JP4322197B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, or a slot machine. Specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine that can be played using a gaming medium and that pays out a prize gaming medium as a prize based on the fact that a payout condition is established by the gaming.

  In this type of gaming machine, what is conventionally known, for example, as a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and a prize opening provided in the gaming area When a game medium wins a winning area such as the above and a payout condition is satisfied, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the player. Furthermore, there is provided a variable display unit capable of changing the display state, and configured to give a predetermined game value to the player when the display result of the variable display unit is in a predetermined specific display mode. is there.

  Note that the game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball, or the advantageous state for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko gaming machine, a combination of a predetermined display mode with a display result of a variable display unit that displays a special symbol is usually referred to as “big hit”. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win.

  Game progress in the gaming machine is controlled by game control means such as a microcomputer. When the payout control means for controlling the prize ball payout is mounted on a payout control board different from the game control board (main board) on which the game control means is mounted, the progress of the game is mounted on the main board. Therefore, the number of prize balls based on winning is determined by the game control means, and a control signal indicating the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board. Then, the payout control means performs a process of paying out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning based on the control signal from the game control means.

In addition, in this type of conventional gaming machine, for example, when the power supply as the power source supplied to the gaming machine stops due to the occurrence of a power failure, the gaming state when the power supply stops is saved There was something to do. Specifically, power supply monitoring means for detecting a drop in the power supply voltage is provided, and when the voltage drop is detected by the power supply monitoring means, a detection signal is input to the main board and the payout control board, and the game control means And the payout control means execute processing for saving the game state as power supply stop processing (Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-103025 (paragraphs 0083-0084, FIG. 10)

  However, the conventional gaming machine as described above has the following problems. When a drop in the power supply voltage is detected by the power supply monitoring means, the detection signal is input to each of the main board and the payout control board, so that the power supply monitoring means applies both to the main board and the payout control board. It was necessary to wire a signal line for detecting signal output. That is, it is necessary to wire the signal line for the detection signal from the power supply monitoring unit to the main board and the signal line for the detection signal from the power supply monitoring unit to the payout control board in a limited wiring space in the gaming machine. As a result, the number of wires is increased, and it is necessary to secure a wide wiring space in the gaming machine, resulting in a disadvantage that the cost of the gaming machine (material cost and wiring work cost) increases. In addition, although the inconvenience about the wiring related to the execution of the power supply stop process has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where a predetermined process is performed between the main board and the payout control board based on a signal from a certain means, the same inconvenience has occurred in the wiring related to the execution of the predetermined process.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of simplifying wiring and reducing costs in a gaming machine in which a gaming control board and a payout control board are separately provided. Is to provide.

Specific examples of means for solving the problems and their effects

(1) A game can be played using a game medium (for example, a game ball or coin), and a payout condition is established by the game (for example, fixed winning ports 29, 30, 33, 39 provided in the game area) A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1, coin gaming machine, slot machine) that pays out a prize gaming medium (prize ball, prize ball, prize coin) as a prize based on winning the variable prize ball device 20;
A payout condition detection means (for example, a prize opening switch 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a or a count switch 23) for detecting that the payout condition is satisfied and outputting a payout condition satisfaction signal;
A game control process (for example, step S1 to step S34) for controlling the progress of the game is executed, and an effect device (for example, variable display device 9, motor 150, various lamps 25) provided in the gaming machine is executed. , 28a to 28c, the speaker 27, the normal symbol display 10, etc.) for controlling the game (for example, the effect control signal and the effect control INT signal constituting the effect control command) For example, a game control board (for example, the main board 31) on which the game control microcomputer 560) is mounted,
A payout means (for example, a ball payout device 97) for paying out the prize game medium;
Payout control equipped with a payout control microcomputer (for example, payout control microcomputer 370) for executing payout control processing (for example, steps S701 to S715 and steps S749 to S760) for controlling the payout means. A substrate (for example, a payout control substrate 37);
An effect control microcomputer (for example, effect control) that executes effect control processing (for example, steps S771 to S778) for controlling the effect device based on the effect control command output from the game control microcomputer. Production control board (for example, production control board 80) on which the microcomputer 100) is mounted;
When power supply to the gaming machine is started, the start signal for instructing the start of the payout control processing on the payout control microcomputer (e.g., a reset signal) output (e.g., a high-level off Start signal output means (for example, reset signal generation means of the power supply monitoring circuit 920, step S716),
When the power supplied to the gaming machine is monitored and it is detected that the voltage of the power has decreased (for example, when the period when the voltage is lower than the predetermined value continues for a predetermined time or longer, the amplitude is higher than the predetermined value) Voltage drop monitoring means (for example, a power supply monitoring circuit) that outputs a voltage drop signal (for example, a power-off signal) indicating a drop in voltage (for example, a high-level off state) when a pulse is not counted for a predetermined period) 920 voltage drop monitoring means),
Connection state monitoring means for monitoring a signal connection state between the game control microcomputer and the payout control microcomputer (for example, a part for executing step S815 in the payout control microcomputer 370) ,
The game control microcomputer is:
Based on the fact that the payout condition is satisfied, premium game medium number data that can specify the number of premium game media to be paid out is stored (for example, processing in steps S221 and S222), and power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Even at least for a predetermined period of time, the game control storage means (for example, the RAM 55 backed up by a backup power source) that retains the stored contents,
When the payout condition establishment signal is input from the payout condition detection means, payout number data (for example, a prize ball number signal) specifying the number of prize game media to be paid out is output to the payout control microcomputer. Payout number data output means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S254 and S255 in the game control microcomputer 560);
On the condition that the payout number data is output from the payout number data output means, the prize game medium performs a subtraction process for subtracting a value corresponding to the payout number specified by the payout number data from the prize game medium number data. Numerical data subtracting means (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S256 after the processing of steps S254 and S255 in the game control microcomputer 560);
A game for storing data indicating the progress of the game in the game control process, provided that the voltage drop signal is input (when YES is determined in step S453 in the game control microcomputer 560). Game control side power supply stop processing means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S454 to S481 in the game control microcomputer 560) for executing the control side power supply stop processing.
The dispensing control microcomputer is:
Stores unpaid-out number data indicating the number of unpaid premium game media that have not been paid out of the number of payouts of premium game media specified by the payout-number data from the payout-number data output means, and stores it in the gaming machine Even if the power supply of the payout is stopped, payout control storage means that retains the stored contents for at least a predetermined period (for example, the RAM in the payout control microcomputer 370 that is backed up by power supply, in particular, the unsuccessful winning ball formed in the RAM Counter)
Unpaid number data adding means (for example, payout) for adding the payout number of the premium game medium specified by the payout number data output from the payout number data output means to the unpaid number data stored in the payout control storage means A portion for executing the processing of step S545 in the control microcomputer 370);
The prize game medium payout control means (for example, the processing of steps S631 to S635 and S627 in the payout control microcomputer 370) which causes the payout means to pay out the unpaid prize game media indicated by the unpaid-out number data. Part to execute)
On the condition that the voltage drop signal is input (for example, when YES is determined in step S904 in the payout control microcomputer 370), when the payout control side power supply stop for storing the unpaid number data is stopped Dispensing control side power supply stop processing means for executing processing (for example, a portion for executing the processing of steps S911 to S931 in the dispensing control microcomputer 370),
On the condition that the start signal is input from the start signal output means, payout control process start means for starting the payout control process (for example, main process executed by the payout control microcomputer 370, FIG. 32). When,
When the payout control process is started by the payout control process starting means and the unpaid-out number data is stored in the payout control storage means (for example, YES is determined by step S709 in the payout control microcomputer 370). A payout control side recovery means (for example, steps S709, S710, and S711 in the payout control microcomputer 370) that performs payout control side recovery processing that enables payout based on the stored unpaid-off number data. Processing part), and
An activation confirmation signal output means for outputting an activation confirmation signal (reset confirmation signal) to the game control microcomputer after the payout control process starting means starts the payout control process (for example, a reset signal from the power supply board 910 is received). After the input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and steps S701 to S715 are executed, an output circuit 373B that inputs a reset confirmation signal to the game control microcomputer 560 side, or a reset signal (delay circuit from the power supply board 910). An output circuit mounted on the payout control board for inputting the game control microcomputer 560 side)),
Discharge control process stop means for stopping execution of the payout control process when the connection state monitoring means detects an abnormality in the connection state (for example, in response to the main control unconnected error bit being set in step S816) And stop paying out the prize balls)
The payout control board is:
A voltage drop signal output unit that outputs the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop monitoring means to the game control microcomputer (for example, a power cut signal from the power supply board 910 is input to the game control microcomputer 560 side. An output circuit 373B) is provided,
The activation signal output means does not output the activation signal to the game control microcomputer (for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 92 is connected to the payout control board. Supplied to the connector 922B and the connector 922C connected to the lamp control board, but not supplied to the connector 922A connected to the main board)
The game control microcomputer further includes:
On condition that the start confirmation signal from the activation confirmation signal output means is input to the game control microcomputer, the game control process start means for starting the game control process (e.g., by a player controlling microcomputer 560 Main processing to be executed, FIG. 13),
When the game control process is started by the game control process start means and data indicating the progress of the game is stored in the game control storage means (for example, YES in step S8 in the game control microcomputer 560) A game control side recovery means (for example, a game control side recovery means) for performing a game control side recovery process for recovering the progress state of the game when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped based on the stored data. A portion for executing the processing of steps S8, S9, S91 to S94 in the control microcomputer 560);
When the game control side restoration process is performed by the game control side restoration means, a restoration command (for example, an initialization (recovery command) presentation control command, see FIG. 52) for notifying the fact is provided. Recovery command output means for outputting as a control command (for example, a part for executing the process of step S94 in the game control microcomputer 560).

  According to such a configuration, the voltage drop signal input to the payout control board from the voltage drop monitoring means is input to the game control board from the voltage drop signal output unit provided in the payout control board. Wiring related to the execution of the supply stop process can be simplified, and the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, when the game control side recovery process is performed by the game control microcomputer, a recovery command for notifying that effect is output as an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer. A player or the like can easily recognize that the processing has been performed.

