JP2013240676A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for performing desired security operation without posing a problem to original performance control operation.SOLUTION: A monitoring means for determining an occurrence of an abnormal state on the basis of output from a monitor sensor every prescribed time has: first processing (ST84, ST85) which returns a result of measurement to an initial state when no abnormality is recognized and updates the result of measurement when abnormality is recognized; second processing (ST86) which performs initial setting of an abnormality notification time to a prescribed timer when the result of measurement satisfies a prescribed condition; third processing (ST87 to ST90) which maintains an operation value of a prescribed flag until an abnormality notification time has elapsed and returns the prescribed flag to the initial value after the abnormality notification time has elapsed; and fourth processing (ST92, ST93) for starting or finishing the abnormal notification operation as a value of the prescribed flag changes.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that generates a big hit state by a lottery process caused by a gaming operation, and more particularly to a gaming machine that ensures an error notification operation.

  A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start opening provided on the game board, a symbol display section for displaying a series of symbol variation patterns by a plurality of display symbols, and a big winning opening for opening and closing the opening and closing plate. Configured. When the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passing of the game ball, the winning state is entered, and after the game ball is paid out as a prize ball, the display time is changed in the symbol display section. Thereafter, when the symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner such as 7-7-7, a big hit state is established, and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Whether or not to generate such a game state is determined by a jackpot lottery executed on the condition that a game ball has won at the symbol start opening, and the above symbol variation operation is based on this lottery result. It has become a thing.

JP 2005-304632 A

  By the way, since the winning value of the big win lottery can be determined by analyzing the control program of the gaming machine, for example, there is a concern about an illegal act of trying to execute an illegal program that can arbitrarily generate a winning state.

  Therefore, various illegal countermeasures have been conventionally proposed (for example, Patent Document 1), but if a configuration is adopted in which the security level is raised and the reaction is sensitive, an unreasonable notification operation may be performed due to noise or the like. If such a malfunction occurs, a trouble with the player may occur.

  Further, if a complicated configuration is adopted for security, even if it is effective as a countermeasure against illegality, the original game operation is hindered for security processing. That is, main operations such as the big hit lottery process are obliged to be executed by the 8-bit CPU. Therefore, if complicated security processing is executed for one possibility, the original game Operation is hindered and complex and advanced game control cannot be realized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of realizing an appropriate security operation that does not interfere with the original performance control operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention executes a lottery process based on a detection signal indicating the occurrence of a predetermined gaming operation, and determines whether or not to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player The monitoring means for determining the occurrence of an abnormal situation every predetermined time based on the output of the monitoring sensor arranged at an appropriate position, the backup means for maintaining the stored contents of the RAM even after the power is shut off, and the backup means Backup recovery means capable of resuming the operation before turning off the power after the power is turned on, based on the stored contents of the RAM, and the monitoring means gives a measurement result when no abnormal situation is recognized. While returning to the initial state, if the occurrence of an abnormal situation is recognized, the first means for updating the measurement result, and if the measurement result of the first means satisfies a predetermined condition, the abnormality notification time in the abnormality notification operation is determined. The second means for initial setting of the timer, the predetermined flag is maintained at the operating value until the abnormality notification time elapses, the predetermined timer initialized by the second means is updated, and when the abnormality notification time elapses, the predetermined flag is set. The third means for returning to the initial value and the fourth means for starting or ending the abnormality notification operation in response to the change of the value of the predetermined flag are configured, and as long as the abnormal situation continues, the first means In response to the means continuing to update the measurement result, the second means is configured to repeat the initial setting operation of the abnormality notification time as long as a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the present invention, since the occurrence of an abnormal situation is easily detected and notified by combining the first means to the fourth means, the original game operation is not hindered. Then, the abnormality notification operation can be continued until the abnormal situation disappears.

  In the present invention, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is preferable that the time period in which the second means repeats the initial setting operation of the abnormality notification time is set shorter than the abnormality notification time. The backup return means is configured to resume the operation before power shutdown with the predetermined flag returned to the initial value, and / or with the measurement result by the first means returned to the initial value, It is preferable that the operation before power-off is resumed.

  Further, it is also preferable that the backup recovery means is configured to start the abnormality notification operation when the predetermined flag at that time is an operation value. The monitoring sensor preferably includes a magnetic sensor that detects a static magnetic field, a radio wave sensor that detects a radiated magnetic field, or a detection switch that indicates that the game medium is stagnant at a predetermined position. Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is typically a bullet ball game machine or a revolving game machine.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a desired security operation can be realized without hindering the original performance control operation.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine shown in an example. It is the front view which illustrated the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the internal circuit of a one-chip microcomputer. It is a flowchart explaining the main process of a main control part. It is a flowchart explaining the timer interruption process of a main control part. It is a flowchart explaining a part of timer interruption process in detail.

  Examples of the present invention will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine GM of the present embodiment. This pachinko machine GM includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 1 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 3 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge 2 fixed to the outer frame 1. It is configured. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 3 from the front side rather than from the back side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be openable and closable.

