JP2020195609A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To be able to store information properly.SOLUTION: Storage contents of a backup data buffer 19AKB1 are written in a backup storage unit 19AKA1 on the basis of satisfaction of a predetermined writing condition. Specified difference information is stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 on the basis of log information included in a target range to be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before one writing condition is satisfied. The difference information is stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 upon satisfaction of a difference update condition, and the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is written in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 upon satisfaction of a writing start condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11-18

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game such as a pachinko gaming machine.

In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a technique has been proposed in which the number of divisions of data to be backed up is set and the backup process is completed at a predetermined number of interrupts (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-23552

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the processing load becomes excessive as the data capacity increases, and there is a possibility that a problem may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of appropriately storing information.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1), and is a control means (for example, a production control microcomputer 19AK120). A storage means writable by the CPU 19AK131 or the like (for example, the backup storage unit 19AKA1 of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 210D) and a temporary storage means (for example, the backup of the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM 19AK133) capable of storing the information to be written in the storage means. A data buffer (19AKB1 or the like) is provided, and the control means writes the storage contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means based on the establishment of the write condition (for example, backup during production control in step 19AKS79). (Processing, etc.) can be executed, and as the specific writing process, the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means and the storage means are stored before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. Temporary storage processing (for example, difference stack update processing in step 19AKS103 and write buffer update processing in step 19AKS105) in which the difference information is specified by the second information and stored in the temporary storage means, and storage in the temporary storage means. It is possible to execute a process including a difference writing process (for example, a backup data writing process in step 19AKS108) for writing the difference information to the storage means, and when the power supply is started, the storage means The stored information can be read out to the temporary storage means and restored (for example, the stored contents of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be restored by the information processing when the power is turned on in step 19AKS23).
According to such a configuration, information can be appropriately stored.

(2) In the game machine of the above (1), the update of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited (for example, the prohibition setting by step 19AKS106) during the execution of the difference writing process.
In such a configuration, information can be appropriately stored.

(3) In the game machine according to (1) or (2), the difference writing process is executed during the period when the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated (for example, after the permission is set by step 19AKS112). , Steps 19AKS102-19AKS105 are executed, etc.).
In such a configuration, information can be appropriately stored.

(4) In any of the game machines (1) to (3) above, the temporary storage means has a first storage area (for example, a difference stack 20AKB11) capable of storing difference information that has not yet been written to the storage means. And a second storage area (for example, write buffer 20AKB12) capable of storing the difference information written in the storage means may be included.
In such a configuration, information can be appropriately stored.

(5) In any of the game machines (1) to (4), the storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas (for example, backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3), and the difference. Update of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited until the writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by the writing process.
In such a configuration, information can be appropriately stored.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display result determination table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the variable display start setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the stop symbol determination processing. It is a figure which shows the setting example about the setting suggestion effect execution decision table. It is a figure which shows the configuration example and setting example about a setting suggestion pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect processing during variable display. It is a figure which shows the execution example of the setting suggestion effect. It is a block diagram of an effect control board and a peripheral device. It is a block diagram which shows various circuits mounted on an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of a backup memory board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main process, and the figure which shows the process priority. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the CPU exception event occurrence processing and the example of the VDP error interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interrupt process for effect control. It is a figure which shows the content example of an effect control command. It is a figure which shows the specific example which displays the maintenance history screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example which displays the maintenance history screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example when the setting change / confirmation history selection operation is performed. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 41AK. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 42AK. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 42AK. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 43AK. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 44AK. It is explanatory drawing of the feature part 45AK. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the backup process during production control. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure and function concerning the feature part 19AK, 20AK. It is a figure which shows the state transition example about writing of backup data.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1 etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1, showing an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting the game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) 3 for supporting and fixing the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined ball launching device and is driven into the game area.

The "variable display" of the special symbol is, for example, to display a plurality of types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). Fluctuations include update display of a plurality of symbols, scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, enlargement / reduction of one or more symbols, and the like. When the special symbol or the ordinary symbol described later is changed, a plurality of types of special symbols or ordinary symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of the decorative symbol described later, a plurality of types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, and one or more decorative symbols are deformed or enlarged / reduced. The variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is blinked and displayed. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). In addition, the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or a variable display.

The special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as a "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as a "second special symbol". Further, the special figure game using the first special figure is also referred to as a "first special figure game", and the special figure game using the second special figure is also referred to as a "second special figure game". It should be noted that there may be one type of special symbol display device that performs variable display of the special symbol.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like, and displays various effects images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effects images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, a decorative symbol (a symbol indicating a number or the like) as a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbol is synchronized with the first special figure game or the second special figure game. Is variable display. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, the decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, up and down) in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". Direction scroll display and update display). The special figure game and the variable display of the decorative pattern that are executed in synchronization are also collectively referred to as simply variable display.

On the screen of the image display device 5, a display area for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display in which execution is suspended or an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed may be provided. Hold display and active display are also collectively referred to as variable display compatible display corresponding to variable display.

The number of variable displays on hold is also called the number of stored items on hold. The number of reserved storages corresponding to the first special figure game is also referred to as the first reserved storage number, and the number of reserved storages corresponding to the second special figure game is also referred to as the second reserved storage number. The total of the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number is also referred to as the total reserved storage number.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2, a first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B configured to include a plurality of LEDs are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first hold storage number according to the number of LEDs lit. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second hold storage number according to the number of LEDs lit.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening that is always kept in a constant open state in which a game ball can enter by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls may be paid out and the first special figure game may be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second starting winning opening that is changed between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 3). The variable winning ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces, and the movable wing pieces are in a vertical position when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, so that the tip of the movable wing pieces is in a vertical position. Is close to the winning ball device 6A and is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening (also referred to as the second starting winning opening is closed). On the other hand, the variable-sweep wing device 6B is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening because the movable wing piece is in the tilted position when the solenoid 81 is in the ON state (second start). It is also said that the winning opening is open.) When a game ball enters the second start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls can be paid out and the second special figure game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any as long as it changes between the closed state and the open state, and is not limited to the one provided with the electric tulip type accessory.

At predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four locations on the lower left and right sides of the game area), general winning openings 10 are provided, which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when entering any of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 3), and has a large winning opening as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state depending on the large winning opening door. Form.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door (for special electric accessory) is off, the big winning door closes the big winning door and the game ball is large. You will not be able to enter (pass) the winning opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is on, the large winning opening door opens the large winning opening, and the game ball can easily enter the large winning opening. Become.

When a game ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When a game ball enters the large winning opening, more prize balls are paid out than when the game ball enters, for example, the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the general winning opening 10.

The entry of a game ball into each winning opening including the general winning opening 10 is also referred to as "winning". In particular, winning a prize at the starting opening (first starting winning opening, second starting winning opening) is also referred to as a starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the left side of the game area). As an example, the ordinary symbol display 20 is composed of 7-segment LEDs and the like, and performs variable display of the ordinary symbol as a plurality of types of ordinary identification information different from the special symbol. Ordinary symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9" and lighting patterns such as "-". The normal symbol may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of a normal pattern is also called a normal pattern game.

On the left side of the image display device 5, a passing gate 41 through which a game ball can pass is provided. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 41, the normal drawing game is executed.

A normal symbol display 25C is provided above the normal symbol display 20. The normal figure hold indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of normal figure hold storages, which is the number of normal figure games whose execution is held, by the number of LEDs lit.

In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill that changes the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an out opening for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning openings.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the game machine frame 3, and game effect lamps 9 for game effects are further provided around the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 is configured to include an LED.

A movable body 32 that operates according to the effect is provided at a predetermined position (not shown in FIG. 1) of the game board 2.

At the lower right position of the game machine frame 3, a ball striking operation handle (operation knob) 30 operated by a player or the like to launch the game ball toward the game area by the striking ball launching device is provided.

At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area, the game balls paid out as prize balls and the game balls rented by the predetermined ball lending machine are held (stored) so as to be able to be supplied to the hitting ball launching device. ) A hit ball supply plate (upper plate) is provided. Below the upper plate, a hit ball supply plate (lower plate) is provided, in which prize balls are paid out when the upper plate is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be gripped and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed and operated by the player. The operation on the stick controller 31A is detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 3).

A push button 31B is provided at a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area so that the player can perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. The operation on the push button 31B is detected by the push sensor 35B (see FIG. 3).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the movement (operation, etc.) of the player, but detection means other than these may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. On the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a main board 11 housed in a board case 201 is mounted. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting changeover switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting changeover switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing set values such as a jackpot winning probability and a ball output rate in a setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11 such as a predetermined position of the power supply board 17.

A display monitor 29 is arranged in the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 30 is arranged on the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured by using, for example, a 7-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display changeover switch 30 are arranged in front of the main board 11 when the back side of the game board 2 is visually recognized with the game machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as a continuous ratio, a combination ratio, and a base. The ream ratio is the ratio of the number of prize balls by winning the first prize opening and the second prize opening (attacker) to the total number of prize balls. Of the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls by winning the second starting winning opening (Denchu) and the number of winning balls by winning the first and second major winning openings (attackers) occupy. It is a ratio. The base is the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the number of game balls launched. The display monitor 29 can display the set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the setting is changed or the setting is confirmed. The display monitor 29 may be capable of displaying a setting value or the like to be changed or confirmed when the setting is changed or the setting is confirmed.

The setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. A glass door frame 3a having a glass window is rotatably provided in the game machine frame 3, and the game area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the game area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 500A is attached to the right end of an outer frame 1a formed in a vertically long square frame shape. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 500A covers the right side portion of the board case 201 including the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 from the back surface side. The security cover 500A is a substantially L-shaped member including a short piece 500Aa and a long piece 500Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

(Outline of the progress of the game)
The game ball is launched toward the game area by the rotation operation of the pachinko game machine 1 by the player to the ball striking operation handle 30. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display 20 is started. In addition, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period during which the previous normal drawing game is being executed (when the game ball has passed through the passing gate 41 but the normal drawing game based on the passage cannot be executed immediately). , The general map game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal symbol game, if a specific normal symbol (design per normal symbol) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "per normal symbol". On the other hand, if the normal symbol other than the normal symbol (the normal symbol lost symbol) is stopped and displayed as the confirmed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "normal symbol lost". When it becomes "per normal drawing", the opening control is performed so that the variable winning ball device 6B is opened for a predetermined period (the second starting winning opening is opened).

When the game ball enters the first starting winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

When the game ball enters the second starting winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

In addition, when the game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening during the period during which the special figure game is being executed or during the period controlled by the big hit game state or the small hit game state described later (starting prize has occurred). If the special figure game based on the start winning cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special figure game based on the approach is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In the special symbol game, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol, for example, "7", the actual symbol differs depending on the jackpot type described later) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it becomes a "big hit" and a jackpot symbol. If a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol, for example, "2") different from the above is stopped and displayed, it becomes "small hit". Further, if a special symbol (missing symbol, for example, "-") different from the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes "missing".

After the display result in the special figure game becomes "big hit", it is controlled to the big hit game state as an advantageous state advantageous for the player. After the display result in the special figure game becomes "small hit", it is controlled to the small hit game state.

In the big hit game state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined mode. The open state is a combination of the elapsed timing of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) and the timing until the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). It will continue until the earlier timing. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the large winning opening can be opened in one round, and is also hereinafter referred to as an open upper limit period. One cycle in which the big winning opening is open in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until the maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

In the big hit game state, the player can obtain the prize ball by letting the game ball enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the opening upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

A jackpot type is set for "big hit". For example, multiple types of opening modes (number of rounds and maximum opening period) of the big winning opening and game states after the big hit game state (normal state, time saving state, probability change state, etc.) are prepared, and the big hit type is set according to these. Has been done. As the jackpot type, a jackpot type in which many prize balls can be obtained, a jackpot type in which few prize balls are obtained, or a jackpot type in which almost no prize balls can be obtained may be provided.

In the small hit game state, the large winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. For example, in the small hit game state, the same opening mode as the big hit game state in some big hit types (the number of times the big winning opening is opened is the same as the number of rounds, and the closing timing of the big winning opening is also the same. Etc.), the big prize opening becomes open. As with the big hit type, the small hit type may be provided for the "small hit".

After the jackpot game state is completed, it may be controlled to a time saving state or a probability change state according to the jackpot type.

In the time saving state, control (time saving control) is executed in which the average special figure fluctuation time (period in which the special figure is changed) is shortened as compared with the normal state. In the time saving state, the average fluctuation time of the normal map (the period during which the normal map is changed) is shortened from the normal state, and the probability of becoming a "normal map hit" in the normal map game is improved from the normal state. Controls (high opening control, high base control) that make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening are also executed. The time saving state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbol (particularly the second special symbol) is improved, which is advantageous for the player.

In the probability variation state (probability fluctuation state), in addition to the time saving control, the probability variation control in which the probability that the display result becomes a "big hit" is higher than in the normal state is executed. The probabilistic state is a state that is more advantageous for the player because it is a state in which a “big hit” is likely to occur in addition to improving the fluctuation efficiency of the special symbol.

The time saving state and the probability change state continue until any one of the end conditions such as the execution of the special figure game a predetermined number of times and the start of the next big hit game state are satisfied first. A game whose end condition is that the special figure game has been executed a predetermined number of times is also referred to as a number cut (time cut time reduction, number cut probability change, etc.).

The normal state is a gaming state other than a special state such as an advantageous state such as a big hit gaming state, a time saving state, or a probability change state, which is advantageous for the player, and the display result in the normal drawing game is "normal drawing hit". The pachinko game machine 1 such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special figure game becomes a "big hit" returns to a predetermined state after the power is turned on, such as the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed). It is in the same controlled state as when the process was not executed).

The state in which the probability change control is executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which the probability change control is not executed is also called a low probability state. The state in which the time saving control is executed is also called a high base state, and the state in which the time saving control is not executed is also called a low base state. By combining these, the time saving state is also called the low accuracy high base state, the probability variation state is called the high accuracy high base state, and the normal state is also called the low accuracy low base state. The high-accuracy state and low-base state are also called the high-accuracy low-base state.

After the small hit game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state is continuously controlled to the game state before the display result of the special figure game becomes "small hit" (however, "small hit" occurs. If the special figure game at the time is the special figure game of the predetermined number of times in the number of times cut, the game state is naturally changed). It should be noted that there may be no "small hit" as the display result of the special figure game.

The game state may change based on the fact that the game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area in the big winning opening) during the big hit game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, it may be controlled to a probabilistic state after the big hit game state.

(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects of notifying the progress of the game and enlivening the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The production will be described below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or in place of the display, audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9 It may be turned on or off, the operation of the movable body 32, or an effect using an arbitrary effect device including a part or all of them.

As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" provided in the image display device 5, the first special figure game or the first 2 In response to the start of the special figure game, the variable display of the decorative pattern is started. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as the finalized special symbol) is stopped and displayed in the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, the final decorative symbol (combination of three decorative symbols) that is the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol ) Is also displayed (derived) as a stop.

In the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol may be a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode is a variable display of a decorative symbol that has not yet been stopped and displayed when the decorative symbol that has been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of the jackpot combination described later. It is a mode in which is continuing.

In addition, the reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach mode during the variable display of the decorative symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ratio of the display result (display result of the special figure game or variable display of the decorative symbol) to be "big hit" (also called big hit reliability or big hit expectation) is determined according to the production mode. Multiple different types of reach effects are performed. Reach production includes, for example, normal reach and super reach, which has a higher hit reliability than normal reach.

When the display result of the special figure game is "big hit", a fixed decorative symbol that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as a display result of variable display of the decorative symbol on the screen of the image display device 5 (decoration). The display result of the variable display of the symbol is "big hit"). As an example, the same decorative symbols (for example, "7") are aligned and stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". ..

In the case of a "probability change jackpot" that is controlled to a probability change state after the end of the jackpot game state, an odd number of decorative symbols (for example, "7") are aligned and displayed as a stop, and the probability change state is entered after the end of the jackpot game state. In the case of an uncontrolled "non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", an even number of decorative symbols (for example, "6") may be aligned and displayed as a stop. In this case, the odd-numbered decorative symbol is also referred to as a probabilistic symbol, and the even-numbered decorative symbol is also referred to as a non-probable variable symbol (normal symbol). After the non-probability pattern is in the reach mode, the promotion effect that finally becomes the "probability jackpot" may be executed.

When the display result of the special figure game is "small hit", a fixed decorative symbol (for example, "for example," "is a predetermined small hit combination as a display result of variable display of the decorative symbol on the screen of the image display device 5. 1 3 5 ”etc.) Is derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a“ small hit ”). As an example, the decorative symbols constituting the chance eyes are stopped and displayed on the predetermined effective lines in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". In addition, when the display result of the special figure game becomes "big hit" of some big hit types (big hit type of big hit game state in the same mode as small hit game state) and when it becomes "small hit". , A common fixed decorative pattern may be derived and displayed.

When the display result of the special figure game is "missing", the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is not the reach mode, and the variable display result of the decorative symbol is a fixed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination ("" (Also referred to as "non-reach loss") may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "missing", after the variable display mode of the decorative symbol becomes the reach mode, the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is a predetermined reach combination ("reach loss") that is not a jackpot combination. The fixed decorative symbol (also referred to as) may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol may be "reach loss").

The effect that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute includes displaying the above-mentioned variable display compatible display (hold display or active display). Further, as another effect, for example, a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the jackpot is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbol. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display during execution and a pre-reading notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display (variable display in which execution is suspended) before execution. As the pre-reading notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the variable display compatible display (hold display or active display) to a mode different from the usual mode may be executed.

Further, in the image display device 5, the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped during the variable display of the decorative symbol, and then the variable display is restarted to make one variable display look like a plurality of variable displays in a pseudo manner. The pseudo-continuous production may be executed.

Even during the big hit game state, the big hit middle effect that notifies the big hit game state is executed. As the big hit middle effect, an effect of notifying the number of rounds and a promotion effect indicating that the value of the big hit gaming state is improved may be executed. Further, even during the small hit game state, the small hit medium effect for notifying the small hit game state is executed. It should be noted that the big hit game during the small hit game state and in some big hit types (the big hit type in the big hit game state in the same mode as the small hit game state, for example, the big hit type in which the subsequent game state is a highly accurate state). By executing a common effect depending on the state, the player may not know whether the player is currently in the small hit game state or the big hit game state. In such a case, by executing a common effect after the end of the small hit game state and after the end of the big hit game state, it is not possible to distinguish between the high accuracy state and the low accuracy state. You may.

Further, for example, when a special figure game or the like is not executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo effect is executed).

(Board configuration)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with, for example, a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a voice control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, and the like as shown in FIG. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Furthermore, the power supply board 17 is also mounted. Various control boards are configured so that not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which a conductor pattern is formed and electric components can be mounted, but also electric components are mounted on the electronic circuit boards to realize specific electrical functions. It is a concept including the electronic circuit mounting board.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, electric power from an AC power source such as AC100V in an external power source such as a commercial power source can be supplied by a power supply board 17 to electric components including various control boards such as a main board 11 and an effect control board 12. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifying circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined direct current voltage to a specific direct current voltage (for example, direct current 12V, direct current 5V, etc.), and the like. I have.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and the progress of the above-mentioned game in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of a special figure game (including management of hold), execution of a normal figure game (including management of hold), and a big hit. It has a function to control a game state, a small hit game state, a game state, etc.). The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, which includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103. , A random number circuit 104 and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

The CPU 103 performs a process of controlling the progress of the game (a process of realizing the function of the main board 11) by executing the program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as a fluctuation pattern described later, an effect control command described later, and various tables referred to when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. .. The RAM 102 is a backup RAM in which the stored contents are stored for a predetermined period even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be expanded into the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 updatablely counts numerical data indicating various random number values (game random numbers) used when controlling the progress of the game. The game random number may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

The I / O 105 includes, for example, an input port into which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, various signals (first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, ordinary symbol display 20, first hold). It includes an output port for transmitting (a signal for controlling (driving) the display 25A, the second hold display 25B, the normal figure hold display 25C, etc., and a solenoid drive signal).

The switch circuit 110 is a detection signal (a game ball passes or is passed) from various switches for detecting a game ball (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23). (Detection signal indicating that the switch has been turned on by entering) is taken in and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. By transmitting the detection signal, the passage or approach of the game ball is detected.

The reset signal, power cutoff signal, and clear signal from the power supply board 17 are taken into the switch circuit 110 and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for putting a control circuit of the game control microcomputer 100 or the like into an operation stop state, and can be output by using any of a power supply monitoring circuit, a watchdog timer built-in IC, and a system reset IC. All you need is. The power off signal is turned off when the predetermined power supply voltage used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and is turned on when the period during which the predetermined power supply voltage is below the predetermined value continues for the power interruption reference time or longer. Become. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, a pressing operation on the clear switch provided on the power supply board 17.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on the solenoid 81 or the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory or the solenoid 82 for the winning door. To transmit.

A display monitor 29, a display changeover switch 30, a setting key 51, a setting changeover switch 52, and a door opening sensor 90 are connected to the main board 11. The door opening sensor 90 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 including the glass door frame 3a.

The main board 11 (microcomputer 100 for game control) issues an effect control command (a command for designating (notifying) the progress of the game) according to the progress of the game as a part of controlling the progress of the game. Supply to 12. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. The effect control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, a display result of a special figure game (including a jackpot type)) and a variation pattern used when executing a special figure game (details will be described later). )), The game status (for example, the start and end of the variable display, the opening status of the large winning opening, the occurrence of winning, the number of stored memories, the game status), the command for specifying the occurrence of an error, and the like are included.

The effect control board 12 is a control board on the sub side independent of the main board 11, receives an effect control command, and produces an effect (various effects according to the progress of the game) based on the received effect control command. It has a function of executing various notifications such as driving of the movable body 32, error notification, and notification of power failure recovery).

The effect control board 12 is equipped with an effect control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I / O 125.

The effect control CPU 120 is a process for executing the effect together with the display control unit 123 by executing the program stored in the ROM 121 (a process for realizing the above-mentioned function of the effect control board 12, and the effect to be executed). (Including the decision etc.). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The effect control CPU 120 displays the execution of the effect based on the detection signal from the controller sensor unit 35A or the push sensor 35B (a signal output when an operation by the player is detected and an appropriate signal indicating the operation content). It may also instruct the control unit 123.

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like, and executes the effect based on the effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 supplies the image display device 5 with a video signal corresponding to the effect to be executed based on the effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120, so that the effect image is displayed on the image display device 5. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal for designating the output sound) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the effect image and turn on / off the game effect lamp 9. Or, a lamp signal (a signal for designating a lamp on / off mode) is supplied to the lamp control board 14. Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a drive circuit for driving the movable body 32.

The voice control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the sound designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. Let me.

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, and turns on / off the game effect lamp 9 in a mode designated by the lamp signal. To do. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the audio output and the lighting / extinguishing of the lamp.

The effect control CPU 120 executes audio output, lamp lighting / extinguishing control (sound designation signal, lamp signal supply, etc.), and movable body 32 control (signal supply for operating the movable body 32, etc.). You may do so.

The random number circuit 124 updatablely counts numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for effect) used to execute various effects. The effect random number may be one that is updated (updated by software) when the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined computer program.

The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 is for transmitting various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, lamp signal) and an input port for taking in the effect control command transmitted from, for example, the main board 11. It is configured to include the output port of.

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the effect control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also referred to as sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided for each function as in the pachinko gaming machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

(motion)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Main operation of main board 11)
First, the main operations on the main board 11 will be described. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the game control main process is executed by the CPU 103. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are made (step S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), settings for making the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether or not the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3). The recovery condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is off, there is backup data, and the backup RAM is normal. When the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, for example, if the clear switch provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, a clear signal in the ON state is input to the game control microcomputer 100. When such a clear signal in the ON state is input, it may be determined in step S3 that the recovery condition is not satisfied. The backup data may be stored in RAM 102, which is a backup RAM for game control. In step S3, the presence or absence of backup data, the presence or absence of data errors, and the like may be confirmed or inspected to determine whether or not the recovery conditions can be satisfied.

