JP2012176300A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that allows a player to continue a game interrupted by a power failure, when the power is restored.SOLUTION: When the power fails, and a voltage supplied from an external power supply 31 is cut off, a voltage is supplied from a power supply unit 32 including a backup power circuit 32d, and a power failure information signal 32c is output from a power supply monitoring circuit 32b. When receiving the power failure information signal 32c, an MPU 41 turns on a power failure flag 44a, and prohibits further progress of controls in order from the one having finished a series of processes. When the series of processes of all the controls are finished, recovery information to be stored in a RAM 43 is saved in a flash memory 44. When the power is restored, the recovery information saved in the flash memory 44 is restored to the RAM 43, and the Pachinko machine 1 can continue the game interrupted by the power failure.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that can continue a game from the state before the power failure even if a power failure occurs, if the power failure is resolved.

  A ball game machine represented by a pachinko machine or the like mainly includes a main board that controls the game, a plurality of sub boards that operate based on various commands output from the main board, and a main board or sub board. It is comprised by various apparatuses, such as a display apparatus connected to, a payout apparatus, and a game ball launching apparatus. When a game ball driven into the game area by the launching device wins a winning opening, the main board detects the winning signal, and the number of winning balls to be paid out is instructed from the main board to the payout board. Then, the payout device is controlled by the payout board, and the designated prize ball is paid out.

  Here, if a power failure occurs before the payout of the prize balls by the payout device is completed, there is a problem that even if the power failure is resolved, the prize balls for the winnings before the power failure cannot be paid out. For this reason, it is conceivable to back up the power supply of the gaming machine and supply the driving voltage to the gaming machine even during a power failure so that the gaming machine can continue to operate. However, there are cases where power outages are prolonged, and in that case, the backup power supply also goes down, so it is not possible to cope with it simply by backing up the power supply of the gaming machine.

  On the other hand, in addition to power backup, the game state at the time of power failure is stored, and when the power failure is resolved, it is also possible to restore the stored game state and continue the game from the state before the power failure It is done. However, as described above, the ball game machine is composed of a main board and a plurality of sub-boards, etc., and the game state is constantly being played by the game ball launched from the launching device and the holding ball that the game ball has won. And proceed. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to match the gaming state of the main board and the plurality of sub-boards and store the gaming state.

In this way, in the ball game machine, once a power failure occurs, there is a problem that even if the power failure is resolved, the game cannot be continued from the state before the power failure.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that can continue the game from the state before the power failure even if the power failure occurs, if the power failure is resolved. It is aimed.

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes power supply means connected to an external power supply to supply a predetermined drive voltage, and supplies drive voltage instead of the power supply means when a power failure occurs. Backup power supply means, non-volatile storage means that keeps the stored contents even when supply of drive voltage is stopped, power failure monitoring means that outputs a power failure information signal when a power failure occurs, and drive output from the backup power supply means Operates based on voltage, and when a power failure information signal is output from the power failure monitoring means, the new progress of the gaming state is stopped and each data storing the gaming state is saved to the storage means. And a power failure recovery means for reading out and restoring each data saved to the storage means by the power failure recovery means when the power failure is resolved.
According to the gaming machine of claim 1, when a power failure occurs and the supply of the drive voltage from the power supply means is interrupted, the drive voltage is supplied from the backup power supply means instead of the power supply means, and the power failure monitoring means A power failure information signal is output. When a power failure information signal is received, the power saving means stops the new progress of the gaming state and keeps the stored contents of each data storing the gaming state even if the supply of the driving voltage is stopped. Evacuate to sex storage means. On the other hand, when the power failure is resolved, the power failure recovery means reads and restores each data saved to the storage means by the power failure save means, so that the game is continued from the state before the power failure.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, when a power failure occurs and the supply of the drive voltage from the power supply means is interrupted, the drive voltage is supplied from the backup power supply means in place of the power supply means, and the power failure monitoring means causes a power failure. An information signal is output. When a power failure information signal is received, the power saving means stops the new progress of the gaming state and keeps the stored contents of each data storing the gaming state even if the supply of the driving voltage is stopped. Evacuate to sex storage means. On the other hand, when the power failure is resolved, the power failure recovery means reads and restores each data saved in the storage means by the power failure save means. Therefore, even when a power failure occurs, the game can be continued from the state before the power failure if the power failure is resolved.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine and card reading unit which are one example of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the reset interruption process performed in the main board | substrate of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the interruption process at the time of a power failure performed as an external interruption process in the main board | substrate of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of a control start performed at the time of the start of a series of each control in each process of a reset interruption process. It is a flowchart of the power failure check process performed for every reset interruption process. It is a flowchart of the power failure check process in 2nd Example.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 and a card reading unit 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called first type pachinko machine, and a front frame 2 is disposed on the front surface (the front side with respect to the paper surface of FIG. 1). The front frame 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and a substantially rectangular opening 2a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 2, and a metal frame 3 is provided around the inner periphery of the opening 2a. ing. A glass door frame 4 to which two glass plates 4a and 4b can be respectively attached is arranged to be openable and closable above the inner side of the metal frame 3, and behind the glass door frame 4 (on the paper surface of FIG. 1). On the other side, a game board 5 is arranged. The glass plate 4a is attached to the front portion of the glass door frame 4, and the glass plate 4b is attached to the rear portion of the glass plate 4a. That is, the glass plate 4b is mounted between the glass plate 4a and the game board 5.