  On the outer periphery of the glass door 6, an electric lamp such as an LED lamp is arranged in a substantially C shape. An upper plate 8 for storing game balls for launch is mounted on the front plate 7, and a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a launch handle 10 are mounted at the bottom of the front frame 3. And are provided. The launch handle 10 is interlocked with the launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

  A chance button 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper plate 8. The chance button 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated with the left hand of the player, and the player can operate the chance button 11 without releasing the right hand from the firing handle 10. The chance button 11 does not function normally, but when the game state becomes the button chance state, the built-in lamp is turned on and can be operated. The button chance state is a game state provided as necessary.

  On the right side of the upper plate 8, an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation with respect to the card-type ball lending machine is provided, a frequency display unit for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number, and a ball of game balls for a predetermined amount A ball lending switch for instructing lending and a return switch for instructing to return the card at the end of the game are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 13 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and a liquid crystal color display DISP is provided at the approximate center of the game area 5a inside. Has been placed. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 5a, a symbol start opening 15, a big winning opening 16, a plurality of normal winning openings 17 (four on the right and left of the large winning opening 16), and a gate 18 serving as a passing opening are arranged. Yes. Each of these winning openings 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  The liquid crystal display DISP is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to a big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. This display device DISP has a special symbol display part Da to Dc in the center and a normal symbol display part 19 in the upper right part. And, in the special symbol display parts Da to Dc, a reach effect is executed that expects a big hit state to be invited, or in the special symbol display parts Da to Dc and the surroundings, a notice effect that informs the result of the success / failure is executed. Is done.

  The normal symbol display unit 19 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball that has passed through the gate 18 is detected, the normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery extracted at the time when the game ball passes through the gate 18 is extracted. The stop symbol determined by the random number for use is displayed and stopped.

  For example, the symbol start opening 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 15a. When the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 19 displays a winning symbol, the symbol start port 15 is opened and closed. The claw 15a is opened only for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls are detected.

  When a game ball wins the symbol start port 15, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time and are determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start port 15. Stop at the stop symbol. In addition, in special symbol display parts Da-Dc and the circumference | surroundings, a notice effect may be performed between a series of symbol effects.

  The big winning opening 16 is controlled to open and close by, for example, an opening / closing plate 16a that can be opened forward, but when the stop symbol after the symbol change of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a big hit symbol such as “777”, the “big hit game” Is started, and the opening / closing plate 16a is opened.

  After the opening / closing plate 16a of the big prize opening 16 is opened, the opening / closing plate 16a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. In such an operation, the special game is continued up to 15 times, for example, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. In addition, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display parts Da to Dc is a specific symbol of the special symbols, a privilege that the game after the end of the special game is in a high probability state is given.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of the pachinko machine GM that realizes the above-described operations. A dashed line in the figure mainly indicates a DC voltage line.

  As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine GM is provided with a power supply board 20 that receives AC 24V and outputs various DC voltages, system reset signals (power reset signals) SYS, and the like, and a main control board 21 that plays a central role in game control operations. And an effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a sound effect based on the control command CMD received from the main control board 21, and an image that drives the display device DISP based on the control command CMD ′ received from the effect control board 22. The control board 23, the payout control board 24 for controlling the payout motor M based on the control command CMD "received from the main control board 21 and paying out the game ball, and the game ball is fired in response to the player's operation. The launch control board 25 is mainly configured.

  However, in this embodiment, the control command CMD output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the effect control board 22 via the command relay board 26 and the effect interface board 27. The control command CMD ′ output from the effect control board 22 is transmitted to the image control board 23 via the effect interface board 27, and the control command CMD ″ output from the main control board 21 is the main board relay board 28. Is transmitted to the payout control board 24 via.

  The main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the image control board 23, and the payout control board 24 are each equipped with a computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer. Thus, the circuits mounted on the control boards 21 to 24 and the operations realized by the circuits are collectively referred to as a function. In this specification, the main control unit 21, the effect control unit 22, and the image control unit 23 are used. , And the payout control unit 24. All or part of the effect control unit 22, the image control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24 is a sub-control unit.

  By the way, the pachinko machine GM is roughly divided into a frame side member GM1 surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 3 and a board side member GM2 fixed to the back of the game board 5. The frame side member GM1 includes a front frame 3 on which a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached, and a wooden outer frame 1 on the outside thereof. Is fixedly installed. On the other hand, the board side member GM2 is replaced in response to the model change, and the new board side member GM2 is attached to the frame side member GM1 instead of the original board side member. All except the frame side member 1 is the panel side member GM2.

  As shown in the broken line frame in FIG. 3, the frame-side member GM1 includes a power supply board 20, a payout control board 24, a launch control board 25, and a frame relay board 32, and these circuit boards are Each is fixed in place on the front frame 3. On the other hand, on the back of the game board 5, a main control board 21, an effect control board 22, and an image control board 23 are fixed together with the display device DISP and other circuit boards. And the frame side member GM1 and the board | substrate side member GM2 are electrically connected by the connection connectors C1-C4 concentratedly arranged in one place.