  (2) The voltage drop monitoring means is mounted on the payout control board (see FIG. 59).

  According to such a configuration, the voltage drop monitoring means is mounted on the payout control board, and there is no need to provide wiring for transmitting a voltage drop signal between the voltage drop monitoring means and the payout control board. The wiring configuration can be further simplified, and noise or the like of the voltage drop signal to the transmission line is generated, and the possibility that the voltage drop signal is erroneously input can be reduced.

(3) a power supply board (for example, a power supply board 910 shown in FIG. 60) that supplies power to the payout control board;
The payout control board includes transmission means (for example, a power cable) for transmitting electric power supplied from the power supply board to the game control board,
The voltage drop monitoring means is mounted on the power supply board (see FIG. 9).

  According to such a configuration, the power supply system from the power supply board to the game control board can be made into one system, and it becomes easy to separate the power supply system from the wiring of the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop monitoring means. Can be distinguished.

( 4 ) Signal input blocking means (for example, a unidirectional circuit 74) for blocking signal input from the effect control microcomputer to the game control microcomputer is further provided.

  According to such a configuration, since no signal is input from the effect control microcomputer to the game control microcomputer, an illegal signal or the like is input from the effect control microcomputer to the game control microcomputer. Cheating can be prevented.

( 5 ) An operation means that can be operated by the player while the game is in progress (for example, an operation switch 81, a cross key that can be instructed in the horizontal and vertical directions),
Operation signal input means (for example, input port 106) that receives an operation signal corresponding to the operation when the operation means is operated, and
The effect control microcomputer starts a specific effect (for example, an effect performed in cooperation with the hammer 151 and a decorative pattern) in the effect device based on the operation signal input by the operation signal input means. Operation corresponding effect starting means (for example, a part for executing the processes of steps S871 and S873 in the effect control microcomputer 100, particularly a process of selecting an effect performed in cooperation with the hammer 151 and the decorative pattern in step S871).

  According to such a configuration, since an operation signal input to the effect control microcomputer is not input to the game control microcomputer, an illegal act using the operation signal can be prevented.

( 6 ) A control circuit (for example, a lamp control microcomputer 371) that performs control according to the type of the effect device (a type that emits light from the various lamps 25, 28a to 28c, a type that emits sound from the speaker 27, etc.) And a peripheral board (for example, the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70) on which the voice control microcomputer 701) is mounted,
The effect control microcomputer is configured to control the effect device according to the type of the effect device connected to the control circuit (e.g., a lamp control command or voice) by bidirectional communication with the control circuit. Control command) is output to the control circuit.

  According to such a configuration, since the signal from the peripheral board that is input to the production control microcomputer is not input to the game control microcomputer, illegal acts using the signal from the peripheral board are prevented. be able to.

( 7 ) A movable member (for example, a hammer 151) that operates according to the gaming state;
Position detecting means (for example, sensors 154 and 155) for detecting the position of the movable member,
A detection signal input unit (for example, input port 106) to which a detection signal indicating the detection result of the position detection means is input is provided on the effect control board,
The effect control microcomputer uses position determination means for determining the position of the movable member based on the detection signal (for example, in the motor drive signal output process of step S776 in the effect control microcomputer 100, the sensors 154, 155 A part for executing a process for confirming the detection result).

  According to such a configuration, since the detection signal input to the effect control microcomputer is not input to the game control microcomputer, an illegal act using the detection signal indicating the detection result of the position detection means is prevented. Can be prevented.

( 8 ) a payout detecting means (for example, a payout number count switch 301) for detecting payout of the premium game medium and outputting a payout detection signal;
Error state setting means for shifting a control state related to payout by the payout control microcomputer (for example, execution state of payout control by the prize game medium payout control means) to an error state when a predetermined error state transition condition is satisfied (For example, a part for executing steps S809, S812, and S816 in the payout control microcomputer 370),
The payout control microcomputer is stored in the payout control storage means each time the payout detection means detects payout of a prize game medium (for example, YES is determined in step S601 in the payout control microcomputer 370). Further, a detection prize game medium subtraction means (for example, a part for executing step S603 in the payout control microcomputer 370) that performs a payout control side subtraction process for subtracting the number of unpaid premium game media indicated by the unpaid number data is further provided. Including
The detected prize game medium subtracting means executes the payout control side subtraction process every time the payout detecting means detects the payout of the prize game medium even in the error state (for example, a winning ball in step S756) Since the error flag state is not referred to in the lending control process (see FIG. 41) and the process is continued even in the error state, the payout of the winning ball is detected even in the error state. Then, the subtraction process of the award ball unpaid number counter is executed).

  According to such a configuration, even in the error state, the payout control side subtraction process is executed every time the payout detection means detects the payout of the prize game medium by the detected prize game medium subtraction means. Even if this occurs, the number of unpaid premium game media can be managed reliably.

( 9 ) A voltage drop signal input unit (for example, input circuit 68, input port 1 shown in FIG. 12) to which the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop signal output unit is input is provided on the game control board. ,
The game control microcomputer includes a game control side power supply confirmation processing means (for example, a game control side) for executing a game control side power supply confirmation process for confirming an input state to the voltage drop signal input unit in the game control process. A part for executing steps S450, S453, S482 in the control microcomputer 560),
When it is confirmed by the game control side power supply confirmation processing means that the voltage drop signal has been input to the voltage drop signal input unit (for example, when YES is determined in step S453 in the game control microcomputer 560). The game control side power supply stop time processing means is executed by the game control side power supply stop time processing means, and thereafter it is confirmed that the voltage drop signal is not input to the voltage drop signal input unit (for example, The game control side power supply confirmation process is repeatedly executed until it is determined NO in step S482 in the game control microcomputer 560), and it is confirmed that the voltage drop signal is not input to the voltage drop signal input unit. (For example, step S48 in the game control microcomputer 560) By the time it is determined that YES) to return to the game control process that can start state (timer interrupt process returns to and S1 terminated by RETI).

  According to such a configuration, when the voltage drop signal is input, the game control side power supply stop process is executed, and when the voltage drop signal is canceled, the game control process returns to a state where the game control process can be started. For this reason, even if a power interruption or the like occurs, if the power supply is restored, the original control state can be automatically restored.

( 10 ) Further comprising clear means (clear switch 921) for clearing the stored content held by the game control storage means,
The payout control board includes transmission means (for example, a power cable) for transmitting supplied power to the game control board,
The clearing unit is mounted on a power supply board that supplies power to the payout control board (see FIG. 9).

  According to such a configuration, the power supply system from the power supply board to the game control board can be made into one system, and it becomes easy to separate the signal wiring from the clear means and the power supply system, and can be clearly distinguished. it can.

( 11 ) The payout control microcomputer includes:
When the voltage drop signal is input from the voltage drop monitoring means (for example, when YES is determined in step S904 in the payout control microcomputer 370), the payout control side power supply stop time processing means performs the processing. Before executing the payout control side power supply stop process, it is determined when the voltage is lowered until the payout number data output means outputs the payout number data until a predetermined standby time elapses. Means (for example, a part for executing the process of step S906 in the payout control microcomputer 370);
When the voltage drop time determining means determines that the payout number data output means has output the payout number data until the waiting time has elapsed (for example, YES in step S906 in the payout control microcomputer 370) Voltage decrease data adding means (for example, payout) for adding the payout number of the prize game medium designated by the payout number data to the unpaid number data stored in the payout control storage means further seen including a portion) that performs the process of step S909 in the control microcomputer 370,
The standby time is a predetermined time as a period until at least the game control side power supply stop process is started .

According to such a configuration, even when the game control microcomputer outputs the payout number data immediately before the power supply is stopped, the payout control microcomputer reliably pays out the prize game medium designated by the payout number data. The number can be added to the unpaid number data and stored.
( 12 ) A relay board (for example, a relay board 77) that relays the effect control command from the game control microcomputer and outputs the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer is further provided.
According to such a configuration, the effect control command from the game control microcomputer is relayed by the relay board and output to the effect control microcomputer.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other gaming machines such as a coin gaming machine and a slot machine. A game can be played using a medium, and any game machine can be applied as long as a payout game medium is paid out as a prize based on the fact that a payout condition is established by the game.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front of the game board. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding game boards described later). Is a structure including

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game balls are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (decorative symbol display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying an effect decorative symbol. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol start memory display areas (start memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the start memory number. Each time there is a valid start prize, the display color changes (for example, changes from blue display to red display), and the start storage display area is increased by one. Each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start memory number display area where the display color is changed is reduced by 1 (that is, the display color is returned to the original). In this example, since the symbol display area and the start memory display area are provided separately, the start memory number can be displayed even during variable display. The start memory display area may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. Further, the display of the start memory number may be interrupted during variable display. In this example, the start memory display area is provided in the variable display device 9. However, a display (special symbol start memory display) for displaying the start memory number may be provided separately from the variable display device 9. Good.

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9, for example. The special symbol display 8 may be configured to variably display a larger number of numbers such as 0 to 99 in order to make it difficult for the player to grasp a specific stop symbol. The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board. Further, on the left side of the variable display device 9, a hammer 151 is provided as a movable member used for game effects. The hammer 151 can fall to the right with the movable portion 152 as a fulcrum, and can produce an effect of hitting the leftmost decorative symbol among the decorative symbols displayed on the variable display device 9.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an operation switch 81 that can be operated by the player while the game is in progress. For example, when the operation switch 81 is operated (pressed), the hammer 151 as a movable member operates. In the present embodiment, a push button type operation switch will be described as an operation means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an operation from a player such as a cross key that can be indicated in the left, right, up and down directions is accepted and accepted. What is necessary is just to output the signal according to operation.

