JP2013081511A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lighten control under normal conditions, to make a backup function in power failure reliable, and further to achieve cost reduction in a game machine including a game control unit for transmitting data on the number of winning balls with entry of a game ball into a winning hole as conditions, and a putout control unit for putting out a predetermined number of game balls based on the data on the number of unpaid balls by storing data on the number of winning balls as data on the number of unpaid balls.SOLUTION: The putout control unit 200 includes a power failure processing means of transmitting data on the number of unpaid balls in a means of storing the number of unpaid balls to the game control unit 100 within first predetermined time, based on reception of a first power failure detection signal. Also, the game control unit 100 includes a backup storage means of holding the stored data even in a power shutdown state, and a backup means of storing the data on the number of unpaid balls to the backup storage means within second predetermined time, based on reception of the data on the number of unpaid balls from the putout control unit 200, and of performing backup processing of own data.

Description

  The present invention stores a game control device that transmits prize ball number data on condition that a game ball has won a prize opening, stores the prize ball number data as unpaid number data, and determines a predetermined number based on the unpaid number data. The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a payout control device for paying out a game ball.

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine is known in which a game ball is launched into a game area and a predetermined game ball is paid out based on the winning of the game ball at a winning opening provided in the game area. As such a gaming machine, a detection signal of a game ball from a sensor provided at a winning opening is input to a game control device that manages the game in an integrated manner, and the game control device controls a payout control device that controls the discharge device. A game configured to send a command for paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the winning opening, and the payout control device controls the discharging device based on the command from the game control device to pay out a predetermined number of game balls A machine is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine of this patent document 1, in normal times, both the game control device and the discharge control device manage the unpaid prize ball number data, and backup can be taken by both devices when a power failure occurs. It has a function that allows it to be played, and it is possible to pay out unpaid game balls after a power failure recovery.

JP 2001-204934 A

  However, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, both the gaming control device and the discharge control device need to have a function for managing the number of winning balls and a backup function. It was connected to.

  An object of the present invention is to store a game control device that transmits prize ball number data on condition that a game ball has won a prize opening, store the prize ball number data as unpaid number data, and based on the unpaid number data In a gaming machine provided with a payout control device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls, it is intended to reduce costs while reducing normal control and ensuring a backup function during a power failure.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a game control device that transmits prize ball number data on condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in a game area of a game board. ,
Unpaid number storage means for storing the award ball number data received from the game control device as unpaid number data is provided, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the unpaid number data stored in the unpaid number storage means. A payout control device,
In a gaming machine comprising: a power supply device that generates a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine and supplies the power supply to each control device,
The power supply device
First power failure detection means for detecting that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generating a first power failure detection signal;
First transmission means for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device,
The payout control device includes:
Operable for a first predetermined time from a drop to the first voltage;
Based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, comprising a power failure processing means for transmitting unpaid number data of the unpaid number storage means to the game control device within the first predetermined time,
The game control device includes:
Operable from a drop to the first voltage for a second predetermined time greater than or equal to the first predetermined time;
Backup storage means capable of holding stored data even in a power-off state;
Based on receiving unpaid number data from the payout control device, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time, and backup means for performing backup processing of its own data; It is characterized by providing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the game control device by managing the unpaid-out number data only by the payout control device during normal times. In addition, when a power failure occurs, backup is performed only with the game control device, so that only the game control device is provided with a backup function, and the cost can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the game control device by managing the unpaid number data only by the payout control device during normal times. In addition, when a power failure occurs, backup is performed only with the game control device, so that only the game control device is provided with a backup function, and the cost can be reduced.

It is the perspective view which looked at the gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention from the front side. It is a back view of a gaming machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a power supply device. It is a figure for demonstrating the supply destination of a power supply. It is a time chart for demonstrating the electric power state at the time of a power failure occurrence, and the output timing of a power failure detection signal. It is a flowchart explaining a payout main process. It is a flowchart explaining a payout main process. It is a flowchart explaining a payment related data reception process. It is a flowchart explaining a payout apparatus control start determination process. It is a flowchart explaining a winning ball control start determination process. It is a flowchart explaining a main process. It is a flowchart explaining a power failure recovery process. It is a flowchart explaining a payment related data transmission process. It is a flowchart explaining a payout side unpaid number data display process. It is a figure which shows the example of the display at the time of a power failure recovery. It is a flowchart explaining a checksum calculation process. It is a flowchart explaining a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart explaining a power-off information reception process. It is a flowchart explaining special figure game processing. It is a figure explaining transmission / reception of the data between the game control apparatus and payout control apparatus in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining prize ball control processing in the 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining prize ball payout start processing in the first modification. It is a flowchart explaining prize ball payout termination processing in the first modification. It is a flowchart explaining the process at the time of the power failure recovery in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining the process at the time of the power failure recovery in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the process at the time of a power failure in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the ID confirmation process in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the process at the time of a power failure in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the ID confirmation process in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining the payment data transmission process at the time of a power failure in another example of a 1st modification. It is a flowchart explaining the payment side unpaid number data confirmation processing in another example of the first modification. It is a figure explaining transmission / reception of the data between the game control apparatus and payout control apparatus in a 2nd modification. It is a flowchart explaining the winning detection process in a 2nd modification. It is a flowchart explaining the payment completion signal reception process in a 2nd modification. It is a figure explaining transmission / reception of the data between the game control apparatus and payout control apparatus in a 3rd modification. It is a flowchart explaining the payout completion request signal transmission process in a 3rd modification. It is a figure explaining the transmission timing of the payout completion request signal in the 3rd modification. It is a flowchart explaining the payment completion information transmission process in a 3rd modification. It is a time chart explaining the transmission mode of prize ball number data in the 4th modification. It is a flowchart explaining the game side unpaid number data transmission process in the 4th modification. It is a flowchart explaining the external input confirmation process in a 5th modification. It is a flowchart explaining the interruption prize ball data transmission process in a 5th modification. It is a time chart explaining the transmission completion signal of the payout completion signal and prize ball number data in the 5th modification. It is a figure explaining the data structure transmitted / received in the 6th modification. It is a flowchart explaining the process at the time of the power failure generation in the 7th modification. It is a flowchart explaining the process at the time of the power failure recovery in a 7th modification. It is a figure explaining the backup of the data in the 8th modification. It is a figure explaining the backup of the data in the 9th modification. It is a figure explaining the backup of the data in a 10th modification. It is a figure explaining the transmission / reception method of the data between the game control apparatus and payout control apparatus in an 11th modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply device in a 12th modification.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 30 (see FIG. 3) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (inner frame) 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a lamp (LED) 17 for paying out abnormality notification are provided in the upper part of the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are provided a frame decoration device 18 with a built-in lamp and the like for emitting light for decoration and production, and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a for emitting sound (for example, sound effects). Yes. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19 b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. Further, an effect button 25 having a built-in operation switch for receiving an operation input from the player is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12.

  In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device directs the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. And fire. In addition, when the player operates the effect button 25, an effect or the like in which the player's operation is intervened is performed in the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 3). Can do. Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 27 that is operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a prepaid card to be discharged from the card unit of the ball lending machine. A discharge button 28 for operating the balance, a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the gaming machine 10, a game control device 100 (main control device) that controls the game centrally and various electronic components (based on commands transmitted from the game control device 100) An effect control device 300 (sub-control device) that controls an LED, a solenoid, a motor, a sensor, or the like) is provided. An external information terminal 71 for outputting an external information signal is provided on the back surface of the game control device 100. Further, on the back surface of the gaming machine 10, a payout control device 200 (sub control device) that controls the payout of game balls, a power supply device 400 that supplies power to each control device, and the gaming machine 10 are arranged. A card unit connection board 600 for connecting to the card unit is provided.

  Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.

  On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 41 and is formed to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). A plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40. In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 4) for detecting the game balls that have entered the general winning ports 35 are arranged.

  Also, below the center case 40 is provided a start winning opening 36 (first start winning opening) for giving a start condition for the special figure changing display game, and immediately below it is opened in a reverse “C” shape. In addition, a normal variation winning device (general power) 37 having a pair of movable members 37b and 37b for converting the game ball into a state in which the game ball easily flows and having a second start winning opening is provided.

  The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the start winning port 36 is provided above the normal variation winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state. Then, when the result of the normal variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is opened in a reverse “C” shape by a general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 4) as a drive device, and a normal variation prize is won. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball easily flows.

  Further, a special variable winning device (large winning mouth) 38 that can be converted into a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure changing display game is arranged below the normal variable winning device 37. Yes.

  The special variation winning device 38 has an attacker-type open / close door 38c that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the near side, depending on the result of the special figure variation display game as an auxiliary game. The state is converted from a closed state (closed state unfavorable for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player). In other words, the special variable winning device 38 includes, for example, a large winning opening that is opened and closed by an open / close door 38c that is driven by a large winning opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 4) as a driving device. By converting the closed state from the closed state to the open state, the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening is facilitated, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player. In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 4) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the big prize opening is disposed inside the big prize opening (winning area). Below the special variable winning device 38, there is provided an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port.

  In addition, outside the game area 32, a first special figure fluctuation display game that forms a special figure fluctuation display game, a second special figure fluctuation display game, and a universal figure fluctuation display game triggered by winning a prize to the usual figure start gate 34 Is provided at one place.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure fluctuation display game configured by a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like. The second special figure fluctuation display part (special figure 2 display) 52 for the fluctuation display game, the fluctuation display part (general figure display) for the normal figure fluctuation display game constituted by the LED lamp, and the LED lamp. A memory display unit for informing the start memory number of each variable display game configured is provided. Further, the collective display device 50 is turned on when a big hit occurs, and a first gaming state display unit (first gaming state indicator) that notifies the occurrence of the big hit, and turns on when a short time state occurs to notify the occurrence of the short time state. A second game state display unit (second game state display), an error display unit (third game state display) that displays an error that the probability state of jackpot is a high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, A round display section is provided for displaying the number of rounds at the time of big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable winning device 38).

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 is, for example, during the execution of the fluctuation display game, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, The segment is blinked to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, the numbers “3” and “7”) in a lit state.

  The universal display displays the fact that the light is changing by blinking the lamp during the change. When the game result is “out of”, for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the game result is “hit”, the lamp is turned on to display the game result.

  The special figure 1 holding indicator displays the number of undigested balls (starting memory number = holding number) among the number of winning balls to the start winning opening 36 which is the variation start condition of the special figure 1 indicator 51. Specifically, when the number of hold is “0”, all four lamps are turned off, and when the number of hold is “1”, only lamp 1 is turned on. Further, when the number of holdings is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on, when the number of holdings is “3”, the lamps 1, 2 and 3 are turned on, and when the number of holdings is “4”, 4 is set. All the lamps 1 to 4 are turned on. The special figure 2 hold indicator displays the starting memory number (= hold number) of the second start winning opening (ordinary variable winning device 37), which is the fluctuation start condition of the special figure 2 indicator 52, as the special figure 1 hold indicator. Display in the same way.

  The general map hold indicator displays the start memory number (= hold number) of the general map start gate 34 which is the variation start condition of the general map indicator. For example, when the hold number is “0”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned off, and when the hold number is “1”, only the lamp 1 is turned on. When the number of hold is “2”, lamps 1 and 2 are turned on. When the number of hold is “3”, lamp 1 is blinked, lamp 2 is turned on, and when the number of hold is “4”. Lamps 1 and 2 are blinked.

  For example, the first game state indicator turns off the lamp in a normal gaming state and turns on the lamp when a big hit has occurred. For example, the second gaming state indicator turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp when the time-short state occurs.

  For example, the error indicator turns off the lamp when the probability of jackpot is low when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and turns off when the probability of jackpot is high when the gaming machine 10 is turned on. Turn on the lamp.

  For example, the round display unit turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp corresponding to the number of rounds of the big hit when the big hit occurs. Note that the round display unit may be a seven-segment display.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning device 38 is won, or it flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is awarded by the payout control apparatus 200. It is discharged from the controlled dispensing unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

  On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 4) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When a game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played. In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized universal start prizes is displayed on the universal figure hold display of the collective display device 50. In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (a general map specifying result) is derived by winning the normal map change display game.

  The usual map variation display game is executed by a variation display unit (common diagram display) provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state and indicating a shift in the unlit state. Fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result. Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, which is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped.

  When the normal figure random number extracted when the passage to the normal figure start gate 34 is detected is a win value, the stop display of the normal figure change display game becomes the normal figure specific result and the normal figure is a hit. When the electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 4) is driven, the movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.

  The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game balls won in the start winning opening 36 are detected as start winning balls of the first special figure variable display game, and are stored as a first start memory up to four, and the game balls won in the normal variable winning device 37. Is detected as a start winning ball of the second special figure variation display game, and is stored as a second start memory up to four. In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure memory in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 4). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special figure start memory is displayed on the storage display section (not shown in FIG. 1 hold display, special figure 2 hold display) for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and the center case 40. Is also displayed as a decorative special figure start memory display.