  The power supply board 20 is connected to the main board relay board 28 through the connection connector C2, and is connected to the power supply relay board 30 through the connection connector C3. The main board relay board 28 outputs the system reset signal SYS, the RAM clear signal DEL, the power supply abnormality signal ABN, the backup power supplies BAK, DC12V, and DC32V received from the power supply board 20 to the main controller 21 as they are. Similarly, the power supply relay board 30 also outputs the system reset signal SYS received from the power supply board 20 and the AC and DC power supply voltages to the effect interface board 27 as they are. The effect interface board 27 outputs the received system reset signal SYS to the effect control unit 22 and the image control unit 23 as they are.

  On the other hand, the payout control board 24 is directly connected to the power supply board 20 without going through the relay board, and the system reset signal SYS, the RAM clear signal DEL, the power supply abnormality signal ABN, the backup, which are received by the main control unit 21. The power supply BAK is directly received together with other power supply voltages.

  Here, the system reset signal SYS output from the power supply board 20 is a power supply reset signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V is turned on to the power supply board 20, and the one-chip microcomputers of the respective control units 21 to 24 by this power supply reset signal. The other IC elements are reset in power supply.

  The RAM clear signal DEL received from the power supply board 20 by the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 is a signal that determines whether or not to initialize all areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of each control unit 21 and 24. Therefore, it has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch SW operated by the attendant.

  The power supply abnormality signal ABN received from the power supply board 20 by the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 is a signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V has started to drop. By receiving this power supply abnormality signal ABN, each control unit In 21 and 24, necessary end processing is started prior to a power failure or business end. The backup power supply BAK is a DC5V DC power source that retains data in the RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 even after the AC power supply 24V is shut off due to business termination or power failure. Therefore, the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 25 can resume the game operation before power-off after power-on (power backup function). This pachinko machine is designed to retain the stored contents of the RAM of each one-chip microcomputer for at least several days.

  On the other hand, the effect control unit 22 and the image control unit 23 are not provided with the power supply backup function described above. However, as described above, the system reset signal SYS is commonly supplied to the effect control unit 22 and the image control unit 23 via the power relay board 30 and the effect interface board 27, and other controls are performed. The power supply reset operation is realized at a timing substantially synchronized with the units 21 and 24.

  As illustrated, the main control unit 21 transmits a control command CMD "to the payout control unit 25 via the main board relay board 28, while the payout control unit 25 receives a prize ball indicating a payout operation of the game ball. A count signal and a status signal CON related to an abnormality in the payout operation are received, and the status signal CON includes, for example, a replenishment signal, a payout shortage error signal, a lower plate full signal, and a power-on signal. Here, the power-on signal is a signal for informing the main control unit 21 that the payout control unit 25 has completed the initial processing after the power is turned on.

  The main control unit 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 29. And while receiving the detection switch signal of the detection switch built in each winning opening 15-18 on a game board, solenoids, such as an electric tulip, are driven. The detection switch signal includes a winning switch signal SG transmitted from the symbol start port 15 to the main control unit 21.

  Further, in this gaming machine, a radio wave sensor SE0 and magnetic sensors SE1 to SE5 are arranged at appropriate positions on the game board, and detection switch signals from the respective sensors are also transmitted to the main control unit 21. The magnetic sensor SEi is, for example, a monitoring sensor that detects a static magnetic field of a permanent magnet that may be illegally used to guide the movement of the game ball. In this embodiment, the movement of the game ball to the symbol start port 15 Corresponding to the route, it is arranged at four places on the game board. When a static magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of about 0.3 to 0.5 mT is detected, the detection switch signal that has been at the L level until then is shifted to the H level.

  On the other hand, the radio wave sensor SE0 is, for example, a monitoring sensor that detects an induced magnetic field (radiated magnetic field) that is radiated to turn on the detection switches built in the winning holes 15 to 18, and detects an induced magnetic field at an abnormal level. Then, the detection switch signal that has been at the L level so far is configured to transition to the H level. In this embodiment, one radio wave sensor is arranged at an appropriate position on the game board.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a part of the internal configuration of the one-chip microcomputer 21 </ b> A of the main control unit 21. Here, the detection switch signal from the magnetic sensor or the radio wave sensor and the detection switch signal from the detection switch of the symbol start opening 15 or the normal winning opening 17 are also shown via the game board relay board 29. ing. In this embodiment, the detection switch signal from the normal winning opening 17 is also determined to be abnormal in ON time. In this sense, the detection switch arranged at the normal winning opening 17 functions as a monitoring sensor. doing.

  As shown, the one-chip microcomputer 21A includes a CPU equivalent to Z80CPU (Zilog), a counter timer circuit CTC equivalent to Z80CTC (counter timer circuit), a ROM and RAM memory circuit, a watchdog timer WDT, and a random number generator. A circuit GNR and an input port INP are incorporated.

  The winning switch signal SG from the symbol start port 15 is supplied redundantly to the random number generation circuit GNR of the one-chip microcomputer 21A and the input port INP via the buffer circuit BUF. The detection switch signal from the normal winning opening 17 is also supplied to the input port INP via the voltage level conversion buffer circuit BUF and the normal buffer circuit AP. Although not shown, a detection switch signal is also supplied to the input port INP from the detection port 16 and the detection switch of the gate 18 together.