  Below the variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15 is provided as a start winning port 14. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  A variable winning ball apparatus 20 using an opening / closing plate that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. The variable winning ball apparatus 20 is a means for opening and closing the big winning opening. Of the winning balls that are won by the variable winning ball apparatus 20 and guided to the back of the game board 6, the winning balls that enter one (V winning area: special area) are detected by the V count switch 22 and enter the other area. A game ball is detected by the count switch 23. On the back of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the left and right lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time a game ball passes to the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increments the LED to be turned on by one. Then, every time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 is performed by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. Detected. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. Around the left and right of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit while paying out a prize ball is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the refill ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 28a. It has been. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places. Further, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as “card unit”) 50 that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The card unit includes, for example, a use indicator lamp that indicates whether or not the card unit is in a usable state, a connection table direction indicator that indicates which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit, and the card unit When checking the card insertion indicator lamp indicating that the card is inserted, the card insertion slot into which the card as a recording medium is inserted, and the card reader / writer mechanism provided on the back of the card insertion slot A card unit lock is provided to release the unit.

  A game ball launched from the ball striking device by the player's operation enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 14a, the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 starts variable display (variation) if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If the variable display of the symbol cannot be started, the start memory number is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 8 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of special symbols at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls wins. When a game ball is won in the V winning area while the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 at the time of stoppage is a combination of a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with a probability variation, the probability of the next jackpot will be high. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in the probability variation state.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 enters a state in which the normal symbol is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, or when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol, which is disadvantageous for the player. Changes to an advantageous state. It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 49 including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer 100 for controlling the variable display device 9 is mounted, a game control microcomputer, and the like are mounted. A game control board (main board) 31 is installed. Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. The production control microcomputer controls the variable display device 9 provided on the game board 6, and the lamp control microcomputer mounted on the lamp control board includes various decorative LEDs and a normal symbol start memory display. 41, the decorative lamp 25, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c provided on the frame side are controlled to be turned on, and the sound control microcomputer 701 mounted on the audio control board is connected to the speaker 27. To control the sound generation.

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer transmits a control command to the lamp control microcomputer mounted on the lamp control board and the sound control microcomputer 701 mounted on the sound control board, and the lamp The control microcomputer 351 and the sound control microcomputer 701 control various lamps / LEDs and the speaker 27 in accordance with control commands from the effect control microcomputer. The microcomputer is mounted on the lamp control board and the sound control board. The configuration may not be.

  Further, a power supply substrate 910 and a touch sensor substrate 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V is mounted are provided. Although most of the power supply substrate 910 overlaps with the main substrate 31, there is an exposed portion that is exposed so as to be visible from the outside without overlapping the main substrate 31. In the exposed portion, the main board 31 and each electrical component control board (lamp control board, sound control board, presentation control board 80 and payout control board 37) in the gaming machine 1 and each electrical component ( A power switch is provided as a power supply permission means for executing or cutting off power supply to a component that operates when power is supplied. Furthermore, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch in the exposed portion (inside the substrate).

  An electrical component control means including an electrical component control microcomputer is mounted on the electrical component control board. The electrical component control means is an electrical component (game device: ball payout device 97, variable display device 9, lamp, LED, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control means or the like. The light emitter, speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, description may be made by including the main board 31 in the electric component control board. In that case, the electrical component control means mounted on the electrical component control board includes a game control means and a means for controlling the electrical components provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal from the game control means or the like. Point to. A substrate on which a microcomputer other than the main substrate 31 is mounted may be referred to as a sub-substrate.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a terminal board 160 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is installed above. The terminal board 160 includes at least a ball break terminal for introducing the output of the ball break detection switch 167 and outputting it externally, a prize ball terminal for outputting prize ball information (prize ball number signal) and a ball. A ball lending terminal for externally outputting lending information (ball lending number signal) is provided. In addition, an information terminal board (information output board) 34 provided with terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed near the center.

  The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail 39 and reach the ball payout device covered with the payout case 40A via the curve rod. A ball break switch 187 as a game medium break detection means is provided on the upper part of the ball payout device. When the ball break switch 187 detects a ball break, the dispensing operation of the ball dispensing device stops. The ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion (storage tank 38). In the vicinity of the head). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects a shortage of game balls, the game machines are replenished from the replenishment mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winning prizes or game balls based on ball lending requests are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4 through the surplus ball passage. When the game ball is further paid out, a sensing lever (not shown) presses a full tank switch (not shown) as a storage state detection means, and the full tank switch as a storage state detection means is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the ball hitting device is also stopped. In this embodiment, the power supply board 910 and the payout control board 37 are installed in the game frame, and the main board 31 and the like are installed in the game board 6.

  FIG. 4 is a front view (FIG. 4 (A)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 4 (B)) showing the ball dispensing device 97 covered with the dispensing case 40A. The ball payout device 97 is fixed to the lower part of the passage body installed between the ball break switch 187 and the ball payout device 97. The passage body has a ball passage for flowing down two rows of game balls whose flow-down direction is converted into the left-right direction by a curve saddle. A ball break switch 187 is installed on the upstream side of the ball passage. In practice, a ball break switch is installed in each ball passage. The ball break switch 187 detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball passage. When the ball break switch 187 stops detecting a game ball, the ball discharge device 97 has a payout motor (not shown in FIG. 4). The rotation is stopped and the payout of the game ball is immobilized. The ball break switch 187 is locked by a locking piece at a position where it can be detected that 27 to 28 game balls are present in the ball path.

  In the ball payout device 97, a payout motor (not shown) using a stepping motor rotates, for example, a cam, thereby paying out one winning ball or one gaming ball based on a ball lending request. Further, below the ball payout device 97, for example, a payout number count switch 301 using a proximity switch is provided. Each time one game ball falls from the ball payout device 97, the payout number count switch 301 is turned on. That is, the payout number count switch 301 detects a game ball actually paid out from the ball payout device 97. Therefore, the payout control microcomputer can count the number of game balls actually paid out by the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301. In this example, the payout number count switch 301 detects both the paid-out prize balls and the lending balls. That is, the payout of prize balls and the payout of rental balls are detected by the same detection means. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. However, the payout of prize balls and the payout of rental balls may be detected by separate detection means.

  In this embodiment, the ball payout device 97 is configured to perform both prize ball payout and ball lending. However, a ball payout device for paying out a prize ball and a ball payout device for lending a ball may be provided separately. When separately provided, the payout means is constituted by a ball payout device for paying out a prize ball and a ball payout device for lending a ball. Further, for example, it may be configured to separate the winning ball payout and the ball lending by changing the rotation direction of the cam or sprocket, or the ball paying device 97 exemplified in the present embodiment (the cam is rotated by the motor). Any structure other than the structure) may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the driving device of the hammer 151. The hammer 151 is driven by a motor 150 serving as a drive source. The rotational force of the motor 150 is transmitted to the gear 152 fitted to the rotational shaft of the motor 150 and further transmitted to the gear 153 that meshes with the gear 152. A flat plate 156 provided with a notch 156a is fitted to the rotating shaft 157 with which the gear 153 is fitted. Further, the arm 158 of the hammer 151 is fitted to the end of the rotation shaft 157 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 157 so that the hammer 151 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the gear 153. The member 159 is used for fitting.

  When the gear 152 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5A due to the rotational force of the motor 150, the flat plate 156 and the hammer 151 are rotated according to the rotation of the rotating shaft 157 with which the gear 153 to which the rotational force is transmitted is fitted. Rotate. Then, the hammer 151 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 5A to the position shown in FIG. The notch 156a formed in the flat plate 156 is detected by the sensor 154 when the hammer 151 is at the position shown in FIG. 5A, and the sensor 155 when the hammer 151 is at the position shown in FIG. 5B. Perceived by.

  That is, the sensors 154 and 155 are an example of position detecting means for detecting the position of the hammer 151 and outputting the detection result as a detection signal. The sensors 154 and 155 are installed at positions where both ends of the rotatable range of the hammer 151 can be detected. The rotatable range of the hammer 151 is, for example, 90 degrees.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. FIG. 6 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. The main board 31 has a basic circuit (corresponding to a game control means) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a V count switch 22, a count switch 23, a winning port switch 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and an input driver circuit 58 for supplying a signal from the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53; And a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21A for switching the path according to a command from the basic circuit 53.

  It should be noted that the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, and other switches may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means is not limited as long as it is a game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball. Each of the start port switch 14a, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a for detecting the winning is also a winning detecting means for detecting the winning of the game ball in the winning area. . In the present embodiment, it is determined that the payout condition is satisfied when the winning detection means detects the winning of the game ball in the winning area. Note that the winning detection means may be configured to collectively detect the respective game balls that have won separately a plurality of winning openings. Further, even if a passing gate such as the gate 32 is used, if a prize ball is to be paid out, the game ball enters the passing gate, and a prize (for example, a switch provided on the passing gate) (for example, The gate switch 32a) becomes a winning detection means. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the game balls won in the V winning area are detected only by the V count switch 22, the number of game balls won in the big prize opening is determined by the number detected by the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23. It becomes the sum with the number of detection by. However, the game ball that has won the V winning area may be detected by the V count switch 22 and also by the count switch 23. In that case, the number of game balls won in the big winning opening corresponds to the number detected by the count switch 23.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the variable display of the symbols in the variable display device 9, the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating the above to an external device such as a hall computer is mounted.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as a storage means (game control storage means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, and a control operation according to the program. A game control microcomputer 560 having a CPU 56 for performing the above and an I / O port unit 57 are included. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to include at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or internal. Further, the I / O port unit 57 may be built in a one-chip microcomputer.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 is specifically executed (or processed) hereinafter. The game control microcomputer 560 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31. The game control means is realized by a basic circuit 53 including a game control microcomputer 560.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like. . In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  At the input port of the basic circuit 53, a clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated from the payout control board 37, and the power supply voltage from the power supply board 910 is below a predetermined value. And a reset confirmation signal used as a game control permission signal (a signal for making the CPU operable) to the game control microcomputer 560.