  The game control device 100 uses the special figure indicator (variable display device) 51 or 52 to change the first or second special figure on the basis of the winning entry to the start winning opening 36 or the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the start memory thereof. Play a display game. The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game is executed in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are displayed in a variable manner on the display device 41 (fluctuation display apparatus) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game. It has come to be. And as a result of the special figure fluctuation display game, when the display form of the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 becomes a special result form (special result), a special game state ( So-called big hit state). Correspondingly, the display mode (stop result mode) of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  For example, in the decorative special figure variation display game in the display device 41, the decoration special symbol (identification information) composed of the numbers and the like described above is first changed into the left fluctuation display region (first special symbol) and the right variation display region (second special display). In each of the symbols) and the middle variation display area (third special symbol), each symbol is displayed in a varying manner (high-speed variation) at a speed that is difficult to identify. Then, the symbols that have changed after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped in the order of the left variation display region, the right variation display region, and the middle variation display region, and stopped in each of the left variation display region, the right variation display region, and the middle variation display region. This is done by displaying the result of the special figure variation display game by the stop result mode constituted by the displayed identification information. That is, a plurality of identification information is variably displayed in a plurality of columns, and the result is displayed according to the stop result mode of the plurality of identification information. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effect displays such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

  The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display is performed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. The game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 may use different display devices and different display areas in the first special map variable display game and the second special map variable display game, or use the same display device and display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. The game machine 10 may not be provided with the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, and the special figure variation display game may be executed only by the display device 41. Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.

  In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is subtracted by one. On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory. In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a magnetic detection coil and detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Has been. A micro switch having a mechanical contact is used for the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a gaming microcomputer) 111 is provided. The CPU unit 110 includes an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU unit 110, the input unit 120, and the output unit 130.

  The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided to generate a clock for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 is included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

  The power supply apparatus 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V and DC 5V from the DC 32V voltage, and the like. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the RAM inside game microcomputer 111 at the time of power failure, power failure monitoring circuit and initialization switch, power failure to game control device 100 and payout control device 200 And a control signal generation unit 430 for generating and outputting control signals such as a power failure detection signal 1 and 2 for informing of the occurrence and recovery, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control device 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM 111C is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. That is, the RAN 111C serves as a backup storage unit that can hold the stored data even when the power is shut off. For example, the control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410 and outputs a first power failure detection signal when the voltage drops to the first voltage, and the second voltage lower than the first voltage. When it falls to, the second power failure detection signal is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.

  The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as It is also used to store backup data when a power failure occurs. As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

  In addition, the ROM 111B stores, for example, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the contents of the effects, the presence or absence of the reach state, and the like. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. The variation pattern table includes a loss variation pattern table selected when the result is lost, a jackpot variation pattern table selected when the result is a big hit, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state. This reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and the possibility of deriving a special result mode is different (reliability is different). As the reach effects, normal reach, special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach ( SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), etc. are set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). In other words, it may be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game. Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

  The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device. 10 overall control is performed. Although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is a jackpot determining random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game (various reach and reach). A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number for determining a variation display game in a variation display with no change), a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game, and the like from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal), a clock generator is provided that generates a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that gives the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

  In addition, the CPU 111A selects one of a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) or a special figure routine process (step A9) in a special figure game process to be described later. One fluctuation pattern table is acquired. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do. Here, when executing the special figure variation display game, the CPU 111A serves as variation distribution information acquisition means for acquiring any one variation pattern table among the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. An interface which is connected to the switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a and receives a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches, and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. A chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided. Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output.

  All the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and also supplied from the main board 100 to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 70. It is like that. In addition, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 detects that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes a start winning opening 36 converted by signals from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10 and the proximity I / F 121. The start port 1 switch 36a in the inside, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the signals from the count switch 38a are taken in via the data bus 140. A second input port 122 for supplying to the microcomputer 111 is provided. The data held by the second input port 122 is read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 120 receives signals and payouts from the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 and the like. A status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the control device 200, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating overflow are fetched and supplied to the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. One input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure detection signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure detection signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set in each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

  The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and generates a data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating data validity / invalidity, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. A first output port 131 and a second output port 132 that generates an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300 are provided. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 by parallel communication. In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the side of the effect control device 300, that is, to ensure one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 via a relay board 70 for data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization (not shown) and a signal indicating the probability status of jackpot. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch, that is not required to be processed is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 that cannot be supplied to the test fire testing device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and is connected to the data bus 140 to open a special variation winning device 38 (a large winning opening solenoid) 38b and a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c to open a movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37. The third output port 135 for outputting the opening / closing data of the LED and the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting ON / OFF data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71 are provided. It has been. Information relating to the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game store or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A dynamic drive method is achieved by flowing current to the anode terminal of the LED through the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12 V, and drawing the current from the cathode terminal through the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control apparatus 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of two-way communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal included in the gaming microcomputer 111 in the same manner as a normal general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

  Next, game control performed in these control circuits will be described. The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number value for hit determination of the normal figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided to the normal figure start gate 34, and the ROM 111B. Is compared with the determination value stored in the table, and a process of determining whether or not the normal variation display game is missed is performed. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the general symbol display device, a process for displaying a general symbol variation display game to be stopped is performed. When the result of the normal map change display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the general map display, and the general electric solenoid 37c is operated to open and close the open / close members 37b and 37b of the normal variable winning device 37 for a predetermined time. The opening control is performed as described above (for example, for 0.3 seconds). In addition, when the result of the normal map change display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result form of the shift on the general map display.

  Further, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on an input of a detection signal of a game ball from a starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on this start memory, the first special figure variation display game is stored. The big hit determination random number value is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed. In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37, and based on this start memory, for the big hit determination of the second special figure variable display game A random number value is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.

  Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination results of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game to the effect control device 300. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to be stopped is performed. In addition, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the display device 41 performs a process of displaying the decoration special figure change display game corresponding to the special figure change display game. Furthermore, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the production state (production mode) is set, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed. . That is, the production control device 300 serves as production control means for controlling production related to a game (such as a variable display game).

  Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 and generates a special gaming state when the result of the special figure variation display game is a win. To perform the process. In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111A performs control for allowing the game ball to flow into the special winning opening by, for example, opening the open / close door 38c of the special variable winning apparatus 38 by the special winning opening solenoid 38b. . Then, either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined openable time (for example, 25 seconds or 0.5 seconds) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening. Opening the grand prize opening until such a condition is achieved is defined as one round, and a control (cycle game) is performed in which this is repeated (repeated) a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times). Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result form of the deviation.

  In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a high probability state as a gaming state after the special gaming state ends based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. This high probability state is a state in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. Moreover, even if it becomes a high probability state based on the result aspect of any of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure Both the variable display games are in a high probability state. That is, the probability that the game control device 100 controls the probability state, which is the probability of occurrence of the special game state, after the special game state is ended by either the normal probability state or the high probability state higher than the normal probability state. It serves as a variation control means.

  In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short time state as a game state after the special game state is ended based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. In this short time state, the normal variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are controlled to be in the short time operation state, and the normal variation winning device per unit time is compared to the case where the normal variation winning device 37 is in the normal operation state. The opening time of 37 is controlled so as to be substantially increased.

  For example, in the short-time state, it is possible to control the execution time of the above-described normal map change display game (the normal map change time) to be the second change display time shorter than the first change display time (for example, 10,000 ms is 600 ms). Further, in the short-time state, it is possible to control so that the normal map stop time for displaying the result of the normal map change display game becomes a second stop time (for example, 704 ms) shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 ms). It is. Further, in the short time state, when the normal variation winning game 37 is released as a result of the normal fluctuation display game being won, the first opening time (for example, 300 ms) in which the opening time (normal power release time) is the normal state. It is possible to control so that the second opening time is longer (for example, 1400 ms). In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normally variable winning device 37 (the number of times of opening of the ordinary electric power) is not two times the first number of times of opening for one hit result of the normal figure changing display game. It is possible to set the second number of times of opening a plurality of times (for example, 4 times). In the short time state, it is possible to set the probability of being a hit result of the normal-variable display game (normal probability) to a higher probability than the normal probability (low probability) in the normal operation state.

  In the short-time state, the normal variation winning device 37 is in an open state by changing any one or more of the normal time fluctuation time, the normal time stop time, the number of normal power releases, the normal power release time, and the normal figure probability Make the conversion time longer than usual. It is also possible to set a plurality of types of time-short states that are different from each other. Further, the high probability state and the short time state can be generated independently, and both can be generated simultaneously or only one can be generated.

  In addition, the game control device 100, based on detection of game balls by the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the count switch 38a, and the winning port switches 35a to 35n, Data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 as a prize ball command. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a prize ball number data transmission means for transmitting prize ball number data to the payout control device 200. The payout control device 200 performs a process of paying out a corresponding number of prize balls based on the prize ball number data.

  Next, the configuration of the payout control apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The payout control device 200 includes a one-chip microcomputer 201 having a CPU 201a, a RAM 201b, a ROM 201c, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 202, an error cancel switch 203 for canceling an error generated by radio wave detection, and the like. It is configured. The payout control device 200 discharges a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls, rental balls) from the payout device 210 based on the award ball number data from the game control device 100 or the input of the lending request signal from the card unit 601. Control to be performed.

  The CPU 201a includes a control unit and a calculation unit, performs calculation control, and performs control for driving the motor 211 of the payout device 210 according to the prize ball number data from the game control device 100 to pay out the prize ball. . The RAM 201b includes a work area of the CPU 201a, a storage area for unpaid number data in which the number of game balls that have not been paid out of the received prize ball number data is recorded. A control program and control data are written in the ROM 201c. That is, the RAM 201b serves as an unpaid-out number storage unit that stores the winning ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data, and the payout control device 200 stores the unpaid-out number data stored in the unpaid-out number storage unit. Based on this, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out.

  Further, the game control device 100 and the card unit 601 are connected to the input / output interface 202. Also, a payout ball detection SW212 for detecting a game ball to be paid out provided in the payout device 210, a radio wave detection SW213 for detecting unauthorized radio waves, a shoot ball presence detection SW214 provided in the front frame 12 and indicating a shortage of game balls before payout. An overflow detection SW 215 indicating an overflow of the lower plate 23 is connected. Various signals input from these are relayed and output to the CPU 201a.

  The input / output interface 202 receives various control signals output from the CPU 201a. These control signals are relayed by the input / output interface 202, and via the output port and driver (not shown), the game control device 100, the card unit 601, the motor 211 of the payout device 210, the launch control device 220, and the test firing test device 230. The output is made to the frame external terminal board 240 connected to a management device or the like outside the gaming machine.

  Further, power is supplied to the payout control device 200 from the power supply device 400. The control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 receives a first power failure detection signal indicating that the power supply voltage has decreased to the first voltage, and the payout control device 200 performs backup processing based on the first power failure detection signal. To do. A reset signal is input from the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 when the power is turned on, and initialization is performed when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 6 shows details of the power supply device 400. The AC 24 V converted from AC 100 V by the transformer 440 and input to the power supply device 400 is supplied to the rectifier circuit 411 via the overcurrent protection circuit 401 and the power switch 402. A part of the signal is output to the card unit 601 via the card unit connection board 600 as shown in FIG. After full-wave rectification by the rectifier circuit 411, a part is output as NDC 24V, and a part is input to the smoothing circuit 412 and smoothed. The DC voltage smoothed by the smoothing circuit 412 is input to a DC voltage generation circuit (413 to 416) formed of a DC-DC converter, converted into DC32V, DC12V, DC5V, and DC5VBB and output.

  The first power failure detection circuit 431 monitors a voltage of 32 V. When the voltage drops to the first voltage, the first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432 generates a first power failure detection signal and outputs it to the payout control device 200. In other words, the first power failure detection circuit 431 and the first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432 detect that the power supply voltage has decreased to the first voltage, and form first power failure detection means for generating a first power failure detection signal. 1st power transmission means which transmits 1 power failure detection signal to the payout control apparatus 200 is made.

  Further, the second power failure detection circuit 433 monitors a voltage of 32V, and when the voltage drops to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 generates a second power failure detection signal, and the game Output to the control device 100. That is, the second power failure detection circuit 433 and the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 detect that the power supply voltage has dropped to the second voltage lower than the first voltage, and generate the second power failure detection signal. A second transmission means for transmitting the second power failure detection signal to the game control device 100 is provided as well as a detection means.

  The power supply device 400 includes a reset signal generation circuit 435, and transmits a reset signal to each control device when the power is turned on. The power supply device 400 also includes a RAM initialization switch 436. When the initialization switch 436 is turned on when the power is turned on, an initialization switch signal is output from the RAM initialization signal generation circuit 437. By this initialization switch signal, the information (backed up information) stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 is forcibly initialized.

  The DC power supply voltage generated by the power supply device 400 is distributed to each control device as shown in FIG. The game control device 100 outputs DC32V, DC12V, DC5V, DC5VBB. In addition, DC32V, DC12V, DC5V, and NDC24V are output to the effect control device 300. Further, DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V are output to the payout control device 200, and further, DC32V and DC5V are output to the launch control device 220 via the payout control device 200. In addition, AC24V is output to the card unit connection board 600, and further, AC24V is output to the card unit 601 through the card unit connection board 600. That is, the power supply device 400 generates a predetermined power supply voltage from the rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplies it to each control device.

  FIG. 8 shows the voltage output from the normal power supply unit 410 and the output timing of the power failure detection signal when a power failure occurs. When the power is cut off (t1), the voltage of DC32V gradually decreases. Until the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage higher than the first voltage (t2), if power is supplied again, a game can be continued. That is, this period is an instantaneous power interruption guarantee period in which an operation such as resetting of the gaming machine due to a power failure for a short time is prevented and the game can be continued.

  If the power failure does not recover during the instantaneous power failure guarantee period and the voltage becomes the first voltage, the first power failure detection circuit 431 detects the occurrence of the power failure (t3). When the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the first power failure detection circuit 431, a first power failure detection signal is generated by the first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432 and output to the payout control device 200. The first power failure detection signal is transmitted as a change in the output state of the power failure detection signal 1. The power failure detection signal 1 is turned on until it reaches the first voltage, and when it reaches the first voltage, the first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432 is changed to the OFF state.