  The buffer circuit BUF has an open collector type output section, and the input side is pulled up to 12V and the output side is pulled up to 5V. When the game ball passes through a winning opening such as the symbol start opening 15, the buffer circuit BUF outputs a winning switch signal SG as a positive logic ON signal. In addition, there is a concern about illegality that generates an illegal winning switch signal SG by emitting strong electromagnetic waves in a state where a large-diameter illegal gaming ball is stopped at the entrance of the winning opening 17, so The passage time until the passage through 17 is also managed by software processing.

  The detection switch signals SN0 to SN5 from the radio wave sensor SE0 and the magnetic sensors SE1 to SE5 are supplied to an RC filter circuit including an input resistor Ri and an input capacitor Ci in a state pulled up by a pullup resistor RL. And it is supplied to the input port INP via the Schmitt trigger type inverter circuit INV. As described above, each of the sensors SE0 to SE5 outputs an H level detection switch signal when an abnormality is detected. Therefore, the L level detection switch signals SN0 to SN5 are supplied to the input port INP when an abnormality is detected. become.

  The random number generation circuit GNR includes a latch register that detects that the winning switch signal SG of the symbol start port 15 is turned on and holds the detected content, a counter that receives the count clock Φ and is updated at a high speed, And a random value register that holds a counter value at the moment when the winning switch signal is turned ON as a random value.

  When the CPU grasps that the winning switch signal SG is in the ON state based on the input data from the input port INP, the CPU obtains a random value from the random value register of the random number generation circuit GNR, and uses this as the winning value. The lottery process (the special symbol process ST37 in FIG. 6) is executed.

  Subsequently, a gaming operation realized by the one-chip microcomputer 21A of the main control unit 21 will be described. FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the control program of the main control unit 21. The system reset process (FIG. 5) is started based on the restoration or input of the power supply voltage, and is started every predetermined time (4 mS). And maskable timer interrupt processing (FIG. 6A).

  Hereinafter, the system reset processing program (main processing) will be described with reference to FIG. The main process is started when the initialization switch SW is turned off and the power is turned on, such as when recovering from a power failure, and when the game hall is opened, the initialization switch SW is turned on. There is a case where the power source is turned on by being operated. In some cases, the watchdog timer WDT is activated and the CPU is forcibly reset.

  In any case, the Z80 CPU executes the DI command, sets itself to the interrupt disabled state (ST1), and initializes each part of the one-chip microcomputer 21A (ST2).

  Next, a RAM clear signal DEL is obtained from an input port (not shown) and stored in an appropriate register (ST3). As described above, in this embodiment, after the CPU is reset, the RAM clear signal DEL is quickly acquired. Therefore, even if the clerk performs the ON / OFF operation of the initialization switch SW quickly, the RAM clear signal DEL is read out. There is no. The RAM clear signal DEL is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize all the areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer 21A, and is a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch SW operated by the staff. have.

  Next, in order to suppress activation of the watchdog timer WDT, a clear signal is supplied to the watchdog timer WDT (ST4) and a predetermined waiting time is consumed (ST5). This is to secure time until the sub-control units 22 and 23 on the downstream side reliably start the control operation.

  When such time consumption processing is completed, next, the level of the power supply abnormality signal ABN is determined, and it waits until it reaches a normal level (ST6). This considers the possibility of a CPU reset caused by the watchdog timer WDT after the process of step ST51, such as when the power is shut off. That is, in the present embodiment, since the determination process of step ST6 exists, even if the CPU is reset when the power is turned off, the backup flag BFL and other RAM data are not altered.

  If it is determined in step ST6 that the power supply abnormality signal ABN is at a normal level, the built-in RAM is set to a writable state, and the downstream waiting screen is displayed on the display device DISP to display the customer waiting demo screen. The control command for the standby screen is transmitted to the side sub-control unit (ST7). As a result of the process of step ST7, the write operation to the built-in RAM prohibited by the process of step ST49 is enabled when the power is shut off. In this embodiment, the write operation (Write) to the RAM is appropriately prohibited / permitted, but the read operation (Read) is always permitted.

  Next, while supplying a clear signal to the watchdog timer WDT (ST8), it waits for the power-on signal to be turned on (ST9). The power-on signal is a signal output by the payout control unit 23 that has completed the initial processing, and it is confirmed by the processing in step ST9 that the payout control unit 23 has started a steady operation.

  Subsequently, the level of the RAM clear signal DEL acquired in the process of step ST3 and stored in an appropriate register is determined (ST10). If the RAM clear signal DEL is in the ON state, the entire area of the built-in RAM is cleared to zero (ST13). As a result, the value of the backup flag BFL set in the process of step ST47 in FIG. 6B becomes zero together with other checksum values.

  Next, a power-on command for notifying that the RAM area has been cleared to zero is output (ST14). The fact that the RAM area has been cleared to zero is also notified to the hall computer that centrally manages the gaming holes, but the notification timer that manages the notification time is also initialized to an appropriate value (for example, 30 seconds) (ST15). .