  The hitting ball launching device for hitting and launching the game ball includes a launch motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the payout control board 37, and the game ball is launched toward the game area 7 by the rotation of the launch motor 94. A drive signal for driving the firing motor 94 is transmitted to the firing motor 94 via the touch sensor substrate 91. The touch sensor detects that the player is touching the operation knob (hitting ball handle) 5 and a signal from the touch sensor is mounted on the touch sensor substrate 91 (the player touches the operation knob 5). Is transmitted to the payout control board 37 via a circuit including a detection circuit for detecting whether or not it is touched. The circuit on the payout control board 37 stops the driving of the firing motor 94 when the signal from the touch sensor circuit indicates an off state. Note that the operation knob 5 is provided with a touch ring that adjusts the resilience and is a part that the player contacts. In the gaming machine, the touch sensor substrate 91 is disposed between the touch ring and the payout control substrate 37, and is disposed in the vicinity of the touch ring. Specifically, the wiring length between the touch ring and the touch sensor substrate 91 is shorter than the wiring length between the touch sensor substrate 91 and the payout control substrate 37.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer 100) mounted on the effect control board 80 is the effect from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. A control command is received, and display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying special symbols is performed. In addition, lamp control means (comprising a lamp control microcomputer) mounted on the lamp control board 35 includes a normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 provided on the game board 6, and While performing display control of the decoration lamp 25, display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c provided on the frame side is performed.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment has a non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) used to generate a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) that cannot be set to disable interrupt by software. ) And an interrupt terminal (INT terminal) used to generate an interrupt (external interrupt; maskable interrupt that can be disabled by software) from outside the game control microcomputer 560. However, this embodiment does not use non-maskable interrupts and external interrupts. Therefore, the NMI terminal and the INT terminal are pulled up to Vcc (+5 V) through resistors. Therefore, the input levels of the NMI terminal and the INT terminal are always high, and there is a possibility that the input level of the NMI terminal and the INT terminal falls due to noise or the like, and an interrupt is generated, as compared with the case where the terminal is open. Reduce.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 7, a payout control microcomputer 37 (an example of an electric component control microcomputer) 370 including a payout control CPU 371 is mounted on the payout control board 37. In this embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 370 is a one-chip microcomputer and incorporates at least a RAM. The payout control microcomputer 370, the RAM (not shown), the ROM (not shown) storing the payout control program, the I / O port, and the like constitute the payout control means. That is, the payout control means is realized by a payout control microcomputer 370, a payout control microcomputer 370 having RAM and ROM, and an I / O port. The I / O port may be built in the payout control microcomputer 370. At least a part of the RAM in the payout control microcomputer 370 is backed up by a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 910. In this embodiment, it is assumed that all RAM areas are backed up. Therefore, even when power is not supplied to the gaming machine, the storage contents of the RAM are preserved for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged).

  Detection signals from the ball break switch 187, the full switch 48, and the payout count switch 301 are input to the I / O port 372 f of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. A detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 295 is input to the I / O port 372e of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. The payout motor position sensor 295 is a sensor composed of a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 289, and is used for detecting that the game ball is clogged, that is, so-called ball biting. . The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 indicates that the detection signal from the full ball switch 187 indicates a full ball state or the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full state. If it is, the ball payout process is stopped. Furthermore, when the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full tank state, the ball launching from the ball striking device is stopped.

  When there is a winning game ball at the winning opening, the output circuit 67 of the main board 31 requests to receive (receive) a prize ball number signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out and a prize ball number signal as a payout command signal. A winning ball REQ signal (capture request signal) is output (transmitted). Specifically, it is turned on. The award ball number signal is composed of 4-bit data (binary 4-digit data) and is output by four signal lines. Note that the ON state of the signal, that is, the output state is a state in which the signal is significant, and turning on means that the signal receiving side is instructed to start some processing based on the signal. To do. For example, when the award ball number signal indicating the award ball number and the award ball REQ signal are turned on, the payout control microcomputer 370 is instructed to recognize the award number indicated by the award ball number signal. Means that. Alternatively, the signal may be turned on by outputting a signal, and the signal may be turned off by stopping the signal output. Alternatively, the on state and the off state may be switched by outputting a signal.

  The prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are input to the I / O port 372e via the input circuit 373A. When the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball number signal via the I / O port 372e, the payout control microcomputer 370 controls to drive the ball payout device 97 to pay out the number of game balls indicated by the prize ball number signal. A connection confirmation signal indicating that the main board 31 is connected is also output from the output circuit 67 of the main board 31. The prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal correspond to a payout command signal for designating the number of payouts.

  The payout control board 37 also has a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage has dropped below a predetermined value from the power supply board 910, and a clear signal indicating that a clear switch for clearing the contents of the RAM has been operated. Are input to the input port 372g. The power-off signal and the clear signal are input to the payout control microcomputer 371 via the input port 372g and are output to the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B. Then, in the main board 31, it is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the input circuit 68 and the I / O port 57. Further, the payout control microcomputer 371 receives from the power supply board 910 a reset signal used as a payout control permission signal (a signal for making the CPU operable) for the payout control microcomputer 371. .

  The reset confirmation signal described above is output from the payout control microcomputer 370 to the main board 31 via the output port 372h and the output circuit 373B. Then, in the main board 31, it is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the input circuit 68 and the I / O port 57.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 receives, via the output port 372b, a prize ball information signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid and a ball lending number signal indicating the number of balls to be rented to a terminal board (frame external terminal board and board external terminal board). Output to 160). A driver circuit is provided outside the output port 372b, but is not shown in FIG.

  Also, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs an error signal to the error display LED 374 using a 7-segment LED via the output port 372c. Further, a signal for instructing turning on / off is output to the winning ball LED 51 and the ball running out LED 52 via the output port 372b. A detection signal from an error release switch 375 for releasing the error state is input to the input port 372f of the payout control board 37. The error cancel switch 375 is used to cancel the error state by software reset.

  Further, a drive signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372a and the relay board 72. A driver circuit (motor drive circuit) is installed outside the output port 372a, but is not shown in FIG. The drive signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 to the firing motor 94 is transmitted to the firing motor 94 via the output port 372a and the touch sensor substrate 91.

  A card unit control microcomputer is mounted on the card unit 50 installed adjacent to the gaming machine. In addition, the card unit 50 is provided with a usable display lamp, a connecting table direction indicator, a card insertion display lamp, and a card insertion slot. A frequency display LED 60, a ball lending LED 61, a ball lending switch 62, and a return switch 63 provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3 are connected to the interface board (relay board) 66.

  A card lending switch signal indicating that the ball lending switch 62 has been operated and a return switch signal indicating that the return switch 63 has been operated are provided to the card unit 50 from the interface board 66 in accordance with the player's operation. . Further, a card balance display signal indicating a prepaid card balance and a ball lending display signal are given from the card unit 50 to the interface board 66. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37, a connection signal (VL signal), a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and a pachinko machine operation signal ( PRDY signal) is transmitted / received via the input port 372f and the output port 372d. An interface board 66 is interposed between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37. Therefore, a signal such as a connection signal (VL signal) is transmitted and received between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 via the interface board 66 as shown in FIG.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. The card unit control microcomputer outputs a VL signal when the power is turned on. The payout control microcomputer 370 determines the connected / unconnected state of the card unit 50 according to the input state of the VL signal. When the card is received in the card unit 50, the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37.

  Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 raises the EXS signal to the card unit 50 and, upon detecting the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit 50, drives the payout motor 289 to give a predetermined number of rental balls to the player. Pay out. When the payout is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 causes the EXS signal to the card unit 50 to fall. Thereafter, on the condition that the BRDY signal from the card unit 50 is not in the ON state, a prize ball payout control is executed when a payout command signal is received from the game control means.

  The power supply voltage AC24V used in the card unit 50 is supplied from the payout control board 37. That is, power is supplied from the power supply board 910 to the card unit 50 via the payout control board 37 and the interface board 66. In this example, a fuse for protecting the card unit 50 is provided in a 24 V AC power supply line for the card unit 50 arranged in the interface board 66, and a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied to the card unit 50. It is prevented.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 used in this embodiment includes a non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) used for generating a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) and a maskable interrupt. And an interrupt terminal (INT terminal) used for generation. However, this embodiment does not use non-maskable interrupts and external interrupts. Therefore, the NMI terminal and the INT terminal are pulled up to Vcc (+5 V) through resistors.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the card unit 50 is installed adjacent to the gaming machine as a separate body from the gaming machine is taken as an example, but the card unit 50 may be integrated with the gaming machine. . In addition, game balls corresponding to the amount of money may be lent out in accordance with coin insertion.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the sound control board 70. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 in the effect control microcomputer 100 (an example of an electrical component control microcomputer) 100 operates according to a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and is connected via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received via the relay board 77, the input driver 102, and the input port 103 in accordance with the capture signal (effect control INT signal) transmitted from the main board 31. Further, the effect control microcomputer 100 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD based on the effect control command. The VDP 109 is sometimes called a GCL (graphic controller LSI).

  The relay board 77 passes signals (production control signal and production control INT signal constituting the production control command) input from the main board 31 only in a direction toward the production control board 80 (from the production control board 80). A unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted as a signal input blocking means (which prevents signals from passing in the direction toward the main board 31). As the unidirectional circuit 74, for example, a diode or a transistor is used. FIG. 8 illustrates a diode. The unidirectional circuit 74 is provided for each signal line passing through the relay substrate 77. A signal from the effect control board 80, a signal input to the effect control board 80 (an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation switch 81 and detection signals of the sensors 154 and 155), and a lamp control board connected to the effect control board 80 35 and the sound control board 70 (a board not connected to the main board 31 is also referred to as a peripheral board) is not transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31 due to the presence of the relay board 77. Therefore, the signal input path from the outside to the game control microcomputer 560 is limited, and the possibility of an illegal act of sending an illegal signal to the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the relay board 77 is attached in such a manner that the back surface of the relay board 77 is visible, the back surface of the relay board 77 can be easily seen, so that the relay board 77 can be illegally transferred to the game control microcomputer 560. It is possible to easily find out that an illegal act of inputting a signal has been performed.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the unidirectional circuit 74 is provided on the relay board 77 has been described. It may be provided on the control board 80. That is, the unidirectional circuit 74 may be configured to be provided in a place where an illegal signal can be prevented from being input to the game control microcomputer 560.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 receives an operation signal from the operation switch 81 operated by the player and detection signals from the sensors 154 and 155 via the input port 106. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 gives a drive signal to the motor 150 that drives the hammer 151 via the output port 107.

  Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a voice control command to the voice control board 70 via the input / output port 104. The effect control microcomputer 100 outputs a lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 via the input / output port 105.

