored in the EEPROM 30 is not within the range of “0 to 630” in the processing of S111 (S111: No), the EEPROM 30 may have some backup failure or noise. Since there is a possibility that an error or the like has occurred at the time of writing, error processing (S117) is executed, and after dealing with such a problem, the initialization processing is terminated. Here, the error processing (S117) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an error process (S117) executed in the initialization process (S101) of the main control board C. In this process, since the value of the next initial value memory 30a of the EEPROM 30 is outside the appropriate range (“0 to 630”), there is a possibility that the game may be hindered if the process is continued as it is. Therefore, it waits until the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S21: No), and the game is interrupted.

  Thereafter, when the main control board clear switch 16 is pressed under a predetermined condition (S21: Yes), the contents of the first RAM 13 and the EEPROM 30 to correct the value of the next initial value memory 20a to a value within an appropriate range. Is cleared to “0”, an initial value is set (S22, S118), and this error processing is terminated. Note that the initialization (S22) of the first RAM 13 may be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. After execution of the initialization process (S101), it is confirmed whether or not a jackpot has occurred (S102). If a jackpot has occurred (S102: Yes), the value of the initial value counter 13c of the first RAM 13 is determined. Is written into the next initial value memory 30a of the EEPROM 30 (S103).

  On the other hand, when the big hit has not occurred (S102: No), the process of S103 is skipped and the process proceeds to S104.

  In this way, writing to the next initial value memory 30a is performed only when a predetermined condition is established during normal gaming (when a big hit occurs), so that writing is performed in comparison with the case where writing is performed for each process. The frequency and interval can be increased. Therefore, even if the EEPROM 30 that takes a relatively long time to write is used, the writing process can be carried out with ease.

  In addition, by setting the timing of writing to the next initial value memory 30a at the time of occurrence of a jackpot, it is possible to make it difficult for an unauthorized executor to perform fraud, and also has an effect of suppressing illegal substrates such as “hanging substrates”. is there.

  In other words, if it is performed at the time of power outage at the time of writing, etc., try to improperly accompany the gaming state by improperly performing power outage processing frequently so that relatively long time-consuming writing processing is not properly executed However, since there is a possibility that the big jackpot may be initialized by the method of this embodiment, there is also an effect of suppressing fraud.

  The jackpot is determined based on the value of the random number counter 13a when the launched game ball based on the player's game operation wins the start opening.

In the process of S104, a random number counter update process is executed (S104). Here, the random number counter update process (S104) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the random number counter update process (S104) executed in the main process of the main control board C. is there. In this process, the value of the random number counter 13a is updated by “+1” within a range of “0” to “630”.

  First, 1 is added to the value of the random number counter 13a (S31), and it is checked whether or not the value of the random number counter 13a is equal to or greater than “631”, that is, whether or not it exceeds the update range value of the random number counter 13a ( S32). If the value of the random number counter 13a after the addition is “631” or more (S32: Yes), the value of the random number counter 13a is cleared to “0” because it exceeds the update range value (S33). On the other hand, if the value of the random number counter 13a after the addition is “630” or less (S32: No), the value is within the update range, so the process of S13 is skipped to maintain the value after the addition. Move on to processing.

  In the process of S34, the updated value of the random number counter 13a is compared with the value of the current initial value memory 13b. Since the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a currently being updated is stored in the current initial value memory 13b, if both values are equal (S34: Yes), the update of the random number counter 13a has been completed once. That is. Therefore, in such a case, the value of the initial value counter 13c that stores the initial value of the next update of the random number counter 13a is written to the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b (S121, S122), and the update of the random number counter 13a is performed. Change the initial value.

  In this way, since the random number counter 13a changes the initial value of the update every time one round of update is completed, the random number uniformity (the same value is not obtained when continuously acquired, It is possible to obtain a random value that all values can be extracted with the same probability. Further, since the value of the initial value counter 13c, which is the initial value of the update, is updated using an indefinite time that changes according to the state of the game, as will be described later, the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a Can be changed randomly.