  Then, the CTC that outputs the interrupt signal INT for starting the timer interrupt operation (FIG. 6A) is initialized (ST17). Next, with the CPU set to the interrupt disabled state (ST18), update processing is executed for various counters (ST19), and then the CPU is returned to the interrupt enabled state and the process returns to step ST18. The counter updated in step ST19 includes an out symbol counter, but this out symbol counter is out of the result of the big hit lottery process in the special symbol processing (ST37) of FIG. 6 (a). It is a counter for deciding what kind of out-of-game to produce when it becomes a state.

  Returning to the determination process in step ST10, the RAM clear signal DEL is in the OFF state when the CPU is forcibly reset by the watchdog timer WDT or when the CPU is restored from the power failure state. In such a case, following the determination in step ST10, the content of the backup flag BFL is determined (ST11). The backup flag BFL is data indicating that the operation of the power supply monitoring process of FIG. 6B has been executed. In this embodiment, the backup flag BFL is set to 5AH in the process of step ST47 when the power is turned off. It is cleared to zero in the process of step ST43 after the power is restored.

  When the power is turned on or when recovering from a power failure, the content of the backup flag BFL is 5AH. However, if the program goes into a runaway state for some reason and a CPU reset operation is caused by the watchdog timer, the backup flag BFL = 00H. Therefore, if BFL ≠ 5AH (normally BFL = 00H), the process proceeds from step ST11 to step ST13 to return the operation of the gaming machine to the initial state.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag BFL = 5AH, checksum calculation for calculating the checksum value is executed and the calculation results are compared (ST12). Here, the checksum operation is an 8-bit addition operation for the work area of the built-in RAM. When the checksum value is calculated, the calculation result is compared with the stored value at the SUM address in the RAM (ST12).

  In the SUM address, the checksum value by the same checksum calculation is stored in the power supply monitoring process (FIG. 6B) executed when the voltage drops (ST48). The stored calculation results are maintained by a backup power source together with other data in the built-in RAM. Therefore, the two should be matched by the determination in step ST12.

  However, if the checksum calculation (ST48) cannot be executed when the power is turned off, or if it can be executed, the data in the work area will be damaged after that until the checksum calculation (ST12) of the main process is executed. In such a case, the determination result in step ST12 is inconsistent. If data corruption is detected due to a discrepancy between the determination results, the process proceeds to step ST13 to execute a RAM clear process, and the operation of the gaming machine is returned to the initial state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST12 that the checksum value obtained by the checksum operation matches the stored value at the SUM address, the backup restoration process is executed (ST16), and the process proceeds to step ST17. Resuming the game operation before turning off the power. In the backup recovery process, the control command for the power recovery screen for displaying the power recovery screen on the display device and the control command for the other recovery operation are transmitted to each of the sub-control units 22-24.

  Next, all error detection timers ER1 to ER6 related to radio wave error, magnetic error, and prize opening error are cleared (ST22), and all abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 for managing the abnormality notification operation are cleared (ST23). As described above, in this embodiment, even when the RAM clear process is avoided and the game operation is restarted before the power is cut off, the RAM backup data related to the abnormality notification operation is cleared. This is for continuing the abnormality notification operation started before the power is shut off, which will be described later.

  Next, a timer interrupt processing program (FIG. 6 (a)) started every 4 ms with the main process described above being interrupted will be described. When the timer interrupt occurs, the power supply monitoring process is immediately executed without saving the CPU register (ST30). This is because the timing at which the timer interrupt process is started is fixed immediately after step ST20.

  In the power supply monitoring process (ST30), the level of the power supply abnormality signal ABN supplied from the power supply board 20 is determined, and specific processing contents will be described later. When the power supply monitoring process (ST30) ends, a clear pulse is output to the watchdog timer WDT, and the value of the winning counter RG used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol process (ST36) is updated (ST31). Note that the jackpot determination random number value RND used in the lottery operation in the special symbol process (ST37) is generated by the random number generation circuit GNR of FIG. 4 and is not updated in the process of step ST31.

  When the winning random number update process (ST31) ends, a timer subtraction process is performed for the timer that manages the time of each gaming operation (ST32). The timer to be subtracted here is mainly used for managing the opening time of the electric tulip and the special winning opening and other game effect times.

  Subsequently, ON / OFF signals of various switches including a winning detection switch of the symbol start opening 15 and the big winning opening 16 are inputted, and the ON / OFF signal level and its rising state are stored in the work area (ST33). .

  Next, error management processing is performed (ST24). The error management process includes a determination as to whether an abnormality has occurred inside the device, such as whether or not the supply of game balls has stopped or the game balls are clogged. Also included is an abnormality monitoring process for monitoring sensors such as the radio wave sensor SE0 and the magnetic sensor SEi for abnormal reaction.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an abnormality monitoring process which is a main part of the error management process. First, the detection switch signal SNi of the sensors SE0 to SE5 is acquired from the input port INP (FIG. 4) of the one-chip microcomputer 21A (ST80). As described above, the sensor signals SNi acquired in the present embodiment are a total of six types of detection switch signals SN0 from the radio wave sensor SE0 and detection switch signals SN1 to SN5 from the five magnetic sensors SE1 to SE5. It is.