  A substantially arc-shaped outer rail 6 is planted on the front surface of the game board 5, and an arc-shaped inner rail 7 is planted at an inner position of the outer rail 6. A game area 8 into which a game ball (hit ball) is driven is formed on the front surface of the game board 5 surrounded by the inner rail 7 and the outer rail 6, and the game ball wins around the game area 8. Accordingly, a plurality of normal winning holes 9 through which six game balls are paid out as prize balls are provided. A variable display device 11 having a liquid crystal (LCD) display 10 for displaying a plurality of types of identification information and the like is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 8 where the plurality of normal winning holes 9 are disposed. Has been.

  A center frame 11a that also serves as a decorative member of the variable display device 11 is provided around the front side of the liquid crystal display 10 of the variable display device 11, and the periphery of the liquid crystal display 10 is decorated by the center frame 11a. Yes. A 7-segment LED 11b, which is a kind of display device, is disposed at the upper center of the center frame 11a.

  Below the variable display device 11, a symbol operation port (first type start port) 12 is disposed. When the game ball passes through the symbol operating port 12, the first type start port switch is turned on, the variable display of the variable display device 11 is started, and six balls are paid out as prize balls. A variable winning device 13 is disposed below the symbol operating port 12. The variable winning device 13 includes a main body frame 13a that can be attached to the game board 5, and has a wide rectangular opening through which two or more game balls can pass simultaneously at a substantially central portion thereof. An opening 13b for the big prize opening is formed.

  The opening 13b of the big prize opening constitutes a part of the big prize opening, and the display result after the change of the variable display device 11 coincides with one of the predetermined symbol combinations (jackpot display). The game balls are released until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have entered the opening 13b of the big prize opening so that the game balls can be easily won. Is. A state in which the opening / closing operation of the opening 13b of the special winning opening can be performed is a state in which a predetermined game value is given (special game state).

  An opening / closing shutter 13c is disposed in the opening 13b of the big prize opening. The opening / closing shutter 13c is formed in conformity with the shape of the opening 13b of the big prize opening, and opens and closes the opening 13b of the big prize opening. A guard member 13d is disposed in front of the main body frame 13a and in front of the opening / closing shutter 13c. The special winning opening is composed of a special winning opening 13b, an open / close shutter 13c, and a guard member 13d.

  Below the variable winning device 13 and at the lowermost part of the gaming area 8 described above, an out port 14 is formed for discharging game balls that have not won any winning hole out of the gaming area 8. Yes. A front door plate (waist plate) 15 attached to the metal frame 3 so as to be openable and closable is disposed below the glass door frame 4 disposed in front of the game area 8 in which the out port 14 is formed. Yes. An upper plate 16 for storing game balls and supplying game balls to a game ball launching device (not shown) is disposed on the front surface of the front door plate 15, below the upper plate 16. A lower plate 17 for storing game balls that could not be stored in the upper plate 16 is disposed in the lower portion of the front frame 2. In addition, an operation handle 18 operated by a player to drive a game ball into the game area 8 is disposed on the right side portion of the lower plate 17, and inside the operation handle 18 is used for launching a game ball launcher. A handle switch 18a that is a switch for driving the motor 36 (see FIG. 2) is incorporated.

  In the upper center of the front door plate 15 above the upper plate 16 described above, a balance indicator constituted by three 7-segment LEDs for displaying the balance amount of the card read by the card reading unit 23 described later. 19 is disposed. On the right side of the balance indicator 19, a return button 20 that is pressed when taking out a card inserted into a card insertion slot 24 of the card reading unit 23, which will be described later, is disposed. Is provided with a lending button 21 which is pressed when starting lending (lending) a ball.