  In the lamp control board 35, a lamp control microcomputer 351 including a CPU, a ROM and a RAM controls the normal symbol display 10 and the lamps / LEDs based on the control data stored in the ROM corresponding to the lamp control command. To do. Then, the lamp / LED is driven via the output port 352, the lamp driver 354, and the LED driving circuit 355 mounted on the lamp control board 35. An input port for inputting a lamp control command is built in the lamp control microcomputer 351.

  In the voice control board 70, the voice control microcomputer 701 including the CPU, ROM and RAM causes the control data stored in the ROM corresponding to the voice control command to be output from the voice data ROM 704 to the voice synthesis IC 703. . The voice synthesis IC 703 generates voice and sound effects according to the control data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27.

  The control data corresponding to the voice control command stored in the voice data ROM 704 is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or voice output mode in a predetermined time period (for example, a decorative symbol fluctuation period) in time series. When the voice synthesis IC 703 receives the control data, the voice synthesis IC 703 performs sound output control according to the corresponding data in the voice data ROM 704. The sound output control according to the corresponding data is continued until the next voice control command is input to the voice control microcomputer 701. When the next voice control command is input, the voice synthesis IC 703 performs sound output control according to the data in the voice data ROM 704 corresponding to the newly input sound number data.

  The lamp control command and the voice control command are transmitted bidirectionally between the effect control microcomputer 100, the lamp control microcomputer 351, and the voice control microcomputer 701 (a response signal is sent from the command reception side to the transmission side). Communication).

  Further, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the lamp control microcomputer 351 mounted on the lamp control board 35. The reset signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the effect control microcomputer 100 via the lamp control board 35 and further via the input / output port 104 mounted on the effect control board 80. Similarly, a reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the sound control microcomputer 701 via the lamp control board 35.

  Next, the configuration of the power supply substrate 910 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The power supply board 910 is provided with a power switch 914 for executing or shutting off power supply to each electrical component control board and mechanism component in the gaming machine. Note that the power switch 914 may be provided outside the power supply board 910 in the gaming machine. When the power switch 914 is in a closed state (on state), AC power (AC 24 V) is applied to the input side (primary side) of the transformer 911. The transformer 911 is for electrically insulating the AC power supply (AC24V) and the inside of the power supply substrate 910, and its output voltage is also AC24V. A varistor 918 as an overvoltage protection circuit is installed on the input side of the transformer 911.

  The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric component control board (the main board 31, the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, etc.), and generates a voltage used by each board and the mechanical parts in the gaming machine. In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), VLP (DC + 24V), VDD (DC + 12V) and VCC (DC + 5V) are generated. Further, a capacitor 916 serving as a storage holding means for holding the stored contents in the backup power supply (VBB), that is, the backup RAM, is charged from DC + 5V (VCC), that is, a power supply line for driving an IC or the like on each substrate. Further, a backflow prevention diode 917 is inserted between the +5 V line and the backup +5 V (VBB) line. Note that VSL is generated by rectifying and boosting AC 24 V with a rectifying element in the rectifying and smoothing circuit 915. VSL is a solenoid driving power source. VLP is a lamp lighting voltage, and is generated by rectifying AC24V with a rectifier element in the rectifier circuit 912.

  The DC-DC converter 913 serving as a power supply voltage generation unit has one or a plurality of regulator ICs (two regulator ICs 924A and 924B are shown in FIG. 9), and generates VDD and VCC based on VSL. Relatively large capacitors 923A and 923B are connected to the input sides of the regulator ICs (switching regulators) 924A and 924B. Accordingly, when the power supply to the gaming machine from the outside is stopped, the DC voltages such as VSL, VDD, VCC, etc., decrease relatively slowly.

  As shown in FIG. 9, AC24V output from the transformer 911 is supplied to the connector 922B as it is. The VLP is supplied to the connector 922C. VCC, VDD and VSL are supplied to connectors 922A, 922B and 922C.

  The cable connected to the connector 922A is connected to the main board 31. The cable connected to the connector 922B is connected to the payout control board 37. Therefore, VBB is also supplied to the connectors 922A and 922B. For example, a cable connected to the connector 922C is connected to the lamp control board 36. Each voltage is supplied to the effect control board 80 and the sound control board 70 via the lamp control board 35.

  In addition, a clear switch 921 having a push button structure is mounted on the power supply board 910. When the clear switch 921 is pressed, a low level (ON state) clear signal is output and transmitted to the payout control board 37 via the connector 922B. If the clear switch 921 is not pressed, a high level (off state) signal is output. The clear switch 921 may have a configuration other than the push button structure. Further, the clear switch 921 may be provided other than the power supply board 910 in the gaming machine.

  Further, the power supply board 910 generates a reset signal for the microcomputer mounted on the electric component control board, amplifies the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 that outputs a power-off signal, and the power supply monitoring circuit 920. And an output driver circuit 925 that amplifies the power-off signal and outputs it to the connector 922B. In the present embodiment, a reset signal via the lamp control board 35 is input to the effect control microcomputer 100 and the sound control microcomputer 701. However, the input pattern of the reset signal to the production control microcomputer 100 and the sound control microcomputer 701 is not limited to this. For example, an input pattern in which a reset signal via the payout control board 37 is input may be used.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 920 is a circuit that realizes a voltage drop monitoring unit that outputs a power-off signal and a reset signal generation unit that generates a reset signal. Note that the voltage drop monitoring unit and the reset signal generating unit may be configured by separate circuits. A commercially available power failure monitoring reset module IC can be used as the power monitoring circuit 920. The power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal when a period during which a predetermined voltage (for example, + 24V) used in the gaming machine becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, + 5V) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 56 ms). . Specifically, the power-off signal is turned on (low level). The power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level when, for example, VCC becomes +4.5 V or less.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 920 is not limited to determining whether or not the voltage has become a predetermined value or less by determining whether or not the period in which the voltage has become a predetermined value or less has continued for a predetermined time or more. For example, it may be determined whether or not the voltage has become equal to or lower than a predetermined value by detecting a pulse obtained using a general full-wave rectifier circuit including a diode circuit. For example, among pulses obtained by full-wave rectification of an AC wave by a full-wave rectifier circuit, a pulse whose amplitude is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is counted, and when the voltage is not counted for a predetermined period, the voltage is less than or equal to a predetermined value. You may judge that it became.

  When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the power-off signal was output (set to a low level). The predetermined period is a time sufficient for the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31 and the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 to execute a power-off process described later. is there. That is, after the power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs the power-off signal as the voltage drop signal, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 complete the execution of the power-off processing, and then the operation stop signal (reset Signal low level). In addition, when the power supply to the gaming machine is started and the VCC exceeds +4.5 V, for example, the reset signal is set to the high level. In this case, after the power-off signal is not output (after the high level is set) ) The reset signal is set to high level on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, when the microcomputer mounted on each electrical component control board (including the main board 31) starts control according to the program in response to the reset signal becoming high level, the power-off signal is always in the off state. It has become.

  The power-off signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input port 372g on the payout control board 37 (see FIG. 7). That is, the payout control microcomputer 370 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine by monitoring the input signal of the input port 372g. In the main board 31, the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is output via the output circuit 373 </ b> B mounted on the payout control board 37 and the input circuit 68 and input port 57 mounted on the main board 31. This is input to the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the gaming control microcomputer 560 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine by monitoring the input signal of the input port.

  On the other hand, the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the reset terminal of the payout control microcomputer 370 (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, the payout control microcomputer 370 can check the timing of setting the payout control operation and the payout control operation being stopped by monitoring the input state of the reset terminal.

  Note that the reset confirmation signal output from the payout control board 37 in response to the input of the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 passes through the output port 372h and the output circuit 373B from the payout control microcomputer 370, and then the main board 312. It is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the mounted input circuit 68 and input port 57. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 can check the timing of the execution state of the game control operation and the timing of the stop state of the game control operation by monitoring the input signal of the input port 57.

  In this embodiment, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 monitors the output of a power supply having a predetermined potential, and detects a voltage from the outside of the gaming machine (this is a detection condition for stopping the supply of power supplied to the gaming machine from the outside). In the embodiment, it is used that the predetermined DC voltage created from AC 24 V) is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. However, the detection condition is not limited to this, and it is possible to detect that the power from the outside is interrupted. Other conditions may be used. For example, the AC wave itself can be monitored to detect that the AC wave has been interrupted, or the AC wave can be detected by monitoring the digitized AC signal and the digital signal has become flat. May be used as a detection condition.

  10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of output port assignment in the game control means. As shown in FIG. 10, the output port 0 is an output port for a payout control signal transmitted to the payout control board 37. Further, 8-bit data (effect control signal) of the effect control command transmitted to the effect control board 80 is output from the output port 1. The logic (for example, 0 is on) opposite to the “logic” (for example, 1 is on) shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 may be used. When the signal line between the control board 37 and the payout control board 37 is disconnected or when the cable is disconnected (including no cable connection), the payout control microcomputer 370 always detects “OFF”. Is defined. Specifically, generally, when disconnection or cable disconnection occurs, a high level is detected on the signal receiving side, so the high level on the signal line between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 is the game control means. The “logic” is determined to be in the off state at the output port at. Therefore, if necessary, an output buffer circuit for logically inverting the signal is provided outside the output port on the main board 31.

  In addition, a solenoid (large winning opening door solenoid) 21 for opening and closing a variable winning ball apparatus 20 that opens and closes a large winning opening from the output port 2, and a solenoid (large winning opening guide plate solenoid) for switching a path in the large winning opening ) 21A and a drive signal for a solenoid (normal electric accessory solenoid) 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 is output. Further, an effect control INT signal (capture signal) for the effect control command transmitted to the effect control board 80 is also output. The effect control INT signal is a signal for instructing the effect control means to capture (receive) 8-bit data of the effect control command.