If the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3; Yes), the recovery process (step S4) is executed, and then the setting confirmation process (step S5) is executed. By the recovery process in step S4, the work area is set based on the stored contents of the RAM 102. By setting the work area using the backup data stored in the RAM 102, the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped. For example, when the special symbol is changing, the state before the stop is special. It suffices if the fluctuation of the symbol can be resumed.

If the recovery condition is not satisfied (step S3; No), the setting change process (step S7) is executed after the initialization process (step S6) is executed. The initialization process in step S6 includes a clear process for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and the initial value is set in the work area by executing the clear process.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether or not the predetermined setting confirmation condition is satisfied. The setting confirmation condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is turned on when the power supply is started. The setting confirmation process in step S5 is executed when the recovery conditions including the fact that the clear signal is in the off state are satisfied in step S3. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be satisfied only when the clear signal is in the off state, the fact that the clear signal is in the off state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

When the setting confirmation condition is satisfied in the setting confirmation process in step S5, the setting confirmation state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed is set, and the setting is set from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. A confirmation start command is sent. In the setting confirmation state, the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed by the display on the display monitor 29. When the setting confirmation state is terminated, the setting confirmation end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be in the gaming stop state in which the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. When the game is stopped, the launch of the game ball by the operation of the hitting ball operation handle, the detection of the game ball by various switches, etc. are stopped, and the first special symbol display 4A, the second special symbol display 4B, and the normal symbol are stopped. The display 20 may be controlled so that the lost symbol or the like is stopped and displayed, or the display corresponding to the game stopped state different from the lost symbol is displayed. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state that accompanies this may also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, it is determined whether or not the predetermined setting change condition is satisfied. The setting change condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is turned on when the power supply is started. The setting change condition may include that the clear signal is in the ON state.

When the setting change condition is satisfied in the setting change process in step S7, the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed, and the setting is set from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. A change start command is sent. In the setting change state, the set value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and each time the operation of the setting changeover switch 52 is detected, the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is sequentially updated and displayed. After that, based on the fact that the setting key 51 is turned off by an operation by a staff member of the game hall or the like, the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated and stored) in the backup area of the RAM 102, and the display monitor 29 is stored. Turns off. When the setting change state is terminated, the setting change end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12.

When the pachinko game machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko game machine 1 may be in the game stop state as in the case of the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the game stop state that accompanies this may also end.

When the effect control board 12 side receives the setting confirmation start command or the setting change start command, the control may be performed to notify that the setting is being confirmed or the setting is being changed. For example, a predetermined image may be displayed on the image display device 5, a predetermined sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R, or a light emitting member such as a game effect lamp 9 may be made to emit light in a predetermined manner.

The clear signal is turned on by, for example, pressing the clear switch provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on when the power supply is started, if the clear switch is on, the step is performed together with the initialization process in step S6. The setting change process of S7 is executed and the setting change state can be controlled. If the clear switch is off, the setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed together with the recovery process of step S4 and the setting confirmation state can be controlled. If the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off or the setting key 51 is off when the power supply is started, the initialization process of step S6 is executed if the clear switch is on. On the other hand, it is not controlled to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 is executed, but it is not controlled to the setting confirmation state.

After executing the setting confirmation process or the setting change process, the CPU 103 executes the random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S9), and interrupts are permitted (step S10). ). After that, the loop processing is started. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to perform the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port via the switch circuit 110. It is determined whether or not detection signals are received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 (step S21). Subsequently, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, the jackpot information (information indicating the number of times the jackpot has occurred) and the start information (starting) supplied to the hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1. Data such as information such as the number of times of winning and the probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times of the probability change state) are output (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S24). After that, the CPU 103 executes the special symbol process process (step S25). By executing the special symbol process process for each timer interrupt by the CPU 103, it is possible to manage the execution and hold of the special symbol game, control the big hit game state and the small hit game state, control the game state, and the like.

Following the special symbol process processing, the normal symbol process processing is executed (step S26). By executing the normal symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, the CPU 103 manages the execution and hold of the normal figure game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41). It enables opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on "per-figure". The execution of the normal figure game is performed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of normal figure reservations is displayed by turning on the normal figure hold display 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process process, as a part of the game control timer interrupt process, a process when a power failure occurs, a process for paying out a prize ball, and the like may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes the command control process (step S27). The CPU 103 may send and set an effect control command in each of the above processes. In the command control process of step S27, a process of transmitting the effect control command set for transmission to a control board on the sub side such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control process, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 5 as the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

In the start winning determination process, a process of detecting the occurrence of a start winning, storing the hold information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and updating the hold storage number is executed. When the start winning is generated, the display result (including the jackpot type) and the random value for determining the fluctuation pattern are extracted and stored as hold information. Further, a process of pre-reading and determining a display result or a fluctuation pattern may be executed based on the extracted random value. After storing the hold information and the number of hold storages, the transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command for specifying the judgment result such as the occurrence of the start winning prize, the number of hold storages, the read-ahead judgment, etc. is set on the effect control board 12. Be told. The effect control command at the time of starting winning, which is set to be transmitted in this way, is executed from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 by, for example, executing the command control process in step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special symbol process process is completed. Is transmitted to.

After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes any of the processes of steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM 102. In each process (steps S110 to S120) of the special symbol process process, a transmission setting for transmitting an effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 is performed.

The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0” (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, it is determined whether or not to start the first special figure game or the second special figure game based on the presence or absence of the pending information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is set as "big hit" or "small hit" based on the random value for determining the display result, and the big hit type when it is set as "big hit". Is determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, a fixed special symbol (either a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, or a lost symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set according to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal processing ends. In addition, the special figure game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also referred to as special figure 2 priority digestion). Further, the winning order of the game balls to the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening may be memorized, and the starting condition of the special figure game may be satisfied in the winning order (also referred to as winning order digestion).

When making various determinations based on the random number value, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (a table in which the determination value to be compared with the random number value is assigned to the determination result) are referred to. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the effect control board 12. In the effect control board 12, various tables are stored in the ROM 121.

The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. In this fluctuation pattern setting process, one of a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns is used by using a random value for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a preliminary determination result of whether or not the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". The process of deciding on is included. In the variation pattern setting process, when the variation pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2", and the variation pattern setting process ends.

The fluctuation pattern includes the execution time of the special symbol game (special symbol fluctuation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbol), the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol (presence or absence of reach, etc.), and the variable display of the decorative symbol. The content of the effect (type of reach effect, etc.) is specified, and it is also called a variable display pattern.

The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. In this special symbol change processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are set to change the special symbol, and the elapsed time from the start of the change of the special symbol. It includes processing to measure. In addition, it is also determined whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation process ends.

The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop process, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B stop the fluctuation of the special symbol, and stop display (derive) the confirmed special symbol that is the display result of the special symbol. Contains the process of making settings for. Then, when the display result is "big hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off and the display result is "small hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "8". If the display result is "missing", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "small hit" or "loss", the game state is also updated when the time saving state or the probability change state is controlled and the end of the number of cuts is established. When the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop processing ends.

The jackpot release preprocessing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. This big hit pre-opening process includes a process of setting to open the big winning opening by starting the execution of the round in the big hit game state based on the display result being "big hit". It has been. When the large winning opening is opened, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is executed. At this time, for example, the open upper limit period for keeping the big winning opening in the open state and the upper limit execution number of rounds are set according to which type of jackpot is used. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the jackpot release preprocessing ends.

The process of opening the jackpot in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In this big hit opening process, the big winning opening is measured based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is opened, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. It includes a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the switch from the open state to the closed state. Then, when the large winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" after executing a process of stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door. Ends processing while the jackpot is open.

The post-processing after opening the jackpot in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-opening process of the jackpot, a process of determining whether or not the number of executions of the round that opens the jackpot has reached the set upper limit execution number, and a jackpot game state when the upper limit execution number is reached. It includes processing to make settings to terminate. Then, when the number of round executions has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of round executions reaches the upper limit, the special figure process flag is set. The value is updated to "7". When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the post-launch processing is completed.

The jackpot end processing of step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In this jackpot end process, there is a process of waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending effect as an effect action for notifying the end of the jackpot game state is executed, and a probability change corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. It includes processing to make various settings to start control and time reduction control. When such a setting is made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end processing ends.

The small hit release preprocessing in step S118 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “8”. This small hit pre-opening process includes a process of setting the large winning opening to be in the open state in the small hit game state based on the display result being "small hit". At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "9", and the small hit release preprocessing ends.

The small hit opening process in step S119 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “9”. In this small hit opening process, it is the timing to measure the elapsed time from the opening state of the big winning opening and to return the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. It includes processing to determine whether or not it is. When the big winning opening is returned to the closed state and the end timing of the small hit game state is reached, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "10", and the processing during the small hit opening process ends.

The small hit end process in step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “10”. The small hit end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which the effect operation for notifying the end of the small hit game state is executed has elapsed. Here, when the small hit gaming state ends, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 before the small hit gaming state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small hit game state has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the small hit end process ends.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that the winning probability of a big hit and the payout rate change according to a set value. For example, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol process processing, the jackpot winning probability and the ball output rate are changed by using the display result determination table (winning probability) according to the set value. For example, the set value consists of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest probability of winning a big hit, and the smaller the value in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the lower the probability of winning a big hit. In this example, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the smaller the value in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is, the lower the advantage is. .. If the jackpot winning probability changes according to the set value, the ball output rate may also change according to the set value. While the jackpot winning probability is constant regardless of the set value, the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state may change according to the set value. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured so that any one of a plurality of set values having different advantages for the player can be set. The set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is notified by transmitting a set value designation command from the side of the main board 11 to the side of the effect control board 12.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the display result determination table. FIG. 7A shows a configuration example of the display result determination table for the first special figure used when the variable special figure is the first special figure, and FIG. 7B shows the second special figure of the variable special figure. A configuration example of the display result determination table for the second special figure used in the case of the figure is shown. The display result determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 101. In the display result determination table, the hit determination value to be compared with the random number value MR1 is assigned to the special figure display result which is the variable display result of the special symbol according to the set value. The random number value MR1 is a random number value for determining the display result, and the value is randomly updated in the range of 0 to 65535. As the display result determination table, a display result determination table common to the first special figure and the second special figure may be used.

In the display result judgment table, when the game state is in the probability change state (high probability state), more judgment values are displayed in the special figure of "big hit" than in the normal state or the time saving state (low probability state). Assigned to the result. As a result, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a high-probability state such as a probabilistic state in which the probabilistic change control is performed, there is a probability that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is determined to be controlled to the jackpot game state as compared with the low-probability state such as the normal state or the time-saving state. It gets higher.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure, it is determined that the probability of being determined to control the special figure display result as a "small hit" to the small hit game state is the same regardless of the game state or the set value. A value has been assigned. In the display result determination table for the second special figure, the probability that the special figure display result is determined to be controlled to the small hit game state as a "small hit" is the probability of being determined to be controlled to the small hit game state regardless of the game state or the set value. Judgment values are assigned so that they have the same value, which is different from the judgment table. It should be noted that the probability of being determined to control the small hit game state with the special figure display result as "small hit" may be different depending on the set value. Regardless of the variable special figure, the probability that the special figure display result is determined to be controlled to the small hit gaming state as "small hit" may be the same probability.

In the display result judgment table for the first special figure and the display result judgment table for the second special figure, when the game state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 1020 to 1237 of the hit judgment values is irrespective of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the big hit judgment value for judging the big hit. When the set value is 1, 1020 to 1237 are assigned to "big hit", and while only the common numerical range of the big hit judgment value for judging the big hit is set, the set value 2 to the set value 6 In this case, the numerical range corresponding to each set value is set to the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value.

In the display result judgment table for the first special figure and the display result judgment table for the second special figure, when the game state is the probability change state, the range from 1020 to 1346 of the hit judgment values is a big hit regardless of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value for judgment. When the set value is 1, 1020 to 1346 are assigned to the "big hit", so that only the common numerical range of the big hit judgment value for judging the big hit is set, while the set value 2 to the set value In the case of 6, the numerical range corresponding to each set value is set to the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure, when the game state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 32767 to 33094 of the hit judgment values is small for judging the small hit regardless of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the hit judgment value. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and the non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value regardless of the set value of 1 to 6. As a result, it is prevented that the numerical range of the small hit determination value overlaps with the range of the large hit determination value that changes according to each set value.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure, when the gaming state is in the probabilistic state, the range from 32767 to 33094 of the hit determination values is the set value as in the case where the gaming state is the normal state or the time saving state. Regardless of, it is set in the common numerical range of the small hit judgment value for judging the small hit. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and the non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value regardless of the set value of 1 to 6. As a result, it is prevented that the numerical range of the small hit determination value overlaps with the range of the large hit determination value that changes according to each set value.

In the display result judgment table for the second special figure, when the game state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 32767 to 33421 of the hit judgment values is small for judging the small hit regardless of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the hit judgment value. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and the non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value regardless of the set value of 1 to 6. As a result, it is prevented that the numerical range of the small hit determination value overlaps with the range of the large hit determination value that changes according to each set value.

In the display result judgment table for the second special figure, when the game state is the probability change state, the range from 32767 to 33421 of the hit judgment values is the set value as in the case where the game state is the normal state or the time saving state. Regardless of, it is set in the common numerical range of the small hit judgment value for judging the small hit. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and the non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value regardless of the set value of 1 to 6. As a result, it is prevented that the numerical range of the small hit determination value overlaps with the range of the large hit determination value that changes according to each set value.

The set value that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be 5 or less or 7 or more. The smaller the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the more advantageous it may be for the player. The playability may be changed according to the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, when the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability variation state is 65%, which is the game property (so-called probability variation loop type). When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/200, and the gaming ball is provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game. While controlling the game state after the end of the big hit game to a probabilistic state based on passing through the switch, the game property (so-called V) in which the ratio of the game ball passing through the predetermined switch during the big hit game is different according to the fluctuation special figure. Probability variation type), and when the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 3, the jackpot probability is 1/320 and the small hit probability is 1/50, and the game is played during high base (during time reduction control). It may be a game property (so-called 1 type 2 type mixed type) in which the ball is controlled to a big hit gaming state based on passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7. When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is any of 1 to 3, the game playability is the same, but the jackpot probability and the small hit are higher than when these set values are any of 1 to 3. A setting may be provided in which the number of prize balls that can be obtained during the jackpot game is small while the probability is high (for example, when the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is any of 4 to 6). When the playability is changed according to the set value, a common switch may be used for different purposes. Specifically, when the set value is 1 to 3, a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 is used as an effect switch (to execute a predetermined effect each time the game ball passes through a predetermined area. When the set value is 4 to 6, the predetermined switch is used as a game switch (to control the game state to the probability change state or the jackpot game state based on the game ball passing through the predetermined switch). It may be used as a switch).

The jackpot type may be determined at a different ratio depending on the set value based on the allocation of the determination value in the jackpot type determination table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common ratio regardless of the set value. The variation pattern may be determined at a different ratio depending on the set value based on the allocation of the determination values in the variation pattern determination table. Alternatively, the fluctuation pattern may be determined at a common ratio regardless of the set value. Since the execution rate of normal reach or super reach differs depending on the set value, the set value may be suggested by the frequency of execution of normal reach or super reach. Alternatively, the execution ratios of normal reach and super reach may be the same regardless of the set value. In addition, it may be possible to execute an arbitrary setting suggestion effect at different ratios according to the set value.

(Main operation of the effect control board 12)
Next, the main operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. When the effect control board 12 receives the power supply voltage from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 8 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71) to clear the RAM 122, set various initial values, and press the effect control board 12. Set the registers of the mounted CTC (counter / timer circuit). In addition, the initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control for performing the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as control for driving the movable body 32 to return to the initial position and control for confirming a predetermined operation, is executed.

After that, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses, based on the register setting of the CTC, for example. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and waits.

Further, on the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated in addition to the timer interrupt that is generated every time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets interrupt disabled, but if a CPU that is not automatically interrupt disabled is used, an interrupt occurs. It is desirable to issue a prohibition order (DI instruction). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, among the input ports included in the I / O 125, the effect control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The effect control command captured at this time is stored in, for example, the effect control command reception buffer provided in the RAM 122. After that, the effect control CPU 120 sets the interrupt enable, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S74), and the command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer, the read effect control commands are used. Corresponding settings and controls are performed. For example, the read effect control command may be stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 or stored in the RAM 122 so that which effect control command is received and the content specified by the effect control command can be confirmed by the effect control process process or the like. Turn on the provided receive flag. Further, when the effect control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display the background according to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the effect control process process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process processing, for example, an effect image display operation in the display area of the image display device 5, an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting operation in a decorative light emitting body such as a game effect lamp 9 and a decorative LED, and a movable body 32. Controls are performed to operate various production devices such as the driving operation of the LED. Further, regarding the control content of the effect operation using various effect devices, determination, determination, setting, etc. are performed according to the effect control command or the like transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the effect control process process in step S76, the effect random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a part of the effect random numbers used on the effect control board 12 side is updated by the software. After that, the process returns to the process of step S73. Other processes may be executed before returning to the process of step S73.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 8 as the effect control process process. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 9, the effect control CPU 120 first executes the lookahead advance notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, a determination, determination, setting, and the like for executing the pre-reading notice effect are performed based on the effect control command at the time of starting winning, which is transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, a process for displaying the hold display is executed based on the number of hold storages specified from the effect control command.

After executing the process of step S161, the effect control CPU 120 selects and executes any of the following processes of steps S170 to S177 according to, for example, the value of the effect process flag provided in the RAM 122.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0” (initial value). This variable display start waiting process is a process of determining whether or not to start the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command for designating the start of the variable display is received from the main board 11. Etc. are included. When it is determined that the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 is started, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process is terminated.

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol (fixed decorative symbol), the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the reach effect, and various types are based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the effect control command. It is determined whether or not various effects such as a notice effect are executed, their modes, and the execution start timing. Then, an effect control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the effect) that reflects the determination result and the like is set. After that, based on the set effect control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start executing the variable display of the decorative symbol, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is completed. The display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 in response to the instruction to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative symbol.

The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display the effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. , Driving the movable body 32, outputting voice and sound effect from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting the command (sound effect signal) to the voice control board 13, and commanding the lamp control board 14 (illumination signal). Various effect controls are executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern, such as turning on / off / blinking the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED according to the output. After performing such effect control, for example, an end code indicating the end of variable display of the decorative symbol is read from the effect control pattern, or a command is received from the main board 11 to specify that the fixed decorative symbol is to be stopped and displayed. In response to what has been done, the final decorative symbol, which is the display result of the decorative symbol, is stopped and displayed. When the fixed decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3", and the effect process during variable display ends.

The special figure hit waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In this special figure hit waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an effect control command that specifies to start the big hit game state or the small hit game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when the effect control command for specifying the start of the big hit game state or the small hit game state is received, if the command specifies the start of the big hit game state, the value of the effect process flag is set to "6". Update to. On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of the small hit game state, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "4", which is a value corresponding to the small hit medium effect process. In addition, when the reception waiting time of the command elapses without receiving the command specifying to start the big hit game state or the small hit game state, it is determined that the display result in the special figure game is "missing". Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the effect process flag is updated, the waiting process for hitting the special figure ends.

The small hit medium effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. In this small hit medium effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect content in the small hit game state, and executes various effect controls in the small hit game state based on the set content. .. Further, in the small hit middle effect processing, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify that the small hit game state is terminated, the value of the effect process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small hit end effect. Update to a certain "5" and end the small hit medium production process.

The small hit end effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In this small hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to, for example, the end of the small hit game state, and various effect controls at the end of the small hit game state based on the setting contents. To execute. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the small hit end effect process is terminated.

The jackpot effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In this big hit middle effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the big hit game state, and executes various effect controls in the big hit game state based on the set content. Further, in the big hit middle effect processing, for example, the value of the effect process flag is set to a value corresponding to the ending effect process in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify the end of the big hit game state. Update to "and end the production process during the big hit.

The ending effect process of step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “7”. In this ending effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, and controls various effects of the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game state based on the setting contents. Execute. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending effect process ends.

(Modified example of basic explanation)
The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the above basic description, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above basic explanation is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize based on the occurrence of a prize, but the game medium is enclosed and a score is given based on the occurrence of the prize. It may be an enclosed gaming machine.

Only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol indicating "-") is displayed during the variable display of the special symbol, and the variable display may be performed by repeating the display and extinguishing of the symbol. Further, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, the symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol indicating "-" may not be displayed as the display result).

In the above basic explanation, the pachinko game machine 1 is shown as a game machine, but a medal is inserted and a predetermined number of bets is set, and a plurality of types of symbols are rotated according to the operation of the operation lever by the player, and the player When a symbol is stopped in response to the operation of the stop button by, if the combination of stop symbols becomes a specific combination of symbols, a slot machine capable of executing a game in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player (for example, a big bonus) The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine equipped with one or more of regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, and CZ (hereinafter, bonus, etc.).

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form of being distributed and provided by the detachable recording medium to the computer device included in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the computer device and the like in advance. It may take the form of being distributed by installing it in the storage device of the. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from another device on the network connected via the communication line or the like by providing the communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

The game can be executed not only by attaching a detachable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing programs and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It may be executed directly using the hardware resources of other devices on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game can be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In addition, in this specification, one of the expressions for comparison of various ratios such as the execution ratio of the production (expressions such as "high", "low", and "differentiate") is "0%". It may be included. For example, one may have a proportion of "0%" and the other a proportion of "100%" or less than "100%".

(Explanation of the feature part related to the setting suggestion effect)
Hereinafter, the feature portion related to the setting suggestion effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. In this feature unit, it is possible to execute a setting suggestion effect that suggests a set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 at a predetermined ratio during execution of the variable display.

FIG. 10-1 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S171 of the effect control process process as the variable display start setting process. In the variable display start setting process, the stop symbol determination process is executed (step S201). In the stop symbol determination process, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the variable display of the decorative symbol, such as the final stop symbol in the variable display of the decorative symbol, is determined. Following the stop symbol determination process, the advance notice effect determination process is executed (step S202). The advance notice effect determination process makes it possible to determine the advance notice effect included in the advantageous suggestion effect.

After the advance notice effect determination process is executed, the effect control pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of prepared patterns (step S203). The effect control pattern may include an effect control pattern when the special figure fluctuates, a notice effect control pattern, and other control patterns for controlling various effect executions. For example, in response to the fluctuation pattern indicated by the fluctuation pattern specification command, one of a plurality of prepared special figure fluctuation effect control patterns is selected and set as the usage pattern. Further, one of a plurality of prepared advance notice effect control patterns may be selected and set as a use pattern in accordance with the determination result by the advance notice effect determination process in step S202. It should be noted that the effect control pattern when the special figure fluctuates and the advance notice effect control pattern are not limited to those in which separate effect control patterns are set, but one effect control pattern corresponding to the combination of execution settings of each effect is set. There may be.

When the effect control pattern is determined in step S203, for example, the initial stage of the effect control process timer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 (effect control timer setting unit, etc.) corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command. Set the value (step S204). In addition, a setting is made on the screen of the image display device 5 to start the fluctuation of the decorative pattern or the like (step S205). At this time, the display control command specified by the display control data included in the effect control pattern (effect control pattern when the special figure fluctuates) determined in step S203 is transmitted to the VDP of the display control unit 123. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the screen of the image display device 5.

Subsequently, the hold display update setting at the start of variable display is performed (step S206). For example, in the hold display area provided on the screen of the image display device 5, the display part (display part at the left end) corresponding to the hold number "1" is erased (digested), and other hold numbers "2" to The hold display in the display area corresponding to "4" or the like is moved (shifted) one by one to the left. As a result, the hold display is shifted. In the active display unit provided on the screen of the image display device 5, the active display corresponding to the erased (digested) hold display may be performed in the hold display area. If the variable display is immediately started based on the occurrence of the first start prize or the second start prize when the number of reserved memories is "0", the hold display is not updated and the active display area is displayed. Settings may be made to update the active display in. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S207), and then the variable display start setting process ends.