  In addition, a lending button lamp 22 for notifying whether or not the lending button 21 can be pressed is disposed on the upper left side of the lending button 21. The lending button lamp 22 is turned on when the lending button 21 is in a state where it can be accepted, and is turned off when the lending button 21 is in a state where it cannot be accepted. Therefore, the player can determine whether or not the lending button 21 can be accepted by viewing the lending button lamp 22.

  On the left side of the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above, a card reading unit 23 having a rectangular shape in front view is provided in parallel. The card reading unit 23 is for reading the balance amount data recorded on the card, and a card insertion slot 24 for inserting a card having a valuable value equivalent to money at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction. Are arranged vertically.

  Above the card insertion slot 24 and above the card reading unit 23, a card usable lamp 25 made of LEDs is disposed. For example, the card usable lamp 25 is turned on when a card can be inserted into the card insertion slot 24, and is turned off when a card cannot be inserted into the card insertion slot 24. Therefore, the player can determine whether or not the card reading unit 23 is usable by visually checking the card available lamp 25.

  An amount setting button for setting a loan amount based on the balance amount data recorded on the card at a position between the card insertion slot 24 and the card usable lamp 25 and above the card reading unit 23 26 is arranged, and by pressing this amount setting button 26, the lending amount can be set to 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen or 500 yen. A fraction display button 27 is arranged below the amount setting button 26. The fraction display button 27 is pressed when displaying the fraction on the balance display 19 when the balance amount recorded on the card is less than the minimum loan amount (for example, 100 yen).

  A pair of upper and lower connection table direction indicator lamps 28 that are formed in a substantially triangular shape are disposed below the fraction display button 27. The pair of connecting table direction indicator lamps 28 are for indicating the direction of arrangement (parallel arrangement) of the pachinko machine 1 to which the card reading unit 23 is connected, and one LED is built in each of them. ing. Thus, for example, when the card reading unit 23 is connected to the pachinko machine 1 arranged on the right side, the lower LED is turned on, and the pachinko machine (not shown) in which the card reading unit 23 is arranged on the left side. ), The upper LED is turned on. A card insertion lamp 29 composed of LEDs is arranged below the connection table direction indicator lamp 28. The card insertion lamp 29 is used when a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 24. On the other hand, it is turned off when a card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 24. The card usable lamp 25 and the connecting table direction indicator lamp 28 are turned on when the card reading unit 23 is turned on.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a power supply unit 32 connected to an external power supply 31 that supplies an alternating voltage of 24 volts. The power supply unit 32 applies a total of five types of voltages to the various substrates C to H provided in the pachinko machine 1, such as AC 24 volts, DC unstable 24 volts, DC stable 24 volts, DC stable 12 volts, and DC stable 5 volts. It is supplied according to each substrate. The power supply unit 32 includes a backup power supply circuit 32d therein, and among the five types of voltages output from the power supply unit 32 by the backup power supply circuit 32d, the DC stability is 24 volts, the DC stability is 12 volts, and the DC stability is Even if the supply of 24 volts AC voltage from the external power supply 31 is interrupted due to the three types of voltages of 5 volts, the evacuation process (S57) at the time of the power failure can be sufficiently performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) ), And can be output from the power supply unit 32 to the various substrates C to H of the pachinko machine 1.

  The power supply unit 32 is provided with a timer circuit 32a and a power supply monitoring circuit 32b. The timer circuit 32a is a circuit that measures an elapsed time after the power failure starts when a power failure occurs. When a power failure occurs, the power supply monitoring circuit 32b outputs a power failure information signal 32c to the main board C that controls the game of the pachinko machine 1 to report the occurrence of the power failure to the main board C. When a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) is measured by 32a, three types of voltages (DC stability 24 volts, DC stability 12 volts, and DC stability 5) continuously output from the power supply unit 32 after a power failure are provided. This is a circuit for stopping (disconnecting) the output of the bolt. The timer circuit 32a and the power supply monitoring circuit 32b not only notify the main board C of the occurrence of a power failure, but also after the power failure has occurred, the pachinko machine 1 has passed after a predetermined time during which the save process at the time of the power failure can be sufficiently performed. Since the power supply to the various substrates C to H is cut off, the various substrates C to H of the pachinko machine 1, particularly the main substrate C, will not continue to operate in a state where the supply of drive power is unstable. .