  On the other hand, when the updated value of the random number counter 13a is not equal to the value of the current initial value memory 13b (S34: No), the update of the random number counter 13a has not been completed yet, so the processing of S121 and S122 is completed. By skipping the process, the random number counter updating process is terminated while maintaining the values of the random number counter 13a and the current initial value memory 13b.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After the update of the random number counter 13a is completed by the process of S104, the process proceeds to S7, and each process (S7) for controlling the progress of the game is executed on the main control board C.

  After the end of each process (S7), the initial value counter update process (S105) is repeatedly executed by the processes of S105 and S9 during the remaining time until the execution timing of the next process of S102 comes. That is, the time elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S102 is checked (S9). If the result of the check indicates that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S2 (S9: No), the process is performed. The process proceeds to S105, and the execution of the initial value counter update process (S105) is repeated.

  Here, since the execution time of the process in S102 to S7 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the process in S102 is not a fixed time but a game situation. It becomes an indefinite time that changes accordingly. Therefore, the initial value counter 13c is repeatedly updated using such an indefinite time, and the initial value of the random number counter 13a is updated by using the initial value counter 13c as the initial value of the random number counter 13a. Can be changed randomly.

  On the other hand, as a result of repeatedly executing the process of S105, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the process of S102 (S9: Yes), the process proceeds to S102, and the processes of S102 to S8 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the initial value counter update process (S105) is repeatedly updated an indefinite number of times using the remaining time while periodically executing the processes of S102 to S7 (every 2 ms).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an initial value counter update process (S105) executed in the main process of the main control board C. This initial value counter update process (S105) is a process that is repeatedly executed using the remaining time in the main process shown in FIG. 14, and the value of the initial value counter 13c that stores the initial value of the update of the random number counter 13a. Is updated by “+1” within the range of “0” to “630” of the update range of the random number counter 13a.

  First, the value of the initial value counter 13c is incremented by 1 (S131), and whether or not the value of the initial value counter 13c is “631” or more, that is, whether or not the update range of the random number counter 13a is exceeded. Check (S132). If the value of the initial value counter 13c after the addition is “631” or more (S132: Yes), since the value exceeds the update range, the value of the initial value counter 13c is cleared to “0” (S133). On the other hand, if the value of the initial value counter 13c after the addition is equal to or less than “630” (S132: No), the value is within the update range, so the process of S133 is skipped to maintain the value after the addition, The initial value counter update process is terminated.

  Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the next initial value memory 30a is based on the ball fired by the player's game operation, the timing at which the ball wins the starting port, and the value of the random number counter 13a at that timing. The value of is determined. That is, the timing for writing the value of the initial value counter 13c to the next initial value memory 30a is determined. Since these timings (ball firing timing, timing to win the start opening, random number counter value) are random values, the jackpot timing is determined based on these values, so that the next initial value memory 30a As a result, the initial value for updating the random number counter 13a can be changed at random.

  The initial value is not written every time, but is written only in a specific state, so that the number of times of writing can be reduced, the burden of control performed in units of μs can be reduced, and inadvertent such as power failure or fraud This reduces the chance that such writing cannot be performed normally.

  In addition, the selection of the big hit state in such a specific state helps to prevent fraud. In other words, for example, it is possible to delete the initial value memory by fraud and make the initial value a specific fixed value, and deliberately aim at the counter value that is a big hit, but such an action invalidates its own big hit This fraudulent act can be made meaningless, directly related to the act of making it happen.

  Note that the timing for writing the value of the initial value counter 13c to the next initial value memory 30a is not necessarily limited to the time of occurrence of the jackpot, but is performed, for example, at the time of a power failure process or an end process executed when the power is turned off. May be. Here, the power failure process is a process for allowing the game to resume (continue) from the power-off state after the power is turned on again even when the power is turned off while the game is in progress. It is executed when disconnected. The end process is a process that is executed when the power is turned off, and is for allowing the process to be executed normally when the power is turned on next time.