FIG. 10-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S201 of the variable display start setting process as the stop symbol determination process. In the stop symbol determination process, it is determined whether or not the reach effect of the super reach is executed (step S221). Whether or not the reach effect of the super reach is executed can be determined based on, for example, the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

If the reach effect of the super reach is not executed (step S221; No), the final stop symbol at the time of non-reach or normal reach is determined (step S222), and the stop symbol determination process is ended. At the time of non-reach, the variable display result becomes "missing". At the time of normal reach, there are cases where the variable display result is "big hit" and cases where the variable display result is "missing". When the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is not the reach mode, the fixed decorative symbol of the non-reach combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol. The final stop symbol at the time of non-reach is determined to be a different (mismatched) decorative symbol in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. At the time of normal reach when the variable display result is "missing", the final stop symbol of the reach loss combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of reach loss. The final stop symbol at the time of reach loss is determined so that the same (matching) decorative symbol is used in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. At the time of normal reach when the variable display result becomes "big hit", the fixed decorative symbol of the big hit combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of big hit. The final stop symbol at the time of a big hit is determined so that the same (matching) decorative symbol is used in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right".

When the reach effect of the super reach is executed (step S221; Yes), the final stop symbol at the time of super reach is determined (step S223). At the time of super reach, there are cases where the variable display result is "big hit" and cases where the variable display result is "missing". At the time of super reach when the variable display result is "missing", the final stop symbol of the reach loss combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of reach loss. At the time of a big hit where the variable display result is a "big hit", the fixed decorative symbol of the big hit combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of the big hit.

At the time of super reach, the same (matching) decorative symbols are displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R regardless of whether the variable display result is "big hit" or "missing". It is stopped and displayed as a fixed decorative pattern. The left and right decorative symbols that make up such a reach loss combination and a jackpot combination are also called reach symbols. The decorative symbol that can be determined as the reach symbol may include a plurality of types of decorative symbols, for example, seven types of decorative symbols corresponding to the numbers 1 to 7. The decorative pattern corresponding to the numbers may be only an effect image showing the numbers, or may be an effect image showing various characters in addition to the numbers. The reach symbol is determined to be one of a plurality of decorative symbols by referring to a reach symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121 based on numerical data indicating a random value for determining the reach symbol. You can do it. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the reach symbol may be updatable by using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122.

In the reach symbol determination table, the number of determination values assigned to the decorative symbols to be the reach symbols may differ depending on whether the variable display result is "miss" or "big hit". For example, when the variable display result is "missing", the determination ratio of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 1 is the highest, and the number 2, the number 3, the number 4, the number 5, the number 6 are the highest. As a result, the determination rate of the decorative pattern becomes lower, and the determination rate of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7 becomes the lowest. On the other hand, when the variable display result is "big hit", the determination ratio of the decorative symbol corresponding to the number 1 is the lowest, and the number 2, the number 3, the number 4, the number 5, the number 6 As the number becomes, the determination ratio of the decorative symbol becomes higher, and the determination ratio of the decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 becomes the highest. In such a setting of the determination ratio, when the decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 is stopped and displayed as the reach symbol, the variable display result becomes "big hit" and the ratio of being controlled to the big hit gaming state is the highest, and 6 As the number of, 5 number, 4 number, 3 number, and 2 number, the variable display result when stopped and displayed as a reach symbol becomes "big hit", and the ratio of being controlled to the big hit game state is low. Therefore, when the decorative symbol corresponding to the number 1 is stopped and displayed as the reach symbol, the variable display result becomes "big hit", and the ratio of being controlled to the big hit game state is the lowest. In the reach symbol determination table, the number of determination values assigned to the decorative symbol to be the reach symbol may be the same regardless of whether the variable display result is "miss" or "big hit". The number of determination values assigned to each decorative symbol to be a reach symbol may be different, or the number of assigned determination values may be the same regardless of the decorative symbol to be a reach symbol. Depending on the jackpot type, the determination ratio of the decorative symbol to be the reach symbol may be different.

Following step S223, it is determined whether or not the determined reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 (step S224). At this time, if the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to a number other than 7 (step S224; No), the stop symbol determination process is terminated. When the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 (step S224; Yes), the presence or absence of the setting suggestion effect is determined according to whether or not the setting suggestion effect is executed (step S225). Whether or not the setting suggestion effect is executed is determined by referring to the setting suggestion effect execution decision table stored in advance in the ROM 121 based on the numerical data indicating the random value for determining the execution of the setting suggestion effect. You can do it. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the setting suggestion effect execution may be updatable by using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122. The presence or absence of the setting suggestion effect is determined to be either "no effect" that does not execute the setting suggestion effect or "with effect" that executes the setting suggestion effect.

Based on the determination result in step S225, it is determined whether or not it is determined that "with effect" for executing the setting suggestion effect is determined (step S226). When it is determined that "no effect" is not executed (step S226; No), the stop symbol determination process is terminated. When it is determined that "with effect" (step S226; Yes), the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is specified (step S227). When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the effect control CPU 120 may receive a set value notification command transmitted from the main board 11 side and store the notified set value in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. As a result, in step S227, the set value stored in the RAM 122 may be specified.

Following step S227, the setting suggestion pattern is determined (step S228), and then the stop symbol determination process is terminated. The setting suggestion pattern can be selected from a plurality of setting suggestion patterns by referring to a setting suggestion pattern determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 based on numerical data indicating a random value for determining the setting suggestion pattern. It should be decided. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the setting suggestion pattern may be updated by using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122.

FIG. 10-3 shows a setting example relating to the setting suggestion effect execution decision table. For example, in the ROM 121, the table data constituting the determination table TA01 shown in FIG. 10-3 is stored in advance as the setting suggestion effect execution determination table. In step S225 of the stop symbol determination process, the presence or absence of the setting suggestion effect is determined by referring to the determination table TA01 or the like. In the determination table TA01, the number of determination values assigned to the presence / absence of the setting suggestion effect differs depending on whether the variable display result is “miss” or “big hit”. For example, when the variable display result is "big hit", the determination rate of "with effect" for executing the setting suggestion effect is higher than when the variable display result is "miss". In such a setting of the determination ratio, when the setting suggestion effect is executed, the variable display result becomes a "big hit" and the ratio of being controlled to the big hit game state is higher than when the setting suggestion effect is not executed. In the setting suggestion effect execution decision table, the number of judgment values assigned to the presence / absence of the setting suggestion effect may be the same regardless of whether the variable display result is “miss” or “big hit”. ..

FIG. 10-4 (A) shows a configuration example of the setting suggestion pattern. In this embodiment, four patterns RE-0 to RE3 are provided as a plurality of setting suggestion patterns. The suggestion contents of these setting suggestion patterns differ depending on whether or not the symbol display color is changed and the display color when the symbol display color is changed. The symbol display color is a display color of a decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed as a reach symbol, and can be changed to a suggestion display color including copper, silver, and gold in addition to red, which is a normal display color. The pattern RE-0 does not change the symbol display color, and suggests that the degree of expectation, which is an advantageous setting value for the player, is low. The pattern RE-1 changes the symbol display color to copper color, and suggests confirmation that the set value is 2 or more. The pattern RE-2 changes the symbol display color to silver, suggesting that there is a high degree of expectation, which is an advantageous setting value for the player. The pattern RE-3 changes the symbol display color to gold, and suggests confirmation that it is 6, which is the highest set value. As described above, in the setting suggestion effect using the reach symbol, it is possible to suggest the setting value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to whether or not the symbol display color has changed and the symbol display color after the change.

FIG. 10-4 (B) shows a setting example relating to the setting suggestion pattern determination table. For example, the ROM 121 stores in advance the table data constituting the determination table TA11 shown in FIG. 10-4 (B) as the setting suggestion pattern determination table. In step S228 of the stop symbol determination process, the setting suggestion pattern is determined by referring to the determination table TA11 or the like. In the determination table TA11, there is a portion in which the number of determination values assigned to the determination result of the setting suggestion pattern differs depending on the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

When the setting suggestion effect using the reach symbol is executed, the reach symbol becomes a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7, so that the ratio of being controlled to the jackpot game state is high. When the setting suggestion effect is executed in the pattern RE-0, the expectation level which is an advantageous setting value for the player is low, and when the setting suggestion effect is executed in the pattern RE-1, the set value is 2 or more. It is confirmed that there is. Further, when the setting suggestion effect is executed in the pattern RE-2, the expectation is high, which is an advantageous setting value for the player, and when the setting suggestion effect is executed in the pattern RE-3, the setting value is the highest. It is confirmed that it is 6. As described above, when the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is the reach mode, the reach symbol includes a symbol display mode that suggests control of the jackpot gaming state such as a decorative symbol corresponding to a number other than 7, and 7 It includes a symbol display mode that suggests control of a jackpot gaming state such as a decorative symbol corresponding to a number and suggests a set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7, the reach symbol is displayed in the normal display color to give a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot game state, and then the symbol display color is changed. The suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot game state will be continuously provided, and the suggestions regarding the set value will be provided.

The setting suggestion effect can be executed so that the effect mode differs depending on the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, when the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 1, the setting suggestion pattern is not determined in the pattern RE-1, so that the symbol display color is not changed to copper. In this way, depending on whether or not the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is other than 1, the symbol display color is a symbol display mode when the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7. Is different whether or not is changed to copper color. When the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is other than 6, the setting suggestion pattern is not determined in the pattern RE-3, so that the symbol display color is not changed to gold. In this way, the symbol display color is gold as a symbol display mode when the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 depending on whether or not the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine is 6. Whether or not it is changed to is different.

The setting suggestion effect was stopped and displayed as a reach symbol in place of the one that changes the symbol display color, which is the display color of the decorative symbol that was stopped and displayed as the reach symbol, or in addition to the one that changes the symbol display color. Any aspect of the reach aspect, such as the shape or pattern of the decorative pattern, may be changed. Alternatively, display of a background image, an outer frame image or any other effect image, output of sound by the speakers 8L and 8R, lighting of a decorative light emitter such as a game effect lamp 9 and a decorative LED, operation of a movable member for effect, these. The production mode by any production device, such as a combination of a part or all of them, may be changed. For the setting suggestion effect and other arbitrary effects in the pachinko gaming machine 1, arbitrary data related to the effect control, arbitrary data not related to the effect control, or data combining these are predetermined for executing the effect. It may be feasible if it satisfies a single or multiple conditional expressions. The effect of changing the pattern display color is also called a change effect.

The plurality of setting suggestion patterns may include a pattern that can be determined only when the jackpot gaming state is controlled, and a pattern that can be determined even when the jackpot gaming state is not controlled. For example, pattern RE-0 and pattern RE-1 can be determined at a predetermined ratio even when the variable display result is "missing", whereas pattern RE-2 and pattern RE-3 are variable display. It may be possible to determine at a predetermined ratio only when the result is "big hit", and it may not be possible to determine when the variable display result is "missing". In this case, the pattern RE-2 is determined at a common ratio regardless of the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, whereas the pattern RE-3 is set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. It may be determined at a different ratio depending on the set value.

FIG. 10-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S172 of the effect control process process as the effect process during variable display. In the variable display during effect processing, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation time, which is the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern, has elapsed based on, for example, the timer value of the effect control process timer (step S241). If it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S241; No), control is performed to execute various effects as the variable display progresses. The effect control CPU 120 creates various commands based on the control data read from the effect control pattern determined in step 66AKS013 of the variable display start setting process. This command is transmitted to the display control unit 123, the voice control board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. As a result, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED are turned on, off, and blinked. It suffices that various effects can be performed by a predetermined effect device by operating a movable member for effect such as the movable body 32, or by combining a part or all of them.

In the variable display during effect processing, it is determined whether or not it is the advance notice effect period (step S242). In the case of the advance notice effect period (step S242; Yes), the control for executing the advance notice effect is performed (step S243). When it is not the advance notice effect period (step S242; No), or after the control of step S243 is performed, it is determined whether or not it is the reach effect period (step S244). In the case of the reach effect period (step S244; Yes), the control to execute the reach effect is performed (step S245). When the decorative symbol to be the reach symbol is stopped and displayed by the control of step S245 and then the reach effect after the symbol display color is changed is executed, the control of the jackpot game state is suggested and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is used. Can make suggestions regarding set values.

When it is not the reach effect period (step S244; No), or after the control of step S245 is performed, it is determined whether or not it is the change effect period (step S246). The change effect period may be predetermined as an execution period of the effect of changing the symbol display color when the setting suggestion effect using the reach symbol is executed. In the case of the change effect period (step S246; Yes), the control to execute the change effect is performed (step S247). When it is not the change effect period (step S246; No), or after the control in step S247 is performed, for example, the decorative pattern can be changed based on the setting in the effect control pattern determined in response to the variation pattern. After performing control for executing the effect during the variable display including the display operation (step S248), the effect process during the variable display is terminated.

The change effect period may be set to a different time length depending on the effect mode of the change effect. For example, in the case of pattern RE-0, the change effect period is set to the shortest first period, and in the case of pattern RE-1, the change effect period is set to the second period longer than the first period, and the pattern RE- In the case of 2, the change effect period may be set to a third period longer than the second period, and in the case of pattern RE-3, the change effect period may be set to the longest fourth period. In general, when an effect (advantageous effect) for notifying an advantage is executed, a player takes an image or a video of the effect with a mobile terminal owned by the player and shoots it on an SNS (Social). There is a tendency to post on websites that require membership registration such as Networking Service) and Internet video supply sites. However, if the execution period of such an advantageous effect is short, there arises a problem that an appropriate shooting time cannot be secured. On the other hand, for productions that are often performed even in disadvantageous cases (disadvantageous productions), since the motivation for shooting is not motivated, if the execution period of the disadvantageous productions is long, the player will rather feel uncomfortable. There is a problem. Therefore, the execution period of the advantageous effect is lengthened to secure the shooting time, and the execution period of the unfavorable effect is shorter than that of the advantageous effect to reduce discomfort. As a result, when an effect that is advantageous to the player is executed, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking it, and it is possible to secure a shooting time. Further, by securing the shooting time, the shot images and moving images can be published by the player on the Internet, and the public interest in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be increased. In addition, in many cases, by disclosing the images taken by which pachinko machine 1 in which game field, the game field was advertised by the players from the game field side. become. As described above, by securing the shooting time when the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is suggested, a synergistic effect is brought about not only to the player but also to the game hall side.

When the variable display time has elapsed (step S241; Yes), it is determined whether or not the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S249). If the symbol confirmation command is not received (step S249; No), the effect processing during variable display ends and waits. If the predetermined time elapses without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, the predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to normally receive the symbol confirmation command. You may do so. When the symbol confirmation command is received (step S249; Yes), control is performed to derive and display the final stop symbol (confirmed decorative symbol) that is the display result in the variable display of the decorative symbol (step S250). Subsequently, a predetermined fixed time is set as the waiting time for receiving the jackpot start designation command (step S251). Further, after updating the value of the effect process flag to "3", which is a value corresponding to the special figure hit waiting process (step S252), the variable display effect process is terminated.

FIG. 10-6 shows an execution example of the setting suggestion effect. FIG. 10-6 (A) shows an effect execution example HD101 in which the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is the reach mode and the reach is established. When the decorative symbols corresponding to the numbers 7 are stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R of the "left" and "right", the reach is established and the reach effect of the normal reach is executed. FIG. 10-6 (B) shows an effect execution example HD102, which is a reach development in which the reach effect of the normal reach shifts to the reach effect of the super reach. On the display screen of the image display device 5, the decorative pattern is reduced and displayed, and the effect image in the reach effect of the super reach is displayed. FIG. 10-6 (C) shows an effect execution example HD103 in which a change effect that is a setting suggestion effect is executed. The effect display corresponding to the change effect is displayed by superimposing it on the reach symbol that is stopped and displayed. In addition, by displaying an effect image for notifying a message such as "change the symbol display color !!", it is suggested to change the symbol display color.

FIG. 10-6 (D1) shows an effect execution example HD111 in which the symbol display color does not change due to the pattern RE-0. FIG. 10-6 (D2) shows an effect execution example HD112 in which the pattern display color is changed to copper color by the pattern RE-1. FIG. 10-6 (D3) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the symbol display color is changed to silver by the pattern RE-2. FIG. 10-6 (D4) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the symbol display color is changed to gold by the pattern RE-3. In the effect execution example HD111, the display color of the reach pattern is not changed by the pattern RE-0, and is not changed as the normal display color of red. In this way, the failure effect (gase effect) in which the symbol display color is not changed is executed, suggesting that the expectation level, which is an advantageous setting value for the player, is low. In the effect execution example HD112, the display color of the reach pattern is changed to copper by the pattern RE-1, which suggests that the set value is 2 or more. In the effect execution example HD113, the display color of the reach pattern is changed to silver by the pattern RE-2, which suggests that the expectation is high, which is an advantageous setting value for the player. In the effect execution example HD114, the display color of the reach pattern is changed to gold by the pattern RE-3, which suggests the determination of 6, which is the highest set value.

In addition to the change effect that can change the display color of the reach pattern, the setting suggestion effect suggests the jackpot expectation by any effect such as a pseudo-continuous effect or a look-ahead notice effect, and the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1. May be able to make suggestions about. During the execution of the variable display, it may be possible to give a suggestion regarding the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after giving a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state. When executing an arbitrary effect, after making a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state, the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state is continuously performed, and the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state is continuously performed and pachinko. It may include the case of giving a suggestion regarding the set value of the game machine 1. When executing an arbitrary effect, after making a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state, the suggestion ends, and the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state is continuously performed, and the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is related. It may include the case of making a suggestion.

The suggestion regarding the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to suggesting the set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and may suggest, for example, whether or not the set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been changed. .. For example, the plurality of setting suggestion patterns may include patterns in which the determination ratios differ depending on whether or not the set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been changed. When the set value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed, the suggestion is made by the effect mode of the pattern determined at a high rate so that the player can recognize that the set value has been changed. Can be diversified to improve the game entertainment.

While the variable display is being executed, the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state may be given, while the suggestion regarding the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not be given. After that, when the display result of the variable display becomes "big hit", the pachinko gaming machine is accompanied by the execution of the big hit start effect (fanfare effect) and the big hit medium effect (such as the effect corresponding to the first round and the second round). You may make a suggestion about the setting value of 1. In some cases, the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be suggested without suggesting the control of the jackpot gaming state.

Instead of some or all of the suggestions for controlling the jackpot gaming state, or with some or all of the suggestions for controlling the jackpot gaming state, make suggestions for controlling a state that is different from the jackpot gaming state for the player. It may be a thing. For example, it may be a suggestion about a probability change state that is controlled after the end of the jackpot game state. In addition, as an advantageous state, a state in which an arbitrary game value advantageous to the player is given may be suggested according to whether or not it is controlled.

(Explanation of matters common to feature parts)
FIG. 11-1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the effect control board 12, the peripheral board, and other peripheral devices. The lamp output board 19AK13, the backup memory board 19AK14, the effect data memory board 19AK16, and the effect control relay board 19AK17 are connected to the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 11-1. An audio output board 19AK18 and a driver board 19AK19 are connected to the effect control relay board 19AK17. The effect control board 12 applies a predetermined effect operation to the electric component for effect, including the driving operation of the effect motor 19AK60 for moving the effect movable member such as lighting in the light emitting member constituting the effect LED 19AK61 and the movable body 32. It is possible to determine the control content to be executed. The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 11-1 is equipped with electronic components such as an effect control microcomputer 19AK120, an external ROM 19AK121, and an external RAM 19AK121.

The lamp output board 19AK13 is equipped with a driver IC or the like that supplies a drive current to the game effect lamp 9 or the like according to an illumination signal from the effect control board 12. The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be capable of executing backup data writing processing and reading processing according to a backup control signal from the effect control board 12. In the backup data writing process, the backup data is written and stored in the backup data memory. In the backup data reading process, the backup data stored in the backup data memory is read and transmitted to the effect control board 12 or the like. The effect data memory board 19AK16 is configured to be able to execute the effect data read process according to the effect data control signal from the effect control board 12. In the effect data reading process, the effect data stored in the effect data memory is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 12 or the like. The effect data memory board 19AK16 is equipped with an effect data memory capable of storing the effect data. The effect data memory includes a storage area for storing various image data indicating the display image in the image display device 5, a storage area for storing various audio data indicating the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and an effect motor 19AK60. A storage area for storing various motor data indicating the drive control contents of the above, a storage area for storing various light emission data indicating the lighting control contents of the game effect lamp 9 and the effect LED 19AK61, and the like may be provided in advance. The effect data memory may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory such as a NAND-ROM, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. It may be configured by using any of the above.

The effect control relay board 19AK17 is installed on a back pack or the like attached to the back surface of the game board 2, and relays various signals transmitted from the effect control board 12 to the audio output board 19AK18 and the driver board 19AK19. The back pack may be attached to the central portion on the back surface side of the game board 2, and an opening facing the image display device 5 may be formed in the center thereof. The back pack may be provided so as to cover a part or all of the main board 11, the lamp output board 19AK13, the audio output board 19AK18, and the driver board 19AK19 from the rear. An effect control board box containing a part or all of the effect control board 12, the backup memory board 19AK14, and the effect data memory board 19AK16 may be attached to the rear surface side of the back pack. The audio output board 19AK18 is equipped with various circuits for outputting audio from the speakers 8L and 8R, which are sound output devices, according to the audio signal from the effect control board 12. The driver board 19AK19 is equipped with a driver IC that supplies a drive signal of the effect motor 19AK60 and a lighting signal of the effect LED 19AK61 based on an information signal from the effect control board 12.

FIG. 11-2 shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the effect control board 12. Among the electronic components such as the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, the external ROM 19AK121, and the external RAM 19AK122 mounted on the effect control board 12, some or all of the components can be attached and detached by inserting and removing the connector pins from the connector sockets. It may be attached, and other components may be attached so as to be mountable by soldering or the like. The connector 19AK150 to 19AK156 are mounted on the effect control board 12 together with these electronic components. The effect control microcomputer 19AK120 includes a CPU 19AK131, an internal ROM 19AK132, an internal RAM 19AK133, a watchdog timer 19AK134, a timer circuit 19AK135, an interrupt controller 19AK136, a serial communication circuit 19AK137, a clock circuit 19AK138, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 19AK140, and a voice processing circuit. It is configured to include a plurality of electronic components such as 19AK141, a lamp control circuit 19AK142, and a motor control circuit 19AK143. The effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may be any effect control microprocessor that integrates these electronic components.

The CPU 19AK131 is configured in the same manner as the effect control CPU 120, and executes control processing according to a computer program for effect control. The internal ROM 19AK132 fixedly stores a basic program of control processing executed by the CPU 19AK131, such as firmware, and system setting data unique to the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The internal RAM 19AK133 provides a work area for the CPU 19AK131. The watchdog timer 19AK134 has a counter circuit that counts up or down based on the setting of the built-in register, and when the measurement time elapses from the monitoring time (timeout time) and a timeout occurs, a timeout that becomes a time-lapse signal. Generate a signal. The CPU 19AK131 periodically clears and restarts the watchdog timer 19AK134. When the processing of the CPU 19AK131 is delayed due to some kind of failure and the watchdog timer 19AK134 cannot be cleared and the measurement time elapses, a timeout signal is generated and the processing by the CPU 19AK131 is reset.

The timer circuit 19AK135 is configured by incorporating, for example, an 8-bit programmable counter in 4 channels (CH0 to CH3), and is a circuit capable of generating real-time interrupts and measuring time. In the timer circuit 19AK135, the countdown is started at a predetermined cycle from the count initial value preset for each channel, and when there is a channel whose count value becomes "00", the interrupt flag corresponding to that channel is set to the on state. To do. At this time, if the interrupt is permitted, the timer circuit 19AK135 generates an interrupt request to the CPU 19AK131 by the interrupt controller 19AK136. The timer circuit 19AK135 may have a function as an RTC (Real Time Clock). The RTC can measure the current date and time and output date and time information including date information and time information.