  On the secondary side of the power supply unit 32 (on the side opposite to the external power supply 31), a power switch 33 for turning on or off the output of the power supply unit 32 is provided. When the power switch 33 is turned on, various voltages are supplied to the pachinko machine 1, and when it is turned off, the voltage supply to the pachinko machine 1 is cut off. If the power switch 33 is provided only on the primary side (external power supply 31 side) of the power supply unit 32, every time the power switch 33 is turned off, the power supply unit 32 erroneously recognizes that a power failure has occurred, Processing at the time of a power failure such as outputting a power failure information signal 32c to the substrate C is executed. However, since the power switch 33 of this embodiment is provided on the secondary side of the power supply unit 32 as described above, the power switch 33 is turned off without causing the power supply unit 32 to erroneously recognize that there is a power failure. be able to. Therefore, every time the power switch 33 is turned off, processing at the time of a power failure is not executed.

  In addition to the power switch 33, a switch may be provided on the primary side of the power supply unit 32 so that the on / off operation of the switch is linked with the on / off operation of the power switch 33. According to such a configuration, by turning off the power switch 33, the power supply to the main board C and the power supply to the power supply unit 32 can be cut off at the same time. The power supply to the power supply unit 32 including the backup power supply circuit 32d can be cut off without executing the process in step (b).

  The output voltage of the power supply unit 32 is supplied to the main board C, the dispenser board D, the symbol display board E, the sound control board F, and the lamp control board G when the power switch 33 is turned on. Specifically, the main board C is supplied from the power supply unit 32 with three types of voltages: DC stability 24 volts, DC stability 12 volts, and DC stability 5 volts. In addition, three types of voltage of 24 VDC, 24 VDC stability, and 5 VDC stability are applied to the payout device board D, and 12 VDC stability and 5 VDC stability are provided to the symbol display board E and the voice control board F. Two types of voltages are supplied to the lamp control board G, each of three types of voltages: DC unstable 24 volts, DC stable 12 volts, and DC stable 5 volts. Note that a voltage of 24 volts AC is supplied to the card reading unit 23 connected to the dispensing device substrate D via the dispensing device substrate D.

  The payout device board D is for performing payout control of prize balls and rental balls. In addition to the main board C, a card reading unit 23 and a launch motor 36 for launching game balls to the game area 8 are provided. It is connected to a launch control device substrate H to be controlled and a payout motor 37 for paying out winning balls and balls. The symbol display device substrate E is connected to the liquid crystal display 10 in addition to the main substrate C, and is used for display control of the liquid crystal display 10. The sound control board F is connected to the speaker 38 in addition to the main board C, and performs control for generating sound effects according to the progress of the game from the speaker 38. The lamp control board G is connected to each LED 39 in addition to the main board C, and is for performing lighting control of the lamp constituted by each LED 39.

  The main board C is a board for controlling a game executed by the pachinko machine 1, and an MPU 41 which is an arithmetic unit, and a ROM 42 which stores various control programs executed by the MPU 41, fixed value data, and the like. The RAM 43 is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like, and the flash memory 44 that keeps the stored contents even when the supply of the drive voltage is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The output terminal of the power failure information signal 32c of the power supply unit 32 described above is connected to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 41. 3 to 6 is stored in the ROM 42 as one of the control programs.

  The RAM 43 is a volatile memory that loses its stored contents when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off. The number of controls related to games such as various areas 43a, a recovery flag 43b, and jackpot processing executed on the main board C is increased. Corresponding n first to n-th wait flags 43c1 to 43cn are provided. The various areas 43a are areas for storing data updated during a normal game except for special cases such as a power failure. Recovery information to be described later is stored in the various areas 43a. The recovery flag 43b is a flag for indicating that the recovery information of the data stored in the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 is saved to the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44 when a power failure occurs. This is for avoiding duplication. The recovery flag 43b is turned on when the recovery information is written to the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44 (S58), and is turned off by the clear process of the RAM 43 (S61, S65).

  The first to nth wait flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned on when various series of control related to games such as symbol variation processing and jackpot processing are waited (stopped) when a power failure occurs. It is. When a power failure occurs, the power failure flag 44a is turned on (S30), so in the control start process (see FIG. 5) executed at the start of each series of controls, a start state setting for starting the series of controls is performed. The execution of the process (S41) is skipped (S40: Yes), and the waiting flag 43c is turned on together with this skip (S42). That is, for the control in which the waiting flag 43c is turned on, since the execution of the start state setting process (S41) is skipped in the control start process, the new progress of the series of control is stopped. It is.

  The first to n-th wait flags 43c1 to 43cn are provided for the number n of a series of controls related to the game executed on the main board C, and when the progress of all the series of controls is stopped In the wait state, all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned on. The first to n-th wait flags 43c1 to 43cn that are once turned on are turned off when the power failure is resolved (restored) (S53: No, S54) or by the clear process of the RAM 43 (S61, S65).