  First, a drive voltage (for example, + 22V) of a motor or the like that is larger than the drive voltage (+ 5V) of the control system is monitored. ) Is detected, and power failure processing (or termination processing) is executed. Then, such power failure processing (or termination processing) is completed within a period in which the drive voltage of the control system maintains the voltage value in the normal operating range, and prepares for the next power-on. Specifically, when the monitoring voltage becomes less than a predetermined voltage value, the MPU 11 is configured to output a power failure signal to the MPU 11 of the main control board C (for example, to the NMI (Non Maskable Interrupt) terminal of the MPU 11). When the power failure signal is received, power failure processing (or termination processing) is executed.

  The power failure process (or termination process) needs to be completed within a period in which the drive voltage of the control system maintains the voltage value in the normal operating range. The period during which the drive voltage of the control system maintains the voltage value in the normal operating range from the detection of the power interruption is a short time. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the 2-byte value of the initial value counter 13c of the first RAM 13 is written to the next initial value memory 30a of the EEPROM 30 as a power failure process (or end process). When the power failure process (or termination process) has a process other than the writing, the writing is executed with priority over the other processes. In particular, the control system drive voltage is executed within a period in which the voltage value in the normal operation range is sufficiently maintained. Thus, even if the initial value counter 13c is written to the next initial value memory 30a during the power-off timing, that is, during the power failure processing (or termination processing) (or execution timing), such writing is possible. The value of the next initial value memory 30a stored in the EEPROM 30 is not destroyed by the power failure process (or the end process) surely. The writing of the value of the initial value counter 13c to the next initial value memory 30a is not performed only when the power is turned off, but may be performed when a big hit occurs or in combination with other timing.

  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 second and fourth embodiments, it is specified that the information stored in the next initial value memory 30a is data composed of 2 bytes. However, in the first and third embodiments as well, the following Of course, the information stored in the initial value memories 20a and 40c can be data composed of 2 bytes.

  In the fourth embodiment, the value of the next initial value memory 30a is stored in the EEPROM 30, but, for example, the second RAM 20 backed up by the battery 20b may be configured as in the first embodiment. That is, it is sufficient that the value of the next initial value memory 30a can be held even after the power is turned off. Of course, a capacitor or the like may be used for the backup of the second RAM 20 instead of the battery 20b.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the power supply substrate clear switch 18a is provided on the power supply substrate S has been described. However, the power supply board clear switch 18a does not need to be provided directly on the power supply board S, and is at least an electrical upstream position that can output a signal to the main control board C. You may make it provide in a place. For example, when a relay board (signal output means) for electrically connecting the main control board C and the power supply board S is provided, the power supply board clear switch 18a may be provided on the relay board. good.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the main control board clear switch 16 and the power supply board clear switch 18a are respectively provided on the main control board C and the power supply board S has been described. However, the number of the clear switches 16 and 18a is not necessarily one, and the clear switches 16 and 18a of each or each of the substrates C and S are configured by two or more clear switches, and these are connected in series or You may comprise so that it may connect in parallel. Moreover, as each clear switch 16 and 18a, a push button switch, a push button switch with a lock | rock, a slide switch, a toggle switch, etc. can be used. Needless to say, when the clear switches 16 and 18a are constituted by, for example, slide switches, the wording “pressing” the clear switches 16 and 18a in the above-described embodiments or modified examples described later is a slide. This corresponds to an operation of turning the switch “ON” or “OFF”.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the first to third pressing methods are described as pressing conditions for the main control board clear switch 16 and the power supply board clear switch 18a. However, the first to third pressing methods are exemplified as an example, and other pressing methods can naturally be applied. For example, as other pressing conditions, (1) the power is turned on while the power board clear switch 18a is pressed (2) the power is turned off while the power board clear switch 18a is pressed. Illustrated.

  In each of the embodiments described above, when the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed, a clear signal is always output from the power supply board S to the main control board C, and the power supply board clear switch 18a is operated under a predetermined condition based on the clear signal. The main control board C determines whether or not it has been pressed. However, the power supply board S determines whether or not the power supply board clear switch 18a is pressed under a predetermined condition, and outputs a clear signal from the power supply board S to the main control board C only when the predetermined condition is satisfied. You may comprise so that it may do. The main control board C (MPU 11) does not need to determine the pressing condition of the power supply board clear switch 18a, and only the pressing condition of the main control board clear switch 16 needs to be determined, thereby reducing the control burden accordingly. It is possible to prevent other controls executed on the main control board C from being hindered.