The interrupt controller 19AK136 is a circuit capable of controlling various interrupt requests generated by the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The interrupt controller 19AK136 includes an interrupt control register for setting the permission / rejection of interrupt and the priority of interrupt for each type of interrupt. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving communication data to and from various boards and circuits other than the effect control board 12 by a serial communication method. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 may be capable of transmitting and receiving communication data corresponding to a plurality of types of serial communication standards such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The clock circuit 19AK138 is a circuit that generates a clock signal to be supplied to each circuit of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, such as the CPU 19AK131 and the VDP19AK140.

The VDP19AK140 determines the control content of the image display in the image display device 5 based on the display control command from the CPU19AK131, the register setting, and the like. The VDP19AK140 is an image processor having image data processing functions such as a high-speed drawing function, a moving image data separation function, and a video decoding function. The VDP19AK140 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or a microprocessor for image processing generally referred to as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The audio processing circuit 19AK141 can generate an audio signal used for audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R based on instructions and register settings from the CPU 19AK131 and VDP19AK140. The lamp control circuit 19AK142 can generate an illumination signal according to a lighting mode (light emitting mode) such as lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of a light emitting member such as the game effect lamp 9 or the effect LED 19AK61. The motor control circuit 19AK143 can generate a drive control signal used to drive the effect motor 19AK60.

The external ROM 19AK121 is a specific content of the effect control by the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, such as instruction codes, management data, table data, and various data constituting the effect control pattern that constitute the system program and the user program executed by the CPU 19AK131. Is fixedly memorized. The external RAM 19AK 122 temporarily stores various data and the like as an auxiliary area of the internal RAM 19AK 133.

The connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 are configured by using, for example, a receptacle, and have a configuration of a wiring connection device capable of detachably connecting various signal wirings. The connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 enable the effect control board 12 to output various signals via different paths such as different wiring patterns. The connector 19AK150 is a connector port for main board wiring that can connect the main board wiring that is electrically connected to the main board 11. The connector 19AK151 is a connector port for power supply wiring to which a power supply wiring electrically connected to a power supply unit such as a power supply board 17 can be connected. The connector 19AK152 is a connector port for the effect relay wiring capable of connecting the effect relay wiring electrically connected to the effect relay unit such as the effect control relay board 19AK17. The connector 19AK153 is a connector port for frame lamp wiring that can connect the frame lamp wiring that is electrically connected to the lamp output board 19AK13 and the frame lamp portion provided with a part or all of the game effect lamp 9. is there. The connector 19AK154 is a connector port for backup wiring to which a backup wiring electrically connected to a backup unit such as the backup memory board 19AK14 can be connected. The connector 19AK155 is a connector port for effect data wiring capable of connecting the effect data wiring electrically connected to the effect data unit such as the effect data memory board 19AK16. The connector 19AK156 is a connector port for inspection wiring capable of connecting inspection wiring electrically connected to an information processing device (personal computer or the like) for inspection, testing, or development. The information processing device for inspection may function as an inspection device for the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, by executing a specific software program. In this way, the connector 19AK156 is an electronic component used as a connecting member to which the inspection device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is connected.

The connector 19AK156 enables the inspection wiring to be connected at the trial production stage, the development stage, or the manufacturing stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, and the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 is shipped in response to a test command different from the effect control command. The previous inspection process may be made executable. The connector 19AK156 may be capable of connecting the inspection wiring at the collection stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, and may be able to execute the backup data reading process in response to a test command different from the effect control command. The connector 19AK156 may be removed, for example, at the shipping stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The connector 19AK156 is mounted only on a predetermined model such as a demonstration machine or a test machine other than the model in which the pachinko game machine 1 is installed in the game hall, and is not mounted on the model (mass production machine) that is mass-produced and installed in the game hall. It may be a thing. A land on which the connector 19AK156 can be mounted may be formed on the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 12. When the connector 19AK156 is removed or not mounted, the copper foil pattern of the land on which the connector 19AK156 is no longer mounted may be soldered. By soldering unmounted lands that do not mount electronic components such as connector 19AK156, oxidation of the copper foil pattern is prevented, problems such as disconnection due to corrosion of the wiring pattern are prevented, and the quality of the board is maintained appropriately. be able to.

FIG. 11-3 (A) shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup memory board 19AK14 is provided with a memory controller 19AK200, RTC19AK201, a serial communication circuit 19AK202, an inspection connection portion 19AK203, backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, and a connector 19AK220. As described above, the backup memory board 19AK14 is provided with backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D as a plurality of backup data storage units.

The memory controller 19AK200 can execute the backup data write process and read process according to the backup control signal from the effect control board 12. The RTC19AK201 can measure the current date and time and supply date and time information including date information and time information to the memory controller 19AK200. The serial communication circuit 19AK202 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving communication data to and from the effect control board 12 by a serial communication method. The serial communication circuit 19AK202 may be capable of transmitting and receiving communication data corresponding to a specific serial communication standard such as SPI. The inspection connection portion 19AK203 may be formed as a specific conductor portion including terminals capable of inputting and outputting inspection signals, such as a test point. When the inspection connection unit 19AK203 is the test point, the test probe is brought into contact with the inspection connection unit 19AK203, and the inspection signal is input / output between the inspection device and the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12. Or, it suffices if the backup data can be read. The inspection connection unit 19AK203 inputs an inspection signal between the inspection device and the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 or the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D without going through the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12. It may be possible to output and read backup data. As described above, the inspection connection unit 19AK203 can provide an interface for data communication with the inspection device serving as an external device on the backup memory board 19AK14.

The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be partially or wholly configured using a non-volatile ferroelectric memory such as FRAM® (Ferroelectric RAM), and some or all may be a SRAM (Static RAM) with a battery. May be configured using. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be partially or wholly configured by using a flash memory such as a NAND-ROM, an EEPROM, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The non-volatile ferroelectric memory has a memory cell using a ferroelectric film as a capacitor insulating film, and the stored data written in the memory cell is not lost even when the operating power supply is turned off. The configuration using the non-volatile ferroelectric memory does not require battery backup for data retention, and has higher speed writing, higher number of rewrites, and lower power consumption than non-volatile memory such as flash memory, EEPROM, and HDD. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the installation area, simplify the device configuration, improve the operation efficiency, and appropriately store and store the backup data. In addition, it becomes unnecessary to dispose of the battery, the disappearance of the stored contents due to the replacement of the battery is prevented, and the backup data can be appropriately stored and stored. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be backed up by a backup power supply mounted on the power supply board. As described above, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D can retain the stored contents even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be able to retain the stored contents without using a backup power source, for example, when a part or all of them are configured by using the non-volatile ferroelectric memory. Alternatively, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be able to hold the stored contents by using a backup power source, for example, when a part or all of them are configured by using the SRAM with a battery.

The backup memory board 19AK14 stores and stores various log information in the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D by using the date and time information output by the RTC19AK201. The memory controller 19AK200 can execute a storage data writing process and a reading process for the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D in response to an instruction or an instruction sent from the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12. In this case, by executing the writing process and the reading process of the stored data indicating the log information including the date and time information, the operation history, the setting history, and the operation history and the setting history of the plurality of electronic components used for the game and the production in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are executed. It suffices if the error history can be stored so that it can be verified after the fact.

FIG. 11-3 (B) shows a configuration example for connecting the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14. The effect control board 12 includes a connector 19AK154 that can be attached to and detached from the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup memory board 19AK14 includes a connector 19AK220 that can be attached to and detached from the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12. By connecting the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220, the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 can be physically and electrically connected. The connector 19AK154 provided on the effect control board 12 includes terminals TM01 to TM06. The connector 19AK220 provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 includes terminals TM11 to TM16. The terminals TM01 to TM06 included in the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 to TM16 included in the connector 19AK220 have the corresponding terminals (for example, the terminal TM01 and the terminal TM11) physically and electrically when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are combined. Any relationship may be connected to.

The terminal TM01 included in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 can provide a specific voltage such as VD1. The terminal TM02 included in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 can receive VD1 of a specific voltage used for confirming the connection with the backup memory board 19AK14. For example, the specific voltage VD1 output from the terminal TM01 included in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 is supplied to the terminal TM11 included in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14. The terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220 may be short-circuited on the substrate of the backup memory substrate 19AK14. Therefore, when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are coupled, the voltage corresponding to VD1 is supplied from the terminal TM12 of the connector 19AK220 on the backup board 19AK14 to the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 on the effect control board 12. To. On the other hand, when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are not connected and are not connected, the voltage is not supplied to the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 on the effect control board 12.

In the effect control board 12, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 determines the voltage value at the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 in order to confirm the connection state with the backup memory board 19AK14. In this case, if the voltage value of the terminal TM02 is a high voltage value corresponding to VD1, it can be determined that the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are connected (connected state). On the other hand, if the voltage value of the terminal TM02 is a low voltage value corresponding to the non-supply of voltage, it can be determined that the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are not connected (not connected state). In this way, the connection state between the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 may be confirmed based on the voltage at the terminal TM02 which is the connection confirmation member. The connection state is not limited to the one that confirms the connection state based on the terminal voltage, and the connection state may be confirmed based on, for example, the input state of a specific signal. Alternatively, a switch or a sensor may be used as a connection confirmation member to confirm the connection state.

The terminals TM03 to TM06 included in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 are wired and connected to the serial communication circuit 19AK137 included in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The terminals TM13 and TM14 included in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wired and connected to the serial communication circuit 19AK202. Therefore, the wiring connected to the terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220 is connected to the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board via the serial communication circuit 19AK137 and the serial communication circuit 19AK202. An electrical connection is provided between the backup data memory 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the 19AK14 so that the stored data can be transferred. The terminals TM15 and TM16 included in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wired and connected to the inspection connection portion 19AK203. As a result, the wiring connected to the terminals TM05 and TM06 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM15 and TM16 of the connector 19AK220 is for inspection of the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board 19AK14 via the serial communication circuit 19AK137. An electrical connection is provided so that an inspection signal can be transmitted and received and stored data can be transferred to and from the connection unit 19AK203.

The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be removable from the effect control board 12. As a result, for example, in the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1 that does not use the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, the backup memory board 19AK14 can be removed to increase the flexibility of the device configuration and increase the manufacturing cost. Can be prevented. Further, since the backup memory board 19AK14 can be removed to read and analyze the stored data, the work load of inspecting the stored data can be reduced. The RTC included in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 provided on the effect control board 12 may provide the current time for timing adjustment for executing the effect in which a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 are linked, for example. Yes, relatively high precision is required. On the other hand, the RTC19AK201 of the backup memory board 19AK14 only needs to be able to specify the context of the storage processing executed for the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, so that a relatively low-precision one can sufficiently satisfy the application. Can be done. As described above, since the RTC19AK201 of the backup memory substrate 19AK14 may have a relatively low accuracy, it is possible to prevent an increase in manufacturing cost. The configuration and functions of the backup memory board 19AK14 may be configured to be included in the effect control board 12. For example, the configuration and function of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be realized by the external RAM 19AK122. Even in this case, for example, the wiring pattern on the effect control board 12, or the switch or sensor may be used as a connection confirmation member to confirm the connection state.

FIG. 11-4 (A) is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control main process executed by the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 mounted on the effect control board 12. In the effect control main process, the initialization process is executed (step 19AKS21). In the initialization process of step 19AKS21, one or both of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133 are cleared to set various initial values, and the register settings of the timer circuit 19AK135 are initialized. Following the initialization process, the initial operation control process is executed (step 19AKS22). In the initial operation control process of step 19AKS22, the initial operation member is initially controlled by driving the effect motor 19AK60 to return the effect movable member including the movable body 32 to the initial position and controlling the operation check. The control to perform the operation is executed. After the initial operation control process, information processing is executed when the power is turned on (step 19AKS23). In step 19 AKS23 power-on information processing, log information including the power-on date and time may be stored. The data indicating the log information is written and stored as backup data in the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a control signal corresponding to a backup command for turning on the power to the backup memory board 19AK14 via the serial communication circuit 19AK137. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to a backup instruction indicated by a control signal received via the serial communication circuit 19AK202, and writes log information including the power-on date and time using the date and time information acquired from the RTC19AK201. The process may be executed. In the power-on information processing of step 19AKS23, the backup recovery process may be executed to recover the settings, controls, and other records based on the log information stored in the log area.

After the information processing at power-on, the interrupt initial setting process is executed (step 19AKS24). In the interrupt initial setting process of step 19AKS24, it suffices if the priority of the interrupt controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136 can be initially set. The interrupt priority controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136 may be set in a program management area provided in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132 based on the interrupt priority data stored in advance. For example, the priority of the interrupt is higher so that the serial reception interrupt has a higher priority than the effect control timer interrupt, and the effect control timer interrupt has a higher priority than the V-sync interrupt. Should be set. Then, after setting the interrupt permission (step 19AKS25), the loop processing is started.

FIG. 11-4 (B) shows an example of setting the processing priority in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The processing priority of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may be determined in advance based on the specifications of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 as well as the interrupt priority controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. As an example, the CPU exception event occurrence processing has the highest priority, then the VDP error interrupt processing has the highest priority, and then the processing according to the interrupt priority controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. The processing priority may be set in advance so as to be the priority of. The VDP error interrupt process may be executed based on the occurrence of an interrupt factor that can be controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. In this case, for example, the interrupt initial setting process in step 19AKS24 may be used to set the interrupt priority so that the VDP error interrupt has the highest priority. The CPU exception event occurrence processing is a process executed when an exception event occurs due to an abnormality in the internal state or the like in the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The exception event of CPU19AK131 may occur when an undefined instruction that is not defined in the instruction set is decoded. The exception event of CPU19AK131 may occur when an invalid operation such as division by zero or overflow is executed. The exception event of CPU19AK131 may occur when a memory protection violation in virtual memory occurs. The exception event of the CPU 19AK131 may occur in the case of a TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer) error in which the conversion from the virtual address to the physical address becomes abnormal. The VDP error interrupt processing is a process executed when an error interrupt request occurs due to an abnormality in the internal state or the like in the VDP19AK140 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The error interrupt request for VDP19AK140 may be generated in response to an exception event for VDP19AK140, as in the case of CPU19AK131. In addition, the error interrupt request of VDP19AK140 may be generated when the setting abnormality of the clock signal (dot clock) used for the display control of the image display device 5 is abnormal. The error interrupt request of VDP19AK140 may be generated when the decoding abnormality of the moving image data is performed. The error interrupt request of VDP19AK140 may occur when the audio data is decoded abnormally. The error interrupt request of VDP19AK140 may be generated in response to the system reset in VDP19AK140. As described above, the CPU exception event occurrence processing is executed when the exception event of the CPU 19AK131 occurs. The VDP error interrupt process is executed when an error interrupt request for VDP19AK140 occurs. Therefore, when the event occurrence condition according to the internal state of the CPU 19AK131 is satisfied, the CPU exception event occurrence processing is executed. When the event occurrence condition according to the internal state of the VDP19AK140 is satisfied, the VDP error interrupt processing is executed. The CPU exception event occurrence processing and the VDP error interrupt processing can be executed when the event occurrence conditions that can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control device or the processing device such as the CPU 19AK131 and VDP19AK140 are satisfied.

FIG. 11-5 (A) is a flowchart showing an example of processing when a CPU exception event occurs. In the CPU exception event occurrence processing, first, the exception time preprocessing is executed (step 19AKS41). In the exception-time preprocessing of step 19AKS41, the control information for executing the instruction code is saved in a predetermined area (stack area or the like) of the internal RAM 19AK133, for example. The control information for executing the instruction code may include the stored value of the program counter (PC: Program Counter) and the value of the program status word (PSW: Program Status Word). Following the exception-time pre-processing, the exception-time backup processing is executed (step 19AKS42). In the exception-time backup process of step 19AKS42, the storage process of the log information including the exception event information is executed. In this case, the control signal corresponding to the backup instruction for when an exception event occurs is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup instruction for when an exception event occurs may include exception event information that can identify the exception event that occurred in the CPU 19AK131. The exception event information may indicate the type of exception event in an identifiable manner. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup instruction for when an exception event occurs, it may execute the writing process of the log information including the exception event information by using the date and time information acquired from the RTC19AK201.

After the exception-time backup process, other exception-time processes are executed (step 19AKS43). In step 19AKS43, for example, the exception handling routine may be started by accessing the vector table and jumping to the acquired exception handler address. At this time, the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register or the like) of the CPU 19AK131 may be saved. If the exception event can be resolved by the exception handling routine, or if the exception event cannot be resolved and a reset occurs, the same backup process as in step 19AKS42 can be executed to resolve the exception event or resolve it. The log information when it does not exist may be stored. When the exception-time processing is completed, the exception-time post-processing is executed (step 19AKS44), and the CPU exception event occurrence processing is terminated. In the exception-time post-processing in step 19AKS44, it is possible to return to the processing before the exception event occurred by restoring the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 and returning the control information for executing the instruction code. Just do it.

FIG. 11-5 (B) is a flowchart showing an example of VDP error interrupt processing. In the VDP error interrupt processing, first, the error interrupt preprocessing is executed (step 19AKS51). In the error interrupt preprocessing of step 19AKS51, for example, the control information for executing the instruction code is saved in a predetermined area (stack area or the like) of the internal RAM 19AK133. Following the error interrupt preprocessing, the error interrupt backup process is executed (step 19AKS52). In the error interrupt backup process of step 19AKS52, the log information storage process including the VDP error information is executed. In this case, a control signal corresponding to a backup instruction for when a VDP error occurs is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup instruction for when a VDP error occurs may include VDP error information that can identify the error that occurred in VDP19AK140. The VDP error information may identifiable the type of VDP error. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup command when a VDP error occurs, the memory controller 19AK200 may execute the log information writing process including the VDP error information using the date and time information acquired from the RTC19AK201.

After the error interrupt backup process, other error interrupt processes are executed (step 19AKS53). In step 19AKS53, for example, according to the interrupt factor corresponding to the VDP error, the interrupt processing routine may be branched by jumping to the acquired interrupt handler address. At this time, the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register or the like) of the CPU 19AK131 may be saved. If the VDP19AK140 can autonomously execute the recovery process from the internal error, it may wait until it receives the notification of the completion of recovery or the notification of the occurrence of reset due to the inability to recover. Upon receiving these notifications, the same backup process as in step 19AKS52 may be executed to store the log information when the VDP19AK140 recovers from the error state or cannot recover. When the error interrupt processing is completed, the error interrupt post-processing is executed (step 19AKS54), and the VDP error interrupt processing is completed. In the post-processing at the time of error interruption in step S54, the processing before the occurrence of the VDP error can be restored by restoring the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 and returning the control information for executing the instruction code. And it is sufficient.

The CPU exception event occurrence processing includes the exception time backup processing of step 19AKS42. The VDP error interrupt process includes the error interrupt backup process of step 19AKS52. In the exception time backup process of step 19AKS42, as backup data indicating log information, data including exception event information regarding CPU 19AK131 among a plurality of electronic components is provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The write process for writing to the area is executed. In the backup process at the time of error interruption in step 19AKS52, as backup data indicating log information, data including VDP error information regarding VDP19AK140 among a plurality of electronic components is provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The write process to write to the log area is executed. The CPU exception event occurrence processing is executed when the event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the CPU 19AK131 is satisfied and when the CPU19AK131 exception event occurs. The VDP error interrupt processing is executed when an error interrupt request for the VDP19AK140 occurs, assuming that the condition for generating an event according to the internal state of the VDP19AK140 is satisfied. In this way, when the event occurrence condition according to the internal state of the control device or processing device such as CPU19AK131 or VDP19AK140 is satisfied, information about a plurality of electronic components is written in the storage area such as the log area. A writing process for storing can be executed.

After the interrupt permission is set in step 19AKS25 of the effect control main process, a timeout occurs in the predetermined channel of the timer circuit 19AK135 every predetermined time (2 milliseconds, etc.), so that the interrupt controller 19AK136 to the CPU 19AK131 Then, an interrupt request signal corresponding to the timer interrupt for effect control is output. Upon receiving this interrupt request signal, the CPU 19AK131 that has received the interrupt request starts executing the effect control timer interrupt process.

FIG. 11-6 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 19AK131. In the effect control timer interrupt process, the command analysis process (step 19AKS71) is followed by the effect control process process (step 19AKS72). In addition, the random number update process for production is executed (step 19AKS73). Further, the effect mode change process is executed (step 19AKS74). For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be controlled into three types of effect modes, effect mode A to effect mode C, and for example, the background screen of the image display device 5 may be displayed depending on which effect mode is controlled. Differently, the types of characters appearing in the advance notice production and the reach production may be different. Control to change from the current effect mode to a different effect mode may be performed when the effect mode change condition is satisfied. For example, when a specific date or time is reached based on the date and time information acquired from the RTC included in the timer circuit 19AK135, the effect mode change condition may be satisfied and the effect mode may be changed. Alternatively, the effect mode may be changed when the lottery process using the effect random numbers is executed and the effect mode change condition is satisfied according to the determination result.

Following the effect mode change process, an error notification process is executed (step 19AKS75). In the error notification process of step 19AKS75, control is performed to notify various errors that have occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The notification of various errors may include a left-handed notification and a full tank notification. The left-handed notification is a notification that prompts the player to perform a left-handed operation, for example, based on the total number of times that the game ball has been detected to pass through the passing gate provided in the right area of the game area. The left-handed notification is, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "Aim to the left!" On the image display device 5, a notification by lighting all of the game effect lamps 9, and a notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. The notification by the above, or a combination of some or all of them may be included. The full tank notification is a notification that, when a full tank state of the surplus ball storage plate (lower plate) is detected, urges the player to eliminate the full tank state based on the elapsed time during which the full tank state continues. .. The full tank notification is, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "The lower plate is full!" On the image display device 5, a notification by lighting all of the game effect lamps 9, and a notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. It may include notification by outputting the above, or a combination of some or all of them. In addition, the error notification processing is performed by displaying, lighting or emitting light, sound output, or a combination of a part or all of them according to the occurrence of the error specified by the game control error specification command transmitted from the main board 11. , Controls for notifying various errors that have occurred may be included. Alternatively, regardless of the game control error designation command, when it is determined that an error related to the electronic components including the effect device has occurred according to the processing result of the CPU 19AK131, display, lighting, light emission, sound output, or sound output, or A control for notifying various errors that have occurred may be performed by a combination of a part or all of them.

After the error notification process, the maintenance mode process is executed (step 19AKS76). In the maintenance mode process of step 19AKS76, control is performed so that the maintenance history screen and the setting change / confirmation history screen can be displayed. On the maintenance history screen, for example, when the setting confirmation status or the maintenance mode menu screen corresponding to the setting confirmation status is displayed, the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B that is operated by the staff of the game hall is detected. Based on the result, it can be displayed when it is determined that the maintenance history selection operation has been performed. When the maintenance history screen is displayed, all log information is read from the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The image display device 5 displays a maintenance history screen that includes the read log information as history information. The setting change / confirmation history screen can be displayed when it is determined that the setting change / confirmation history selection operation has been performed based on the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B by the staff of the game hall. Become. When the setting change / confirmation history screen is displayed, all the setting change and setting confirmation log information is read from the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The image display device 5 displays a setting change / confirmation history screen that includes the read setting change and setting confirmation log information as history information. Note that the maintenance history screen and the setting change / confirmation history screen can be displayed even if they can be displayed based on the detection result of the operation performed by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 1, unlike the staff at the game hall. Good. The maintenance history screen and the setting change / confirmation history screen are screens that cannot be visually recognized by the player of the pachinko game machine 1 during the game, and can be confirmed by the staff of the game hall or the person in charge at the manufacturer. Just do it.