  Here, as a series of controls, for example, in the case of a symbol variation process performed on the LCD display 10, the sequence from the start of the variation display to the end of the variation display is a series of controls. In the case of the big hit process, a series of control is performed from the first opening of the opening 13b of the big winning opening until the opening 13b of the big winning opening is finally closed. For this reason, the reset interrupt processing shown in FIG. 3 is executed many times before the series of controls once started is completed.

  The flash memory 44 is a non-volatile memory that retains stored contents even after the pachinko machine 1 is powered off, and includes a power failure flag 44a and a recovery area 44b. The power failure flag 44a is a flag that is turned on when a power failure occurs. When a power failure occurs, a power failure information signal 32c is output from the power monitoring circuit 32b of the power supply unit 32 to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 41 mounted on the main board C. Therefore, when the MPU 41 inputs the power failure information signal 32c, the external interruption process shown in FIG. 4 is executed, and the power failure flag 44a is turned on (S30). Since the power failure flag 44a is provided in the flash memory 44 which is a non-volatile memory, the storage state is maintained even after the power is turned off. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (when the power switch 33 is turned on), a predetermined initialization process is executed depending on whether the power failure flag 44a is on or off (S61 to S64, or S65). The power failure flag 44a once turned on is turned off when the power failure is resolved (S53: No, S54) or by the clear process of the flash memory 44 (S63). The recovery area 44b is an area for saving recovery information of data stored in the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 when a power failure occurs. The recovery information saved in the recovery area 44b is written back to a predetermined area of the RAM 43 by an initialization process executed when the power is turned on after the power failure is resolved (S62).

  These MPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and flash memory 44 are connected to each other via a bus line 45, and the bus line 45 is also connected to an input / output port 46. The input / output port 46 is connected to the dispensing device substrate D, the symbol display device substrate E, the sound control substrate F, the lamp control substrate G, the various switches 34, and the solenoids 35, respectively. The main board C inputs detection signals from the various switches 34 through the input / output port 46 to control the game, and via the input / output port 46 to the operation commands or control to the boards D to G and the solenoids 35. A signal is sent and these devices are controlled according to the state of the game. As described above, the power failure information signal 32c is directly input to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 41.

  Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a reset interrupt process executed every 2 ms in the main board C of the pachinko machine 1. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is executed by this reset interrupt process.

  In the reset interrupt process, first, a stack pointer is set (S1), and then a power failure check process including a power failure process at the time of a power failure and an initialization process of the RAM 43 and the flash memory 44 is executed (S2). . Subsequently, a timer interrupt is set (S3). Examples of the timer interrupt set here include a timer interrupt that generates a strobe signal for transmitting a command for controlling display on the liquid crystal display 10 to the symbol display device board E. After setting the timer interrupt, each interrupt is permitted (S4).

  After the interrupt is permitted, the output data updated by the special symbol variation process (S15), the display data creation process (S17), the ramp / information processing (S18), etc. at the same time in the previous reset interrupt process. A port output process for outputting to the port is executed (S5). After the port output process is executed, the random number update process (S6) is executed, and the value of the random number counter that is a counter for determining the occurrence of the jackpot is set within the range of “0 to 630 (0 to 276h)”. Update by +1 ". Next, a storage timer subtraction process is executed (S7). The storage timer subtraction process shortens the symbol variation display time when there are a predetermined number or more of reserved balls for jackpot determination and when the symbol variation display is being performed on the liquid crystal display 10.

  In the switch reading process (S8), by reading the value of each switch 34, the ball that has been struck into the game area 8 wins the normal winning slot 9 or the big winning slot 13, passes through the symbol operating slot 12, and further awards. This is a process for detecting a ball or a rental ball. The count abnormality monitoring process (S9) is a process for monitoring whether there is an abnormality in the switch data read by the switch reading process of S8. For example, if a single prize ball is not paid out even though the payout motor 37 for paying out a prize ball is driven, some abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout device. As described above, in the count abnormality monitoring process (S9), the presence / absence of the abnormality as described above is monitored based on the switch data read by the switch reading process (S8).

  In the symbol counter update process (S10), a counter update process for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed as a result of the variable display performed on the liquid crystal display 10 is performed. In the symbol check process (S11), based on the counter value updated in the symbol counter update process (S10), the jackpot symbol, the off symbol, and the reach symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S15). Etc. are determined.