  The change in the output state forms the first power failure detection signal, and the payout control device 200 performs data backup processing upon reception of the first power failure detection signal. As will be described later, in this backup process, a process of transmitting backup data including unpaid-out number data and the like to the game control apparatus 100 is performed. The payout control device 200 is operable for a first predetermined time (t3 to t5) from the drop to the first voltage, and performs the backup process within the first predetermined time. The processing is completed before the data cannot be transmitted to the apparatus 100 so that the backup can be surely performed. In addition, the game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time (t3 to t5) that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the decrease to the first voltage, and is received from the payout control device 200 within the second predetermined time. The backup data and its own data are backed up, and the processing is completed before the operation becomes impossible so that the backup can be surely performed.

  Thereafter, when the voltage decreases to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, the second power failure detection circuit 433 detects the occurrence of a power failure (t4). When the occurrence of a power failure is detected by the second power failure detection circuit 433, a second power failure detection signal is generated by the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 and output to the game control device 100. The second power failure detection signal is transmitted as a change in the output state of the power failure detection signal 2. The power failure detection signal 2 is turned on until it reaches the second voltage, and when it reaches the second voltage, the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 is changed to the OFF state. This change in output state forms the second power failure detection signal. Even if the game control device 100 does not receive the backup data from the payout control device 200, the game control device 100 receives the second power failure detection signal to perform a process of backing up its own data. Further, the game control apparatus 100 is operable for a third predetermined time (from t4 to t5) from the drop to the second voltage, and performs a process of backing up its own data within the third predetermined time. Therefore, before the operation becomes impossible, the processing is completed so that the backup can be surely performed.

  It should be noted that the period from the power shutdown (t1) to the predetermined time (t5) after dropping to the second voltage is a period in which DC5V is supplied as the DC5V guarantee period, and the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 It is a period during which the CPU can operate. Further, the period (t4 to t5) from the time when the voltage drops to the second voltage to the end of the DC5V guarantee period is a period sufficient for the game control device 100 to perform the backup process, and the data backup process is ensured. Can be done.

  Next, control executed by the one-chip microcomputer 201 of the payout control device 200 will be described. In the one-chip microcomputer 201, a payout main process shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

[Payout main processing]
The payout main process is started when the power is turned on. In this payout main process, first, an interrupt prohibition process (step A1) is performed, then an interrupt vector setting process (step A2) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt process. Interrupt mode setting processing (step A3) for setting the mode is performed.

  Next, access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as RAM or EEPROM is permitted (step A4), and all output ports are set to off (no output) (step A5). After that, when an interrupt occurs, a stack pointer setting process (step A6) is performed to set a stack pointer that is a start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved, and a serial port for communication with the game control device 100 is set. (Step A7).

  Then, all work areas before the access-prohibited area are cleared (step A8), all stack areas after the access-prohibited area are cleared (step A9), and areas related to input control, output signal, and reception buffer are reset. (Step A10). Next, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit for generating a timer interrupt signal in the one-chip microcomputer 201 (clock generator) is started (step A11). The CTC circuit is a clock generator in the one-chip microcomputer 201. Is provided. The clock generator divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator, and outputs a timer interrupt signal with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 201a based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating.

  Thereafter, interruption is permitted (step A12), and payout related data reception processing (step A13) is performed. As shown in FIG. 11, in the payout-related data reception process, first, the reception of payout-related data is waited (step A31). The payout-related data is data that the payout control device 200 transmits to the game control device 100 when a power failure occurs and is backed up by the game control device 100, and is transmitted from the game control device 100 when the power is turned on. ing. This payout-related data includes switch input information, requested payout number based on prize ball number data from the game control device 100, information on the reception buffer, and information on the number of game balls that have been paid out as information when a power failure occurs. The payout number monitoring area information, the number of game balls that have not been paid out, and the number of unpaid number data are included. When there is no backed up data in the game control device 100, empty data is transmitted as the payout related data when the power is turned on.

  When this payout-related data is received (step A31; Yes), the received payout-related data is stored in the corresponding storage area (step A32), and the payout-related data received data is transmitted to the game control device 100 ( Step A33), the payout related data receiving process is terminated. After performing this payout related data reception process, as shown in FIG. 10, a firing control determination process is performed to determine whether or not a game ball can be launched (step A14).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ball lending control mode for discharging the game ball is in progress based on the ball lending information from the card unit 600 (step A15). When the ball lending mode is set (step A15; Yes), the ball lending control process (step A19) is performed, the payout control process (step A21) is performed, and the error notification editing process (step A22) is performed. By this ball lending control processing (step A19) and payout control processing (step A21), a predetermined number of game balls are discharged based on the lending information transmitted from the card unit 600 when the player performs a lending operation. The

  On the other hand, when it is not in the ball lending control mode (step A15; No), in the award ball control mode in which the game balls are discharged based on the award ball number data transmitted from the game control device 100 due to the occurrence of a winning at the winning opening. It is determined whether there is any (step A16). If the prize ball control mode is in effect (step A16; Yes), a prize ball control process (step A20) is performed, a payout control process (step A21) is performed, and an error notification editing process (step A22) is performed. By the prize ball control process (step A20) and the payout control process (step A21), a predetermined number of game balls are discharged based on the prize ball number data transmitted from the game control device 100 when a prize is awarded to the prize opening. .

  If the prize ball control mode is not in effect (step A16; No), a payout excessive error monitoring process (step A17) for monitoring the occurrence of an error in which game balls are excessively paid out is performed, and a payout device control start determination process (step A17). A18) is performed, and error notification editing processing (step A19) is performed. In the payout device control start determination process, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether a payout excessive error is occurring (step A41). If the payout excessive error is being detected (step A41; Yes), the payout device control start determination The process ends. If the payout excessive error is not in progress (step A41; No), a prize ball control start determination process (step A42) for determining whether to start prize ball payout control is performed, and whether or not the ball payout control is started. A ball lending control start determination process (step A43) is performed to end the payout device control start determination process.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the prize ball control start determination process, first, among the number of game balls to be paid out based on the prize ball number data, the payout side unpaid number, which is the number of game balls that have not yet been paid out, is calculated. It is determined whether it is 0 (step A51). When the payout-side unpaid number is 0 (step A51; Yes), the prize ball control start determination process is terminated. If the number of unpaid on the payout side is not 0 (step A51; No), it is determined whether the payout is prohibited (step A52).

  If the payout is prohibited (step A52; Yes), the prize ball control start determination process is terminated. Further, when the payout is not prohibited (step A52; No), it is determined whether or not the shot ball cut switch is in an unconfirmed state (step A53). If the shot ball cut switch is in an indeterminate state (step A53; Yes), that is, if the ball is cut, the award ball control start determination process ends. If the shot ball cut switch is not in the unconfirmed state (step A53; No), that is, if the ball is not out, it is determined whether the overflow switch is in the unconfirmed state (step A54).

  If the overflow switch is not in the indeterminate state (step A54; No), that is, if it is overflowing, the winning ball control start determination process is terminated. If the overflow switch is in an unconfirmed state (step A54; Yes), that is, if it is not overflowing, the prize ball control mode is set to the payout device control mode (step A55), and the prize ball control start determination process is performed. finish. Thereby, the payout control of the prize ball is started.

  In the ball lending control start determination process (step A43) shown in FIG. 12, the prize is replaced with the determination (step A51) as to whether or not the payout side unpaid number in the prize ball control start determination process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the ball control mode is set, and when the prize ball control mode is not set, the processes of steps A52 to A54 are performed. If the overflow switch is in an indeterminate state (step A54; Yes), that is, if it is not overflowing, the ball lending control mode is set in the payout device control mode and the ball lending control start determination process is terminated. .

  Returning to FIG. 10, after performing the error notification editing process (step A22), it is determined whether the power failure detection signal 1 is OFF (step A23). The change of the power failure detection signal 1 from ON to OFF is defined as a first power failure detection signal, and the occurrence of a power failure is detected by receiving the first power failure detection signal. If the power failure detection signal 1 is not OFF (step A23; No), that is, if a power failure has not occurred, the process returns to the launch control determination process (step A14). Moreover, when the power failure detection signal 1 is OFF (step A23; Yes), that is, when a power failure occurs and the first power failure detection signal is received, a power outage related data transmission process (step A24) is performed.

  In the power-related payout-related data transmission process (step A24), the current switch input information, the requested payout number based on the award ball number data from the game control device 100, information on the reception buffer, the number of game balls that have been paid out A process of transmitting to the game control device 100 payout-related data including information on the payout number monitoring area including the information, unpaid-off number data that is information on the number of game balls that have not been paid out, and the like is performed. Thereafter, interrupts are prohibited (step A25), all output ports are turned off (step A26), access to the RWM is prohibited (step A27), and waiting for the power supply of the gaming machine to be cut off. It should be noted that the processing of steps A24 to A27 is completed within a first predetermined time, which is the time during which the dispensing control device 200 can operate from the decrease to the first voltage. That is, the payout control device 200 serves as a power failure processing means for transmitting the unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal.

  Next, control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control apparatus 100 will be described. Control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes main processing shown in FIG. 14 and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 20 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main processing, as shown in FIG. 14, first, initialization processing (step B1) is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt disable processing is performed, the interrupt vector setting process that sets the vector address of the jump destination to be executed when an interrupt occurs, the beginning of the area that saves the values of registers etc. when an interrupt occurs A stack pointer setting process for setting the stack pointer as an address and an interrupt mode setting process for setting an interrupt processing mode are performed.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited. As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory) such as RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to off (no output). Also, a process for setting the serial port is performed.

  After performing this initialization process, a power failure recovery process (step B2) is performed, and interruption is permitted (step B3). Thereafter, a payout-related data transmission process (step B4) for transmitting the backed up data to the payout control apparatus 200 is performed, and a payout side unpaid number data display process for displaying the unpaid number on the display device 41 is performed (step B5). ).

  Then, an initial value random number update process (step B6) is performed for breaking the regularity of the random numbers by updating the values of various initial value random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Also, by permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step B6) (step B3), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process will be executed preferentially, It is possible to prevent the interrupt processing from being pressed by waiting for the timer interrupt by the initial value random number update processing.

  Note that the initial value random number update process in step B6 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of value random number update processing, when performing initial value random number update processing in the main processing, it is necessary to disable interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed in the main process and only the main process is performed, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is an advantage that it is simplified.

  After the initial value random number update process in step B6, it is determined whether payout-related data has been received (step B7). The payout related data is data transmitted based on the fact that the payout control device 200 has received the first power failure detection signal. When this payout related data is received (step B7; Yes), the payout related data can be backed up. The data is stored in the area (step B9), and a process when a power failure occurs is performed (steps B10 to B16). If the payout related data is not received (step B7; No), it is determined whether the power failure detection signal 2 is OFF (step B8).

  The change of the power failure detection signal 2 from ON to OFF is defined as the second power failure detection signal. By receiving the second power failure detection signal, the occurrence of the power failure is detected without receiving the payout related data. ing. If the power failure detection signal 2 is not OFF (step B8; No), that is, if a power failure has not occurred, the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step B6). Further, when the power failure detection signal 2 is OFF (step B8; Yes), that is, when a power failure occurs, processing when a power failure occurs is performed (steps B10 to B16).

  In the process when a power failure occurs, interrupts are prohibited (step B10), and all output ports are turned off (step B11). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step B12), and the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step B13). Then, after performing the process of calculating the checksum (step B14), the calculated checksum is saved in the checksum area (step B15), and access to the RWM is prohibited (step B16). Wait for it to be shut off. In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at the time of power shutdown is calculated, so that whether or not the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up can be checked. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.

  The processing from the receipt of the payout related data (Step B7; Yes) to the processing for prohibiting the RAM access (Step B16) is a second predetermined time which is the time during which the game control device 100 can operate from the drop to the first voltage. It is supposed to be done in time. In addition, the process from the reception of the second power failure detection signal due to the power failure detection signal 2 being turned off (step B8; Yes) to the processing for prohibiting the RAM access (step B16) starts from the decrease to the second voltage. This is performed within a third predetermined time, which is a time during which the apparatus 100 can operate. From the above, the game control device 100 serves as a backup means for performing data backup processing.

[Power failure recovery processing]
FIG. 15 shows a power failure recovery process (step B2) in the main process shown in FIG. In this power failure recovery process, first, it is determined whether or not an initialization switch signal that is turned on when the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is operated is on (step B21). When the initialization switch signal is OFF (step B21; No), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is the normal power failure inspection area check data 1 (step B22). If normal (step B23; Yes), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is the normal power failure inspection area check data 2 (step B24). If the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (step B25; Yes), the checksum of the predetermined area in the RWM is calculated (step B26), and the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum at the time of power interruption. (Step B27), it is determined whether they match (Step B28). And when it corresponds (step B28; Yes), the process (step B29 to B35) at the time of recovering normally from a power failure is performed.

  When the initialization switch signal is on (step B21; Yes), or when it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (step B23; No or step B25; No), the checksum is When it is determined that it is not normal (step B28; No) (when data is not backed up correctly at the time of a power failure or data backed up at the time of power failure recovery is damaged), initialization processing (step B36). To B40).

  In the case of normal recovery from a power failure, all power failure inspection areas are cleared (step B29), the checksum area is cleared (step B30), and the areas related to errors and fraud monitoring are reset (step B31). . Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step B32).

  If the probability is high (step B32; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (step B33), and the high probability notification LED (error indicator) provided in the batch display device 50 is turned on ( (Lit) The data is saved in the segment area (step B34). Thereafter, a command at the time of power restoration corresponding to the processing number of the special figure game processing described later is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step B35), and the timer interrupt signal and random number update trigger signal in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) are transmitted. A CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates (CTC) is activated (step B41). If the probability is not high (step B32; No), a power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number is transmitted (step B35), and the timer interrupt signal and random number in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) are transmitted. A CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates an update trigger signal (CTC) is activated (step B41).