After the maintenance mode process, the current time setting process is executed (step 19AKS77). Step 19 In the current time setting process of AKS77, control for setting the current date and the current time is performed. In this case, the setting information of the current date and the current time can be input based on the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B by the staff of the game hall. For example, an hour signal indicating an hour, a minute signal indicating a minute, a second signal indicating a second, a year signal indicating a year, a month signal indicating a month, a day signal indicating a day, and a day signal indicating a day of the week, which are input. CPU19AK131 receives sequentially. By updating the RTC storage information in the timer circuit 19AK135 in response to these received signals, it is sufficient that the current date and the current time settings measured by the RTC in the timer circuit 19AK135 can be changed. By updating the stored information of the RTC19AK201 provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 according to the input setting information, the current date and the setting of the current item measured by the RTC19AK201 may be changed. When the current time setting process is completed, the date and time information storage process is executed (step 19AKS78). In the date / time information storage process of step 19AKS78, control is performed to store and store the date / time information in a temporary area of the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM 19AK133 at a predetermined cycle (every 100 milliseconds or the like). The date and time information stored in the temporary area may be memorable as log information indicating the power failure date and time when the RAM clear notification command or the power failure recovery designation command from the main board 11 is received. Then, after executing the backup process during the effect control (step 19AKS79), the effect control timer interrupt process is terminated. In the backup process during the effect control of step 19AKS79, when the preset backup conditions are satisfied, the backup data indicating various log information is transferred to the log area provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. A storage process for storing and storing is executed. The log information to be stored in this case may be information including a part or all of the operation history, setting history, error history, etc. of the plurality of electronic components used for the game and the effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Further, the log information may include date and time information indicating the stored date and time.

FIG. 11-7 shows an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted for the game from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 to the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12. In the following, the subscript H is indicated to be a hexadecimal number. The effect control command that can be received by the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 has a 2-byte structure, the first byte is MODE data indicating the classification of the command, and the second byte is EXT data indicating the type of command. The first bit (bit 7) of the upper data (MODE data) of the effect control command is always set to "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of the lower data (EXT data) of the effect control command is always set to "0". Will be done. The effect control command is not limited to the 2-byte structure, and a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used. The effect control command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 as the game progresses. The effect control microcomputer 19AK120 receives one of the effect control commands as the game progresses. As described above, the effect control command is a game effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 to the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12 in accordance with the control related to the progress of the game. Is.

The variation start command 80XXH specifies that the variation starts for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which is a plurality of special symbols. The lower data (EXT data) of the fluctuation start command, XXH, may be, for example, 01H at the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol and 02H at the start of fluctuation of the second special symbol. The variation pattern designation command 81XXH specifies a variation pattern of the decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbol. XXH, which is the lower data (EXT data) of the fluctuation pattern designation command, indicates a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. The display result specification command 8CXXXH specifies the display result of the variable display. XXH, which is lower-level data (EXT data) of the display result specification command, indicates a value corresponding to the display result of the variable display. The symbol confirmation command 8F00H specifies that the variation of the symbol is terminated. The RAM clear notification command 9000H notifies that when the power supply by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the stored contents of the RAM 102 are cleared due to the initialization by the game control microcomputer 100. The setting change start command 9100H specifies the start of the setting change state that enables the setting value to be changed when the power supply by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started. The power failure recovery designation command 9200H specifies the execution of the power failure recovery process corresponding to the power failure recovery. The setting change end command 93XXH specifies the end of the setting change state. In the setting change end command, for example, EXT data corresponding to the setting value newly set by the change may be set. For example, command 9300H specifies that the set value is set to "1", command 9301H specifies that the set value is set to "2", and command 9302H specifies that the set value is set to "3". Specify that it is set. Alternatively, as the setting change end command, only the command 9300H whose EXT data is 00H is prepared, and the end of the setting change state may be specified by the command 9300H regardless of the setting value newly set by the change. Alternatively, as an effect control command different from the setting change end command, a setting value specification command for specifying the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be prepared. The setting value specification command corresponds to the fluctuation start at each time of the special figure game, for example, with the transmission of the first fluctuation start command and the second fluctuation start command, in addition to the case where the setting change end command is transmitted. May be sent. Further, a set value designation command may be transmitted as the variation display is executed a predetermined number of times, for example, every 10 variation starts in the special figure game. Instead of or in addition to these, a setting value designation command may be transmitted in association with the transmission of the hit start designation command and the hit end designation command. A setting value specification command may be transmitted along with the transmission of the customer waiting demo specification command.

The setting confirmation start command 9400H specifies the start of the setting confirmation state that enables the setting value to be confirmed when the power supply by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started. The setting confirmation end command 9401H specifies the end of the setting confirmation state. The game state specification command 95XXH specifies the current game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the command 9500H is the first game state specification command corresponding to the game state (low base state, normal state) in which the time reduction control is not performed, and the command 9501H is the game state (high base state, time reduction state) in which the time reduction control is performed. This is the second game state specification command corresponding to. The game control error designation command 96XXH specifies the occurrence of an error (abnormality) related to game control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the type of the error (abnormality) that has occurred. In the game control error designation command, by setting the EXT data corresponding to each error (abnormality), it is possible to specify which error (abnormality) has been determined on the effect control board 12 side. , The occurrence of the specified error (abnormality) may be notified by the error notification process. The customer waiting demo designation command 9F00H specifies the display of the customer waiting demonstration screen (demo screen display) by displaying an effect image corresponding to the progress stop of the game in the customer waiting state.

The hit start designation command A0XXH specifies the display of an effect image indicating the start of the big hit game state or the small hit game state. The large winning opening open designation command A1XXH specifies that the large winning opening is in the open state in the big hit game state or the small hit game state. The designation command A2XXH after opening the large winning opening specifies that the period during which the large winning opening has changed from the open state to the closed state in the big hit game state or the small hit game state. The hit end designation command A3XXH specifies the display of the effect image at the end of the big hit game state or the small hit game state. The background specification command B0XXH specifies the display state of the background screen according to the game state and the like. The first hold storage number designation command C1XXH specifies the first hold storage number. The first reserved storage number is the variable display reserved number corresponding to the first special symbol display device 4A among the reserved stored numbers, and is, for example, a value of any one of "0" to "4". The second hold storage number designation command C2XXH specifies the second hold storage number. The second reserved storage number is a variable display pending number corresponding to the second special symbol display device 4B among the reserved storage numbers, and is, for example, a value of any one of "0" to "4". The winning determination result specification command C3XXH specifies the winning determination result. The winning determination result is when the first start opening switch 22A detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening, or when the second starting opening switch 22B has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening. Whether or not the variable display result becomes a "big hit" when a sphere is detected, for example, using numerical data indicating a game random number extracted from a game random counter provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 104 or RAM 102. The result of judging the fluctuation pattern and the result of judging the fluctuation pattern are shown. That is, whether the winning determination result is the result of determining whether or not the winning state is controlled before determining whether or not the control is performed in the advantageous state such as the jackpot gaming state, or whether the result is a specific fluctuation pattern. The result of judging whether or not it is shown is shown.

In the effect control timer interrupt process, for example, in the effect control in-process backup process of step 19AKS79, when a preset backup condition is satisfied, the backup target data corresponding to the satisfied backup condition is stored and stored. Backup process is executed. As the backup condition, it is sufficient that a plurality of different conditions can be set according to the occurrence of an event including various changes and settings in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The backup control table showing the plurality of backup conditions may be stored in advance in a predetermined area (program management area or the like) provided in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, for example. The data to be backed up may include different data depending on the backup conditions. Alternatively, the data to be backed up may include data common to a plurality of backup conditions. Regardless of which backup condition is satisfied, the backup target data indicating the log information including the date and time information may be stored.

The backup control table may be configured to include backup conditions, the number of storage area bits, multiplicity, and setting information indicating the verification method according to the backup target data indicating the contents of the log information. The number of storage area bits is a processing unit of storage data in the log area, which is a storage area for storing log information in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14, and is, for example, "8" indicating 8 bits. "Or" 3 "indicating 3 bits can be specified. The degree of multiplicity is the degree of mirroring in which backup target data indicating the same log information is stored in a distributed manner while overlapping in a plurality of different log areas. Whether or not the data is mirrored and stored, and the memory when mirroring is performed. You can specify the number of times. For example, when the multiplicity is "1", mirroring is not performed, and the backup target data indicating the same log information is stored and backed up only once. When the multiplicity is "2", mirroring is performed twice, and the backup target data indicating the same log information is stored twice in different storage areas for backup. When the multiplicity is "3", mirroring is performed three times, and the backup target data indicating the same log information is stored three times in different storage areas for backup. By increasing the degree of multiplexing, redundancy (availability) can be improved and the reliability of stored data can be improved.

The verification method that can be set for each backup target data is a method of verifying whether the backup process, which is the storage process of the backup target data, has been performed correctly, and specifies whether to make a majority decision along with error detection. It is possible. When the verification method is error detection, when the data to be backed up is read from the log area, arbitrary error detection processing using parity, checksum, hash value, etc. is executed to verify the validity of the stored data. I hope I can. When the verification method is error detection and majority decision, in addition to error detection processing using parity, checksum, hash value, etc., in multiple log areas where backup target data that is multiplexed by mirroring and shows the same log information is stored. Compare the stored data. As a result of this comparison, if the stored contents match in a predetermined number of log areas among the plurality of log areas, it is sufficient to determine that the backup process has been performed correctly and to verify the validity of the stored data. For example, if the parity, checksum, or hash value calculated from the stored data in the plurality of log areas matches, it can be determined that the backup process has been performed correctly for each log area. If the parity, checksum or hash value calculated from the stored data in multiple log areas does not match, and if the number of log areas for which the same parity, checksum or hash value is calculated is the majority, those It should be judged that the backup process was performed correctly for the log area (judgment by majority vote). The "predetermined number of log areas" that is a condition for determining that the backup process has been performed correctly is not limited to the majority of the log areas, and is a preset fixed value (for example, "2") regardless of the multiplicity. It may be a variable value determined according to the multiplicity. Instead of the judgment by majority vote, it may be determined that the backup processing has been performed correctly when the execution result of the error detection processing becomes normal for the first time.

The data to be backed up are system data, effect control error data, player history data, reception command data, set value change time data, power saving setting data, current time change data, power off time data, store name setting data, effect output amount. Includes data and production history data. The data to be backed up may include some of these data. The system data may include the effect control data stored in a predetermined area (such as an effect control data holding area) provided in the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM19AK133. The effect control error data is data indicating an error that occurred during the execution of the effect control. The player history data is data related to the player acquired by the pachinko gaming machine 1. The received command data is data indicating an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. The set value change time data is data indicating the date and time when the set value was changed. The set value change time data may include data indicating the date and time when the set value is confirmed, or the set value confirmation time data may be generated separately from the set value change time data. The power saving setting data is data related to power saving control that can be set by the staff of the amusement park. The power saving control is set when, for example, the image display device 5 displays the power saving function setting screen by rotating the knob of the output amount changeover switch provided on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. It suffices if the presence / absence and type (power saving mode) of the function can be changed. Alternatively, when a test command for power saving setting is input, the power saving function setting screen may be displayed on the image display device 5, and the presence / absence of the power saving function and the function (power saving mode) may be changed. The current time change data is data indicating that the setting of the current date and time measured by the RTC has been changed. The setting of the current date and time measured by the RTC may be one or both of the RTC setting provided in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 and the RTC19AK201 setting provided in the backup memory board 19AK14. Just do it. The power off time data is data indicating the date and time when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. The store name setting data is data indicating the setting of the store name that can be set by the staff of the amusement park or the like. The effect output amount data is data indicating the setting of the output amount such as the volume and the amount of light emission that can be set by the player or the like. The effect history data is data indicating the history of the effect executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, the number of rotations indicating the number of times the variable display is executed counted from a specific timing, the number of type jackpots indicating the number of jackpots counted for each jackpot type, the number of consecutive chans indicating the number of jackpots that occurred without being controlled in the normal state, and the player Arbitrary information according to the specifications of the pachinko game machine 1 and the progress of control, such as the character selection contents of the effect image set by, the effect customization indicating the effect theme, and the mission achievement status indicating the achievement status of the predetermined mission. It suffices if the data indicating the above can be stored as backup target data.

The backup conditions that can be set for each backup target data may be any conditions that can occur as the game or effect progresses, such as settings, control, determination, and detection in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the production control backup process executed in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, it is preset according to the processing result by the control device or the processing device such as the CPU 19AK131 or VDP19AK140 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. It may be determined whether or not any of the backup conditions is satisfied. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, the effect device is set by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or by determining various detection results. When an error occurs related to the included electronic components, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the backup process during effect control, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is satisfied, and the effect control error data is created. In this way, when it is determined in the backup process during the effect control that the backup condition is satisfied, the control signal corresponding to the backup command for the backup during the effect control is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup instruction for backup during production control may include the backup target data. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup command for backup during the effect control, the memory controller 19AK200 may execute the writing process of the log information including the backup target data by using the date and time information acquired from the RTC19AK201. By storing error information related to electronic components including the effect device, it becomes easy to identify defects and improve performance.

The backup process during effect control is executed in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process based on the occurrence of the effect control timer interrupt process. Then, when the condition for generating an event according to the processing result by the control device or the processing device such as CPU19AK131 or VDP19AK140 is satisfied, the backup condition set for each backup target data related to a plurality of electronic parts including the effect device is satisfied. Is executed, a backup process for storing the data to be backed up is executed. In this way, when the event occurrence conditions related to a plurality of electronic components are satisfied, and when the event occurrence conditions corresponding to the processing results of the control device or processing device such as CPU19AK131 or VDP19AK140 are satisfied, the log area or the like is stored. It is possible to execute a writing process for writing and storing information about a plurality of electronic components in the area.

The backup conditions that can be set for each data to be backed up may include write conditions that are different from the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components. For example, in the player history data, the backup condition is satisfied when the data related to the player is updated, regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. For the received command data, the backup condition may be satisfied when the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, even if the event corresponding to the plurality of electronic components does not occur. For the store name setting data, the backup condition is satisfied when the name of the store corresponding to the amusement park is set regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. System data is stored regardless of whether backup conditions are met when updating data due to an event corresponding to multiple electronic components, or whether an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred. Backup conditions may be met when updating data. As described above, even when the backup condition as the write condition different from the event occurrence condition corresponding to the plurality of electronic components is satisfied, the backup process for storing the backup target data is executed. When a writing condition different from the occurrence condition is satisfied, a writing process for writing and storing game-related information different from the information related to a plurality of electronic components in a storage area such as a log area. Can be executed. When an event occurs according to a defect in an electronic component, backup data including game-related information is stored, so it is possible to easily identify the relationship between the progress of the game or production and the defect in the electronic component. It is possible to easily grasp the situation of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

When the data to be backed up is the effect control error data, the backup condition is not limited to the one in which the error occurs only, and the backup condition may be set including the time of error recovery. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, the effect device is set by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or by determining various detection results. When an error occurs related to the included electronic components, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the backup process during effect control, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is satisfied, and the effect control error data is created. After that, when the error is no longer detected with respect to the electronic component targeted for the error notification, it is determined that the electronic component has recovered from the error. Even when the error is recovered by such a determination, it may be determined that the backup condition is satisfied in the backup process during the effect control, and the effect control error recovery data may be created. The effect control error recovery data created in this way is included in the backup command for backup during effect control and transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14 in the same manner as the effect control error data. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup command for backup during the effect control, the memory controller 19AK200 may execute the writing process of the log information including the backup target data by using the date and time information acquired from the RTC19AK201. By making it possible to store the effect control error recovery data as backup data in addition to the effect control error data, it is possible to memorize the history of error occurrence and recovery related to the effect control and enable ex post facto verification. Pachinko game machine 1 The situation can be easily grasped.

In the effect control during backup process, it may be determined whether or not the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12. In this case, the voltage value at the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 may be determined. Whether or not to execute the storage process may be different depending on the determination result of the connection state, or the storage process of different contents may be executed. For example, when the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12, the storage process of storing and storing the log information in the log area is not executed. As described above, in the range in which the preset limiting condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12 is satisfied, a limitation as a limit that the storage process is not executed may be provided. On the other hand, as long as the storage process can be executed as long as the restriction condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12 is not satisfied. When the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12, a storage process for storing and storing backup data indicating various log information may be executed using a predetermined area of the external RAM 19AK122 as a log area. .. In this case, the data capacity to be stored as the backup target data may be reduced as compared with the case where the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12. For example, the effect control error data and the received command data are the backup target data, and the storage process for storing the log information is executed when the backup condition is satisfied, while the system data and the player history data are the backup target data. Instead, even if the backup condition is satisfied, the storage process for storing the log information may not be executed. As described above, in the range in which the preset limiting condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12 is satisfied, a limit is provided as a limit of reducing the data capacity to be stored by the storage process. You may. On the other hand, in the range where the restriction condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12 is not satisfied, the data capacity to be stored by the storage process is not reduced, and the backup corresponding to all the backup conditions is supported. The target data may be stored and stored. Not limited to the memory processing, for any processing or control in the pachinko gaming machine 1, a limitation may be provided as a limit that a specific processing or control is not executed within a range in which a preset restriction condition is satisfied. Alternatively, there may be a limit as a limit that the processing amount and the controlled amount are reduced as compared with the range in which the limiting condition is not satisfied.

In the effect control main process, for example, in the information processing at power-on in step 19AKS23, a backup recovery process for recovering settings, controls, and other records may be executed based on the log information stored in the log area. In the backup recovery process, verification may be performed by a verification method according to the data to be backed up, and it may be determined whether or not the stored data is normal. For example, when the verification method is a majority decision together with error detection, if the execution result of the error detection process is normal in a predetermined number of log areas among a plurality of log areas in which backup target data indicating the same log information is stored, Judge that the stored data is normal. In this way, if the stored data is normal, the data recovery process using the stored data in the log area is performed. On the other hand, when the stored data is not normal, the initial value may be set using the initial data different from the stored data in the log area. The initial data may be, for example, data stored in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132, and used when the initialization process is executed in step 19AKS21 of the game control main process. As a result, even if the backup target data cannot be stored correctly, the initial value can be set using the initial data according to the recovery from the power failure. Instead of the initial data, special data corresponding to the case where the stored data is not normal may be used. Unlike the initial data, the special data may be any data suitable for restoring settings and control. Whether to use the initial data or the special data may be different depending on the data to be backed up for which it is determined that the stored data is not normal. For example, if the data to be backed up is system data, data recovery using special data is performed when it is determined that the stored data is not normal. On the other hand, if the data to be backed up is the effect output amount data, data recovery using the initial data is performed when it is determined that the stored data is not normal. The setting of whether to use the initial data or special data is made in advance based on the update frequency and amount of update data of the data to be backed up, the importance of the data, the target parts, the target control, a combination of some or all of them, and the like. It suffices if it is decided. The backup recovery process may be executed when the data recovery conditions set in advance in the backup process during the effect control are satisfied. The data recovery condition may be satisfied, for example, when a power failure recovery designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received.

11-8 and 11-9 show specific examples of displaying the maintenance history screen. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the setting confirmation process is executed in step S5 of the game control main process, and when the setting confirmation condition is satisfied, the setting is set from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. A confirmation start command is sent. Upon receiving this setting confirmation start command, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 is shown in FIG. 11-8 (A), for example, when the maintenance mode process is executed in step 19AKS78 of the effect control timer interrupt process. Display during setting confirmation as shown. In the setting confirmation display, for example, the image display device 5 displays characters such as "setting confirmation is in progress". The display during setting confirmation includes a character display such as "press the push button to shift to maintenance mode" on the image display device 5. In this way, in the setting confirmation display, a display prompting an operation for shifting to the maintenance mode is performed. At this time, if the staff of the amusement park or the person in charge of the manufacturer detects the operation of pressing the push button 31B, the image display device 5 displays the maintenance mode menu screen as shown in FIG. 11-8 (B). And shift to maintenance mode. On the maintenance mode menu screen, the options of "maintenance history", "setting change / confirmation history", and "current time setting" are displayed, and the current time is displayed.

When the "maintenance history" option 012IW106 is selected on the maintenance mode menu screen, the image display device 5 switches to the maintenance history screen display as shown in FIG. 11-8 (C). On the maintenance history screen, the date and time and the log contents are displayed in association with each other, and the latest log information is displayed in order so as to be ranked higher. As an example, a VDP error indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the internal state of the VDP19AK140, an illegal winning error indicating that an illegal winning entry to a winning opening such as the first major winning opening or the second major winning opening has been detected, and a count switch Each log information of the switch abnormality error indicating that the abnormality of various switches such as 23 is detected, the prize ball abnormality error indicating that the prize ball abnormality is detected, the magnet error indicating that the abnormal magnetism is detected, and the probability change failure is established. Log information indicating that the error was detected is displayed. When there are a plurality of pages of the maintenance history screen, the selection operation of the next page shifts to the second page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-8 (D). On this maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information of the start of setting change and the end of setting change, log information of power cut date and time and power on date and time, and log information of left-handed notification and full tank notification. If there is a next page, the selection operation of the next page shifts to the third page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-9 (E). On this maintenance history screen, log information of the start of setting confirmation and the end of setting confirmation, log information indicating that the current time was set during the maintenance mode during setting confirmation, and RAM clear by initialization processing were executed. It is possible to display log information indicating. Further, when the selection operation of the next page is performed, the process shifts to the fourth page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-9 (F). On this maintenance history screen, log information of an RWM abnormality error indicating that some kind of RAM abnormality has occurred when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and log information of a power failure date and time corresponding to a later date and time and a power on date and time are displayed. It can be displayed. Since an RWM abnormality error occurred based on these log information, the staff at the game hall once stopped the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1, and then turned on the power again while turning on the clear switch, and the initialization process was performed. It can be confirmed after the fact that the RAM has been cleared. Further, the log information of the CPU exception event indicating that the exception event has occurred in the CPU 19AK131, and the log information of the power failure date and time and the power-on date and time corresponding to the date and time after that are displayed. Based on these log information, a CPU exception event occurred, so the staff at the game hall stopped the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1, but when the power was turned on the next day, the CPU exception event no longer occurred. You can confirm that after the fact.

On the maintenance history screen shown in FIG. 11-9 (E), as the log information indicating that the current time has been set, the log information indicating the earlier time than the log information indicating that the setting confirmation has been started is displayed. There is. For example, the setting confirmation was started at 09:36:28 on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, while the current time was set at 09:36:36 on Wednesday, March 21, 2018: It is said to be 16. In this way, the date and time inconsistency occurs before and after the current time setting because when the current time is set, the date and time information after the setting is read out and the log information is recorded. In this example, the log information is recorded in the log area in the order in which the log information is generated, and even if the date and time do not match before and after the current time setting, the log information is displayed in the order in which the log information is generated.

In addition to the display of the maintenance history screen, or instead of the display of the maintenance history screen, a two-dimensional bar code may be displayed on the image display device 5 so that log information can be acquired. For example, a two-dimensional bar code displayed on the image display device 5 is photographed by using an imaging device connected to the inspection device. By photographing such a two-dimensional barcode, log information can be provided to the inspection device. In addition, the log information may be output by any output method such as display output, wireless output, infrared output, audio output, ultrasonic output, or a combination of some or all of them. Arbitrary information output, not limited to log information, uses any output method such as display output, wireless output, infrared output, audio output, ultrasonic output, or a combination of some or all of them. All you need is.