  Then, various information output signals from the output ports 3 and 4 to the information terminal board 34 and the terminal board 160 through the information output circuit 64, that is, output data of information related to control are output.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports in the game control means. As shown in FIG. 12, bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0 are detected by the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, the gate switch 32a, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a and 30a, and the start port switch 14a, respectively. A signal is input. In addition, bits 0 to 2 of the input port 1 respectively include a power-off signal from the payout control board 37, a detection signal (clear signal) of the clear switch 921 from the payout control board 37, and a reset confirmation from the payout control board 37. A signal is input.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show the main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset confirmation signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is a flowchart to show. When the input level of the reset confirmation signal from the payout control board 37 becomes a high level (off state), the game control microcomputer 560 performs a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. After execution, the main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the game control microcomputer 560 first performs necessary initial settings. Note that the timing at which the input level of the reset confirmation signal from the payout control board 37 becomes a high level (off state) will be described later with reference to step S716 of FIG. 32, FIG.

  In the initial setting process, the game control microcomputer 560 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S4).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets (initializes) the CTC (counter / timer) and the PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) (step S5), and then stores the RAM 55. An accessible state is set (step S6).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). The CTC also includes two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2, 3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

  In the game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment, the following three modes are prepared as maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the game control microcomputer 560 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that made the interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) onto the internal data bus of the game control microcomputer 560. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. At reset, the game control microcomputer 560 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

  Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted, the mode always jumps to address 0038 (h).

  Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is It is a mode that indicates a cover address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, an interrupt process can be set at an arbitrary address (although it is skipped). Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

  Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it becomes possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to install an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in the program. . Furthermore, unlike interrupt mode 1, it is also easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port 1 only once (step S7). When ON is detected in the confirmation, the game control microcomputer 560 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15). When the clear switch 921 is on (when pressed), a low level clear signal is output. In the input port 1, the clear signal is on at a high level. Further, for example, the game store clerk can easily execute the initialization process by starting the power supply to the gaming machine (for example, turning on the power switch 914) while the clear switch 921 is turned on. That is, RAM clear or the like can be performed.

  If the clear switch 921 is not in the on state, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, processing for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. If it is confirmed that such protection processing has been performed, the game control microcomputer 560 determines that there is a backup. When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the game control microcomputer 560 executes initialization processing.

  Whether or not the protection process has been performed depends on the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process described later according to the execution of the data protection process in the backup RAM area (for example, It is confirmed by whether or not 2). Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that data protection processing has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop processing, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that there is a backup, it may be determined that there is a backup.

  If it is determined that there is a backup, the game control microcomputer 560 performs a data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the game control microcomputer 560 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power outage or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the processes of steps S10 to S15) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped. Execute.

  If the check result is normal, the game control microcomputer 560 returns the game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. To do. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S91), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S92). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for areas that may be initialized among the work areas is set. As a result of the processing in steps S91 and S92, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating a gaming state before the power supply is stopped (such as a special symbol process flag), an area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), and unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S93), and indicates that the power supply has been restored to the effect control board 80 according to the contents. The control command (recovery command) shown is controlled to be transmitted (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 560 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. For example, if the count value data of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number is left as it is, the big hit determination random number is generated even if the initialization process is executed by an unauthorized means. Therefore, it is difficult to aim at the timing at which the count value of the counter matches the jackpot determination value. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball out flag, and a payout stop An initial value is set to a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state. In addition, a bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal).

  The game control microcomputer 560 also sets the initial address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and issues an initialization command for initializing the sub-board according to the contents. Processing to transmit to the sub-board is executed (step S14). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9.

  In step S15, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). . That is, for example, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the game control microcomputer 560 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the game control microcomputer 560 disables the interrupt (step S16), and executes the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process. When is finished, the interrupt is permitted (step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. It is. The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). Game control processing described later (game control microcomputer 560 controls itself for game devices such as variable display device 9, variable winning ball device, ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine, or other In the determination random number update process in the process of transmitting a command signal to cause the microcomputer to control the game machine control process), the value of the big hit determination random number generation counter is incremented by one. When the value of the random number generation counter is one round (incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value that can be taken by the big hit determination random number generation counter), an initial value is set in the counter.

  Note that when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set even when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are performed by the timer interrupt process described later. This is to avoid conflict with the processing in the timer interrupt processing. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S17 and S18 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt disabled state is set during the processes of steps S17 and S18.

  Next, the game control process will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, during a period in which the interrupt is permitted during the execution of the loop process of steps S16 to S19, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the timer The game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of the game. In the timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 560 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) that detects whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not it is turned on) ( Step S21). Next, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input through the switch circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch) Process: Step S22). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The game control microcomputer 560 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 performs a special symbol process (step S26). In the special symbol process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 performs a process of sending an effect control command by setting an effect control command related to a decorative symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (special symbol command control process: step) S28). In addition, a process of setting an effect control command related to the normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the effect control command is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S29).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the prize opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, etc. (step S31). Specifically, a payout command signal such as a payout number signal indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to detection of a win based on the turn-on of the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and the like. The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to receiving a payout number signal indicating the number of winning balls.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a storage process for checking an increase / decrease in the number of start winning memories (step S32). In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S33). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the game control microcomputer 560 is related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 3. (See FIG. 10) is output to the output port (step S34: solenoid output process). Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process ends.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started periodically (for example, every 2 ms). In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed. Moreover, the process of step S1-S34 is corresponded to the game control process which controls progress of a game.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the power-off process in step S20. In the power-off process, the game control microcomputer 560 first checks whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not it is turned on) (step S450). If not in the on state, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM 55 is cleared to 0 (step S451). If it is ON, the value of the backup monitoring timer is incremented by 1 (step S452). If the value of the backup monitoring timer matches the determination value (for example, 2) (step S453), the power supply stop process after step S454, that is, the preparation process for power supply stop is executed. That is, the state shifts from a state in which the progress of the game is controlled to a state in which a power supply stop process (a power-off control process) for saving the game state is executed. Note that “formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  By using the backup monitoring timer and the determination value, if the power-off signal is kept on for a time corresponding to the determination value, the power supply stop process is started. That is, even if the power-off signal is turned on for a moment due to noise or the like, the power supply stop process is not erroneously started. Note that the value of the backup monitoring timer is stored by the backup power source for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Therefore, in step S8 in the main process, it can be confirmed that the processing result of the power supply stop process is stored because the value of the backup monitoring timer is the same as the determination value.

  In the power supply stop process, the game control microcomputer 560 creates parity data (steps S454 to S463). That is, first, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (step S454), and the checksum calculation start address corresponding to the start address of the RAM area in which the contents are to be stored even when power supply is stopped is set in the pointer. (Step S455). Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the final address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set (step S456).

  Next, an exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (step S457). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (step S458), the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S459), and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1 (step S460). Then, the processes in steps S457 to S460 are repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (step S461).

  When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the game control microcomputer 560 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area (step S462). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (step S463). This data becomes parity data to be checked when the power is turned on. Next, an access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register (step S471). Thereafter, the built-in RAM 55 cannot be accessed.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the head address of the port clear setting table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S472). In the port clear setting table, the number of processes (the number of output ports to be cleared) is set to the head address, and then the output port address and output value data (clear data: the value of the off state of each bit of the output port) However, the number of output ports corresponding to the number of processes is sequentially set.

  The game control microcomputer 560 loads data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the number of processes) (step S473). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S474), and the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the output port address) is loaded (step S475). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S476), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, output value data) is loaded (step S477). Then, the output value data is output to the output port (step S478). Thereafter, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S479), and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S474. If the number of processes is 0, that is, if all the output ports to be cleared are cleared, the timer interrupt is stopped (step S481) and the loop process is started.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the power-off signal is turned off (step S482). When the power-off signal is turned off, the power-on execution address (the address of step S1) is set as the return address and the return instruction is executed (step S483), and the timer is allocated by RETI (Return from interrupt). The process ends, and the process returns to the main process. Specifically, a state in which a gaming device provided in the gaming machine is controlled (concept including both controlling by itself and transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control). Return.

  Further, in the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the reset confirmation signal is in a low level on state (step S484). When the reset confirmation signal is turned on, that is, when the game control microcomputer 560 confirms that the reset confirmation signal is turned on, the game control microcomputer 560 enters the system reset state. (System reset). That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is returned to the operation stop state, which is the start state (step S485). The voltage level of the detection voltage for turning on the reset signal in the present embodiment is set to +4.5 V, which is higher than the drive voltage (for example, 4 V) of the game control microcomputer 560 as described above. Further, when the voltage level of the detection voltage is lowered and the reset signal is turned on, the reset confirmation signal is turned on in step S936 to be described later, and is input to the game control microcomputer 560. Thereby, the game control microcomputer 560 is actively stopped even when a voltage higher than the drive voltage is still supplied.

  When the power supply is stopped by the above process, the power supply stop process of steps S454 to S481 is executed, and data indicating that the power supply stop process is executed (specified value with backup and checksum) Is stored in the backup RAM, the RAM access is prohibited, the output port is cleared, and the timer interrupt for executing the game control process is set to the prohibited state.

  In this embodiment, the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power source (the contents of the RAM 55 are preserved for a predetermined period even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped). In this example, the checksum based on the content of the RAM 55 when the power-off signal is output is stored in the backup area of the RAM 55 together with the value of the backup monitoring timer by the processing of steps S452 to S479. After the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, when the power supply is restored within a predetermined period, the game control means performs data stored in the RAM 55 (immediately before the power supply is stopped) by the processing of steps S91 to S94 described above. In accordance with the data indicating the gaming state which is a control state by the gaming control means (for example, including the process flag state, the big hit flag state, the probability variation flag state, the output port output state, etc.) It is possible to return to the state immediately before the supply is stopped. If the power supply stop period exceeds the predetermined period, the value of the backup monitoring timer and the checksum should be different from the regular values. In this case, the initialization process of steps S10 to S14 is executed. The

  As described above, the process for storing the game control reliably (in this example) the data for returning the game state to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped by the power supply stop process (preparation process for power supply stop). Then, it is stored in a part of the RAM 55). Therefore, even if the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, if the power is restored within a predetermined period, the gaming state can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped.

  If the power-off signal is turned off, the process returns to step S1. In this case, since data indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set, the game state recovery process of steps S91 to S94 is executed. Therefore, when the power-off signal from the payout control board 37 is turned off after executing the power supply stop process, the process returns to the state of controlling the progress of the game. Therefore, even if a power interruption or the like occurs, the game control process does not stop, and the game control process is automatically continued.