  If no error has occurred in the processing from S3 to S11 (S12: normal), the normal symbol variation processing (S13) displays the variation of the 7-segment LED 11b, and the variation display results in a win. In this case, a hit process for releasing a normal electric accessory (not shown) for a predetermined time is executed. Thereafter, the state flag is checked (S14), and if the symbol variation display on the liquid crystal display 10 is being displayed (S14: symbol variation is in progress), the timing at which the hit ball passes the symbol operating port 12 by the special symbol variation processing (S15). On the basis of the value of the random number counter read in (2), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit and the display symbol variation process of the liquid crystal display 10 is executed. On the other hand, if the status flag is checked and the jackpot is being hit (S14: hitting the jackpot), a jackpot process (S16) such as opening the jackpot 13 is executed. Further, as a result of checking the status flag, if the symbol is not changing or big hit (S14: Other), the processing of S15 and S16 is skipped and the process proceeds to the display data creation processing of S17. If an error is confirmed in the process of S12 (S12: error), each process of S13 to S16 is skipped and the process proceeds to a display data creation process of S17.

  In the display data creation process (S17), demo data displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, display data of the 7-segment LED 11b, and the like are created in addition to the symbol variation display. Various lamp data including data are created. In the sound effect process (S19), sound effect data corresponding to the game situation is created. These display data and sound effect data are output to each device by the port output process (S5) and the timer interrupt process described above.

  After the sound effect process (S19) is completed, the symbol counter update process, which is the same process as S10, is repeatedly executed during the remaining time until the next reset interrupt process occurs (S20). Since the execution time of each process of S1-S19 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next reset interrupt process occurs is not a fixed time but changes according to the state of the game. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the symbol counter update process using the remaining time (S20), the stop symbol can be changed at random.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a power failure interrupt process executed as an external interrupt process. When a power failure occurs, a power failure information signal 32c is output from the power monitoring circuit 32b of the power unit 32. The power failure information signal 32c is input to the external interrupt terminal of the MPU 41 mounted on the main board C. Therefore, when the power failure information signal 32c is output due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure interruption process shown in FIG. 4 is executed. In the interruption process at the time of power failure, first, the power interruption flag 44a is turned on (S30), and then this external interruption process is masked (S31), and the process is terminated. During the power failure, the power failure information signal 32c is continuously output from the power supply monitoring circuit 32b. Since the external interrupt processing is masked in this way, it is possible to prevent the interruption processing during the power failure from occurring repeatedly. it can.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control start process that is executed at the start of a series of controls related to a game such as a symbol variation process and a jackpot process. This control start time process is provided for each series of controls executed on the main board C. When there are n series of controls executed on the main board C, n processes are also provided at the start of the control. Each series of control is started after executing the start state setting process (S41) of the control start time process.

  In the control start process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag 44a is turned on (S40). If it is not turned on (S40: No), a start state setting process is performed to bring the control to a start state. Execute (S41). Through the start state setting process (S41), a series of control of the game corresponding to the process is started.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag 44a is turned on (S40: Yes), since a power failure has occurred, a series of controls relating to the game cannot be newly started. Therefore, the start state setting process (S41) is skipped without being executed, and the x-th waiting flag 43cx corresponding to the control is turned on (S42). When a series of controls relating to the game is completed when a power failure occurs, new progress of the game is stopped in order from the end of the series of controls by this control start process.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the power failure check process (S2) performed each time the reset interrupt process is executed. In this power failure check processing, data save processing (S57) for storing the game state when a power failure occurs, and restoration processing at the time of power-on after power failure recovery (when the power switch 33 is on) for the data saved by the save processing (S61 to S64) Or initialization (clear) processing of the RAM 43 and the flash memory 44 at the time of power-on is executed (S65).

  In the power failure check process, first, the RAM 43 is checked (S50). This check is performed by collating keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. As a result of the check, if the correct keyword is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43 (S50: normal), this is not the reset interrupt process executed first after the power is turned on. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag 44a is turned on without performing initialization (clearing) processing of the RAM 43 and the flash memory 44 (S51). If the power failure flag 44a is off (S51: No), since a power failure has not occurred, the power failure check process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag 44a is on (S51: Yes), a power failure has occurred. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not a series of controls relating to the currently executed game have been completed, it is determined whether or not all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned on (S52). If any of the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn is off (S52: No), all the series of controls relating to the game are not completed. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the power failure information signal 32c is still output (S53). If the power failure information signal 32c is still being output (S53: Yes), since the power failure continues, this power failure check process is terminated. On the other hand, if the power failure information signal 32c is not output from the power supply monitoring circuit 32b (S53: No), since the power failure has already been resolved (recovered), the power failure flag 44a and all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned off. (S54) Further, the power failure interrupt masking, which is the external interrupt once masked in the processing of S31, is released (S55), and the power failure check processing is terminated.