  Next, the corresponding bit of the error flag is set to the ON state corresponding to the detection switch signal SNi indicating the abnormal level (ST81). Specifically, if the detection switch signal SN0 from the radio wave sensor SE0 is in an ON state (L level in this embodiment), the corresponding 1 bit (radio wave error bit) is set to 1. Further, if any one or more of the detection switch signals SN1 to SN5 is ON, the corresponding 1 bit (magnetic error bit) is set to 1. That is, if the detection switch signal SNi of any of the five magnetic sensors SE1 to SE5 is at an abnormal level, the error bit for the magnetic switch is set to 1.

  Further, in the process of step ST81, when a game ball wins one of the four normal winning holes 17, the ON time of the detection switch signals SG1 to SG4 is set to the upper limit time at any of the normal winning holes 17. Even if it exceeds, the corresponding 1 bit (winning error bit) of the error flag is set to 1. This is to cope with an illegal game executed by stopping the large-diameter illegal game ball at the entrance to the normal winning opening 17.

  As described above, in the process of step ST81, the occurrence of an abnormal situation is stored using 3 bits of the error flag. Then, next, 3 error bits are judged (ST82), and if all error bits are 0, all error detection timers ER1 to ER6 are cleared to zero (ST83).

  The error detection timers ER1 to ER6 are provided in consideration of a possibility that an abnormal situation is erroneously detected due to the influence of noise or the like, and detect an abnormal situation continuously for a reference time (for example, 100 mS). Used to confirm. In the present embodiment, a total of six error detection timers ER1 for checking radio wave errors, error detection timers ER2 for checking magnetic errors, and error detection timers ER3 to ER6 for checking winning prize errors are prepared. .

  Therefore, if it is determined in step ST82 that any of the error bits is 1, the corresponding error detection timers ER1 to ER6 are incremented (+1) (ST84). That is, if the radio wave error bit or the magnetic error bit is 1, the error detection timers ER1 and ER2 are incremented accordingly. On the other hand, if the winning opening error bit is 1, the error detection timers ER3 to ER6 corresponding to the normal winning opening where the winning opening error is detected are incremented.

  Next, it is determined whether there are any error detection timers ER1 to ER6 that have reached the reference value TH (ST85). In this embodiment, since the reference time = 100 mS and the timer interrupt cycle = 4 mS, the reference value TH = 25, and whether or not the same abnormal state is detected 25 times or more continuously in the timer interrupt process. It becomes a problem. Since the error detection timer is cleared to 0 when the abnormal state recovers in the middle of 25 times (ST83), erroneous detection of an abnormal situation due to noise or the like is eliminated by this clearing operation.

  If an error detection timer exceeding the reference value TH is detected by the determination in step ST85, the corresponding abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 are initialized. The initial set value is not particularly limited, but is an initial value that guarantees an abnormality notification time of about 30 seconds. Note that three types of abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 are prepared corresponding to radio wave errors, magnetic errors, and prize opening errors. Therefore, if an abnormality is detected at any one of the four normal winning openings 17 and the abnormality continues for 100 mS or more at the normal winning opening, a single abnormality for a winning opening error is detected. The notification timer TM3 is initialized.

  Next, after storing the three abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 in the respective storage areas OLD1 to OLD3, setting processing corresponding to the values of the abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 is executed (ST87 to ST90). Here, three types of abnormality notification flags ALM1 to AML3 are prepared corresponding to the abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3, and indicate whether the abnormality notification operation is being performed.

  Then, the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 are set to 0 corresponding to the abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 which are 0 (ST88). On the other hand, the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 are set to 1 corresponding to the abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 which are not 0 (ST89), and the values of the abnormality notification timers TM1 to TM3 corresponding to the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 which are 1 are set. Is decremented (ST90).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 have changed in the current timer interrupt (ST91). Specifically, the values of the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 stored in the storage areas OLD1 to OLD3 in the process of step ST87 are compared with the values of the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 updated thereafter.

  If the abnormality notification flag ALMi changed from 0 to 1 is detected, the corresponding error notification command is transmitted to the downstream sub-control unit (ST93). That is, in order to start the abnormality notification operation, an error notification command specifying the abnormality content (a radio wave error, a magnetic error, or a prize opening error) is transmitted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the error notification command is transmitted only once at the start of the abnormality notification operation, instead of repeatedly transmitting the error notification command during the abnormality notification operation. The control burden for command transmission / reception in the sub-control units 22 and 23 is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the abnormality notification flag ALMi changed from 1 to 0 is detected in the determination of step ST91, a corresponding error release command is transmitted to the sub-control unit (ST92). That is, since a predetermined notification time has elapsed, an error cancel command specifying an error content to be canceled (radio wave error, magnetic error, or prize opening error) is transmitted to cancel the error notification operation. If the changed abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 do not exist, the abnormality monitoring subroutine process is terminated without doing anything.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the abnormality notification operation is started in response to the change of the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3, and the abnormality notification operation is ended. Therefore, the command transmission / reception in the main control unit 21 and the sub control units 22 and 23 is performed. Control burden is reduced. Further, in the process of step ST85, if the value of the error detection timer ERI is equal to or greater than the reference value TH, the abnormality notification timer TMi is initialized any number of times, so that the abnormality notification operation is performed as long as the abnormal situation does not disappear. It never ends. That is, each error detection timer ERI is incremented repeatedly after reaching the reference value TH as long as the abnormal situation is not resolved (ST80 to ST84), so that the value of the abnormality notification timer TMi is initialized every 4 ms. By being set, the abnormality notification timer TMi does not become 0, and therefore the abnormality notification flag ALMi does not return to 0.