  The connection confirmation signal transmitted to the payout control board 37 is set to the off state by the process of clearing the output port. In the setting of the work area in steps S92 and S12, the content of the output port buffer corresponding to the connection confirmation signal is set to a value corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal. When the prize ball processing in step S31 is executed, the contents of the output port buffer are output to the output port, so that the connection confirmation signal to the payout control board 37 is turned on. Therefore, the connection confirmation signal is output (turned on) when the main board 31 rises. Note that a connection confirmation signal is also output when the power supply is recovered from an instantaneous power interruption or the like.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the main process will be described. In this embodiment, when the ON state of the detection signal of each switch related to winning detection or gate passage continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is surely turned on, and processing corresponding to the switch on is started. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing each 1-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The previous port buffer is a buffer that stores the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before). The port buffer is a buffer in which the contents of port 0 inputted this time are stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which the corresponding bit is set to 1 when switch on is detected and the corresponding bit is set to 0 when switch off is detected.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the switch processing in step S21 in the game control processing. In the switch process, the game control microcomputer 560 first inputs the data input to the input port 0 (see FIG. 12) (step S101), and sets the input data in the port buffer (step S102). Next, an initial value of the weight counter formed in the RAM 55 is set (step S103), and the value of the weight counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the weight counter becomes 0 (steps S104 and S105).

  When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the data of the input port 0 is input again (step S106), and a logical product is obtained for each bit between the input data and the data set in the port buffer (step S106). S107). Then, the logical product operation result is set in the port buffer (step S108). Of the two input data input from the input port 0 with a time interval of approximately [initial value of weight counter × (processing time of steps S104, S105)] by the processing of steps S103 to S108, both “ Only the bits that are “1” will be “1” in the port buffer. That is, if the ON state of the switch detection signal continues for the predetermined period [initial value of wait counter × (processing time of steps S104 and S105)], the corresponding bit in the port buffer becomes “1”.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 performs exclusive OR for each bit between the data previously set in the port buffer and the data set in the port buffer (step S109). In the result of the exclusive OR operation, the bit corresponding to the switch for which the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before) differs from the switch-on / off determination result determined to be on this time is “ 1 ”. The game control microcomputer 560 further performs a logical product for each bit between the exclusive OR operation result and the data set in the port buffer (step S110). As a result, of the bits corresponding to the switches for which the previous switch on / off determination result and the switch on / off determination result determined to be on this time are different (according to the exclusive OR operation result), the current on Only the bit corresponding to the switch determined as (by the logical product operation) remains as “1”.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the logical product calculation result in step S110 in the switch-on buffer (step S111), and sets the contents of the port buffer in which the calculation result in step S108 is set in the previous port buffer. (Step S112).

  Through the above processing, among the switches that have been on for a predetermined period of time, the switch that has been turned off last time (for example, 2 ms before), that is, the switch that has been turned off, that is, changed from the off state to the on state The bit corresponding to the switch is “1” in the switch-on buffer.

  Next, payout control signals transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a control signal output from the game control means to the payout control means. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of control signals are transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 in order to perform various controls relating to the payout control and the like. As shown in FIG. 20, the connection confirmation signal is output when the main board 31 rises (when the game control means starts the game control process), and indicates that the main board 31 has risen with respect to the payout control board 37. This is a signal for notification (connection confirmation signal for the main board 31). The connection confirmation signal indicates that the winning ball can be paid out.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball payout request is made (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). In addition, the prize ball REQ signal is in a stopped state (off state) when a predetermined period has elapsed. The award ball number signal is a signal (award ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) for which a payout request is made.

  The reset confirmation signal instructs the payout control means to stop the game control operation of the game control means from the off state to the on state based on the fact that the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 has changed from the off state to the on state. It is a signal for. Further, the reset confirmation signal indicates that the payout control means starts the game control operation of the game control means from the on state to the off state based on the fact that the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 has changed from the on state to the off state. It is a signal for instructing. That is, it is used as a signal for notifying the main board 31 of a control operation stop / start instruction.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of each control signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the connection confirmation signal, the prize ball REQ signal, and the prize ball number signal are output by the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 67, and the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. Is input. The power-off signal is output via the output circuit 373B mounted on the payout control board 37 and input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the input circuit 68. The reset confirmation signal is output by the payout control microcomputer 370 via the output circuit 373B, and is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the input circuit 68. Each of the connection confirmation signal, the prize ball REQ signal, the power-off signal, and the reset confirmation signal is 1-bit data, and is transmitted through one signal line. The award ball number signal designates 0 to 15, and is composed of 4-bit data and transmitted through four signal lines.

  FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 22, when the winning detection switch detects the winning of the game ball, the game control means turns on the winning ball REQ signal and pays out the output state of the winning ball number signal according to the winning. Set the state according to the number of winning balls. Specifically, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that a game ball has won a winning area provided in the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the winning detection switch, the gaming control microcomputer 560 calculates a predetermined number of winning balls. It is added to the content of the total number of winning balls stored in the backup RAM. When the content of the total winning ball number storage buffer becomes a non-zero value, the winning ball REQ signal is turned on, and the output state of the winning ball number signal is set according to the number of winning balls to be paid out according to winning. To the state.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the start port switch 14a, four prize balls are paid out, and when a game ball is detected by any of the prize port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a. Seven prize balls are paid out. When a game ball is detected by the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are paid out. Further, as described above, the prize ball number signal is composed of 4 bits, so the lower 4 bits of the prize ball number commands of 00 (H) to 0F (H) expressed in 8 bits are The signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 by the award ball number signal. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball number signal”, but in reality, the prize ball number signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 4 bits of 0F (H).

  When the payout control means confirms the reception of the prize ball REQ signal, the payout control means confirms the reception state of the prize ball number signal, and adds the prize ball number indicated by the prize ball number signal to the prize ball unpaid number counter.

  The game control means turns off the prize ball REQ signal after a predetermined prize ball REQ signal output time elapses and clears the output state of the prize ball number signal to turn it off. That is, a state in which the prize ball number signal indicates 0 (a state in which an invalid command is output) is set. Accordingly, since the prize ball number signal is in an invalid command output state when the prize ball REQ signal is in an on state, the on-state of the prize ball REQ signal is detected by noise or the like in the payout control means. However, there is no such thing as accidentally paying out a prize ball. The prize ball REQ signal output time is a period of time during which the prize ball REQ signal is turned on, which is predetermined as a time during which the payout control board 37 can reliably recognize reception of the prize ball REQ signal.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the prize ball processing in step S31. In the prize ball process, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a prize ball number addition process (step S201) and a prize ball control process (step S202). Then, the contents of the port 0 buffer formed in the RAM 55 are output to port 0 (step S203). The contents of the port 0 buffer are updated in the prize ball control process.

  In the prize ball number adding process, a prize ball number table shown in FIG. 24 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “7”) is set in the head address of the winning ball number table, and thereafter, the lower address of the switch-on buffer, and each switch of the winning opening that will pay out the winning ball by winning. The switch input bit determination value and the number of winning balls are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening. The switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to the bit to which the detection signal of each switch at the input port 0 is input (see FIG. 12). The upper address of the switch-on buffer is a fixed value (for example, 7F (H)). In the prize ball number table, the same data is set in each of the lower addresses of the seven switch-on buffers.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the prize ball number adding process. In the winning ball number adding process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the start address of the winning ball number table as a pointer (step S211). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S212). Next, the upper address (8 bits) of the switch-on buffer is set in the upper 1 byte of the 2-byte check pointer (step S213).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S214), and the data of the prize ball number table pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the lower address of the switch-on buffer) is set in the lower 1 byte of the check pointer (step S215). The pointer value is increased by 1 (step S216). Next, the address data pointed to by the check pointer, that is, the contents of the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S217), and the loaded contents and the data of the prize ball number table pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input bit judgment value) ) And the logical product (step S218). As a result, 7 bits other than the bit corresponding to the detection signal of the switch to be inspected become 0 in the register loaded with the contents of the switch-on buffer. Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S219).

  If the calculation result in step S218 is 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on, the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the prize ball number) is used as the prize ball addition value. (Steps S220 and S221), and the prize ball addition value is added to the contents of the 16-bit total prize ball number storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S222). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S223 and 224).

  In step S225, the number of processes is reduced by 1. If the number of processes is 0, the process ends. If the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S214 (step S226). In step S220, when it is confirmed that the calculation result in step S218 is 0, that is, the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S225.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control process in step S201. In the prize ball control process, the game control microcomputer 560 executes any one of steps S231 to S233 according to the value of the prize ball process code.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the prize waiting process 1 (step S231) executed when the value of the prize ball process code is zero. In the award ball waiting process 1, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the award ball waiting output value (10 (H)) in the port 0 buffer (step S241). When the output value during waiting for a prize ball is set in the port 0 buffer, the contents of the port 0 buffer are output to port 0 in step S203, whereby the prize ball REQ signal is turned off, and the connection confirmation signal The on state is maintained (see FIG. 10). In addition, the award ball number signal enters an invalid command (00 (H)).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the prize ball timer is 0 (step S242). If the prize ball timer is not 0, the value of the prize ball timer is decreased by 1 (step S243), and the process is terminated. The prize ball timer is a timer for measuring the time required for prize ball processing. At this stage, if the value of the prize ball timer is not 0, the next prize ball after the previous payout process is completed. The waiting time until the REQ signal is turned on (time for providing an interval between the ON periods of a plurality of prize ball REQ signals when consecutive prize ball payout is executed) has not ended. means. The prize ball timer is set in step S263 of the prize ball waiting process 2 described later. In addition, in the processes of steps S241 to S243, after the execution of the award ball waiting process 2 in step S233 is completed and the previous award ball control process is completed, the award ball REQ signal is turned off, and the award ball number signal As an invalid command (00 (H)).