  On the other hand, in the initialization process, all work areas before the access-prohibited area are cleared (step B36), all stack areas after the access-prohibited area are cleared (step B37), and power is supplied to the area to be initialized. The initial value of the hour is saved (step B38). Then, the output timer initial value of the external information (security signal) relating to RWM clear is saved in the security signal control timer area (step B39), and a command at power-on is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step B40). A CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is started (step B41).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

  After the CTC activation process in step B41, the random number generation circuit is activated (step B42). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. After that, the value of a predetermined register (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on is extracted, and various corresponding initial value random numbers (random numbers that determine the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number) 2) As an initial value (start value) of a random number (a random number per hit) for determining a normal hit, it is saved in a predetermined area of the RWM (step B43), and the power failure recovery process is terminated. The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in this embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on, and this value is used as an initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, it is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.

[Payout-related data transmission processing]
FIG. 16 shows the payout related data transmission process (step B4) in the main process shown in FIG. In this payout related data transmission process, first, payout related data backed up by the game control device 100 is transmitted to the payout control device 200 (step B51). When there is no backed up data, empty data is transmitted as the payout related data. Then, it waits for the receipt of the payout-related data received data from the payout control device 200 (step B52), and when the payout-related data received data is received (step B52; Yes), the payout-related data transmission process ends. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a power failure return transmission unit that transmits the unpaid-out number data stored in the backup storage unit to the payout control device 200 after returning from the power-off state.

[Payment side unpaid number data display processing]
FIG. 17 shows a payout-side unpaid number data display process (step B5) in the main process shown in FIG. In the payout side unpaid number data display process, first, it is determined whether the number of unpaid numbers in the payout side unpaid number data that has been backed up is 16 or more (step B61). If the number of unpaid out is less than 16 (step B61; No), the special figure / common figure timer update is permitted (step B66), and the unpaid-out unpaid out number data display process is terminated.

  The special figure / common figure timer is a timer for performing time measurement in various processes for executing the special figure variation display game and the common figure variation display game in the game control device 100. The timer measures the time required for various processes, and the game progresses by updating the gaming state when the timer expires. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a game timer update means for updating a game timer for updating the game state.

  When the number of unpaid is 16 or more (step B61; Yes), setting is made to transmit the unpaid-out data on the payout side to the display device (step B62), and the special figure / common figure timer update is permitted. (Step B63). Thereafter, the payout side unpaid number data is transmitted to the effect control device (step B64), the state transition flag is turned off (step B65), and the payout side unpaid number data display process is terminated.

  If the number of unpaid is 16 or more by this processing, the number of unpaid game balls is displayed on the display device 41 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the special figure / common figure timer update has been started, the game can be progressed until a certain break. In this way, by starting the update of the special figure / common figure timer before completing the payout of the game balls corresponding to the unpaid number data, the progress of the game is delayed even if it takes time to pay out the unpaid game balls. Can be prevented. After that, when the number of unpaid is less than 16, a display of the game that has progressed to a certain break is displayed, and the continuation of the game is started. From the above, the game control device 100 performs notification until the number of unpaid out becomes a predetermined number or less after returning from the power-off state.

  Further, when the number of unpaid is less than 16, the display of the game at the time of power failure is displayed as shown in FIG. 18B, and the payout is performed. In this case as well, the special figure / common figure timer has been updated before the completion of payout of the game ball corresponding to the unpaid number data. In this case, the continuation of the game is started from the beginning. Even when there are payout game balls, if the number is small, it is possible to prompt the player to launch a game and return to the game quickly. When a power failure occurs in a state where an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine and then the power failure is recovered, or when the number of unpaid game balls is abnormally large (for example, 10,000 or more), FIG. As shown in (), an abnormality notification is made on the display device 41.

[Checksum calculation processing]
FIG. 19 shows the checksum calculation process (step B14) in the main process shown in FIG. 14 and the checksum calculation process (step B26) in the power failure recovery process shown in FIG. In this checksum calculation process, first, the start address of the RWM is set as the start value of the calculated address (step B71), the number of repetitions is set (step B72), and 0 is set as the calculated value (step B73).

  Then, the contents of the calculated address are loaded, and a value obtained by adding the calculated value to the loaded value is set as a new calculated value (step B74). Next, the calculation address is updated by +1 (step B75), the number of repetitions is updated by -1, and it is checked whether the number of repetitions is 0 and the checksum calculation is completed (step B76). If the calculation has not been completed (step B77; No), the process returns to step B74 and the above processing is repeated. When the calculation is completed (step B77; Yes), the checksum calculation process is terminated.

  With the above processing, the game control device 100 stores the unpaid number data in the backup storage means before the end of the second predetermined time based on receiving the unpaid number data from the payout control device 200 and Data backup processing will be performed. When the second power failure detection signal is received without receiving the unpaid number data from the payout control device 200, the data backup process is performed within the third predetermined time.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111A, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 20 is started.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step B81) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, input from various sensors (start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, usual gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), that is, input processing for reading the state of each input port, Based on the output data set in the process, an input / output process (step B82) for performing an output process for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) or the like is performed.

  Then, command transmission processing (step B83) for outputting commands set in the transmission buffer in various processings to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, etc. is performed, random number update processing 1 (step B84), initial value random number update processing. (Step B85), random number update processing 2 (Step B86) is performed. Thereafter, a winning opening switch monitoring for monitoring whether there is a normal signal input from the starting opening 1 switch 36a, the starting opening 2 switch 37a, the usual gate switch 34a, the winning opening switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. Processing (step B87) is performed, and error monitoring processing (step B88) for monitoring errors (whether the front frame or the glass frame is not opened) is performed.

  Then, a special figure game process (step B89) for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game and a general figure game process (step B90) for performing a process related to the general figure variation display game are performed. A segment LED editing process (step B91) is performed to drive the segment LED that displays various information related to game display and games to display desired contents.

  Next, external information editing processing (step B92) for setting signals to be output to various external devices to the output buffer is performed, the interrupt request is cleared, and the end of the interrupt is declared (step B93). After that, a process of restoring the register data saved in step B81 (step B94) is performed, a process of permitting an interrupt (step B95) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

[Power-off information reception processing]
FIG. 21 shows the power-off information reception process performed in the input / output process (step B82) in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In this power-off information reception process, first, it is determined whether the second power failure detection signal has been received (step B100). The second power failure detection signal is a signal defined as a change of the power failure detection signal 2 from ON to OFF. When the second power failure detection signal is not received (step B101; No), the power failure information is received. The process ends. When the second power failure detection signal is received (step B101; Yes), the corresponding payout control data is stored in the backup storage area (step B102), and the transmission of the winning ball number data to the payout control device is stopped. (Step B103), the power-off information reception process is terminated.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the details of the special figure game process (step B89) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described. In the special figure game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the special game process, first, a start switch monitoring process (step B111) for monitoring winnings of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed. In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the normal variable winning device 37 that forms the start winning port 36 and the second starting winning port, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special feature based on the winning is obtained. Prior to the start of the figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a prize is determined in advance.

  Next, a count switch monitoring process (step B112) is performed. In this count switch monitoring process, a process of monitoring the count number of the count switch 38a provided in the special variation winning device 38 is performed. Thereafter, the special figure game processing timer is updated (-1), and it is checked whether the game processing timer has already expired or has been timed up by updating (step B113). However, if it is determined that the time is not up (step B133; No), the process proceeds to step B129, and the subsequent processes are performed. If it is determined that the special figure game processing timer has expired (step B114; Yes), it is determined whether the state transition flag is ON (step B115).

  The state transition flag is a flag for setting whether or not the transition to the next process is permitted in the process branched by the process number described later. If this state transition flag is ON (step B115; Yes), transition to the next process is permitted in the process branching by the process number, and is referred to for branching to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number. The special figure game sequence branch table is set in the register (step B118). Thereafter, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is obtained using the table (step B119), the return address after the branch process is completed is saved in the stack area (step B120), and the game process number is set. In response, a game branching process (step B121) is performed.

  If the game process number is “0” in step B121, the start of fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game is monitored, and the start of fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of effects, and the special figure fluctuation processing are performed. A special figure routine process (step B122) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed. If the game process number is “1” in step B121, the special figure changing process (step for setting the special figure stop display time, setting information necessary for performing the special figure display process, etc.) B123) is performed.

  If the game processing number is “2” in step B121, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting corresponding to the type of the big hit or the big winning opening opening pattern for each big hit A special chart display process (step B124) is performed for setting the fanfare time according to the information and setting the information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval process. If the game process number is “3” in step B121, the fanfare / setting for setting the opening time of the big prize opening, updating the number of times of opening, setting the information necessary for performing the process during the opening of the big prize opening, etc. Processing during the interval (step B125) is performed.

  If the game process number is “4” in step B121, an interval command is set if the big hit round is not the final round, while an ending command is set if it is the final round, A special winning opening opening process (step B126) for setting information necessary for performing the game is performed. If the game process number is “5” in step B121, if the big hit round is the final round, a process for setting a time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening and a big hit end process are performed. The winning ball remaining ball processing (step B127) is performed for setting information necessary for the game.

  When the game process number is “6” in step B121, a big hit end process (step B128) for setting information necessary for performing the special figure routine process (step B122) is performed. In this jackpot end process, whether or not to enter a probable change state and a time-short state as the game state after the end of the special game state is set based on the type of special result. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a game state setting means for setting the game state after the end of the special game state according to the type of special result that triggered the occurrence of the special game state.

  Then, after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 1 indicator 51 (step B129), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step B130) which concerns on the special figure 1 indicator 51 is performed. And after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 2 indicator 52 (step B131), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step B132) which concerns on the special figure 2 indicator 52 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined whether or not the state transition flag is ON (step B115), if the state transition flag is OFF (step B115; No), the unpaid number of the current payout-side unpaid number data is 16 or more. (Step B116). If the unpaid number of the payout-side unpaid number data is 16 or more (step B116; Yes), a process for preparing a table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51 (step B129) and the subsequent steps. Perform the process. As a result, the process that branches depending on the process number does not shift to the next process. If the unpaid number of the payout-side unpaid number data is less than 16 (step B116; No), the state transition flag is turned on (step B117), and the process branches to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number. Therefore, the process after the process (step B118) for setting the special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to in the register is performed.

  The state transition flag is set to OFF when there are 16 or more unpaid numbers in the unpaid side unpaid number data backed up when the power is turned on (see FIG. 17). In this case, the payout is performed sequentially, and the process branching by the process number is not shifted to the next process until the number of unpaid is less than 16. Then, when the number of unpaid out is less than 16, the process branching by the process number is allowed to shift to the next process.

  However, even if the state transition flag is OFF, the special figure / common figure timer is allowed to be updated, so the game that is currently in progress advances, so the game advances until a certain break. It is like that. When the special winning award opening process (step B126) is being executed and the special variable winning device 38 is opened, the number of winnings is monitored by the count switch monitoring process (step B112). When the number reaches the specified number, the special variable winning device 38 is closed, and the special variable winning device 38 is not kept open.

  Through the processing as described above, the burden on the game control device 100 can be reduced by managing the unpaid number data only by the payout control device 200 during normal times. Further, when a power failure occurs, backup is performed only by the game control device 100, so that only the game control device 100 has a backup function, and the cost can be reduced. Further, even if the unpaid number data is not transmitted from the payout control device 200 when the voltage drops to the first voltage and the game control device 100 does not start the backup process in response to the drop to the first voltage, the second voltage Since the backup process is always started due to the decrease in data, the data of at least the game control device 100 is surely backed up, and data loss can be minimized.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 that transmits prize ball number data, and an unpaid-out number storage means (payout control device 200) that stores the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data. Based on the unpaid number data stored in the payout number storage means, a payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from the rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine to each control device. In a gaming machine including the power supply device 400 to be supplied, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage, and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). Detection circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200. The payout control device 200 decreases to the first voltage. The power failure processing means (payout) that is operable during the first predetermined time and that transmits unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means to the game control device within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal. The control device 200) is provided, and the game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and can store the stored data even in a power-off state. (Game control device 100) and receiving the unpaid number data from the payout control device 200, storing the unpaid number data in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time, And backup means for backing up process over data (game controller 100), and that it comprises a.

  In addition, a prize is given on the condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (starting prize opening 36, ordinary variable prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the ball number data, and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the winning ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data are provided. A payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid number data stored in the means, and a power source that generates a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplies it to each control device In the gaming machine including the device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage, and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection circuit 4). 1), a second power failure detection means (second power failure detection circuit 433) for detecting that the voltage has dropped to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and generating a second power failure detection signal, and a first power failure detection signal First transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting to the payout control device 200 and second transmission means (second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434) for transmitting the second power failure detection signal to the game control device 100 The payout control device 200 is operable for a first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the unpaid number storage means within the first predetermined time Is provided with a power failure processing means (payout control device 200) for transmitting the unpaid number data to the game control device 100. The game control device 100 is operable from the drop to the second voltage until the third predetermined time, Data stored even in the shut-off state A backup storage means (game control apparatus 100) that can be held, and a backup means (game control apparatus 100) for performing data backup processing, wherein the backup means receives unpaid number data from the payout control apparatus 200. Based on the above, the unpaid-out number data is stored in the backup storage means before the end of the third predetermined time, and the backup processing of its own data is performed, and the unpaid-out number data is not received from the payout control device 200. When a power failure detection signal is received, the data backup process is performed within the third predetermined time.