  By the way, even if the count value of the error detection timer ERi overflows and returns to zero, the abnormality notification timer TMi is initialized again after 100 ms, and the abnormality notification operation (the duration is 30 seconds) continues until this time. No problems occur. Note that it is sufficient that the abnormality notification timer TMi performs the initial setting process at a cycle shorter than the duration of the abnormality notification operation. In this sense, the determination condition in step ST84 is not necessarily limited to the error detection timer ERi ≧ TH as long as the error detection timer ERi is about 8 bits long. For example, the determination condition of the error detection timer ERi = TH In this case, the abnormality notification timer TMi is repeatedly initialized every 256 * 4 mS≈1 second with respect to the 8-bit long error detection timer ERi.

  However, in this embodiment, since the error notification command is transmitted only at the timing when the abnormality notification flag ALMi changes from 0 to 1 (ST93), there is a concern about the adverse effects caused by this. For example, a case is assumed in which an intentional power interruption due to an illegal action occurs immediately after the abnormality notification flag ALMi changes from 0 to 1. In such a case, for example, even if the main controller 21 resumes the control operation before the power interruption, as long as the value of the abnormality notification flag ALMi is maintained at ALMi = 1, the error notification command is not retransmitted, so the abnormality notification operation is performed. May not be executed. That is, when the value of the abnormality notification timer TMi is repeatedly initialized every 4 ms, for example, the error notification command is not transmitted as long as the abnormality notification flag ALMi = 1 is maintained. Is done.

  However, in this embodiment, since the error detection timer ERi and the abnormality notification flag are uniformly cleared to zero in the backup recovery process (ST22 to ST23), the above-described adverse effects do not occur at all. That is, if the abnormal situation continues even after the power is restored, the error detection timer ERi is incremented again (ST84). If the error detection timer value exceeds the reference value TH after 100 mS, an error notification is issued. A command is transmitted (ST93), and a predetermined abnormality notification operation is started. Then, the started abnormality notification operation is continued unless the abnormal situation is resolved.

  The error management process (ST34) has been described above, and the subsequent process will be described with reference to FIG. When the error management process as described above is completed, the management process based on the winning ball count signal received from the payout control unit 24 is executed (ST35), and then the normal symbol process is performed (ST36). The normal symbol processing means determination as to whether or not to operate an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball is passing the gate based on the switch input result in step ST33, the winning counter RG updated in the random number updating process (ST31) is compared with the winning winning value. Done. If the comparison result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to the winning operation mode. In addition, if it is a hit, processing for the operation of a normal electric accessory such as an electric tulip is performed.

  Subsequently, special symbol processing is performed (ST37). The special symbol process is a determination as to whether or not to operate a special electric accessory such as the special winning opening 16. Specifically, when it is determined that the winning switch signal SG has risen, the big hit lottery process is executed using the random number value RND stored in the random number register of the random number generation circuit GNR. Although not shown in the drawing, if the lottery result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to a big hit operation mode. In addition, if it is a big hit, processing for the operation of special electric accessories such as a big prize opening is performed.

  After such special symbol processing (ST37), the lighting operation of the LEDs managed by the main control unit 21 is advanced (ST38), and the solenoid driving processing for realizing the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip or the big prize opening is executed. After (ST39), the CPU is returned to the interrupt permission state EI and the timer interrupt is finished (ST40). As a result, the process returns from the interrupt process routine to the infinite loop process (FIG. 5) of the main process, and the process of step ST19 is executed.

  Next, the power supply monitoring process (ST30) shown in FIG. In the power supply monitoring process (ST30), first, a power supply abnormality signal ABN supplied from the power supply board 20 is acquired through an input port (not shown) (ST41), and it is determined whether or not it is an abnormal level (ST42). If it is not an abnormal level, the abnormal number counter and the backup flag BFL are cleared to zero and the process is terminated (ST43).

  On the other hand, if the power supply abnormality signal ABN is at an abnormal level, the abnormality number counter is incremented (+1) (ST44), and it is determined whether the counting result exceeds the upper limit value MAX (ST45). This is because the data acquired from the input port may be garbled due to the influence of noise or the like, and the abnormal level is continuously set for a predetermined number of times (for example, upper limit MAX = 2). In the case of maintaining, it is determined that the AC power source is actually shut off.

  As a result of the determination in step ST45, if the count value of the abnormal number counter coincides with the upper limit value MAX, the abnormal number counter is cleared to zero (ST46), and then 5AH is set in the backup flag BFL (ST47). Next, the same calculation as in step ST12 of the main routine is performed on the same work area (work area), and the calculation result is stored (ST48). The operation to be executed is typically an 8-bit addition operation.