  In the process of S52, if all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned on (S52: Yes), all the series of controls relating to the game are finished, and all new progress of the game is stopped. Therefore, since there is no process that is currently in progress, recovery information, which is data storing the current gaming state, is read from the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 and written to the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44, which will be described later. Processing is executed (S57).

  Prior to the execution of the save process, the on / off state of the recovery flag 43b is determined in order to confirm whether the save process has already been executed (S56). If the recovery flag 43b is off (S56: No), the recovery information has not yet been saved, so the recovery information is read from the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 and written to the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44 (S57). ). Thereafter, the recovery flag 43b is turned on to indicate that the recovery information saving has been completed (S58). This completes the evacuation process when a power failure occurs.

  On the other hand, in the process of S56, if the recovery flag 43b is already turned on (S56: Yes), the recovery information has been saved, so the process of S57 and S58 is skipped and the process proceeds to S59. This prevents recovery information from being saved repeatedly.

  In the process of S59, it is determined whether or not the power failure information signal 32c is still output (S59). If the power failure information signal 32c is output (S59: Yes), the power failure continues, so the processing is looped as it is, and the next reset interrupt processing after 2 ms is awaited. The reset interrupt process after the next time branches in the power failure check process (S2) as S50: normal, S51: Yes, S52: Yes, S56: Yes, and reaches the process of S59. Therefore, when the saving process in the event of a power failure is completed by the processes of S57 and S58, the above branching is repeated every 2 ms until the predetermined time is counted by the timer circuit 32a of the power supply unit 32 (S1, S2, S50). : Normal, S51: Yes, S52: Yes, S56: Yes, loop). When a predetermined time is counted by the timer circuit 32a, the three types of voltages (DC stability 24 volts, DC stability 12 volts, and DC stability 5 volts) that have been continuously output from the power supply unit 32 after the occurrence of a power failure are generated. The power supply monitoring circuit 32b cuts off the operation of each of the substrates C to H including the main substrate C.

  On the other hand, if the power failure information signal 32c is not output from the power supply monitoring circuit 32b in the process of S59 (S59: No), the power failure has already been resolved (recovered). In this case, since the data saving process at the time of the occurrence of a power failure has already been completed, the process proceeds to S61, and the restoring process for the saved data is executed (S61 to S64).

  In the process of S50, if the keyword is not correct as a result of checking the RAM 43, that is, the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 43 (S50: abnormal), the power is turned on (the power switch 33 is turned on). After), this is the reset interrupt process executed first. In this case, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag 44a is on in order to confirm whether the previous processing was terminated due to a power failure or because the power switch 33 was turned off (S60). If the power failure flag 44a is off (S60: No), the previous process is terminated not by a power failure but by the power switch 33 being turned off. Therefore, after the contents of the RAM 43 and the flash memory 44 are cleared and initial values are set (S65), the process is looped and waited for the remaining time of 2 ms until the next reset interrupt process occurs.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag 44a is on (S60: Yes), the previous process is terminated due to the occurrence of a power failure. Therefore, the process of restoring the data saved when a power failure occurs is executed by the subsequent processes of S61 to S64. First, the contents of the RAM 43 are cleared (S61). By this clear process, all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn and the recovery flag 43b are turned off. Subsequently, the recovery information is read from the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44, and the read recovery information is written in predetermined areas provided in the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 (S62). The contents of the flash memory 44 are cleared and an initial value is set (S63). The clear process not only clears the contents of the recovery area 44b storing the recovery information, but also turns off the power failure flag 44a. After that, the mask of the power interruption interrupt that is an external interruption is canceled (S64), and the interruption processing at the time of power interruption shown in FIG. 4 is set to be executable when a new power interruption occurs.

  The pachinko machine 1 is completely restored to the gaming state before the power failure by the processes of S61 to S64. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs, the game can be continued from the state before the power failure if the power failure is resolved. Note that after the process of S64, the process loops and waits for the remaining time of 2 ms until the next reset interrupt process occurs.

  Next, a power failure check process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The power failure check process of the second embodiment is different from the power failure check process of the first embodiment described above in that the voltage supply from the power supply unit 32 is stopped (cut off) by itself after executing the recovery information saving process. ing. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored in the ROM 42 as one of control programs.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a power failure check process in the second embodiment. In the process of S52, if all the waiting flags 43c1 to 43cn are turned on (S52: Yes), all the series of controls relating to the game are finished, and all new progress of the game is stopped. Therefore, there is no process that is currently in progress, so that the recovery information that is data storing the current gaming state is read from the various areas 43a of the RAM 43 and written to the recovery area 44b of the flash memory 44. Is executed (S70). After executing this saving process, the voltage supply of the power supply unit 32 is stopped (cut off) by itself (S71). Thereby, the operation on each of the substrates C to H including the main substrate C is stopped. According to the power failure check process of the second embodiment, the power can be turned off and stopped in order from the pachinko machine 1 that has completed the evacuation process when a power failure occurs.