The log information that can be displayed on the maintenance history screen may be all of the log information shown in the backup data, or may be a part of the log information shown in the backup data. For example, on the maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information corresponding to an event occurrence condition that can be established according to the internal state of the control device, such as an exception event of the CPU 19AK131. Further, on the maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information corresponding to an event occurrence condition that can be established according to the internal state of the processing device, such as an error interrupt request of VDP19AK140. On the maintenance history screen, log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of a specific event that can be established according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as the judgment when an error occurs in the backup process during production control, when the time is changed, or when the power is turned on again, can be displayed. Is. On the other hand, on the maintenance history screen, log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events other than specific events, such as judgment at the time of updating the player history data in the backup process during production control, at the time of power saving setting, and at the time of name setting, is displayed. do not do. As described above, the log information stored as backup data may include log information that is not displayed on the maintenance history screen. Alternatively, log information that is not displayed on the normal maintenance history screen but can be displayed on the special maintenance history screen may be provided. The special maintenance screen may be displayed according to an arbitrary detection result, such as a detection result of an operation that is a predetermined operation for the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B. In this case, the operation procedure for the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B may not be notified to the staff of the game hall, and may be recognizable by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1. It is not limited to the detection result, and it is sufficient if a special maintenance history screen can be displayed according to arbitrary control or processing. As described above, in the range of the specific type of log information among the plurality of types of log information, a limit may be provided as a limit that the log information is not displayed on the maintenance history screen. Within the range of log information other than a specific type, it suffices if it can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. Alternatively, a limitation may be provided as a limit that the log information of a specific type among the plurality of types of log information can be displayed only on the special maintenance history screen and is not displayed on the normal maintenance history screen.

FIG. 11-10 shows a specific example when the setting change / confirmation history selection operation is performed during the maintenance mode. When the setting confirmation display as shown in FIG. 11-10 (A) is being performed, the operation of pressing the push button 31B by the staff of the amusement park or the person in charge of the manufacturer is detected, and FIG. 11- The maintenance mode menu screen as shown in 10 (B) is displayed. Then, the option 012IW107 of "setting change / confirmation history" is selected and operated. In this case, the image display device 5 switches to the display of the setting change / confirmation history screen as shown in FIG. 11-10 (C). On the setting change / confirmation history screen, the date and time, whether the setting is changed or confirmed, and the changed setting value or the confirmed setting value are displayed in association with each other so that the latest log information is ranked higher. It is displayed in order. If the "current time setting" option is selected and operated while the maintenance mode menu screen is being displayed, the image display device 5 switches to the display of the current time setting screen. On the current time setting screen, the year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute, or second item is selected by tilting the stick controller 31A left and right, and the number for each item is selected by tilting the stick controller 31A back and forth. Will be done. When the staff of the game hall or the person in charge of the manufacturer presses the push button 31B after the current time setting screen is displayed, the current date and time is set to the currently displayed date and time.

(Explanation of feature 41AK)
FIG. 11-11 shows an execution example of the backup process relating to the feature unit 41AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132, thereby causing the memory writing processing unit 41AKM10 and the occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM21 to 41AKM23. It has a function. Further, a writing flag 41AKF1 and a backup data buffer 41AKB1 are provided in a predetermined area of the external RAM 122 or the internal RAM 133. The backup data buffer 41AKB1 includes a plurality of buffer areas including the buffer areas 41AKB11 to 41AKB13. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The backup storage unit 41AKA1 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including the backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13 as a log area. The backup storage unit 41AKA2 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including the backup storage areas 41AKA21 to 41AKA23 as a log area. The backup storage unit 41AKA3 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including the backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33 as a log area.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM21 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the CPU internal error 41AKC1. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the exception event backup process in step 19AKS42 of the CPU exception event occurrence process, and is data indicating log information including the exception event information. Good. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM22 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the error interrupt backup process in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt process, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Just do it. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM23 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the error determination 41AKC3 during the effect control. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the backup process during the effect control in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, and is data indicating log information including the effect control error data. It should be. The backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing units 41AKM21 to 41AKM23 is temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 according to the creation order. For example, the first created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 41AKB11, the next created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 41AKB12, and the subsequently created backup data is written in the buffer area 41AKB13. Is stored.

The memory writing processing unit 41AKM10 reads and acquires the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 when it exists. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this execution example, the same backup data is distributed and stored in the three backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, corresponding to the multiplicity of "3". For example, the backup data read from the backup data buffer 41AKAB1 buffer area 41AKAB11 and acquired is the backup storage area 41AKA11 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA21 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA31 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. It is memorized by copying and writing. At the start of writing backup data to the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, the writing flag 41AKF1 is set to the ON state. At the end of writing the backup data, the writing flag 41AKF1 is cleared and the backup data is turned off. When the writing flag 41AKF1 is off, the memory writing processing unit 41AKM10 permits writing of new backup data and reads the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1. On the other hand, when the writing flag 41AKF1 is on, writing of new backup data is prohibited, and the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 is not read.

For example, with respect to the backup data read from the buffer area 41AKB11 of the backup data buffer 41AKB1 and the writing to the log area is completed and the writing flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB12. Can be read. The backup data read and acquired at this time is copied and written to the backup storage area 41AKA12 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA22 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA32 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. It will be remembered. When the writing to the log area is completed and the writing flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB13 can be read. The backup data read and acquired in this case is copied and written in the backup storage area 41AKA13 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA23 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA33 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. It is remembered in.

The backup storage unit 41AKA1 is provided as a continuous storage area of 1, for example, by assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13. The backup storage unit 41AKA2 is provided as one continuous storage area by, for example, assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA21 to 41AKA23. The backup storage unit 41AKA3 is provided as one continuous storage area by, for example, assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33. Then, when the writing flag 41AKF1 is on, writing is prohibited for new backup data. As a result, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are satisfied among the occurrence conditions of the event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components, if the backup data writing process corresponding to one of the conditions is being executed. , Do not execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the other condition.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied, if the backup data writing process corresponding to the CPU internal error 41AKC1 is being executed, the writing flag 41AKF1 is on. Corresponding to, the backup data writing process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is not executed. Alternatively, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied and the backup data writing process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is being executed, the writing flag 41AKF1 is turned on. Correspondingly, the backup data writing process corresponding to the CPU internal error 41AKC1 is not executed. Which writing process is to be executed first may be determined according to the order in which the backup data is created. Similarly, when the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 and the error determination 41AKC3 during the effect control are satisfied, or when the conditions for the error determination 41AKC3 during the effect control and the CPU internal error 41AKC1 are satisfied, the write process is executed in the same manner. You just have to control it. In this way, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, the limit of not executing the backup data writing process corresponding to the other condition within the range in which the backup data writing process corresponding to one condition is being executed. Is set as a limit. As long as the backup data writing process corresponding to one condition is not being executed, it is sufficient that the backup data writing process corresponding to the other condition can be executed.

The order in which the backup data is created may be determined according to the processing priority of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied, the priority of the CPU exception event occurrence processing is higher than the priority of the VDP error interrupt processing, so that the occurrence event information creation processing unit The creation of the backup data by the 41AKM 21 may be executed before the creation of the backup data by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM22. When the occurrence conditions of VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 and effect control error determination 41AKC3 are satisfied, the priority of the VDP error interrupt process is higher than the priority of the effect control timer interrupt process, so the occurrence event information is created. The creation of the backup data by the processing unit 41AKM22 may be executed before the creation of the backup data by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM23.

The condition for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control device such as the exception event of the CPU 19AK131. The condition for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 can be satisfied according to the internal state of the processing device such as the error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140. The occurrence condition of the effect control error determination 41AKC3 can be satisfied according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as the determination when an error occurs in the effect control backup process. Therefore, when the occurrence condition of the CPU internal error 41AKC1 or the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is satisfied, the backup data writing process can be executed with priority over the case where the occurrence condition of the error determination 41AKC3 during the effect control is satisfied. become.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and the writing process can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and the writing process can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. When the occurrence conditions of the error determination 41AKC3 during the effect control are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which the occurrence conditions are satisfied, and the writing process can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. In these cases, writing is prohibited when the writing flag 41AKF1 is on, so that if the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed, the writing corresponding to the next occurrence condition Do not execute the inclusive process. In this way, among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the range in which the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed. Then, a limit is set as a limit that the writing process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, it is sufficient that the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition can be executed.

When a plurality of generation conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any of the writing processes may be determined according to the order in which the generation conditions are satisfied. For example, if another occurrence condition is satisfied during the execution of the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is satisfied first, the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is satisfied later may not be executed. Alternatively, when a plurality of generation conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any of the writing processes may be determined according to the processing priority. For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied at the same time, the processing priority of the CPU exception event occurrence processing is higher than the processing priority of the VDP error interrupt processing. The write process corresponding to the error 41AKC1 may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 may not be executed. Further, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, the overwriting process may be executed according to the process priority. For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied at the same time, the processing priority of the processing when the CPU exception event occurs is higher than the processing priority of the VDP error interrupt processing. The write process corresponding to the error 41AKC1 may be executed as an overwriting process that overwrites the stored data by the write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2.

When a plurality of backup conditions are satisfied as a plurality of generation conditions, the order of creating backup data and whether or not to execute the write process may be determined according to the contents of the backup target data. For example, if the backup condition when an error occurs in which the backup target data is production control error data and the backup condition when a command is received in which the backup target data is received command data are satisfied at the same time, the backup condition when an error occurs. The write process corresponding to the above may be executed first, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of receiving the command may be executed later. Further, the write process corresponding to the backup condition when an error occurs may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition when the command is received may not be executed. In this case, since the information regarding the defect of the electronic component including the effect device is preferentially stored, the possibility of appropriately dealing with the defect of the electronic component is increased. Alternatively, the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of receiving the command may be executed first, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of error occurrence may be executed later. Further, the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of receiving the command may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of error occurrence may not be executed. In this case, since the information regarding the reception status of the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is preferentially stored, the possibility of appropriately dealing with the control defect related to the game is increased.

(Explanation of feature 42AK)
FIG. 11-12 shows an execution example of the backup process relating to the feature unit 42AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132 to execute the memory writing processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 and the occurrence event information creation processing units 42AKM21 to 1. It has the function of 42AKM23. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, and backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33. The backup storage unit 42AKA11 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including the backup storage areas 42AKA111 to 42AKA113 as a log area. Similarly, the backup storage units 42AKA12, 42AKA13, 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, and 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 also have a plurality of backup storage areas as log areas.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the CPU internal error 42AKC1. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the exception event backup process in step 19AKS42 of the CPU exception event occurrence process, and is data indicating log information including the exception event information. Good. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM22 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the error interrupt backup process in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt process, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Just do it. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM23 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the error determination 42AKC3 during the effect control. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the backup process during the effect control in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, and is data indicating log information including the effect control error data. It should be. The backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing units 42AKM21 to 42AKM23 can be stored in the log area of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 in parallel with each other.

The memory writing processing unit 42AKM11 acquires the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The memory writing processing unit 42AKM12 acquires the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM22. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The memory writing processing unit 42AKM13 acquires the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM23. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3.

Also in this execution example, the multiplicity corresponds to "3". For the three backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, the same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKAM21 is stored in a distributed manner while being duplicated. For the three backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, the same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKAM22 is distributed and stored while being duplicated. The same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKA23 is distributed and stored in the three backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 while being duplicated. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKAM21 is stored in the backup storage area 42AKA111 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA121 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA131 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. , It is memorized by copying and writing. The backup data next acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKAM21 is stored in the backup storage area 42AKA112 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA122 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA132 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing. The next backup data acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKAM21 is the backup storage area 42AKA113 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA123 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA133 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing.

In the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13 and the backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage area 42AKA111 to 42AKA113 and the backup storage area 42AKA111 to 42AKA213, and the backup storage area 42AKA121 to 42AKA123 and the backup are backed up. Different addresses are assigned between the storage areas 42AKA221 to 42AKA223, and different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133 and the backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233 to provide different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23 and the backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage area 42AKA211-42AKA213 and the backup storage area 42AKA311-42AKA313, and the backup storage area 42AKA221-42AKA223 and the backup are backed up. Different addresses are assigned between the storage areas 42AKA321 to 42AKA323, and different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233 and the backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333, so that they are provided as different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 and the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage area 42AKA311-42AKA313 and the backup storage area 42AKA111 to 42AKA113, and the backup storage area 42AKA321 to 42AKA323 and the backup are backed up. Different addresses are assigned between the storage areas 42AKA121 to 42AKA123, and different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333 and the backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133, so that they are provided as different storage areas. By using physically different storage devices, different storage areas may be provided. The memory writing processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 can execute backup data writing processing in parallel with each other. As a result, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are satisfied among the occurrence conditions of the event corresponding to the plurality of electronic components, the backup data writing process corresponding to one condition is being executed, and the other It is possible to execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the conditions.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are satisfied, the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 is executing the backup data write process corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC1. Can execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the effect control error determination 42AKC3 are satisfied, the memory write process is performed even while the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 is executing the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. The unit 42AKM13 can execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the error determination 42AKC3 during the effect control. When the conditions for generating the effect control error determination 42AKC3 and the CPU internal error 42AKC1 are satisfied, the memory write process is performed even while the memory write processing unit 42AKM13 is executing the backup data write process corresponding to the effect control error determination 42AKC3. The unit 42AKM11 can execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC. In this way, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, the backup data writing process corresponding to the other condition can be executed even within the range in which the backup data writing process corresponding to one condition is being executed. I hope I can. As long as the backup data writing process corresponding to one condition is not being executed, it is naturally sufficient that the backup data writing process corresponding to the other condition can be executed.

The condition for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control device such as the exception event of the CPU 19AK131. The condition for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 can be satisfied according to the internal state of the processing device such as the error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140. The occurrence condition of the effect control error determination 42AKC3 can be satisfied according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as the determination when an error occurs in the effect control backup process. Therefore, when the occurrence condition of the CPU internal error 42AKC1 or the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 is satisfied, the backup data writing process can be executed with priority over the case where the occurrence condition of the error determination 42AKC3 during the effect control is satisfied. May become. For example, the creation order when creating backup data is determined according to the processing priority of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, so that the backup data writing processing by the memory writing processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 is also in the order of creation. It may be executed according to the priority.

FIG. 11-13 shows an execution example different from the case of FIG. 11-12 regarding the backup process relating to the feature unit 42AK. In this execution example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and the writing process can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. .. In this case, a writing flag 42AKF1 and a backup data buffer 42AKB1 are provided in a predetermined area of the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM19AK133. The backup data buffer 42AKB1 includes a plurality of buffer areas including a buffer area 42AKB11 to 42AKB13. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data in the order in which the CPU internal error 42AKC1 occurs. For example, when the occurrence conditions of the CPU internal errors X1 to Xn corresponding to n times are satisfied as the CPU internal error 42AKC1 a plurality of times, the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 performs the backup data Y1 corresponding to each occurrence condition. ~ Yn is created and temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1. For example, the first created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 42AKB11, the next created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 42AKB12, and the subsequently created backup data is written in the buffer area 42AKB13. Is stored. When the memory writing processing unit 42AKM11 has backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1, the memory writing processing unit 42AKM11 reads and acquires the backup data. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log area of the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13. At the start of writing backup data to the log area, the writing flag 42AKF1 is set to the ON state. At the end of writing the backup data, the writing flag 42AKF1 is cleared and the backup data is turned off. When the writing flag 42AKF1 is off, the memory writing processing unit 42AKM11 permits writing of new backup data and reads out the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1. On the other hand, when the writing flag 42AKF1 is on, writing of new backup data is prohibited, and the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1 is not read.

Even when the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which the conditions for the occurrence are satisfied, and the writing process may be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. Even if the occurrence conditions of the error determination 42AKC3 during production control are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data is created in the order in which those occurrence conditions are satisfied, and the writing process may be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. .. In these cases, the writing is prohibited when the writing flag provided corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the effect control error determination 42AKC3 is on, thereby corresponding to the previous occurrence condition. If the write process is being executed, the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. In this way, among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the range in which the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed. Then, a limit is set as a limit that the writing process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, it is sufficient that the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition can be executed.

When a plurality of generation conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any of the writing processes may be determined according to the order in which the generation conditions are satisfied. For example, if another occurrence condition is satisfied during the execution of the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is satisfied first, the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is satisfied later may not be executed. Alternatively, when a plurality of generation conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any of the writing processes may be determined according to the processing priority. For example, among the exception events of the CPU 19AK131, the exception event having a high processing priority and the exception event having a low processing priority may be set in advance. When the condition for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 is satisfied a plurality of times at the same time, the write process corresponding to the exception event having a high processing priority is executed, and the write process corresponding to the exception event having a low processing priority is executed. It may not be executed. Further, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, the overwriting process may be executed according to the process priority. For example, when the CPU internal error 42AKC1 occurrence condition is satisfied a plurality of times at the same time, the write process corresponding to the exception event having a high processing priority stores the stored data by the write process corresponding to the exception event having a low processing priority. It may be executed as an overwriting process for overwriting.

(Explanation of feature 43AK)
FIG. 11-14 shows an execution example of the backup process relating to the feature unit 43AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132 to execute the functions of the memory writing processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12 and the occurrence event information creation processing. It has the functions of the units 43AKM21 and 43AKM22. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with backup storage units 43AKA21 together with backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. The backup storage unit 43AKA11 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes a backup storage area 43AKA111 to 43AKA113 as a log area. The backup storage unit 43AKA12 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA121 to 43AKA123 as log areas. The backup storage unit 43AKA13 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA131 to 43AKA133 as a log area. On the other hand, the backup storage unit 43AKA21 is a 3-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA211 to 43AKA213 as a log area. The 8-bit storage area is a storage area capable of executing a writing process and a reading process of stored data in 8-bit units. The 3-bit storage area is a storage area capable of executing a writing process and a reading process of stored data in units of 3 bits.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 creates backup data corresponding to the case where the backup condition of the storage area bit number of "8" and the multiplicity of "3" is satisfied. The memory writing processing unit 43AKM11 acquires the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log area of the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. The same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM21 is distributed and stored in the three backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, which are 8-bit storage areas, while being duplicated. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM21 is stored in the backup storage area 43AKA111 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA121 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA131 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. , It is memorized by copying and writing. The backup data next acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM21 is stored in the backup storage area 43AKA112 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA122 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA132 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing. The next backup data acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM21 is the backup storage area 43AKA113 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA123 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA133 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 creates backup data corresponding to the case where the backup condition of the storage area bit number of "3" and the multiplicity of "1" is satisfied. The memory writing processing unit 43AKM12 acquires the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log area of the backup storage unit 43AKA21. For the backup storage unit 43AKA21 which is a 3-bit storage area, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored in a smaller amount than the backup data storage area created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM21. Stored in the area. Specifically, a 3-bit storage area is used in which the number of storage area bits corresponds to "3" and the storage data is in 3-bit units, which is less than the 8-bit units of the 8-bit storage area. Further, the multiplicity corresponds to "1", and a single backup data is stored without being distributed without mirroring. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM22 is stored by writing to the backup storage area 43AKA211 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying. The backup data next acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKAM22 is stored by writing to the backup storage area 43AKA212 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying. The backup data acquired next from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 22 is stored by writing to the backup storage area 43AKA213 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying.

In the backup control table, when the backup target data is any of system data, effect control error data, player history data, received command data, and set value change time data, the number of storage area bits is "8" and the degree of multiplexing Is specified as "3". On the other hand, when any of the power saving setting data, the current time change data, the power off time data, the store name setting data, and the effect output amount data, the number of storage area bits is "3" and the degree of multiplexing is "1". Is set to. For example, when the backup condition corresponding to the system data is satisfied for the backup target data, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is subjected to a plurality of backup data in the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13 by the memory writing processing unit 43AKM11. It is written to the log area and stored. On the other hand, when the backup target data satisfies the backup condition corresponding to the power saving setting data, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is small in the backup storage unit 43AKA21 by the memory writing processing unit 43AKM12. It is written to the log area and stored. In this way, when writing the first information corresponding to the first generation condition, the same backup data is stored in a plurality of log areas in the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. On the other hand, when writing the second information corresponding to the second generation condition, the backup data is stored in a small log area in the backup storage unit 43AKA21.

For example, the occurrence condition at the time of power saving change, which is the backup condition for which the backup target data corresponds to the power saving setting data, is less frequently satisfied than the occurrence condition at the time of data update, which is the backup condition for the backup target data corresponding to the system data. As described above, the second occurrence condition may be satisfied less frequently than the first occurrence condition. Events that correspond to the occurrence conditions that are frequently satisfied affect the memory of log information related to other events when log information cannot be stored properly, for example, when noise occurs during execution of write processing. Is likely to be given. An event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is infrequently satisfied is less likely to affect the memory of log information related to other events than an event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is frequently satisfied. Therefore, when writing the log information corresponding to the occurrence condition that is frequently satisfied, by storing the same backup data in a plurality of log areas, it is possible to prevent the trouble due to the abnormality of the stored data from spreading. On the other hand, when writing log information corresponding to an occurrence condition that is rarely satisfied, it is possible to prevent an increase in the storage data capacity by storing backup data in a small log area.

The power saving setting data can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as a staff member of the game hall. As described above, the second information corresponding to the second generation condition may be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The data that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reset by the administrator even if a problem occurs in the setting contents, and there is a possibility that the player of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be disadvantaged. Low. On the other hand, for example, the data corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event that occurs according to the progress of the game or the production is impossible or difficult to reset, and there is a high possibility that the player will be disadvantaged or distrusted. Shows information about. Therefore, when writing log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions that cannot be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the same backup data is stored in multiple log areas so that verification is accurate when an abnormality occurs. The sex is enhanced. On the other hand, when writing log information corresponding to the generation conditions that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is possible to prevent an increase in the storage data capacity by storing the backup data in a small log area. The information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko game machine 1 is not limited to the information shown in the power saving setting data, but the RTC information shown in the current time change data and the store name information shown in the store name setting data. The information on the volume and the amount of light shown in the effect output amount data, or a part or a combination of these may be used. In addition, when the projector is used as the effect device, the information of the display setting by the projector may be included in the information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The information on the display setting by the projector can be set by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1, unlike the person in charge at the game hall. As described above, the manager of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may include a staff member of the game hall, or may include a person in charge of the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The information is not limited to the projector, and the information of the setting regarding the effect frequency using the specific effect device may be included in the information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, which are 8-bit storage areas, may be provided with different backup storage areas depending on the type of log information shown in the backup data. For example, the backup storage area when the backup target data is the reception command data may be provided as a storage area different from the backup storage area when the backup target data is the effect control error data. A backup storage area corresponding to an exception event of the CPU 19AK131 or an error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 may be provided inside or outside the backup storage area corresponding to the effect control error data. In this way, when a backup storage area corresponding to the type of log information is provided in the 8-bit storage area, the memory write processing unit 43AKM11 determines the backup storage area according to the established backup conditions. The backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 may be written and stored in the data.

(Explanation of feature 44AK)
FIG. 11-15 shows a configuration example of the feature portion 44AK. In this configuration example, the first effect control board 44AK12A and the second effect control board 44AK12B are provided. The first effect control board 44AK12A and the second effect control board 44AK12B may have the configurations and functions provided by the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 in the above embodiment. A first control unit 44AK10A, a first backup storage unit 44AK11A, and a connector 44AK13A are mounted on the first effect control board 44AK12A. The second control unit 44AK10B, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, and the connector 44AK13B are mounted on the second effect control board 44AK12B. The connector 44AK13A of the first effect control board 44AK12A is connected to the connector 44AK13B of the second effect control board 44AK12B. The connector 44AK13B of the second effect control board 44AK12B is connected to the connector 44AK11B of the first effect control board 44AK12A. The first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B may each have a part or all of the configurations and functions included in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 in the above embodiment. For example, the first control unit 44AK10A has a configuration and a function related to the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, and the second control unit 44AK10B has a configuration and a function related to the VDP19AK140 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may each have a part or all of the configurations and functions included in the backup memory board 19AK14 in the above embodiment. For example, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A has a configuration and a function related to the backup data memory 19AK210A and 19AK210B of the backup memory board 19AK14, and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B has a configuration and a function related to the backup data memory 19AK210C and 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. It has a function.