  Further, the case where the value of the random number counter 13a is periodically updated (for example, every 2 ms) has been described. However, the random number counter 13a is not necessarily updated periodically, and may be updated irregularly. Further, the main process (see FIGS. 3, 10, and 14) was repeatedly executed when it was determined that a predetermined time (2 ms) had elapsed in the process of S9. However, instead of this, the main process may be repeatedly executed by a so-called “INT interrupt process”.

  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 that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, two-time rights, three-time rights 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 under 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. Accordingly, 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 stop operation means (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 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 fixed symbol after displaying a variable symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, 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. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of random number counters include at least a random number counter used for determining whether or not to give a predetermined gaming value to a player.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of random number counters are used for at least a first random number counter used for determining whether or not to give a predetermined game value to a player, and for game control other than the determination of success / failure. And a second random number counter to be used.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second random number counter is used as an initial value (update start value) in updating the first random number counter. .

  The gaming machine or gaming machines 1 to 3 according to claim 1, wherein the second storage means stores (holds) at least information related to the second random number counter. 4.

  2. The gaming machine or gaming machines 1 to 4 according to claim 1, wherein the second storage means stores (holds) only minimum information (initial value, update start value) necessary for game control other than the determination of success / failure. A gaming machine 5 characterized in that

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the minimum information necessary for game control other than the determination of success / failure is numerical data composed of 2 bytes.

  The game machine according to claim 1 or any one of the game machines 1 to 6, wherein the storage process to the second storage means is executed during a normal game in which the player can operate the game. Gaming machine 7.

  4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage processing in the second storage means is based on a periodic condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game. A gaming machine 8 characterized by being executed.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 8, wherein the storage processing in the second storage means is performed under irregular conditions that occur during a normal game in which the player can operate the game. A gaming machine 9 that is executed based on the above.

  In the gaming machine 9, an irregular condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game changes irregularly according to the gaming operation of the player.

  In the gaming machine 9, the irregular condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game is that a start condition that occurs in response to the player's gaming operation is satisfied.

  In the gaming machine 9, the irregular condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game is the establishment of a special game that is generated in accordance with the player's gaming operation. .

  In the gaming machine 9, the irregular condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game is at the start of a special game letter that occurs in response to the player's gaming operation, 13.

  In the gaming machine 9, the irregular condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game is when a predetermined condition is established in a special game letter that is generated in response to the player's game operation. A gaming machine 14 to play.

  In the gaming machine 9, a non-periodic condition that occurs during a normal game in which the player can operate the game is at the end of a special game that is generated in accordance with the player's gaming operation. 15.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage processing in the second storage means is executed during a normal game departure state in which the player cannot operate the game. A gaming machine 16 characterized.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 6 or the gaming machine 16, wherein the normal gaming deviation state in which the player cannot operate the game is during a specific gaming process when the power is turned off. A gaming machine 17 characterized.

  14. The gaming machine 14 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 device is confirmed 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.

  14. The gaming machine 15 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.

  14. The gaming machine 16 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.

13 First RAM
13a, 40a Random number counters 13b, 40b Current initial value memory 13c Initial value counter 16 Main control board clear switch 18a Power supply board clear switch 20 Second RAM
20a, 30a, 40c Next initial value memory 30 EEPROM
P Pachinko machine (game machine)
C Main control board (Main control means)
S Power supply board (Power supply means)

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine comprising a random number counter that is updated at a predetermined timing, and determining whether or not to give a predetermined game value to a player based on the value of the random number counter,
The first storage means and the second storage means for storing the value of the random number counter are provided, and the second storage means is configured separately from the first storage means, and even after the power is turned off. A gaming machine configured to hold the value of the random number counter without using a backup power source.

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