  In addition, a prize is given on the condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (starting prize opening 36, ordinary variable prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the ball number data, and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the winning ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data are provided. A payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid number data stored in the means, and a power source that generates a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplies it to each control device In the gaming machine including the device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage, and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection circuit 4). 1) and a first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 from the drop to the first voltage. Power failure processing means (payout control) that is operable for one predetermined time and transmits unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal. Device 200), and the game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and can store the stored data even in the power-off state ( Based on the receipt of the unpaid number data from the game control device 100) and the payout control device 200, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time and the own data Backup means for performing backup processing (game control apparatus 100), and power failure return transmission means for transmitting unpaid number data stored in the backup storage means to the payout control apparatus 200 after returning from the power-off state (game control apparatus 100) And a game timer update means (game control device 100) for updating a game timer for updating the game state, and the game timer update means plays a game before the payout of the game ball corresponding to the unpaid-out number data is completed. The timer update is started.

  In addition, the game control device 100 performs notification until the number of unpaid is equal to or less than a predetermined number after returning from the power-off state.

[First Modification]
Next, a first modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. In the gaming machine of this modification, the control device performs mutual authentication when power is turned on to confirm the validity. Further, the game control apparatus 100 transmits new prize ball number data after the payout control apparatus 200 starts paying out the game balls after mutual authentication.

  FIG. 23 shows data transmitted and received between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200. The game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 transmit and receive mutual authentication data when the power is turned on, thereby confirming the validity of each other's control device and preventing unauthorized control device replacement.

  In addition, the game control device 100 transmits a number-based prize ball command including prize ball number data in accordance with the winning at the winning opening, and causes the payout control device 200 to pay out the game ball. Then, the payout control device 200 transmits a payout completion signal classified by number to the game control device 100 each time the payout of game balls corresponding to the winning ball number data is completed. In addition, when the game control device 100 is activated later while the payout control device 200 is activated, whether or not there is a payout-side unpaid number that is the number of game balls for which the payout control device 200 has not yet been paid out. Is sent to the game control device 100.

  As serial communication means for performing bidirectional communication by serial communication between the game control apparatus 100 and the payout control apparatus 200, a first serial communication means and a second serial communication means are provided. The first serial communication unit is an encrypted communication unit that encrypts and transmits data, and the second serial communication unit is a normal communication unit that transmits data without encryption. The first serial communication means is used for transmission / reception of data for mutual authentication, so that the mutual authentication procedure and communication contents are concealed. The second serial communication means is used for other data transmission / reception. In particular, by using the second serial communication means for transmitting backup data to be transmitted from the payout control device 200 to the game control device 100 when a power failure occurs, data encryption and decryption processing can be omitted, and before the power is shut off Backup data can be transmitted reliably.

[Prize ball control processing]
The payout control device 200 performs the process shown in FIG. 24 in the prize ball control process (step A20) in the payout main process shown in FIG. In this prize ball control process, first, a prize ball process number is loaded (step A61), and a branch process based on the process number is performed (step A62). When the process number is 0, a prize ball payout start process (step A63) for starting payout of prize balls according to the prize ball number data is performed. If the process number is 1, a prize ball payout retry determination process (step A64) is performed. If the process number is 2, a prize ball payout shortage error release waiting process (step A65) is performed. When the processing number is 3, a prize ball payout termination process (step A66) is completed to complete the payout of prize balls according to the prize ball number data.

[Prize ball start processing]
FIG. 25 shows the above-mentioned prize ball payout start process (step A63). In this award ball payout start process, a payout motor control process (step A71) for controlling the motor 211 of the payout device 210 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls according to the prize ball number data is performed, and the prize ball processing number is set. 1 which is the number of the winning ball payout retry determination process is set (step A72), and the winning ball payout start process is ended. With this process, a predetermined number of game balls according to the winning ball number data are paid out.

[Prize ball closing process]
FIG. 26 shows the above-described prize ball payout termination process (step A66). This winning ball payout ending process is performed when the paying out of the winning ball corresponding to the winning ball number data is completed. In the award ball payout termination process, first, the detection payout number monitoring flag is cleared (step A81), and it is determined whether or not an excessive ball that is an excessively paid out game ball is detected (step A82). If there is an excess sphere detected (step A82; Yes), the initial position determination operation is set in the payout motor control state (step A83), and the excess sphere detection flag is cleared (step A85). If no excess sphere is detected (step A82; No), the basic operation is set in the payout motor control state (step A84), and the excess sphere detection flag is cleared (step A85).

  Thereafter, a payout completion signal is transmitted to the game control device 100 (step A86), and 0, which is the number of the prize ball payout start process, is set in the prize ball processing number (step A87). Then, the standby operation mode is set in the payout device control mode (step A88), and the winning ball payout ending process is ended. With this processing, a payout completion signal is transmitted to the game control device 100 every time a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the prize ball number data. That is, the payout control device 200 serves as a payout completion signal transmitting means for sending a payout completion signal indicating that payout of the number of game balls corresponding to the winning ball number data has been completed to the game control device 100.

  27 and 28 show the mutual authentication processing of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200. FIG. 27 shows a mutual authentication process performed when the payout control device 200 is activated later while the game control device 100 is activated. When the power is turned on normally, the payout control device 200 is activated later with the game control device 100 activated as described above.

  The game control device 100 performs mutual authentication processing in timer interrupt processing. In this mutual authentication process, it is determined whether or not the mutual authentication data has been received (step B141). If not received (step B141; No), the mutual authentication process is terminated. If received (step B141; Yes), processing related to mutual authentication is performed.

  The payout control device 200 performs power failure recovery processing when the power is turned on. In this power failure recovery process, first, mutual authentication data is transmitted to the game control device 100 (step A91), and reception of mutual authentication data from the game control device 100 is awaited. The mutual authentication data includes information on a unique ID (payout ID) that can identify the payout control device 200.

  In the game control device 100, based on the reception of the mutual authentication data from the payout control device 200 (step B141; Yes), it is determined whether the mutual authentication data is valid as a process related to the mutual authentication (step B142). In determining whether the mutual authentication data is valid, it is determined whether the back-up mutual authentication data received from the payout control device 200 before power-off and the mutual authentication data received from the current payout control device 200 match. If it does not match, it is determined that it is not valid (step B142; No), and the mutual authentication process is terminated. If they match, it is determined to be valid (step B142; Yes), and the mutual authentication data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 (step B143).

  In the payout control device 200, when the mutual authentication data transmitted by completing the mutual authentication in the game control device 100 is received (step A93), the payout control device 200 transmits the mutual authentication data to the game control device 100 when the power is shut off. And waiting for the receipt of the payout control device data backed up by the game control device 100. Further, when the mutual authentication is not completed in the game control device 100 and the predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the mutual authentication data (step A92; Yes), an error notification is performed (step A97).

  In the game control apparatus 100, after the process of transmitting the mutual authentication data (step B143), the payout side unpaid number data that has been backed up is confirmed (step B144), and backup including the payout side unpaid number data is performed. The data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 as payout control device data (step B145).

  When the payout control device 200 receives the payout control device data from the game control device 100 (step A95; Yes), the payout control device 200 stores the received data in the corresponding storage area (step A96). If a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the payout control data (step A94; Yes), an error notification is performed (step A98).

  FIG. 28 shows a mutual authentication process performed when the game control apparatus 100 is activated later while the payout control apparatus 200 is activated. In this case, for example, an error may occur in the game control device 100 and only the game control device 100 may be restarted.

  The game control apparatus 100 performs power failure recovery processing when the power is turned on. In this power failure recovery process, it is first determined whether the power failure is recovered (step B151). Here, power failure recovery refers to power-on that is not a normal power-on, for example, when an error occurs in the game control device 100 and restarts. If it is not the power failure recovery (step B151; No), the power failure recovery processing is terminated. When the power failure is restored (step B151; Yes), the mutual authentication data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 or the like (step B152), and the reception of the mutual authentication data from the payout control device 200 or the like is awaited. The mutual authentication data transmitted by the game control device 100 includes information on a unique ID (game ID) that can identify the game control device 100.

  The payout control apparatus 200 performs mutual authentication processing in timer interrupt processing. In this mutual authentication process, it is determined whether or not the mutual authentication data has been received (step A101). If not received (step A101; No), the mutual authentication process is terminated. If received (step A101; Yes), processing related to mutual authentication is performed.

  When the mutual authentication data is received (step A101; Yes), it is determined whether the mutual authentication data is valid as a process related to the mutual authentication (step A102). In determining whether the mutual authentication data is valid, it is determined whether the mutual authentication data received from the game control device 100 before the reception of the current mutual authentication data matches the mutual authentication data received this time. If not, it is determined that it is not valid (step A102; No), and the mutual authentication process is terminated. If they match, it is determined to be valid (step A102; Yes), and mutual authentication data is transmitted to the game control apparatus 100 (step A103).

  In the game control device 100, when the mutual authentication data transmitted by the completion of the mutual authentication in the payout control device 200 is received (step B154; Yes), the game control device 100 waits for reception of the payout-side payout number data presence / absence command. . Further, when the mutual authentication is not completed in the payout control device 200 and the predetermined time has passed without receiving the mutual authentication data (step B153; Yes), an error notification is performed (step B160).

  The payout control device 200 confirms payout-side payout number data that is the number of game balls that have received prize ball number data but have not been paid out after transmitting mutual authentication data (step A104). A payout side unpaid number data presence / absence command including information on whether or not there is payout side unpaid number data is transmitted to the game control device 200 (step A105).

  In the game control device 100, when the payout side unpaid number presence / absence command is not received from the payout control device 200 for a predetermined time (step B155; No), an error notification is performed (step B161). When a payout side unpaid number presence / absence command is received (step B155; Yes), it is determined whether there is payout side unpaid number data based on the payout side unpaid number presence / absence command (step B157). If there is payout-side unpaid-out data (step B157; Yes), processing is performed so that prize ball number data is not transmitted until a payout completion signal is received (step B158). If there is no payout-side unpaid-out data (step B157; No), a process of transmitting the stored award ball number data is performed (step B159).

  That is, the game control device 100 serves as a game-side mutual authentication unit that performs mutual authentication with the payout control device 200 after returning from the power-off state. Further, the game control device 100 performs a winning ball number data transmission return process for transmitting the winning ball number data based on the determination result of the unpaid ball presence / absence data received from the payout control device 200. In addition, the payout control device 200 serves as a payout-side mutual authentication unit that performs mutual authentication with the game control device 100. In addition, when the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 are mutually authenticated, the payout control device 200 includes an unpaid ball presence / absence data transmission means for transmitting unpaid ball presence / absence data indicating the presence / absence of the payout unpaid number data. Eggplant.

  By this processing, after the game control device 100 is returned from the power-off state, there is a period until receiving unpaid ball presence / absence data indicating that there is no payout unpaid number data and that there is payout unpaid number data. The period until the unpaid ball presence / absence data is received and the payout completion signal is received is a transmission prohibition period during which the award ball number data is not transmitted. As a result, the award ball number data is transmitted after the payout control device 200 confirms that the payout of the game ball has started after the restoration of the power failure. can do. For example, it is possible to prevent the game control apparatus 100 from transmitting new prize ball number data even though the payout control apparatus 200 has not completed payout. After the elapse of the transmission prohibition period, the award ball number data is transmitted without waiting for the receipt of the payout completion signal, so that the payout can be performed speedily.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting prize ball number data, and a payout unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as payout unpaid number data. And a payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on the payout unpaid number data stored in the payout unpaid number storage means. A payout completion signal transmitting means (payout control device 200) for transmitting a payout completion signal indicating that payout of the number of game balls corresponding to the number data has been completed to the game control device 100, and the game control device 1 Unpaid ball presence / absence data indicating the presence / absence of unpaid-out number data for payout when the mutual authentication means (payout control device 200) for mutual authentication with 0 and the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 are mutually authenticated Unpaid ball presence / absence data transmission means (payout control apparatus 200) for transmitting the game, and the game control apparatus 100 receives prize ball number data transmission means (game control apparatus 100) for transmitting prize ball number data to the payout control apparatus 200. ) And a game-side mutual authentication means (game control apparatus 100) that performs mutual authentication with the payout control apparatus 200 after returning from the power-off state, and the winning ball number data transmission means is a power source for the game control apparatus 100. After returning from the shut-off state, the period until receiving unpaid ball presence / absence data indicating that there is no unpaid ball data for payout, and unpaid ball presence / absence data indicating that there is unpaid ball data for payout And the fact that not to transmit the winning balls number data period until receiving a payout completion signal as a transmission prohibited period.

  In addition, the winning ball number data transmission means (game control device 100) transmits the winning ball number data without waiting for the payout completion signal to be received after the transmission prohibition period has elapsed.

  29 and 30 show an example of processing for performing mutual authentication in the mutual authentication processing performed in the game control apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The payout control device 200 transmits a payout ID, which is a unique ID that can identify the payout control device 200, to the game control device 100 in the payout payout-related data transmission processing (step A24) in the payout main processing shown in FIG. . In the game control device 100, in the process of storing payout related data in the main process shown in FIG. 14 in the backup-capable storage area (step B9), the power failure process shown in FIG. 29 is performed.

[Processing during power failure]
In this power failure process, it is first determined whether or not a payout ID has been received (step B171). If a payout ID is received (step B171; Yes), the payout ID is stored in a storage area that can be backed up (step B172). ), Terminates the process during power failure.

[ID confirmation processing]
And in the game control apparatus 100, in the mutual authentication process shown in FIG. 27, ID confirmation process shown in FIG. 30 is performed. In this ID confirmation process, it is first determined whether or not a payout ID has been received (step B181). If a payout ID is received (step B181; Yes), the payout ID before the power failure backed up in the power failure process and this time are received. It is determined whether the payout IDs after the power failure are the same (step B182).