  The power failure saving means described in claim 1 corresponds to the control start process shown in FIG. 5 and the process of S57 of FIG. 6, or the process of S70 of FIG. Moreover, each process of S61-S64 of FIG. 6 corresponds as a reset means at the time of a power failure.

  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.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the first type pachinko machine 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to a second or third type pachinko machine or a gaming machine such as a slot machine. As the nonvolatile memory, an EEPROM or a static RAM connected to a lithium battery or the like may be used instead of the flash memory 4. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the power supply unit 32 and the backup power supply circuit 32d are integrally configured. However, the two are not necessarily integrated. Therefore, the power supply unit 32 and the backup power supply circuit 32d may be configured separately.

  The modification of this invention is shown below. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the power saving means at the time of power failure stores each data storing a gaming state when a series of gaming states are all ended as a result of stopping a new progression of gaming state. A gaming machine 1 evacuated to means.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 1, or in the gaming machine 1, an evacuation storage means (power failure flag 44a) provided in the non-volatile storage means for storing the execution of the evacuation means during power failure, A gaming machine 2 comprising: a recovery executing means for executing the power failure recovery means when the power storage means stores that the power failure recovery means has been executed.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machine 1 or 2, wherein the nonvolatile storage means is an EEPROM, a flash memory (flash ROM), or a static RAM connected to a backup power supply circuit such as a lithium battery. A gaming machine 3 that is configured.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machines 1 to 3, further comprising a power switch for switching on and off the power supply means, and the power switch is a secondary side (anti-external power supply side) of the backup power supply means. A gaming machine 4, which is arranged in the above. According to such a configuration, by turning off the power switch, the output of the power supply means can be turned off without operating the backup power supply means, so that the power failure process can be executed only at the time of a power failure.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machines 1 to 4, wherein the backup power supply means is a part of a driving voltage supplied by the power supply means in place of the power supply means when a power failure occurs, and is processed during a power failure. A gaming machine 5 characterized in that it supplies a drive voltage necessary for executing (a power failure saving means and a power failure recovery means). Compared with the case where all drive voltages are backed up, the volume (size) and cost of the backup power supply means can be reduced.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machines 1 to 5, further comprising a stopping means for stopping output of a driving voltage of the backup power supply means when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the backup power supply means. A gaming machine 6 characterized by that. By stopping the output of the backup power supply means after a predetermined time sufficient for completing the execution of the power saving means during a power failure, the gaming machine can be stopped while a sufficient drive voltage is being output from the backup power supply means. . Therefore, since the gaming machine is not operated with an unstable driving voltage, it is possible to perform the power failure process normally.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, or the gaming machines 1 to 5, further comprising stop means for stopping output of the drive voltage of the backup power supply means after completion of execution of the power saving means during power failure. Gaming machine 7. By stopping the output of the backup power supply means after the power saving means is executed, the gaming machine can be stopped while a sufficient drive voltage is being output from the backup power supply means. Therefore, since the gaming machine is not operated with an unstable driving voltage, it is possible to perform the power failure process normally.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
31 External power supply 32 Power supply unit (power supply means)
32a timer circuit 32b power supply monitoring circuit (power failure monitoring means)
32c Power failure information signal 32d Backup power supply circuit (backup power supply means)
33 Power switch 43a Various areas 43b Recovery flag 43c1 to n First to nth waiting flag 44 Flash memory (nonvolatile storage means)
44a Power failure flag 44b Recovery area

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine provided with power supply means connected to an external power supply and supplying a predetermined drive voltage,
Backup power supply means for supplying a drive voltage instead of the power supply means when a power failure occurs;
Non-volatile storage means that keeps the stored contents even when the supply of drive voltage is stopped;
A power failure monitoring means for outputting a power failure information signal when a power failure occurs,
It operates based on the drive voltage output from the backup power supply means, and when a power failure information signal is output from the power failure monitoring means, it stops the new progress of the gaming state and stores the gaming state. Power saving means for saving each data being stored in the storage means;
A game machine comprising: a power failure recovery means for reading out and restoring each data saved in the storage means by the power failure saving means when the power failure is resolved.

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