In the first effect control board 44AK12A, when the first control unit 44AK10A has the configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131 in the above embodiment, for example, the effect of the serial communication circuit 19AK137 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 and the effect data memory board 19AK16. A process for controlling a first electronic component such as a data memory is executed. In this case, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A stores backup data indicating log information regarding the first control unit 44AK10A. In the second effect control board 44AK12B, when the second control unit 44AK10B has the configuration and functions related to the VDP19AK140 in the above embodiment, for example, the sound processing circuit 19AK141, the lamp control circuit 19AK142, and the motor control circuit of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. A process for controlling a second electronic component such as 19AK143 and the image display device 5 is executed. In this case, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B stores backup data indicating log information regarding the second control unit 44AK10B. As described above, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A can store the information about the first control unit 44AK10A, and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can store the information about the second control unit 44AK10B.

When the first control unit 44AK10A has a configuration and a function related to the CPU 19AK131, the log information including the exception event information of the CPU 19AK131 is generated by executing the exception time backup process of step 19AKS42 in the CPU exception event occurrence processing. It is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. When the second control unit 44AK10B has a configuration and a function related to the VDP19AK140, the log information including the VDP error information of the VDP19AK140 is executed by executing the error interrupt backup process of step 19AKS52 in the VDP error interrupt process. Is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. In this way, when the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, the exception-time backup process in the CPU exception event occurrence-time process is executed. On the other hand, when the log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, the VDP error rate is different from the case where the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. The backup process at the time of error interruption in the merge process may be executed. In addition, when the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and when the log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, arbitrary storage processes different from each other are executed. You may.

In the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, log information including exception event information of CPU 19AK131 is stored. On the other hand, in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, log information including the VDP error information of the VDP19AK140 is stored as information different from the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. Alternatively, in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, log information related to an error generated by, for example, the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is stored. On the other hand, in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, for example, log information regarding an error that has occurred in the image display device 5 is stored. In addition, the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may store log information related to arbitrary electronic components that are different from each other.

In the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event related to the first control unit 44AK10A may be stored, and in addition to or instead of this, the first 2. Log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event related to the control unit 44AK10B may be stored. In the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event related to the second control unit 44AK10B may be stored, and in addition to or instead of this, the first control Log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event related to the unit 44AK10A may be stored. When both log information is stored in both log areas, even if a storage error occurs in one log area, inspection such as analysis can be performed using the log information stored in the other log area. It becomes possible and the reliability of the stored data is improved. The configuration and function of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 regarding the CPU 19AK131 and the configuration and function of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 regarding the VDP19AK140 are not limited to those divided into the first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B. For example, the configuration and functions of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 with respect to the CPU 19AK131 may be divided into a first control unit 44AK10A and a second control unit 44AK10B. In addition, the first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B may be provided corresponding to a plurality of CPUs. The first control unit 44AK10A may have a configuration and a function related to a CPU, and the second control unit 44AK10B may have a configuration and a function related to light emission control.

The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B are different from the first effect control board 44AK12A on which the first control unit 44AK10A is mounted and the second effect control board 44AK12B on which the second control unit 44AK10B is mounted. For example, it may be mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14. In this case, the log information about the electronic component called the first control unit 44AK10A mounted on the first effect control board 44AK12A and the log information about the electronic component called the second control unit 44AK10B mounted on the second effect control board 44AK12B. Can be stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the second backup storage unit 44AK11B mounted on the common backup memory board 19AK14. As described above, the backup data indicating the log information regarding the plurality of electronic components provided on the plurality of control boards may be stored in the log area of the storage device provided on the common backup memory board. Alternatively, the first backup memory board on which the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is mounted and the second backup memory board on which the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is mounted are combined with the first effect control board 44AK12A or the second effect control board 44AK12B. It may be provided as a substrate different from the above.

For example, the storage data capacity of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is 1 MB (megabytes). On the other hand, the storage data capacity of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is 512 KB (kilobytes). As described above, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be configured as storage devices different from each other in that the storage data capacities are different. Alternatively, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is configured by using, for example, a non-volatile ferroelectric memory. On the other hand, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is configured by using, for example, a SRAM with a battery. When a non-volatile ferroelectric memory is used, the stored data can be erased by inputting a specific signal such as a clear signal. When a SRAM with a battery is used, the stored data can be erased by removing the battery, for example, in addition to inputting a specific signal. Alternatively, the storage data transmission method may be different between the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. For example, the storage data of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is transmitted by the serial communication method, and the storage data of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is transmitted by the parallel communication method. The combination of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B and the serial communication method and the parallel communication method can be arbitrarily changed. In this case, as the serial communication method, communication data corresponding to the serial communication standard whose communication speed is faster than the parallel communication method may be transmitted / received, or the serial communication standard whose communication speed is slower than the parallel communication method may be used. Corresponding communication data may be transmitted and received. Regardless of the serial communication standard, the transmission speed of the stored data may differ depending on the configuration of the data line (whether or not it is shared, etc.), the hardware configuration of the communication circuit, or a combination thereof. As described above, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B are different in the method of realizing the backup function, the point that the forming material of the memory cell is different, the method of erasing the stored data, and the storage data. Both storage units may be configured as different storage devices in that the transmission method or the transmission speed of the stored data is different. In addition, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be configured as storage devices that are different from each other due to any difference. In the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, the storage data capacity, the method of realizing the backup function, the material forming the memory cell, the method of erasing the stored data, and any other device configuration and storage function. Of these, part or all of them may be configured as a common storage device. The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can be freely combined in terms of configuration and function.

The first backup storage unit 44AK11A can hold the stored contents without using a backup power supply, for example, when it is configured by using a non-volatile ferroelectric memory. In this case, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can hold the stored contents by using the backup power supply, for example, when it is configured by using the SRAM with a battery. In such a configuration, the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be partially or wholly stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. When a part of the log information is stored, the target log information is based on the update frequency, the amount of update data, the importance of the data, the target part, the target control, a combination of some or all of them, and the like. , It may be decided in advance. In a storage device capable of holding stored contents using a backup power supply, the stored data is erased when the backup power supply is lost. Therefore, by storing the stored data of the storage device that can hold the stored contents using the backup power supply in the storage device that can hold the stored contents without using the backup power supply, the storage data can be surely lost. Can be prevented.

Whether to display on the maintenance history screen depending on whether the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. The setting may be different. For example, the log information stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A can be displayed on the maintenance history screen, while the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. May be set not to be displayed. Even in this case, if the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is also stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, substantially all the log information can be stored. It can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. However, the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is not a read target when the maintenance history screen is displayed, and therefore the log information stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. The handling is different from. Not limited to the display of the maintenance history screen, the setting of whether or not to read the log information when performing arbitrary output differs between the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. May be good. As described above, in the range of the log information stored in the log area of either the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, the limit is that the log information is not read when outputting. Restrictions may be provided. On the other hand, in the range of log information stored in the other log area, it may be a read target when outputting.

The configurations and functions of the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are the first effect control board 44AK12A provided with the first control unit 44AK10A and the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, the second control unit 44AK10B, and the second backup storage. It is realized by a configuration divided into a second effect control board 44AK12B provided with a portion 44AK11B. In this case, for example, a separate developer shares the development of the configuration and functions included in the first effect control board 44AK12A and the development of the configurations and functions provided in the second effect control board 44AK12B, and proceeds in parallel. be able to. As a result, the burden of development work can be reduced and an increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented.

(Explanation of feature 45AK)
FIG. 11-16 shows a setting example of an inspection designation command related to the feature unit 45AK. The inspection specification command is included in a plurality of test commands received when executing a backup inspection process, for example. FIG. 11-16 (A) shows a setting example 45AK01 of an inspection designation command capable of specifying an inspection output unit and a communication method. The inspection output unit may be specified by selecting a connector to be used as the inspection signal output unit from, for example, connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. The inspection output unit may be capable of inputting / outputting inspection signals and outputting read signals corresponding to backup data. The communication method may be parallel or serial, and in the case of serial, serial communication standards such as UART, SPI, and I2C may be selected and specified. As the inspection designation command in the setting example 45AK01, a plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 are prepared in advance. The plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 may differ from the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 and the designated contents of the communication method.

The connector 19AK152 is wired and connected to the effect control relay board 19AK17, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as a driver circuit mounted on the driver board 19AK19, an effect motor 19AK60, and an effect LED 19AK61. The connector 19AK153 is wired and connected to the lamp output board 19AK13, and can output a control signal for an electronic component such as a driver circuit mounted on the lamp output board 19AK13. The connector 19AK154 is wired and connected to the backup memory board 19AK14, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as the RTC19AK201 mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14, the serial communication circuit 19AK202, and the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The connector 19AK155 is connected by wiring to the effect data memory board 19AK16, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as a plurality of effect data memories mounted on the effect data memory board 19AK16. As described above, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components. On the other hand, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 are designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation command 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, so that the backup data reading signal indicating the log information read from the log area is read. It is possible to output a read signal according to the stored information. Since the connector 19AK156 is wired and connected to the inspection device of the pachinko gaming machine 1, no control signal for the electronic component is output. On the other hand, the connector 19AK156 can output a read signal according to the stored information, such as a read signal of backup data indicating the log information read from the log area. For example, the connector 19AK156 becomes an output terminal of a read signal according to the log information by being designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4.

The inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 that can be designated by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 may include a part of the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156 or may include all of the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. Further, the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 may include a connector common to each other, or may include a connector different from other inspection output units. For example, the connector 19AK152 for the effect relay wiring can input and output a plurality of types of control signals and detection signals according to the specifications of various circuits mounted on the effect control relay board 19AK17, the audio output board 19AK18, and the driver board 19AK19. It may be configured and included in the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4. On the other hand, for example, the connector 19AK153 for frame lamp wiring is included in the inspection output unit 45AKC1 of the inspection designation command 45AKA1 which is configured so that parallel signals can be input and output and parallel is designated as a communication method. On the other hand, the connector 19AK153 is not included in the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA2 to 45AKA4 in which one of the serial communication standards is specified as the communication method. Further, for example, the connector 19AK154 for backup wiring is configured to be capable of inputting and outputting signals conforming to the SPI serial communication standard, and the inspection output unit 45AKC3 of the inspection designation command 45AKA3 in which the SPI serial communication standard is specified as the communication method. include. On the other hand, the connector 19AK154 is not included in the inspection output units 45AKC1, 45AKC2, 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA1, 45AKA2, 45AKA4 in which the serial signal standard of parallel or UART or I2C is specified as the communication method. As described above, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components include a connector 152 capable of outputting signals by a plurality of signal methods and connectors 19AK153 and 19AK154 capable of outputting signals by a specific signal method. May include. Further, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156 that can be designated as the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 output the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components and the control signals for the electronic components. It may include a connector 19AK156 which is not used. By designating the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 with the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, a signal output unit corresponding to a plurality of types of received information can be selected from a plurality of different signal output units such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. Then, inspection information corresponding to the inspection signal, such as a backup data read signal, can be output.

The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 can execute various lottery processes related to the presence / absence of the effect and the effect mode, such as a lottery process for the advance notice effect. Based on the lottery result by such lottery processing, control signals corresponding to various control information are output. For example, when it is decided to execute a specific advance notice effect as a result of the lottery of the advance notice effect, the control signal for reading the pattern data of the advance notice effect control pattern corresponding to the advance notice effect is a connector for the effect data wiring. It is output from 19AK155 and transmitted to the production data memory board 19AK16 via the production data wiring. In this case, a control signal (voice signal) for controlling the sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R and a control signal for controlling the driving state of the effect motor 19AK60 according to the pattern data of the read advance notice effect control pattern. (Drive control signal) and the like are output from the effect relay wiring connector 19AK152 and transmitted to the effect control relay board 19AK17 via the effect relay wiring. Further, a control signal (illumination signal) for controlling the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9 is output from the connector 19AK153 for the frame lamp wiring and transmitted to the lamp output board via the frame lamp wiring. On the other hand, the backup wiring connector 19AK154 can output control signals for electronic components such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14, and this control signal is a lottery result by lottery processing. It is not output based on. As described above, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components include connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals based on the lottery result, and connectors 19AK154 different from these. There is.

The connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 may be capable of outputting a control signal based on the lottery result and output a control signal not based on the lottery result. As an example, when a customer waiting demo designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, a control signal for controlling the demonstration effect without executing the lottery process is output from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155 and the like. To. Of these, the effect relay wiring connector 19AK152 is a control signal (voice signal) for controlling the sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R and a control signal (drive control signal) for controlling the drive state of the effect motor 19AK60. It is possible to output a control signal according to the control information of the speakers 8L and 8R as the effect device, the effect motor 19AK60, and the effect LED 19AK61. The connector 19AK153 for the frame lamp wiring can output a control signal corresponding to the control information of the game effect lamp 9 as an effect device, such as a control signal (illumination signal) for controlling the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9. is there. On the other hand, the connector 19AK155 for the effect data wiring can output a control signal corresponding to the control information of the electronic component different from the effect device, such as the control signal for controlling the read process of the effect data memory. Further, the backup wiring connector 19AK154 can output a control signal according to control information of an electronic component different from the effect device, such as a control signal for controlling the read process and the write process of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. Is. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components are the connectors 19AK152 and 19AK153 capable of outputting control signals according to the control information of the effect device, and the control signals for electronic components other than the effect device. Includes connectors 19AK154 and 19AK155 capable of outputting.

FIG. 11-16 (B) shows a setting example 45AK02 of an inspection designation command capable of specifying inspection output data. The inspection output data can be specified by selecting a part or all of the data stored in the log area of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 as backup data indicating the log information. It should be. The inspection output data is output from the connector designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation command 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 among the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. As the inspection designation command in the setting example 45AK02, a plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 are prepared in advance. The inspection output data of the plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 are different.

The inspection designation command 45AKB1 designates system data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB2 designates the effect control error data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation 45 command AKB3 designates the player history data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB4 designates the received command data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB5 designates the change time data at the time of setting as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB6 designates the power saving setting data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB7 designates the current time setting data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB8 designates the power off time data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB9 designates the store name setting data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB10 designates the effect output amount data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB11 designates the effect history data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB12 designates all stored data as inspection output data.

The backup data that can be output by designating it as the inspection output data may indicate information related to a plurality of electronic components or may indicate game-related information related to the game. For example, when the effect control error data is specified as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB2, the backup data including the effect control error data can be output, and the error generated in the electronic parts including the effect device can be specified. Backup data is output.

On the other hand, when the player history data is specified as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB3, the backup data including the player history data can be output, and whether an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. Regardless of whether or not, the backup data at the time of updating the updated data about the player is output. When the received command data is specified as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB4, the backup data including the received command data can be output regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic parts has occurred. The backup data at the time of receiving the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is output. When the store name setting data is specified as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB9, the backup data including the store name setting data can be output regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic parts has occurred. Instead, the backup data when the name of the store corresponding to the amusement park is set is output. When the system data is specified as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB1, the backup data including the system data can be output. Backup data including system data is stored regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic parts has occurred and backup data at the time of data update due to an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic parts has occurred. Includes backup data when updating data. By outputting the backup data at the time of data update for the system data, the backup data when an event corresponding to multiple electronic parts occurs and regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to multiple electronic parts occurs. The backup data at the time of data update is output. In this way, it is possible to output information about electronic parts, game-related information about games, or general information that is not related to electronic parts or games, according to the specified contents of the inspection output data by the inspection designation command. .. It should be noted that the information about the electronic component is not limited to the specified content of the inspection output data by the inspection designation command, and the information about the electronic component can be obtained according to an arbitrary detection result such as the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B. , Game-related information related to the game, or output information such as electronic components and general information unrelated to the game may be switchable. Output information such as information about electronic components, game-related information about games, and general information that is not related to electronic components or games can be switched according to arbitrary control or processing, not limited to detection results. All you need is.

(Explanation of Problem Solving Means and Effects of Feature 41AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, which can control a plurality of electronic parts, for example, a control means such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the game machine is stopped. However, it is provided with storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which can retain the stored contents and can store information about a plurality of electronic parts, and the control means is an event corresponding to the plurality of electronic parts. When the generation condition is satisfied, as the writing process for writing the information to the storage means, for example, the writing process by the memory writing processing unit 41AKAM10 can be executed, and the storage means includes, for example, the backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13. A storage area in which the first information corresponding to the first generation condition is written, such as the backup storage unit 41AKA1, and a storage area in which the second information corresponding to the second generation condition is written are provided as one continuous area. For example, when the first generation condition and the second generation condition are satisfied, such as write prohibition when the writing flag 41AKF1 is on, while the process of writing the information corresponding to one condition is being executed, the other Do not execute the process of writing the information corresponding to the condition. As described above, during the execution of the process of writing the information corresponding to one of the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition, the process of writing the information corresponding to the other is not executed, so that the conflict of the information writing process is avoided. To. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The generation condition may be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, the writing process of writing the information about the electronic component to the storage means is executed to store the information about the electronic component including the control means. be able to. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The first occurrence condition can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control means such as CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, and the second occurrence condition depends on the control means such as the effect control error determination 41AKC3. It can be established according to the processing result. For example, as shown in FIG. 11-4 (B), when the first occurrence condition is satisfied, the writing process has priority over the case where the second occurrence condition is satisfied. May be feasible. In this way, when the first generation condition that can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, the writing is prioritized over the case where the second generation condition that can be satisfied according to the processing result by the control means is satisfied. When the embedded process is executed, the priority of the write process is set while avoiding conflict in the write process of the information about the electronic component. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times, the next condition is set according to the execution information indicating that the process of writing the information corresponding to the previous condition is being executed, for example, the writing flag 41AKF1. The process of writing the corresponding information may be restricted. If the process of writing information is restricted according to such execution information, process conflicts can be easily avoided. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

In the writing process, the same information may be stored in a plurality of storage areas such as backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this way, if the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas, the reliability of the information is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When a writing condition different from the generation condition is satisfied, the control means writes game-related information different from the information related to a plurality of electronic components to the storage means, for example, a backup process according to the setting of the backup control table. May be feasible. In this way, if the process of writing the game-related information can be executed in response to the writing conditions different from the generation conditions, various information can be stored and managed. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, an output means capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 and capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to the storage information of the storage means may be provided. Since such an output means can output a control signal and a read signal, it is possible to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated and the manufacturing cost from increasing. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

A first output means such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and a read signal corresponding to the stored information of the storage means unlike the first output means, for example, connector 19AK156. A second output means such as the above may be provided. As described above, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals is prevented. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

(Explanation of problem-solving means and effects of feature 42AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, which can control a plurality of electronic parts, for example, a control means such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the game machine is stopped. However, it is provided with storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which can retain the stored contents and can store information about a plurality of electronic parts, and the control means is an event corresponding to the plurality of electronic parts. When the generation condition is satisfied, for example, a writing process by the memory writing processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 can be executed as a writing process for writing information to the storage means, and the storage means can execute, for example, the backup storage area 42AKA111 to 42AKA113. A storage area in which the first information corresponding to the first generation condition is written, such as the backup storage unit 42AKA11 including the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage unit 42AKA21 including the backup storage area 42AKA211 to 42AKA213, and the backup storage unit 42AKA31 including the backup storage area 42AKA311-42AKA313. , The storage area in which the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition is written is provided as a different area, and the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition such as the memory write processing by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13, etc. When is satisfied, the process of writing the information corresponding to the other condition can be executed even during the execution of the process of writing the information corresponding to one condition. In this way, while the process of writing the information corresponding to one of the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition is being executed, the process of writing the information corresponding to the other can be executed, so that the efficiency of the process of writing the information is improved. .. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The generation condition may be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, the writing process of writing the information about the electronic component to the storage means is executed to store the information about the electronic component including the control means. be able to. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The first occurrence condition can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control means such as CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, and the second occurrence condition depends on the control means such as the effect control error determination 41AKC3. It can be established according to the processing result. For example, as shown in FIG. 11-4 (B), when the first occurrence condition is satisfied, the writing process has priority over the case where the second occurrence condition is satisfied. May be feasible. In this way, when the first generation condition that can be satisfied according to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, the writing is prioritized over the case where the second generation condition that can be satisfied according to the processing result by the control means is satisfied. When the embedded process is executed, the priority of the write process is set while avoiding conflict in the write process of the information about the electronic component. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times, the next condition is set according to the execution information indicating that the process of writing the information corresponding to the previous condition is being executed, for example, the writing flag 41AKF1. The process of writing the corresponding information may be restricted. If the process of writing information is restricted according to such execution information, process conflicts can be easily avoided. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

In the writing process, the same information may be stored in a plurality of storage areas such as backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this way, if the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas, the reliability of the information is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When a writing condition different from the generation condition is satisfied, the control means writes game-related information different from the information related to a plurality of electronic components to the storage means, for example, a backup process according to the setting of the backup control table. May be feasible. In this way, if the process of writing the game-related information can be executed in response to the writing conditions different from the generation conditions, various information can be stored and managed. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, an output means capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 and capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to the storage information of the storage means may be provided. Since such an output means can output a control signal and a read signal, it is possible to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated and the manufacturing cost from increasing. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

A first output means such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and a read signal corresponding to the stored information of the storage means unlike the first output means, for example, connector 19AK156. A second output means such as the above may be provided. As described above, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals is prevented. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

(Explanation of problem-solving means and effects of feature unit 43AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, which can control a plurality of electronic parts, for example, a control means such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the game machine is stopped. However, it is provided with storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which can retain the stored contents and can store information about a plurality of electronic parts, and the control means is provided when the writing condition is satisfied. As a writing process for writing information to the storage means, for example, a writing process by the memory writing processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12 can be executed, and when writing the first information corresponding to the first generation condition, for example, the backup storage unit. When the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas such as 43AKA11 to 43AKA13 and the second information corresponding to the second generation condition is written, the information is stored in a storage area smaller than the plurality of storage areas such as the backup storage unit 43AKA21. To memorize. In this way, by providing a case where the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas and a case where the information is stored in a storage area smaller than the plurality of storage areas, various types of information corresponding to information on a plurality of electronic components are provided. Memory is done. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When the stored information is determined to be normal in a predetermined number of storage areas among a plurality of storage areas that store the same information as the first information, recovery is performed based on the stored information, for example, recovery by information processing at power-on. The process may be executable. In this way, the recovery process is executed when the stored information is determined to be normal in a predetermined number of storage areas, so that the reliability of recovery based on the stored information is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When the stored information corresponding to the second information is determined to be abnormal, it may be possible to execute an initial process for setting the initial information, for example, setting an initial value by information processing at power-on. Since the initial process for setting the initial information is executed in this way, a problem when it is determined to be abnormal can be prevented. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The second generation condition may be satisfied less frequently than the first generation condition, for example, a backup condition when power saving is set. In this way, various memories are performed by providing the second generation condition that is less frequently satisfied. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The second information may be setting information that can be set by the administrator of the game machine, such as power saving setting data. In this way, various storage is performed by storing the setting information that can be set by the administrator of the game machine. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, connection wiring for connecting control means and storage means such as wiring connected to terminals TM03 and TM04 of connector 19AK154 and terminals TM13 and TM14 of connector 19AK220, and terminals TM01 and TM02 of connector 19AK154 and terminal TM11 of connector 19AK220, for example. , The wiring for confirming the connection between the control means and the storage means, such as the wiring connected to the TM12, may be provided. In this way, by providing the connection confirmation wiring that can confirm the connection state, the certainty of memory is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, an output means capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 and capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to the storage information of the storage means may be provided. Since such an output means can output a control signal and a read signal, it is possible to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated and the manufacturing cost from increasing. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, a first output means capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 and a read signal corresponding to the stored information of the storage means unlike the first output means such as the connector 19AK156 can be output. A second output means may be provided. As described above, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals is prevented. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

(Explanation of Problem Solving Means and Effects of Feature 44AK)
A gaming machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1, such as a first control unit 44AK10A, a first control means capable of controlling a first electronic component, and a second control unit 44AK10B, for example. , The second control means capable of controlling the second electronic component, the stored contents can be retained even when the power supply to the game machine is stopped, and the information regarding the first control means and the second control means can be stored, for example. A storage means such as backup data memory 19AK210A to 19AK210D is provided, and when a writing condition is satisfied, a writing process of writing information to the storage means can be executed, and the storage means stores information about the first control means. Possible, for example, a first storage means such as the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and a second storage means such as the second backup storage unit 44AK11B which can store information about the second control means unlike the first storage means. And include. As described above, unlike the first storage means that can store information about the first control means, by providing the second storage means that can store the information about the second control means, various storages according to the control means are provided. Is done. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