  Thereafter, the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer 21A is set in a write-inhibited state (ST49), and the output data of all output ports is cleared (ST50). As a result, unreasonable data is prevented from being transmitted to the payout control unit 24 that starts the same type of power supply monitoring process later than the main control unit 21. When the above backup process is completed, the generation of the interrupt signal INT is prohibited by the setting process for the CTC, and the DC power supply voltage is lowered while repeating the infinite loop process (ST51). At this timing, the CPU is originally in an interrupt disabled state (see ST40). However, in this embodiment, an interrupt signal from the CTC is used to eliminate as much as possible the possibility of malfunction due to a drop in power supply voltage. INT output is also prohibited.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the specific description content is not intended to limit the present invention, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the description of the embodiment, all the error detection timers ER1 to ER6 are cleared in the backup recovery process (ST16), but the timer value before power-off may be maintained. In this case, for example, if the power is shut off at the timing when the value of the error detection timer ERI is 80 mS, if the same abnormal situation continues after the power is restored, the abnormality notification operation is started after 20 mS.

  In the embodiment, in the backup recovery process (ST16), the abnormality notification flags ALM1 to ALM3 are cleared. If the abnormality notification flag ALMi is determined and the abnormality notification flag ALMi = 1, the abnormality notification flag ALMi = 1. The abnormality notification operation corresponding to the notification flag ALMi may be started immediately. In this case, however, an abnormality notification flag determination and command transmission processing are separately required, complicating the program processing and consuming a limited ROM area.

GM gaming machine SEi monitoring sensor ST84, ST85 first means ST86 second means ST87-ST90 third means ST92, ST93 fourth means

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control means for executing a lottery process based on a detection signal indicating the occurrence of a predetermined game operation, and a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the result of the lottery process A main control means having a monitoring means for determining the occurrence of an abnormal situation based on the output of a monitoring sensor arranged at an appropriate position, and a control command received from the main control means Sub-control means for starting or ending the abnormality notification operation based on the power supply, backup means for maintaining the stored contents of the RAM even after power-off, and power-off after power-on based on the stored contents of the RAM maintained by the backup means is configured to provide a a backup restoration means capable resumes operation before, the monitoring means, whether or not abnormality notifying operation is being performed, the occurrence of the abnormal state A first means repeatedly determines, when the duration of the abnormal situation in which the first means determines exceeds a reference value (TH), the start value a notification timer (TMi), which is updated every predetermined time until the target value As long as the second means for setting , the notification timer (TMi) do not match the target value, the third means for setting the abnormality notification flag (ALMi) to an abnormal value different from the normal value, and the abnormality notification flag (ALMi) are determined. And a fourth means for starting an abnormality notification operation when it is determined that the normal value has changed to an abnormal value, and the backup recovery means sets the abnormality notification flag (ALMi) to a normal value. It is configured to set and restart the operation before power off .

In the present invention, since the occurrence of an abnormal situation is easily detected and notified by combining the first means to the fourth means, the original game operation is not hindered. Then, the abnormality notification operation can be continued until the abnormal situation disappears. Further, since the backup recovery unit sets the abnormality notification flag (ALMi) to a normal value and restarts the operation before power-off, the problem described in paragraph 0088 does not occur.

  The monitoring sensor preferably includes a magnetic sensor that detects a static magnetic field, a radio wave sensor that detects a radiated magnetic field, or a detection switch that indicates that the game medium is stagnant at a predetermined position. Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is typically a bullet ball game machine or a revolving game machine.

Claims (7)

A gaming machine that executes a lottery process due to a detection signal indicating the occurrence of a predetermined gaming action and determines whether or not to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player,
Monitoring means for determining the occurrence of an abnormal situation every predetermined time based on the output of the monitoring sensor arranged at an appropriate position, backup means for maintaining the stored contents of the RAM even after power-off, and the RAM maintained by the backup means Backup recovery means capable of resuming the operation before turning off the power after turning on the power based on the stored contents,
The monitoring means includes
If the occurrence of an abnormal situation is not recognized, the measurement result is returned to the initial state, while the occurrence of the abnormal situation is recognized, the first means for updating the measurement result,
When the measurement result of the first means satisfies the predetermined condition, the second means for initially setting the abnormality notification time in the abnormality notification operation to a predetermined timer;
A third means for maintaining the predetermined flag at the operating value until the abnormality notification time elapses, updating the predetermined timer initially set by the second means, and returning the predetermined flag to the initial value when the abnormality notification time elapses;
And a fourth means for starting or ending the abnormality notification operation in response to a change in the value of the predetermined flag,
Corresponding to the fact that the first means continues to update the measurement result as long as the abnormal situation continues, the second means is configured to repeat the initial setting operation of the abnormality notification time as long as a predetermined condition is satisfied. A gaming machine.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the time period in which the second means repeats the initial setting operation of the abnormality notification time is set shorter than the abnormality notification time.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the backup recovery unit is configured to restart the operation before power-off in a state where the predetermined flag is returned to the initial value.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the backup recovery unit is configured to restart the operation before power-off in a state where the measurement result of the first unit is returned to the initial value.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backup recovery means is configured to start an abnormality notification operation when a predetermined flag at that time is an operation value.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring sensor includes a magnetic sensor that detects a static magnetic field and a radio wave sensor that detects a radiated magnetic field.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring sensor includes a detection switch indicating that the game medium is stagnated at a predetermined position.