  If the IDs are the same (step B182; Yes), normal return processing (step B183) is performed, and the ID confirmation processing ends. In this case, it is determined that the payout control device 200 is valid in the mutual authentication process shown in FIG. 27 (step B142; Yes), and the mutual authentication data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 (step B143). If the IDs are not the same (step B182; No), an error notification process (step B184) is performed, and the ID confirmation process ends. In this case, in the mutual authentication process shown in FIG. 27, it is determined that the payout control apparatus 200 is not valid (step B142; No), and the mutual authentication process ends.

  In addition, the processing shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 may be performed instead of the processing shown in FIGS. In the power failure process shown in FIG. 31, when a payout ID is received (step B171; Yes), a storage area in which the total value of the payout ID and the game ID (its own ID) that can identify the game control device 100 can be backed up (Step B191).

  In the ID confirmation process shown in FIG. 32, when a payout ID is received (step B181; Yes), the payout ID received is subtracted from the backed up total ID to determine whether the game ID is its own game ID. (Step B192). When the game ID is the game ID (Step B192; Yes), the normal return process (Step B182) is performed. When the game ID is not the game ID (Step B192; No), the error notification process (Step B183) is performed. Like that.

  By confirming the ID in this way, even when the payout control device 200 is illegally replaced during a power failure, this can be detected and an error notification can be made, thereby preventing illegal game balls from being paid out. be able to. Further, by making a backup of the total ID, the payout ID is recognized because the payout ID backed up in the game control device 100 during a power outage is stored in a state combined with the game ID in an unauthorized manner. This prevents the payment ID from being illegally acquired. Note that it is possible to prevent the payout ID from being illegally acquired even if the total value of the payout ID and the data related to the payout (for example, unpaid number data) is used instead of the payout ID. Further, the processing shown in FIGS. 29 to 32 may be performed not only in the gaming machine of the present modification but also in the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment.

  The first serial communication means is used for transmission / reception of data for mutual authentication, and the second serial communication means is used for other data transmission / reception. Data other than the data to be performed may be transmitted / received using the first serial communication means.

  In addition, priority setting means is provided to set priority for data to be transmitted and received when a power failure occurs or power is restored, and communication means for transmitting data is set based on the priority set by the priority setting means. Communication means setting means may be provided. The priority order is set according to, for example, the high necessity of concealment. As a result, data with a high priority is transmitted using the first serial communication means, and data with a low priority is transmitted using the second serial communication means. Can be sent and received.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. A payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a serial communication means capable of bi-directional serial communication between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200; In a gaming machine comprising: a power supply device 400 that generates a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine and supplies the power supply device to each control device. First power failure detection means (first power failure detection circuit 431) for detecting that the voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generating a first power failure detection signal, and a first transmission for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200 Means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432), the payout control device 200 is operable for a first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, A power failure processing means (payout control apparatus 200) for transmitting data relating to payout to the game control device 100 within a first predetermined time; The game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and can store stored data even in a power-off state. On the basis of receiving the data relating to the payout from the means (game control device 100) and the payout control device 200, the data relating to the payout is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time, and the data backup process is performed. Backup means (game control device 100) and game-side priority setting means (game control device 100) for setting priority on data relating to payout, and the serial communication means is a cipher capable of encrypting and transmitting / receiving data. Game communication means (first serial communication means) and normal communication means (second serial communication means) capable of transmitting and receiving data without encryption, a game side priority setting means and a payout side priority setting means Communication means setting means (game control device 10) for setting communication means for transmitting data based on the priority of 0, a payout control device 200).

  Also, backup data to be transmitted from the payout control device 200 to the game control device 100 when a power failure occurs is transmitted by both the first serial communication means and the second serial communication means, and the game control device receives data received from both communication means. If they match, it may be determined that the data is valid.

[Disbursement data transmission processing at power failure]
In order to perform such control, the payout control apparatus 200 uses the first serial communication means and the second serial communication means in the power failure payout data transmission process shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the game control device 100. The game control apparatus 100 backs up both the data transmitted by the first serial communication unit and the data transmitted by the second serial communication unit. That is, the payout control device 200 plays the unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means using both the encrypted communication means and the normal communication means within the first predetermined time based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal. A power failure processing means for transmitting to the control device 100 is provided.

[Payment side unpaid number data confirmation processing]
In addition, the game control apparatus 100 performs payout-side unpaid number data confirmation processing shown in FIG. In the payout-side unpaid number data confirmation process, first, it is determined whether the data received from the first serial communication means and the data received from the second serial communication means match among the backed up data (step B201). ). When the data match (step B201; Yes), it is determined that the data is valid, and normal return processing (step B202) is performed in which the backed up data is transmitted to the payout control device 200. If the data do not match (step B201; No), it is determined that the data is not valid and abnormal, and the number of unpaid game balls is set to 0 and transmitted to the payout control device 200 (step B203). ). That is, the game control device 100 compares the unpaid number data transmitted by the encrypted communication means stored in the backup storage means at the time of power failure recovery with the unpaid number data transmitted by the normal communication means, and the two match. Abnormality determining means for determining that there is an abnormality when not doing so.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device And a power supply device 400 that encrypts data and transmits the data by serial communication, and can transmit the data without encryption. Normal power communication means (second serial communication means), and the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage, and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection signal). A power failure detection circuit 431) and a first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting a first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200. The payout control device 200 is connected to the first voltage. The first predetermined time is operable from the drop, and based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the unpaid number storage means is unpaid using both the encrypted communication means and the normal communication means within the first predetermined time. The power failure processing means (payout control device 200) for transmitting numerical data to the game control device 100 is provided, and the game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage. , Even when the power is cut off Data stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time based on the backup storage means (game control device 100) capable of holding the data and the receipt of the unpaid number data from the payout control device 200 In addition, backup means (game control device 100) for performing backup processing of its own data is provided, and the backup means includes unpaid number data transmitted by the encrypted communication means and unpaid number data transmitted by the normal communication means. Are respectively stored in the backup storage means, and the unpaid number data transmitted by the encrypted communication means stored in the backup storage means at the time of power failure recovery is compared with the unpaid number data transmitted by the normal communication means. If not, an abnormality determination means (game control device 100) that determines that there is an abnormality will be provided.

[Second Modification]
Next, a second modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as that of the gaming machine of the first modified example described above, and hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and mainly different. The part will be described. In the gaming machine of this modification, the game control device 100 can manage the number of unpaid game balls.

  FIG. 35 shows information relating to prize ball data stored in the game control apparatus 100. The prize ball data generated in response to winning a prize is the prize ball data corresponding to the number of prize balls in each prize opening. Here, the prize ball data is generated by winning a prize opening that generates 13 prize balls. 13 pieces of prize ball data, 10 pieces of prize ball data generated by winning a prize opening that generates 10 prize balls, and 3 pieces of prizes generated by winning in a prize slot that generates 3 prize balls There is prize ball data. In the RAM 111C that can be backed up by the game control device 100, information relating to prize ball data that has not been paid out is stored. As information regarding the prize ball data, 13 prize ball data for which payout has not been completed, 10 prize ball data, and 3 prize ball data are separately stored, and prize ball data for which payout has not been completed. The game side unpaid-out number data, which is data obtained by summing up the number of winning balls, is stored.

[Winning detection process]
In the command transmission process (step B83) in the timer interruption process shown in FIG. 20, a winning detection process shown in FIG. 36 is performed as a process for updating information relating to the winning ball data when a winning at the winning opening occurs. In this winning detection process, first, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning winning opening is confirmed (step B211), and the corresponding winning ball data is incremented by 1 (step B212). Then, the number of winning balls corresponding to the game-side unpaid-out number data is added (step B213), and the winning detection process is terminated. As a result, when winning ball data is generated in accordance with winning in a winning opening, the corresponding winning ball data is added by 1 and the corresponding winning ball number is added to the game-side unpaid-out data. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as an unpaid-out number storage means for storing unpaid-out number data to which the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning prize is added.

[Payout completion signal reception processing]
Further, in the input / output process (step B82) in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 20, the information relating to the prize ball data is updated when the game ball corresponding to the prize ball data is paid out and the payout completion signal for each piece is received. As a process to perform, a payout completion signal reception process shown in FIG. 37 is performed. In the payout completion signal reception process, first, it is confirmed how many prize balls are completed (step B221), and the corresponding prize ball data is decremented by 1 (step B222). Then, the corresponding prize ball number is subtracted from the game side unpaid number data (step B223), and the payout completion signal reception process is terminated. As a result, when the game ball corresponding to the prize ball data is paid out and the payout completion signal for each piece is received, the corresponding prize ball data is decremented by 1 and the number of prize balls corresponding from the game-side unpaid-out number data. Is subtracted. That is, when the game control device 100 receives the payout completion signal from the payout control device 200, it forms an unpaid number subtraction means for subtracting the corresponding payout number from the unpaid number data.

  In this way, the game control device 100 subtracts the unpaid number data upon receipt of the payout completion signal, so that information relating to prize ball data that has not been paid out and is stored in the game control device 100 is backed up when a power failure occurs. Therefore, backup can be surely performed. When the power failure is restored, in the mutual authentication process shown in FIG. 27, the game-side unpaid number data is transmitted as the payout controller data.

  From the above, the game control device 100 adds the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning prize to the winning opening (start winning opening 36, normal variation winning apparatus 37, special variable winning apparatus 38, general winning opening 35). The unpaid number storage means (game control device 100) for storing the unpaid number data to be received and the payout completion signal from the payout control device 200 are received to subtract the corresponding payout number from the unpaid number data. Payout number subtraction means (game control device 100).

[Third Modification]
Next, a third modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the second modified example described above, and hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and mainly different. The part will be described. In the gaming machine of this modification, the game control device 100 transmits a payout completion request signal to the payout control device 200, and the payout control device 200 transmits a payout completion signal in response thereto.

  FIG. 38 shows the connection between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200. The game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 are connected by one serial communication means, and the serial communication means is used to transmit and receive mutual authentication data, payout completion request signal, payout completion signal, and other necessary data. It has become. Note that the same connection as in the first modification may be used.

[Payout completion request signal transmission processing]
The game control apparatus 100 performs a payout completion request signal transmission process shown in FIG. 39 as a process of sending a payout completion request signal after the award ball number data is transmitted. In this payout completion request signal transmission process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the number-by-number prize ball command (prize ball number data) was transmitted (step B231). (B231; Yes) transmits a payout completion request signal (step B232). That is, the game control device 100 serves as a payout completion request signal transmitting means for sending a payout completion request signal for requesting a payout completion signal to the payout control device 200.

  FIG. 40 shows the transmission timing of the payout completion request signal. After the number-by-number prize ball command is transmitted, the payout completion request signal is not transmitted for a predetermined time (t11 to t12), and then the payout completion request signal is transmitted. This predetermined time can be set according to the number of prize balls, and is set to 150 ms when the number of prize balls is three, for example. As described above, since the payout completion request signal is not transmitted for a predetermined time after the number-by-number prize ball command is transmitted, the number of communications can be reduced and the processing load can be reduced.

[Payout completion information transmission process]
The payout control apparatus 200 performs payout completion information transmission processing shown in FIG. 41 as processing in response to the payout completion request signal. In this payout completion information transmission process, it is first determined whether or not a payout completion request signal has been received (step A121). If no payout completion request signal has been received (step A121; No), the payout completion information transmission process is performed. finish. When the payout completion request signal is received (step A121; Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball payout for the winning ball number data corresponding to the payout completion request signal is completed (step A122).

  When the payout is completed (step A122; Yes), a payout completion signal is transmitted to the game control apparatus 100 (step A123), and the payout completion information transmission process is terminated. If the payout has not been completed (step A122; No), a payout incomplete signal is transmitted to the game control apparatus 100 (step A124), and the payout completion information transmission process is terminated.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 that transmits prize ball number data, and an unpaid-out number storage means (payout control device 200) that stores the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data. In a gaming machine comprising a payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the payout number storage means, the payout control device 200 has a number of games corresponding to the prize ball number data. A payout completion signal transmitting means (payout control device 200) for transmitting a payout completion signal indicating that the ball has been paid out to the game control device 100 is provided. By receiving a game unpaid-out number storage means (game control device 100) for storing game unpaid-out number data to which a corresponding number of prize balls are added, and receiving a payout completion signal from the payout control device. An unpaid number subtraction means (game control device 100) for subtracting the corresponding payout number from the game unpaid number data, and a prize ball number data transmission means (game control device) for transmitting prize ball number data to the payout control device 200 100) and a payout completion request signal transmitting means (game control apparatus 100) for transmitting a payout completion request signal for requesting a payout completion signal to the payout control apparatus 200. The payout completion signal transmitting means is a game control apparatus 100. The payout completion request signal is transmitted when the payout completion request signal is received, and the payout completion request signal transmitting means transmits the payout ball number data, and then the payout completion request signal for a predetermined time corresponding to the number of prize balls. The fact that so as not to send.

  Further, when the payout completion signal transmitting means (payout control device 200) receives the payout completion request signal from the game control device 100, the payout incomplete signal is transmitted when the payout is not completed. Become.

[Fourth Modification]
Next, a fourth modification of the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification is different in the manner of transmitting the prize ball number data when the power failure is restored, and a dedicated transmission line is set for each prize ball number.

  In the gaming machine of this modification, the prize ball number data transmitted to the payout control device 200 corresponding to the number of prize balls of each prize slot is generated by winning a prize slot that generates 15 prize balls. 15 winning ball number data, 10 winning ball number data generated by winning a winning opening that generates 10 winning balls, and a winning winning port that generates 3 winning balls There are three prize ball number data and one prize ball number data generated when a fraction occurs.