When writing the information about the first control means, for example, a CPU exception event occurrence process or a VDP error interrupt process may be executed as a process different from the case where the information about the second control means is written. By executing different processes in this way, various memories are performed according to the control means. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The first storage means can store information about an event that occurs according to the first electronic component, such as log information including exception event information of the CPU 19AK131, and the second storage means stores, for example, VDP error interrupt information of the VDP19AK140. Information on an event that occurs according to the second electronic component, such as log information including the information, may be stored. In this way, by storing information about the occurrence event corresponding to different electronic components, various storages corresponding to the electronic components are performed. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The first control means can be installed as a substrate different from the first storage means, for example, on the first effect control board 44AK12A, and the second control means can be installed as a substrate different from the second storage means, for example, the second effect. It may be installed on a control board 44AK12B or the like. By installing the control means and the storage means on different substrates in this way, maintenance work becomes easy and a flexible device configuration becomes possible. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The first storage means can hold the stored contents by using a backup power source, for example, when a SRAM with a battery is used, and the second storage means is a backup power source, for example, when a non-volatile ferroelectric memory is used. The stored contents can be retained without using the above, and the second storage means may be able to store a part of the stored contents in the first storage means. In this way, a part of the stored contents in the first storage means is also stored in the second storage means, so that the certainty of the memory is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, the connection wiring for connecting the first control means and the second control means and the storage means, such as the wiring connected to the terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM13 and TM14 of the connector 19AK220, and the terminal TM01 of the connector 19AK154, for example. A connection confirmation wiring that can confirm the connection state between the first control means and the second control means and the storage means, such as the wiring connected to the terminals TM11 and TM12 of the TM02 and the connector 19AK220, may be provided. In this way, by providing the connection confirmation wiring that can confirm the connection state, the certainty of memory is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, a display means such as an image display device 5 may be provided, and the storage information of the second storage means may be output by the display of the display means, for example, when displaying the maintenance history screen. By outputting the stored information by display in this way, it becomes easy to confirm the stored contents. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

For example, a first output means capable of outputting control signals for the first electronic component and the second electronic component such as the connector 19AK152 to 19AK155, and a read according to the storage information of the storage means unlike the first output means such as the connector 19AK156. A second output means capable of outputting a signal may be provided. As described above, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals is prevented. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

(Explanation of problem-solving means and effects of feature 45AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, capable of controlling electronic components, for example, a control means such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and a connector capable of outputting a control signal, for example. It is provided with an output means such as 19AK152 to 19AK155, and the output means can output a control signal corresponding to at least a part of control information based on a lottery result by the control means, for example, a first such as a connector 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155. The output means and a second output means different from the first output means include, for example, a connector 19AK154 and the like. As described above, by providing the second output means different from the first output means capable of outputting the control signal based on the lottery result, various signals are output. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The second output means outputs a control signal via a path different from that of the first output means in the same substrate as the first output means, for example, when a connector 19AK154 different from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 is installed. It may be possible. In this way, since the control signals are output via different paths, the certainty of various signal outputs is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal according to the control information of the effect device, for example, when the connector 19AK152 is designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4. In this way, by outputting the control signal according to the control information of the effect device, various signals are output. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal having a signal method different from that of the first output means, such as a communication method according to the output unit setting example 45AK01. By outputting control signals of different signal methods in this way, various signals are output. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

A mounting member such as a connector 19AK156 capable of mounting a connecting means to which the inspection device of the game machine is connected may be provided, and the mounting member may be soldered when the connecting means is not mounted. By performing such a soldering treatment, disconnection due to oxidation or corrosion is prevented when the material is not mounted. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The control means can execute, for example, a backup inspection process as an inspection process for outputting inspection information about electronic components based on the received information, and responds to a plurality of types of received information such as inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4. Inspection information may be output by different output means. In this way, the inspection information is output by the output means according to the received information, so that the flexibility of information output is enhanced. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

The output means may be capable of outputting information on electronic components such as effect control error data and game-related information on games such as system data and received command data. In this way, by outputting the information about the electronic components and the game-related information about the game, various information is output. This makes it possible to manage the information appropriately.

(Explanation of feature parts 19AK and 20AK)
FIG. 11-17 is a flowchart showing an example of backup processing during effect control relating to the feature units 19AK and 20AK. FIG. 11-18 shows an example of the configuration and function relating to the feature portions 19AK and 20AK. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the hardware resources including various control boards and the software that performs predetermined processing including backup processing during production control cooperate with each other in the configuration and functions shown in FIGS. 11-18. It suffices if it is feasible.

The feature units 19AK and 20AK are provided with a backup storage unit 19AKA1 and a backup data buffer 19AKB1. The backup storage unit 19AKA1 can store the entire backup data including various log information in response to a backup instruction. The backup data buffer 19AKAB1 can store backup data including log information to be written in the backup storage unit 19AKA1. The backup storage unit 19AKA1 is provided in, for example, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The backup data buffer 19AKB1 is provided in, for example, an external RAM 19AK122. A part or all of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be provided in the internal RAM 19AK133.

The target data storage unit 19AKM1 is provided in one or both of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133. When the backup recovery process is executed in the target data storage unit 19AKA1, the backup data including the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is read out and updated according to the progress of the game or the production. Can be remembered. As described above, when the power supply in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the stored information of the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be read out to the external RAM 19AK122 or the like and recovered. The stored data of the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the target data storage unit 19AKAM1 are system data, effect control error data, player history data, received command data, set value change time data, power saving setting data, and current time change as backup target data. It suffices to include some or all of the data, the power off time data, the store name setting data, the effect output amount data, and the effect history data. The backup target data may be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 or the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with the date and time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135, for example. The effect history data may include setting suggestion ratio history information indicating a history in which the ratio of the setting suggestion effect is changed. The execution ratio of the setting suggestion effect can be changed according to whether or not the set value has been changed, the current set value, the history of the set value changed up to the previous time, or a combination of some or all of these. There may be.

The storage contents of the backup data buffer 19AKAB1 are written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 based on the establishment of a predetermined writing condition. The backup data buffer 19AKA1 is specified based on the log information included in the target range to be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. The difference information is stored. The difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKA1 in this way is written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 according to the satisfaction of the writing conditions.

The backup data buffer 19AKB1 includes a difference stack 20AKB11 and a write buffer 20AKB12. The difference stack 20AKB 11 provides a first storage area capable of storing difference information that has not yet been written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. The write buffer 20AKB 12 provides a second storage area that can store the difference information written in the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may be capable of realizing various functions included in the feature units 19AK and 20AK by executing various processes based on a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132. .. For example, the function of the power-on information processing unit 19AKC1 can be realized by executing the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23 of the effect control main process. Further, for example, by executing the backup process during the effect control in step 19AKS79 of the timer interrupt process for effect control, the difference stack update process unit 19AKC2, the write buffer update process unit 19AKC3, and the backup data write process unit 19AKC4 The function is feasible. The functions of the power-on information processing unit 19AKC1 and the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 may be realized by the CPU 19AK131 cooperating with the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14.

When the backup process during production control is executed in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, it is first determined whether or not the write start condition is satisfied (step 19AKS101 in FIG. 11-17). The write start condition may be predetermined as a start condition of the process of writing the backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not the write start condition is satisfied according to the update state of the difference information in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is satisfied when the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 reaches a predetermined amount of information. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is satisfied when the transfer of the difference information from the difference stack 20AKB11 to the write buffer 20AKB12 is completed. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is satisfied when a predetermined time elapses after the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 is updated.

If the writing start condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS101; Yes), it is determined whether or not the difference update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS102). The difference update condition may be predetermined as an execution condition of the process of updating the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not the difference update condition is satisfied according to the update state of the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition is satisfied each time the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is updated. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition is satisfied when the amount of data to be updated among the stored data in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 reaches a specific amount of data. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition is satisfied every time a predetermined time elapses, regardless of the storage content of the target data storage unit 19AKM1. In addition, the difference update condition may be set so as to be able to be established at a predetermined timing regardless of the progress of the game or effect on the pachinko game machine 1 or regardless of the progress of the game or effect on the pachinko game machine 1. ..

When the difference update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS102; Yes), the difference stack update process is executed (step 19AKS103). The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 makes it possible for the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 to update the stored contents of the difference stack 20AKB11 by executing the difference stack update process. The difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 specifies log information newly written to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 as difference information as the game or effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1 progresses, and temporarily stores the difference stack 20AKB11. Just memorize it. The backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKA1 indicates log information included in the target range stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1. Therefore, the log information newly written to the target data storage unit 19AKA1 is the difference information different from the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. If the backup data of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 stored at the time of turning on the power is controlled so as not to be updated after the power is turned on, the newly generated log information is directly used as the difference information in the difference stack 20AKB11. You may memorize it.

It is determined whether or not the buffer update condition is satisfied when the difference update condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS102; No) or after the difference stack update process of step 19AKS103 is executed (step 19AKS104). The buffer update condition may be predetermined as an execution condition of the process of updating the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not the buffer update condition is satisfied according to the update state of the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the buffer update condition is satisfied when the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 reaches a predetermined amount of information. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the buffer update condition is satisfied when a predetermined time elapses after the difference information is stored in the difference stack 20AKB11.

If the buffer update condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS104; No), the backup process during effect control is terminated. When the buffer update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS104; Yes), the write buffer update process is executed (step 19AKS105), and then the backup process during effect control is terminated. The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes the write buffer update process, and the write buffer update process unit 19AKC3 transfers the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 to the write buffer 20AKB12 for a temporary period of time. Remember. The write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 replaces the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 so that the difference stack 20AKB11 before replacement functions as the write buffer 20AKB12 after replacement, and the write buffer 20AKB12 before replacement is replaced. It may function as a later difference stack 20AKB11.

If the write start condition is satisfied when the backup process is executed during the effect control (step 19AKS101; No), the buffer write prohibition setting is performed (step 19AKS106). The buffer write prohibition setting is a setting for prohibiting data writing to the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 provided in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. By setting the buffer write prohibition in step 19AKS106, during the execution of the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the write buffer 20AKB12 is executed. Update of the stored difference information is prohibited. Further, during a period in which the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is not updated, the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is performed. It becomes feasible. By prohibiting the update of the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKA1 in this way, the difference information written in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is protected and the accuracy is improved.

After the buffer write prohibition setting in step 19AKS106, the backup data write start setting is performed (step 19AKS107). For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a backup command for backup during the effect control to the backup memory board 19AK14. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to a backup command for backup during production control, and permits writing of data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

Following the writing start setting in step 19AKS107, the backup data writing process is executed (step 19AKS108). The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes the backup data writing process, and the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 transfers the data indicating the difference information stored in the writing buffer 20AKB12 to the backup memory board 19AK14. Transfer to. The memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 may write and store data indicating the difference information transferred from the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The data transfer from the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be performed in predetermined block units.

When the backup data writing process is executed in step 19AKS108, it is determined whether or not the writing is completed (step 19AKS109). The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine that the writing is completed each time one block of data is transferred and written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. If the writing is not completed (step 19AKS109; No), the backup data writing process according to step 19AKS108 may be repeatedly executed.

When the writing is completed (step 19AKS109; Yes), it is determined whether or not the writing completed data corresponds to the final block (step 19AKS110). If it is not the final block (step 19AKS110; No), the process returns to step 19AKS107 and the backup data writing process corresponding to the next block is executed.

If it is the final block (step 19AKS110; Yes), the backup data write end setting is set (step 19AKS111). For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a backup end command for backup during effect control to the backup memory board 19AK14. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to the backup end command for backup during the effect control, and prohibits the writing of data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

Following the writing end setting in step 19AKS111, the buffer write permission setting is made (step 19AKS112), and then the backup process during production control is terminated. The buffer write permission setting is a setting for permitting data to be written to the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 provided in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. By setting the buffer write permission in step 19AKS112, the backup including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is performed during the period in which the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is not executed. The difference information stored in the data buffer 19AKB1 is updated. Further, when the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is updated, the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is not executed. ..

FIG. 11-19 shows an example of a state transition relating to writing backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. In the feature units 19AK and 20AK, it is possible to transition to a plurality of states such as a writing completion state 19AKD1, a writing start state 19AKD2, and a writing state 19AKD3 as states related to writing backup data. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on when the power supply is started, the backup data has been written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 in the 19AKD1 state.

If the write start condition is satisfied in step 19AKS101 of the backup process during the effect control when the write completion state is 19AKD1, the write start state is 19AKD2. In the write start state 19AKD2, the buffer write prohibition setting is set in step 19AKS106, so that the writing of data to the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is prohibited. After that, as an unconditional transition due to the setting of starting writing of backup data in step 19AKS107, the state of writing is 19AKD3.

In the writing state 19AKD3, the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108 is executed in the backup process during the effect control, so that the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 displays the difference information stored in the writing buffer 20AKB12. Write to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. If the writing is completed in step 19AKS109 but not the final block in step 19AKS110, the process returns to the writing start state 19AKD2 as a transition before the final block accompanying the completion of writing. In this case, the backup data writing start setting is performed again in step 19AKS107, so that the writing state is 19AKD3.

When the writing state is 19AKD3 and the writing is completed in step 19AKS109 of the backup process during production control, if the final block is in step 19AKS110, the backup data is stored in step 19AKS111. By setting the write end and setting the buffer write permission in step 19AKS112, the write complete state 19AKD1 is set as the transition at the final block accompanying the write completion.

When the write completion state is 19AKD1, for example, when the difference update condition of step 19AKS102 is satisfied in the backup process during production control, the difference stack update process of step 19AKS103 is executed, so that the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 , The storage of the difference information in the difference stack 20AKB11 is updated. Further, when the write completion state is 19AKD1, when the buffer update condition of step 19AKS104 is satisfied, the write buffer update process of step 19AKS105 is executed, and the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 causes the difference stack. The difference information stored in the 20AKB 11 is stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. After that, the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 can be written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 by going through the writing start state 19AKD2 and then changing to the writing state 19AKD3.

In the feature units 19AK and 20AK, the data written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is still stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 instead of all the data to be backed up based on the fact that the write start condition is satisfied once. The data shows no difference information. When the backup data is read from the backup storage unit 19AKA1 to the target data storage unit 19AKAM1 and restored with the start of power supply, and then all the data is written to and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 with the update of log information and the like. The processing load for writing data becomes excessive, and for example, data writing may not be completed during execution of backup processing during production control in response to one timer interruption. In this case, if data is written over a plurality of timer interrupts, new log information or the like is updated or power supply is stopped in the pachinko gaming machine 1 before the data writing is completed. There is a risk of inconsistency in the stored contents due to the occurrence of power interruption. In addition, if the processing load for writing data becomes excessive, there is a possibility that a delay or a loss may occur in the processing related to the control of the effect. Therefore, by writing the data indicating the difference information, it is possible to reduce the processing load, improve the accuracy of the stored contents, and prevent delays and omissions in the control of the production.

When the backup target data includes the reception command data, the storage data of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is updated every time the effect control command from the main board 11 is received. The received command data may be stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with the date and time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135, for example. In this way, a process of writing all the stored data of the target data storage unit 19AKA1 that is updated each time the effect control command is received to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and storing the data may be executed. In this case, if a long operating period exceeds the verifiable range in the test stage before shipment of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the capacity of the backup target data including the received command data increases. Therefore, the processing load of writing and storing the stored data of the target data storage unit 19AKA1 in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 becomes excessive, and problems such as processing omissions are likely to occur. On the other hand, in the feature units 19AK and 20AK, the difference information specified by using the storage data of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 of the backup data buffer 19AKB1, and is stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. The difference information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is written and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1. As a result, even if a long operating period has passed, the processing load for storing the backup target data is reduced, so that problems such as processing omissions can be prevented and the information can be appropriately stored.

For example, the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 executes a process of specifying the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. The processing speed of the process of specifying the difference information may decrease, for example, when the usage rate of the CPU 19AK131 in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 increases. On the other hand, in the full backup process in which all the stored data of the target data storage unit 19AKA1 is written and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the rate of insufficient processing time increases as the storage data increases. Therefore, the problem that the processing speed for specifying the difference information is lowered can be made lower in the occurrence rate than the problem that the processing time of the full backup process is insufficient. In particular, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a long operating period elapses, the amount of data to be backed up becomes excessive in the full backup process, and the processing time is frequently insufficient. On the other hand, since the process of specifying the difference information can be executed in response to the update of the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1, the processing speed is unlikely to decrease even if the amount of data increases. In this way, by executing the process of specifying the difference information and writing the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, problems such as processing omissions can be caused by reducing the processing load. This prevents information from being properly stored.

The backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the backup data buffer 19AKAB1 may be configured so as to be able to be combined with a part or all of the feature units 41AK to 45AK. For example, the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be configured as a plurality of backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 with respect to the feature unit 41AK. Further, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be configured as the backup data buffer 41AKB1 related to the feature unit 41AK. In this case, the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 may be stored by copying and writing to a plurality of backup storage areas in the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In the backup process during production control, the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108 may be executed so that the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 can write and store the same difference information in a plurality of backup storage areas.

Even in such a configuration, the backup data writing process in step 19AKS108 can be executed after the buffer write prohibition setting is made in step 19AKS106. Then, in step 19AKS110, the buffer write permission is set in step 19AKS112 according to the final block. By enabling the backup data write process to be executed after the buffer write prohibition setting is made in this way, the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 are included until the writing to the plurality of backup storage areas is completed. Update of the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is prohibited. Even when writing to and storing in multiple backup storage areas, the process of specifying the difference information is executed and the data showing the difference information less than the entire data to be backed up is written. By making it possible to write to a plurality of backup storage areas in response to one timer interruption, the accuracy of the stored contents is improved and the information can be appropriately stored.

When the buffer write prohibition setting is set in step 19AKS106 of the backup process during the effect control, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 prohibits the writing of data to the write buffer 20AKB12, while writing the data to the difference buffer 20AKB11. May be set not to be prohibited. According to such a setting, even during the period when the storage data of the write buffer 20AKB12 is written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the process of specifying the difference information is executed and the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 is stored. Can be updated. By making it possible to write data to the difference stack 20AKB11 in this way, the difference information is unlikely to increase. Therefore, by reducing the processing load for specifying the difference information, problems such as processing omissions are prevented, and data indicating the difference information is shown. The reliability of the information is increased, and the information can be stored properly.

(Explanation of problem-solving means and effects of feature unit 19AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, which can be written by a control means such as a CPU 19AK131 of a production control microcomputer 19AK120, for example, a backup memory of backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. A storage means such as unit 19AKA1 and a temporary storage means such as an external RAM 19AK122 and a backup data buffer 19AKB1 of an internal RAM 19AK133 that can store information to be written in the storage means are provided, and the control means is during the effect control of step 19AKS79, for example. A specific write process for writing the stored contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means can be executed based on the establishment of the write condition such as a backup process. As the specific write process, for example, the difference stack update process and the step of step 19AKS103. Difference information is stored between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means such as the write buffer update process of 19AKS105 and the second information stored in the storage means before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. A process including a temporary storage process of specifying and storing in the temporary storage means and a differential writing process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means to the storage means, such as the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108, is executed. It is possible. In this way, by storing the specified difference information in the temporary storage means and then writing it in the storage means, the processing time for storing the information is shortened and the accuracy of the stored information is improved. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

During the execution of the difference writing process, the update of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited, for example, the prohibition setting in step 19AKS106. In this way, by prohibiting the update of the temporary storage means during the execution of the differential writing process, the stored information is protected and the accuracy is improved. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

For example, the difference writing process may be executed during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated, such as when the permission is set in step 19AKS112 and then steps 19AKS102 to 19AKS105 are executed. In this way, by executing the difference writing process during the period when the difference information is not updated, the certainty of the process of storing the information is enhanced. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

For example, when the power supply is started, the stored information of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be recovered by the information processing at the time of turning on the power of step 19AKS23, and the stored information of the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and recovered. You may. In this way, since the power can be restored at the start of power supply, the stored information can be effectively used to facilitate history management. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

The storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, and the difference is stored in the temporary storage means until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by the difference writing process. Update of information may be prohibited. By being able to store the same information in multiple storage areas in this way, the accuracy of verification is improved when an abnormality occurs, and updating of difference information is prohibited until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. By doing so, the stored information is protected and the accuracy is improved. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

(Explanation of problem-solving means and effects of feature section 20AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, for example, a pachinko game machine 1, which can be written by a control means such as a CPU 19AK131 of a production control microcomputer 19AK120, for example, a backup memory of backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. A storage means such as unit 19AKA1 and a temporary storage means such as an external RAM 19AK122 or a backup data buffer 19AKB1 of an internal RAM 19AK133 that can store information to be written in the storage means are provided, and the control means is during the effect control of step 19AKS79, for example. A specific write process for writing the stored contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means can be executed based on the establishment of the write condition such as a backup process. As the specific write process, for example, the difference stack update process and the step of step 19AKS103. Difference information is stored between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means such as the write buffer update process of 19AKS105 and the second information stored in the storage means before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. A process including a temporary storage process of specifying and storing in the temporary storage means and a differential writing process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means to the storage means, such as the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108, is executed. The temporary storage means can store the first storage area that can store the difference information that has not yet been written to the storage means, such as the difference stack 20AKB11, and the difference information that is written to the storage means, such as the write buffer 20AKB12. Includes a second storage area that can be stored. In this way, by storing the specified difference information in the temporary storage means and then writing it in the storage means, the processing time for storing the information is shortened and the accuracy of the stored information is improved, and the temporary storage means is the first storage. By including the area and the second storage area, the reliability of the difference information is enhanced. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

During the execution of the difference writing process, the update of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited, for example, the prohibition setting in step 19AKS106. In this way, by prohibiting the update of the temporary storage means during the execution of the differential writing process, the stored information is protected and the accuracy is improved. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

For example, the difference writing process may be executed during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated, such as when the permission is set in step 19AKS112 and then steps 19AKS102 to 19AKS105 are executed. In this way, by executing the difference writing process during the period when the difference information is not updated, the certainty of the process of storing the information is enhanced. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

For example, when the power supply is started, the stored information of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be recovered by the information processing at the time of turning on the power of step 19AKS23, and the stored information of the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and recovered. You may. In this way, since the power can be restored at the start of power supply, the stored information can be effectively used to facilitate history management. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

The storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, and the difference is stored in the temporary storage means until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by the difference writing process. Update of information may be prohibited. By being able to store the same information in multiple storage areas in this way, the accuracy of verification is improved when an abnormality occurs, and updating of difference information is prohibited until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. By doing so, the stored information is protected and the accuracy is improved. Therefore, the information can be appropriately stored.

1 ... Pachinko game machine 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 19AK14 ... Backup memory board 19AK120 ... Production control microcomputer 19AK121 ... External ROM
19AK122 ... External RAM
19AK131 ... CPU
19AK132 ... Internal ROM
19AK133 ... Internal RAM
19AK210A-19AK210D ... Backup data memory 19AKA1 ... Backup storage unit 19AKB1 ... Backup data buffer 19AKM1 ... Target data storage unit 20AKB11 ... Difference stack 20AKB12 ... Write buffer

Claims (1)

It is a game machine that can play games
Storage means writable by control means and
A temporary storage means capable of storing information to be written in the storage means, and
With
The control means
Based on the establishment of the writing condition, it is possible to execute a specific writing process for writing the stored contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means.
As the specific writing process
The temporary storage means is specified by specifying the difference information between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means and the second information stored in the storage means before the writing condition of 1 is satisfied. Temporary storage processing to memorize in
A difference writing process for writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means to the storage means, and
It is possible to execute processing including
When the power supply is started, the stored information of the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and restored.
A game machine characterized by that.

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