  During a normal game, as shown in FIG. 42 (a), 15 winning ball number data is transmitted by winning a winning opening that generates 15 winning balls, and a winning opening that generates 10 winning balls. Ten winning ball number data is transmitted by winning a prize, and three winning ball number data is transmitted to the payout control device 200 by winning a winning slot that generates three winning balls. That is, prize ball number data corresponding to the number of prize balls at each winning opening is transmitted. At the time of data transmission, the winning ball number data is confirmed by the rise and fall of the strobe signal (STB).

  When the unpaid-out data backed up by the game control device 100 is transmitted to the payout control device 200 when the power failure is restored, it is transmitted using the 15 winning ball number data having the largest number of prize balls. A fractional number of prize balls is transmitted using 10 prize ball number data, 3 prize ball number data, and 1 prize ball number data. In FIG. 42 (b), there are 31 prize balls including 15 prize ball data, 10 prize ball data, 3 prize ball data, and 3 prize ball data as unpaid-out data. The transmission data at the time of power failure recovery when it was not paid out was shown. In this case, regardless of the type of prize ball number data constituting the unpaid-out number data, 15 prize ball number data are transmitted twice, and one prize ball number data is transmitted once, thereby 31 prize balls. The number is to be sent.

  As a result, the number of prize balls in units of the number of prize balls associated with the winning prize opening is transmitted in normal times, so that the number of prize balls corresponding to each prize is paid out, and the prize for which prize is awarded. It is easy for the player to see if it is a ball. And, at the time of recovery from a power failure, the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of unpaid balls is transmitted as prize ball number data in units of a predetermined number, so that unpaid game balls are paid out in units of a predetermined number, The payout is completed early.

[Game side unpaid number data transmission processing]
In order to perform such control, the game control apparatus 100 performs a game-side unpaid number data transmission process shown in FIG. 43 as a process of transmitting unpaid number data to the payout control apparatus 200 when the power failure is restored. In the game-side unpaid-out number data transmission process, first, the unpaid-out number data backed up by the game control device 100 is confirmed (step B241), and the unpaid-out number data is converted into 15 award ball number data and transmitted. (Step B242). Then, the fraction unpaid number which is a fraction less than 15 is transmitted as the corresponding number data (step B243), and the game side unpaid number data transmission process is terminated.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 that transmits prize ball number data, and an unpaid-out number storage means (payout control device 200) that stores the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data. Based on the unpaid number data stored in the payout number storage means, a payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from the rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine to each control device. In the gaming machine including the power supply device 400 to be supplied, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). And a first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200. The payout control device 200 decreases to the first voltage. From the first predetermined time, and based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, a power failure processing means for transmitting unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time ( The game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and the award for transmitting prize ball number data to the payout control device 200 is provided. To receive the number-of-payout data from the number-of-balls data transmission means (game control apparatus 100), the backup storage means (game control apparatus 100) capable of holding the stored data even in the power-off state, and the payout controller 200. And a backup means (game control device 100) for storing the unpaid-out number data in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time and for performing a backup process of the own data. When winning a prize is generated, prize ball number data in units of the number of prize balls associated with the winning prize slot is transmitted. When returning from the power-off state, The corresponding number of prize balls is transmitted as prize ball number data with a predetermined number as a unit. In addition, the method for transmitting the prize ball number data may be transmitted by parallel communication using a plurality of data lines.

  In addition, the predetermined number of winning ball data in a predetermined number unit transmitted at the time of return from the power-off state is the maximum number of winning balls among the winning ball numbers associated with the winning winning opening.

[Fifth Modification]
Next, a fifth modification of the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the second modified example described above, and hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and mainly different. The part will be described. The gaming machine of the present modification is different in the transmission timing of the winning ball number data.

  In the gaming machine of this modification, the next prize ball number data is transmitted after the payout of the game ball corresponding to the prize ball number data is completed. For this reason, the game control device 100 stores the number-of-successful prize ball number data generated based on the prize winning at the winning opening, and sequentially deletes the number of prize ball number data transmitted based on the reception of the payout completion signal. It has become.

  As a result, even if a power failure occurs before the payout is completed, the winning ball number data that has not been paid out is retained, so that the winning ball number data can be transmitted again, and the player may lose. Can not be. In addition, it is possible to reduce the number of unpaid numbers in the unpaid number data stored only in the payout control apparatus 200, and to reduce the processing load on the payout control apparatus 200. In addition, backup in the event of a power outage becomes easy, and even if backup is not possible, damage to the player can be minimized.

  In order to perform such control, the game control device 100 is caused to input a payout completion signal from the payout control device 200 to the external interrupt terminal, and based on reception of the payout completion signal, a prize ball as a communication interruption process. It is designed to send several data.

[External input confirmation processing]
The game control apparatus 100 performs an external input confirmation process shown in FIG. In this external input confirmation process, first, it is determined whether there is an external input (receipt completion signal reception) from the payout control apparatus 200 (step B251). If there is no external input (step B251; No), the external input confirmation process is terminated. If there is an external input (step B251; Yes), it is determined whether a timer interrupt process is in progress (step B252).

  When the timer interrupt process is in progress (step B252; Yes), the process waits until the timer interrupt process ends, and when the timer interrupt process ends (step B252; No), a process of transmitting prize ball number data is performed. An external interrupt process (step B253) which is a communication interrupt process is performed, and the external input confirmation process is terminated. In this way, even if a payout completion signal is input during a control interrupt process related to a game, the communication interrupt process is not performed and priority is given to the control interrupt process related to the game. Can be prevented from entering interrupt processing. Therefore, since the parameter change by the payout completion signal is not performed during the interruption process of the control related to the game, the consistent control can be performed.

[Interrupt ball data transmission processing]
In the external input interruption process described above, the interruption prize ball data transmission process shown in FIG. 45 is performed as a process for sending the prize ball number data. In this interrupt prize ball data transmission process, it is determined whether there is unsent prize ball number data (step B261). If there is unsent prize ball number data (step B261; Yes), the prize ball number data Is transmitted (step B262). That is, the game control apparatus 100 receives the payout completion signal, thereby starting a communication interrupt process, and forms a communication interrupt means that enables transmission of the next prize ball number data by the communication interrupt process.

  FIG. 46 shows data transmission timing. When prize ball number data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 (t21), game balls are paid out based on the prize ball number data. The payout control apparatus 200 changes the output state of the payout completion signal from OFF (first state) to ON (second state) until the game ball is paid out (t22). When the payout is completed, the output state of the payout completion signal is changed from ON (second state) to OFF (first state) (t23). Based on the change of the output state of the payout completion signal from ON to OFF, the game control device 100 starts the processing shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 and transmits the next prize ball number data to the payout control device 200 ( t23). Note that the period (t22 to t23) in which the output state of the payout completion signal is ON is longer than the period of the timer interrupt process. In this way, by setting the time during which the output state of the payout completion signal is ON (second state) to be longer than the period of the timer interrupt process (game control interrupt process), the state of the payout completion signal in the timer interrupt process By directly confirming, it is possible to detect a change in the output state of the payout completion signal.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 that transmits prize ball number data, and an unpaid-out number storage means (payout control device 200) that stores the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data. In a gaming machine comprising a payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the payout number storage means, the payout control device 200 has a number of games corresponding to the prize ball number data. A payout completion signal transmitting means (payout control device 200) for transmitting a payout completion signal indicating that the ball has been paid out to the game control device 100 is provided. By receiving, to start the communication interruption processing, and that it comprises a communication interruption means for enabling transmission to the next prize balls count data (game controller 100) in the communication interrupt process.

  Also, the payout completion signal transmission means (payout control device 200) sets the output state of the payout completion signal to the first state (from the reception of the winning ball number data to the completion of paying out the game ball based on the winning ball number data). It is changed from the OFF state to the second state (ON or OFF), and the payout completion signal is changed from the second state to the first state when the game ball is paid out.

  In addition, the game control device 100 performs game control interrupt processing at a predetermined cycle in order to perform control related to the game, lowers the priority of communication interrupt processing than game control interrupt processing, and pays out completion signal transmission means (payout control). The device 200) makes the time when the output state of the payout completion signal becomes the second state longer than the period of the game control interrupt process.

[Sixth Modification]
Next, a sixth modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The game machine of this modification differs in the data transmission method at the time of normal time and a power failure occurrence.

  FIG. 47 shows a data structure of data transmitted / received between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200. In normal times when no power failure occurs, data is transmitted and received in either positive logic or negative logic. On the other hand, when a power failure occurs, data is transmitted in both positive logic and negative logic, and the content of the data received in positive logic is compared with the content of data received in negative logic. Judge that the data was received correctly. Thereby, the reliability of the data to be backed up can be increased. If the content of data received in positive logic does not match the content of data received in negative logic, a retransmission is requested or the data is discarded.

  Note that all data transmitted and received when a power failure occurs may be transmitted in both positive logic and negative logic, but only important data may be transmitted in both positive logic and negative logic. For example, unpaid number data transmitted from the payout control device 200 to the game control device 100 when a power failure occurs is transmitted in both positive logic and negative logic so as to be reliably backed up. That is, based on at least the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the power failure processing means (payout) for transmitting the unpaid number data of the unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time. The control device 200) transmits data in both positive logic and negative logic.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device In the gaming machine including the power supply device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). Circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 from the drop to the first voltage The first predetermined time is operable, and based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means is stored in the game control device 100 within both the positive logic and the negative logic within the first predetermined time. The game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and stored even in a power-off state. Based on the receipt of unpaid number data from the backup storage means (game control device 100) capable of holding data and the payout control device 200, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time. While 憶, and that it comprises a backup means for performing backup processing of its data (a game controller 100), the.

[Seventh Modification]
Next, a seventh modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification is configured to confirm the validity of the payout control device 200 when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 48 shows operations of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 when a power failure occurs. Based on reception of the first power failure detection signal, the payout control device 200 calculates a first checksum of information to be backed up within a first predetermined time during which the payout control device 200 can operate (step A131), and should be backed up. The information includes information related to payout including unpaid number data and own payout ID.

  Then, the backup information is transmitted to the game control device 100 (step A132), and the power-off is waited (step A133). The backup information includes the information to be backed up and the first checksum. That is, the payout control device 200 serves as a power failure processing means for transmitting data related to payout to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal.

  Based on the reception of backup information from the payout control device 200, the game control device 100 stores the backup information in the RAM within a second predetermined time during which the game control device 100 can operate (step B271). Processing at the time of the occurrence of a power failure such as backup processing (step B272) is performed to wait for power-off (step B273). That is, based on the fact that the game control device 100 receives the data and checksum value related to payout from the payout control device 200, the backup storage means (game control device 100) stores the data and checksum value related to payout within the second predetermined time. And backup means for performing backup processing of its own data.

  FIG. 49 shows operations of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 when the power failure is restored. The game control apparatus 100 performs power supply restoration processing (step B281), and transmits backup information to the payout control apparatus 100. The backup information transmitted at this time is information relating to the payout received from the payout control device 200 when a power failure occurs, and the first checksum value is not transmitted.

  The payout control device 200 performs an initialization process when power is restored (step A141), calculates the second checksum by combining the backup information received from the game control device and its payout ID (step A142), and controls the game. The second checksum is transmitted to the device 100 (step A143). In other words, when the power failure occurs, the payout control device 200 calculates the payout data, a unique value that can identify the payout control device 200, and a checksum value (first checksum) of (payout ID), and after the power failure is restored. A checksum value calculating means for calculating a checksum value (second checksum) between data relating to payout received from the game control device 100 and a unique value that allows the payout control device 200 to be identified. Also, a checksum value transmitting means for transmitting the calculation result of the checksum calculating means to the game control device 100 is provided.

  The game control device 100 compares the second checksum received from the payout control device 200 with the backed up first checksum (step B283), and if the comparison result matches, a power failure recovery permission command is sent to the payout control device 200. If the comparison result does not match, it is transmitted to the RAM clear command payout control device 200 (step B284). Thereafter, if the comparison results do not match, RAM clear processing is performed (step B285). If the comparison results match, the backup data is used to recover the power outage. That is, the game control device 100 compares the checksum value (second checksum) received from the payout control device 200 after the power failure recovery with the checksum value (first checksum) stored in the backup storage means, and determines It serves as a checksum value determination means. Further, a power failure recovery determining means for determining whether or not to recover from a power failure is made based on the determination result of the checksum value determining means.

  In the payout control device 200, the backup information received from the game control device 100 is adopted when the power failure recovery permission command is received, and the backup information is discarded when the RAM clear command is received (step A144). By this processing, it is possible to detect an unauthorized exchange of the payout control device 200 while the power is cut off. When there is an illegal exchange of the payout control device 200, the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 are initialized. Will be performed.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device In the gaming machine including the power supply device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). Circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 from the drop to the first voltage A power failure processing means (payout control device 200) that is operable during the first predetermined time and transmits data relating to payout to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal; At the time of occurrence, a checksum value between data relating to payout and a unique value that can identify the payout control device 200 is calculated, and the data relating to payout received from the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 can be identified after power failure recovery Checksum value calculation means (payout control device 200) for calculating a checksum value with a unique value, and a calculation result of the checksum calculation means Checksum value transmitting means (payout control device 200) for transmitting to the device 100, and the game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, Based on receiving backup storage means (game control device 100) capable of holding stored data even in a power-off state, and payout data and checksum value from the payout control device 200, data related to payout within the second predetermined time. And a checksum value in the backup storage means, backup means (game control apparatus 100) for backing up its own data, and post-return transmission means for transmitting data relating to payout to the payout control apparatus 200 after power failure recovery (Game control device 100) and the check received from payout control device 200 after power failure recovery The checksum value stored in the backup storage means and the checksum value stored in the backup storage means are compared to determine whether to recover from a power failure based on the determination result of the checksum value determination means (game control device 100) and the checksum value determination means. A power failure recovery determining means (game control device 100) for determining.

[Eighth Modification]
Next, an eighth modification of the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification differs in the method of determining the validity of backup data when power is restored.

  FIG. 50 shows a mode of data backup when the power is shut off. Based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the payout control device 200 transmits information on the payout control device such as information related to payout to the game control device 100 within a first predetermined time during which the payout control device 200 can operate. In the game control device 100, based on receiving the information of the payout control device from the payout control device 200, the information is stored in the RAM 111C that can be backed up within a second predetermined time during which the game control device 100 can operate. The checksum is calculated and stored by combining the data relating to its own game and the information of the payout control device received from the payout control device 200.

  That is, based on the fact that the game control device 100 receives data relating to payout from the payout control device 200, the checksum value of the data related to payout and the data related to game is calculated within the second predetermined time, and the data related to payout and the checksum are calculated. The value is stored in the backup storage means, and backup means for performing backup processing of data relating to the game is provided.

  When power is restored, the game control device 100 calculates a checksum from the data related to the game that was backed up and information of the payout control device, and compares it with the checksum that was backed up. Then, if they match, it is determined that the backup data is valid, and a power failure recovery process such as transmitting information of the payout control device backed up to the payout control device 200 is performed. If they do not match, it is determined that the backup data is not valid, and initialization processing is performed.

  That is, the game control device 100 serves as a checksum value calculating means for calculating the payout data stored in the backup storage means and the checksum value of the game data after the power failure recovery. Further, the checksum value after the power failure recovery is compared with the checksum value stored in the backup storage means, and a checksum value determination means is determined. Further, a power failure recovery determining means for determining whether or not to recover from a power failure is made based on the determination result of the checksum value determining means. By using such a method for determining the validity of backup data, it is possible to determine the validity of both the data of the game control device 100 and the data of the payout control device 200 with a single checksum value.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device In the gaming machine including the power supply device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). Circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 from the drop to the first voltage The first predetermined time is operable, and comprises a power failure processing means (payout control device 200) for transmitting data related to payout to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal, The game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and game data storage means (game control device 100) that stores data related to the game, and a power-off state However, based on the backup storage means (game control device 100) capable of holding the stored data and receiving data relating to payout from the payout control device 200, the second predetermined time A backup unit (game control device 100) for calculating checksum values of the data relating to payout and the data relating to the game, storing the data related to the payout and the checksum value in the backup storage means, and performing backup processing of the data relating to the game; After the power failure recovery, after-return transmission means (game control device 100) for transmitting the data related to payout to the payout control device, and the checksum value of the data related to payout and the data related to the game stored in the backup storage means after power failure recovery Checksum value calculating means (game control apparatus 100) for calculating, checksum value determining means (game control apparatus 100) for comparing and comparing the checksum value after recovery from power failure and the checksum value stored in the backup storage means And the determination result of the checksum value determination means And a power failure recovery determining means (game control device 100) for determining whether or not to recover from a power failure.

[Ninth Modification]
Next, a ninth modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification differs in the method of determining the validity of backup data when power is restored.

  FIG. 51 shows a mode of data backup when the power is shut off. Based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the payout control device 200 transmits information on the payout control device such as information related to payout to the game control device 100 within a first predetermined time during which the payout control device 200 can operate. In the game control device 100, based on receiving the information of the payout control device from the payout control device 200, the information is stored in the RAM 111C that can be backed up within a second predetermined time during which the game control device 100 can operate. The checksum is calculated and stored only from the data relating to its own game.

  That is, based on the fact that the game control device 100 receives the data related to payout from the payout control device 200, the game control device 100 calculates the checksum value of the data related to the game that does not include the data related to payout within the second predetermined time, The checksum value is stored in the backup storage means, and backup means for performing backup processing of data relating to the game is provided.

  When power is restored, the game control device 100 calculates a checksum from the data relating to the game that was backed up and compares it with the checksum that was backed up. Then, if they match, it is determined that the backup data is valid, and a power failure recovery process such as transmitting information of the payout control device backed up to the payout control device 200 is performed. If they do not match, it is determined that the backup data is not valid, and initialization processing is performed.

  That is, the game control device 100 serves as a checksum value calculating means for calculating the checksum value of the data relating to the game stored in the backup storage means after the power failure is restored. Further, the checksum value after the power failure recovery is compared with the checksum value stored in the backup storage means, and a checksum value determination means is determined. Further, a power failure recovery determining means for determining whether or not to recover from a power failure is made based on the determination result of the checksum value determining means. By adopting such a backup data validity determination method, it is possible to determine the validity of the data of the game control apparatus 100 without relating to the data of the payout control apparatus 200, and at least the game control apparatus 100 only. Can return to normal.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device In the gaming machine including the power supply device 400, the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal (first power failure detection means). Circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 from the drop to the first voltage The first predetermined time is operable, and comprises a power failure processing means (payout control device 200) for transmitting data related to payout to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal, The game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and game data storage means (game control device 100) that stores data related to the game, and a power-off state However, based on the backup storage means (game control device 100) capable of holding the stored data and receiving data relating to payout from the payout control device 200, the second predetermined time A backup means (game control apparatus 100) that calculates a checksum value of data related to a game that does not include data related to payout, stores data related to payout and a checksum value in the backup storage means, and performs backup processing of data related to the game ), A post-return transmission means (game control apparatus 100) for transmitting data relating to payout to the payout control device 200 after power failure recovery, and a checksum value of data relating to games stored in the backup storage means after power failure recovery Checksum value calculating means (game control apparatus 100) for performing the checksum value determination means (game control apparatus 100) for comparing and comparing the checksum value after power failure recovery with the checksum value stored in the backup storage means Based on the determination result of the checksum value determination means, A power failure recovery determining means (game control device 100) for determining whether or not to recover from a power failure.

[Tenth Modification]
Next, a tenth modification of the gaming machine of the embodiment described above will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification differs in the method of determining the validity of backup data when power is restored.

  FIG. 52 shows a mode of data backup when the power is shut off. Based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, the payout control device 200 calculates a checksum of information of the payout control device, such as information relating to payout, within a first predetermined time during which the payout control device 200 can operate. And the checksum are transmitted to the game control apparatus 100. In the game control device 100, based on receiving the payout control device information and the checksum from the payout control device 200, within the second predetermined time during which the game control device 100 can operate, the information can be backed up to the RAM 111C. In addition to storing, a checksum is calculated only from data relating to its own game and stored separately.

  When power is restored, the game control device 100 calculates a checksum from the data relating to the game that was backed up and compares it with the checksum that was backed up. Also, a checksum is calculated from the information of the payout control device that was backed up and compared with the checksum that was backed up. Then, if both match, it is determined that the backup data is valid, and a power failure recovery process such as transmitting information of the payout control device backed up to the payout control device 200 is performed. If both do not match, it is determined that the backup data is not valid, and initialization processing is performed. If only one of them matches, the power failure recovery process may be performed using only valid data.

[Eleventh Modification]
Next, an eleventh modification of the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification is different in the communication method between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200.

  In the gaming machine of this modification, serial communication means and parallel communication means are provided as communication means for performing bidirectional communication between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200. The serial communication means is an encrypted communication means for encrypting and transmitting data, and the parallel communication means is a normal communication means for converting a serial signal into a parallel signal and transmitting the data without encryption.

  During normal times other than when a power failure occurs, the communication contents can be concealed by using serial communication means for data transmission / reception. In addition, when a power failure occurs, by using parallel communication means for transmission of backup data transmitted from the payout control device 200 to the game control device 100, transmission time can be shortened and data encryption and decryption processing can be performed. Therefore, backup data can be reliably transmitted before the power is shut off. Further, when power is restored, serial communication means is used for transmission / reception of data for mutual authentication, and parallel communication means is used when data backed up from the game control device 100 is transmitted to the payout control device 200. The power failure can be recovered quickly.

  From the above, it is a condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30 (start prize opening 36, normal variation prize winning device 37, special variable prize winning device 38, general prize winning mouth 35). A game control device 100 for transmitting the prize ball number data and an unpaid number storage means (payout control device 200) for storing the prize ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid number data. Based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the number storage means, a payout control device 200 that pays out a predetermined number of game balls, and a predetermined power supply voltage is generated from a rated voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine and supplied to each control device And a power supply device 400 that encrypts data and transmits the data by serial communication, and converts the serial signal into a parallel signal. Parallel communication means capable of transmitting data without encryption, and the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal. (First power failure detection circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 being the first The first predetermined time is operable from the drop in voltage, and the unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means is transmitted to the game control device 100 within the first predetermined time based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal. Power failure processing means (payout control device 200) is provided, and game control device 100 is operable for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and retains stored data even in a power-off state Possible backup Based on receiving the unpaid number data from the memory means (game control device 100) and the payout control device 200, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time, and Backup means (game control device 100) for performing backup processing, and communication between the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 is performed by encrypted transmission means except when a power failure occurs, and parallel communication means when a power failure occurs It will be done in.

[Twelfth Modification]
Next, a twelfth modification of the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration, and the description is omitted, and mainly different portions. explain. The gaming machine of this modification is different in the configuration of the power supply device 400.

  The power supply apparatus 400 of this modification includes a power failure detection circuit 438 and a delay circuit 439 instead of the first power failure detection circuit 431 and the second power failure detection circuit 433. The power failure detection circuit 438 monitors a voltage of 32 V. When the voltage drops to the first voltage, the first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432 generates a first power failure detection signal and outputs it to the payout control device 200. When the power failure detection circuit 438 detects a decrease to the first voltage, a detection signal is input to the delay circuit 439, and a signal is input from the delay circuit 439 to the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 after a predetermined time from the input of the detection signal. Is output. Thereby, the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 generates the second power failure detection signal and outputs it to the game control device 100. That is, the second power failure detection signal is output after a predetermined time from the output of the first power failure detection signal.

  In the delay circuit 439, the predetermined time from the input of the signal from the power failure detection circuit 438 to the output of the signal to the second power failure detection signal generation circuit 434 is the second voltage from the decrease to the first voltage in the above embodiment. This time is equal to the time until the decrease, and even with such a configuration, the same function as in the above-described embodiment can be realized.

  In the gaming machine 10 as described above, a game ball is won in a winning opening (start winning opening 36, normal variation winning apparatus 37, special variable winning apparatus 38, general winning opening 35) provided in the game area 32 of the game board 30. The game control device 100 that transmits the winning ball number data, and the unpaid-out number storage means (the payout control device 200) that stores the winning ball number data received from the game control device 100 as unpaid-out number data. A payout control device 200 for paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on the unpaid-out number data stored in the unpaid-out number storage means, and generating a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine. A power supply device 400 that is supplied to each control device, wherein the power supply device 400 detects that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generates a first power failure detection signal. Detection hand (First power failure detection circuit 431) and first transmission means (first power failure detection signal generation circuit 432) for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device 200, the payout control device 200 being the first A power failure that is operable for a first predetermined time from the drop in voltage and that transmits unpaid number data in the unpaid number storage means to the game control device within the first predetermined time based on reception of the first power failure detection signal. The game control device 100 is provided with processing means (payout control device 200), and can be operated for a second predetermined time that is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time from the drop to the first voltage, and can retain stored data even in a power-off state. And the backup storage means (game control device 100) and receiving the unpaid number data from the payout control device 200, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time. , And a backup means for performing backup processing of its data (a game controller 100), the.

  Therefore, the burden on the game control device 100 can be reduced by managing the unpaid number data only by the payout control device 200 during normal times. Further, when a power failure occurs, backup is performed only by the game control device 100, so that only the game control device 100 has a backup function, and the cost can be reduced.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above-described embodiment as a gaming machine, for example, other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, etc. It can be applied to all gaming machines that use this game ball. In addition, the configurations of the above-described modifications can be applied in appropriate combination.

  In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

30 Game board 32 Game area 35 General winning entrance (winning entrance)
36 Start prize opening (winning prize gate)
37 Ordinary Fluctuating Prize Winner (Winner Exit)
38 Special Variable Prize Winner (Winner Exit)
100 Game control device (backup storage means, backup means)
200 payout control device (unpaid number storage means, power failure processing means)
400 power supply 431 first power failure detection circuit (first power failure detection means)
432 First power failure detection signal generation circuit (first transmission means)

Claims (1)

A game control device that transmits prize ball number data on the condition that a game ball has won a prize opening provided in a game area of the game board;
Unpaid number storage means for storing the award ball number data received from the game control device as unpaid number data is provided, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the unpaid number data stored in the unpaid number storage means. A payout control device,
In a gaming machine comprising: a power supply device that generates a predetermined power supply voltage from a rated voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine and supplies the power supply to each control device,
The power supply device
First power failure detection means for detecting that the power supply voltage has dropped to the first voltage and generating a first power failure detection signal;
First transmission means for transmitting the first power failure detection signal to the payout control device,
The payout control device includes:
Operable for a first predetermined time from a drop to the first voltage;
Based on the reception of the first power failure detection signal, comprising a power failure processing means for transmitting unpaid number data of the unpaid number storage means to the game control device within the first predetermined time,
The game control device includes:
Operable from a drop to the first voltage for a second predetermined time greater than or equal to the first predetermined time;
Backup storage means capable of holding stored data even in a power-off state;
Based on receiving unpaid number data from the payout control device, the unpaid number data is stored in the backup storage means within the second predetermined time, and backup means for performing backup processing of its own data; A gaming machine comprising:

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