  If the value of the prize ball timer is 0, the game control microcomputer 560 then checks the contents of the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S244). If the value is 0, the process ends. If not, the value of the prize ball process code is set to 1 (step S245), and the process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a prize ball transmission process (step S232) executed when the value of the prize ball process code is 1. In the prize ball transmission process, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value (“15” in this example) (step S251). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is equal to or greater than the prize ball command maximum value, the prize ball command maximum value is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S252). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the maximum value of the prize ball command, the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S253).

  Thereafter, the output value (30 (H)) during the prize ball REQ is set in the output port 0 buffer (step S254). When the output value in the prize ball REQ is set in the output port 0 buffer, the contents of the output port 0 buffer are outputted to the port 0 in step S203, so that the prize ball REQ signal is turned on and the connection confirmation is made. The on state of the signal is maintained (see FIG. 10). Further, the contents of the winning ball number buffer are set in the lower 4 bits of the output port 0 buffer (step S255).

  In this embodiment, the maximum value of the prize ball command is “15”. Accordingly, a prize ball control signal designating the maximum number of payouts of “15” is transmitted to the payout control board 37. When the prize ball control signal is transmitted, the game control microcomputer 560 subtracts the contents of the prize ball number buffer (the number of prize balls paid out to the payout control means) from the contents of the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S256). ). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a REQ end determination time value (for example, 3) in the prize ball timer (step S257). The REQ end determination time value is a value for creating a prize ball REQ signal off waiting time. Then, the value of the prize ball process code is set to 2 (step S258), and the process is terminated.

  In this example, after the prize ball control signal is transmitted, the subtraction process in step S256 is performed. Specifically, in step S254 and step S255, the output value in the prize ball REQ and the content of the prize ball number buffer are obtained. After the output port 0 buffer is set, this is performed before the contents of the output port 0 buffer are output to port 0 in step S203. However, in step S254 and step S255, the output value in the prize ball REQ and the contents of the prize ball number buffer are set in the output port 0 buffer, and then in step S203, the contents of the output port 0 buffer are output to port 0. After the prize ball REQ signal is actually turned on, a subtraction process for subtracting the contents of the prize ball number buffer from the contents of the total prize ball number storage buffer may be performed.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the winning ball waiting process 2 (step S233) executed when the value of the winning ball process code is 2. In the award ball waiting process 2, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the value of the prize ball timer (step S261). If the value is not 0, the value of the prize ball timer is decreased by 1 (step S262). Exit. When the value of the prize ball timer becomes 0, that is, when the prize ball REQ signal OFF waiting time shown in FIG. 23 has elapsed, the prize ball REQ waiting time is set in the prize ball timer (step S263). Then, the value of the prize ball process code is set to 0 (step S264), and the process is terminated. As described above, the award ball REQ waiting time is the waiting time until the next award ball REQ signal is turned on (when award ball payout is continuously performed, the on periods of a plurality of award ball REQ signals are Is a time for providing an interval).

  Through the above processing, the game control means stores the total number of game balls as prize balls to be paid out based on the establishment of the payout condition in the total prize ball number storage buffer so as to be specified. Further, the game control means transmits a payout command signal for designating a payout number of a predetermined number of prize balls to the payout control means based on the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer. Here, the predetermined number is 15 if the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer is 15 or more, and is stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer if it is less than 15. The number of prize balls. Then, when transmission of a prize ball control signal designating a prize ball payout is started, a subtraction process is performed for subtracting the number of prizes designated by the payout command signal from the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer. .

  In this embodiment, as the prize game medium number storage means for storing the total number of prize game media to be paid out based on the establishment of the payout condition, a total prize ball number storage buffer for storing the total number itself is exemplified. However, the prize game medium number storage means for storing the total number of prize game media so as to be identifiable is one that stores the number of prizes received in each prize area, or the number of prizes for each prize area (the same number of prize balls) ( For example, the winning opening 14 corresponding to the number of six winning balls, the winning holes 33, 39, 29, 30 corresponding to the number of ten winning balls, and the number of winning prizes to the large winning opening corresponding to the number of 15 winning balls. And the number of winnings for which the winning ball payout has not ended yet may be stored.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means (the payout control microcomputer 370 and the I / O port) will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output port assignment in the payout control means. As shown in FIG. 30, the output port 0 is an output port for outputting each phase signal supplied to the firing motor 94 by the stepping motor and each phase signal supplied to the dispensing motor 289 by the stepping motor. It is. Further, the output port 1 outputs a ball-out LED 52 and a prize ball LED 51, a prize ball in-game signal, prize ball information, ball rental information and a gaming machine error status signal, and a reset confirmation signal outputted to the outside of the gaming machine. Is an output port. The output port 2 is an output port of each segment output of the error display LED 374 by 7 segment LED.

  Although not shown in FIG. 30, the payout control board 37 is also provided with an output port 3 for outputting an EXS signal and a PRDY signal to the card unit 50.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports in the payout control means. As shown in FIG. 31, a 4-bit prize ball number signal is input to bits 0 to 3 of the input port 0, and a connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 and a main board 31 are input to bits 4 to 7, respectively. The award ball REQ signal, the ball break switch 187 detection signal, and the payout motor position sensor 295 detection signal are input. Bits 0 to 3 of the input port 1 respectively include a touch sensor signal (launch control signal) from the touch sensor, a detection signal from the payout count switch 301, an operation signal from the error release switch 375, and a full switch 48. The detection signal is input. The VL signal, the BRDY signal, and the BRQ signal from the card unit 50 are input to bits 4 to 6 of the input port 1, respectively. An output signal (clear signal: shown as “clear switch” in FIG. 31) of the clear switch 921 from the power supply board 910 and a power-off signal are input to the input port 2.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the payout control means. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the payout control microcomputer 370 starts main processing. In the main process, the payout control microcomputer 370 first performs necessary initial settings. That is, the payout control microcomputer 370 first sets the interruption prohibition (step S701). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S702), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S703). The payout control microcomputer 370 initializes the built-in device register (step S704), initializes the CTC and PIO (step S705), and then sets the RAM in an accessible state (step S706). . Further, 0000 (H) is set as an initial value of the award ball unpaid number counter (step S707).

  In this embodiment, one channel of the built-in CTC is used in the timer mode. Accordingly, in the built-in device register setting process in step S704 and the process in step S705, register setting for setting the channel to be used to timer mode, register setting for permitting interrupt generation, and setting an interrupt vector. The register is set. The interrupt by the channel is used as a timer interrupt. For example, when it is desired to generate a timer interrupt every 2 ms, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

  The interrupt vector set for the channel set to the timer mode (channel 3 in this embodiment) corresponds to the start address of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the start address of the timer interrupt process is specified by the value set in the I register and the interrupt vector. In the timer interruption process, a payout control process for controlling the payout means (including at least a process of driving the ball payout device 97 in response to a command signal related to award ball payout from the main board, and in response to a ball lending request, A process for driving the program may be included.

  In this embodiment, the interruption mode 2 is also set in the payout control microcomputer 370. Therefore, it is possible to use an interrupt process based on counting up the built-in CTC. Also, an interrupt processing start address can be set according to the interrupt vector sent by the CTC. An interrupt based on CTC channel 3 (CH3) count-up is an interrupt that occurs when the CPU internal clock (system clock) counts down and the register value becomes “0”, and is used as a timer interrupt. .

  Next, the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port 2 is confirmed only once (step S708). In the confirmation, when it is detected ON, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes an initialization process (steps S712 to S715). If the clear switch 921 is not in the on state, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) is performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirmation is made (step S709). Whether or not the protection process has been performed depends on the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process described later according to the execution of the data protection process in the backup RAM area (for example, It is confirmed by whether or not 2). Note that such a confirmation method is merely an example. For example, a flag indicating that the data protection processing has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop processing. In step S709, the flag is set. If it is confirmed that there is a backup, it may be determined that there is backup.

  If it is determined that there is a backup, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S710). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the game control microcomputer 560 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process described later, the checksum is calculated by the same process (the process shown in FIG. 34) as the above process, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S710, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power outage or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of power supply stop, the payout control side recovery process is not executed, and the initialization process (steps S712 to S715) is executed.

  If the check result is normal, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs payout control side recovery processing. Specifically, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter formed in the backup RAM is set as the initial value of the award ball unpaid number counter (step S711). And the process after step S713 is performed.

  In the initialization process, the payout control microcomputer 370 first performs a RAM clear process (step S712). Also, initial values are set in the flags and counters of the RAM area (step S713). The process of step S713 includes a process of setting the initial value of the award ball unpaid number counter in the award ball unpaid number counter. Accordingly, when the payout control side restoration process (step S711) is executed, the value of the unsold prize ball number counter stored in the backup RAM is set again in the unsold prize ball number counter. In other words, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter stored in the backup RAM is used as it is.

  Then, the CTC register provided in the payout control microcomputer 370 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated (step S714). That is, a value corresponding to the timer interrupt generation interval is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). Since interruption is prohibited in step S701 of the initial setting process, interruption is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S715).

  When the initialization process is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 switches the reset confirmation signal from the on state to the off state, and instructs the main board 31 to start the game control operation (step S716). Thereafter, a loop process for monitoring the occurrence of a timer interrupt is entered. In step S716, the contents of the output port buffer corresponding to the reset confirmation signal are set to values corresponding to the reset confirmation signal OFF state (a high level reset confirmation signal is created), and the contents of the output port buffer are changed. A process of outputting to the output port (outputting a high level reset confirmation signal) is executed.

  In the present embodiment, after the initialization process is performed, a reset confirmation signal is output to game control microcomputer 560 in step S716. In the game control microcomputer 560, when the reset confirmation signal is input (becomes high level) as described above, the game control microcomputer 560 becomes operable and the main process described with reference to FIG. 13 is executed. As a result, after the initialization process is completed by the payout control microcomputer 370, the initialization process and the game control process by the game control microcomputer 560 can be started. Therefore, when the power supply of the gaming machine is started In addition, the payout control microcomputer 370 can receive the control command from the game control microcomputer 560 more reliably.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the built-in CTC of the payout control microcomputer 370 is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. When a timer interrupt occurs, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by the payout control means. In the timer interrupt process, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a power-off process for monitoring whether or not a power-off signal is output (step S749). Then, the payout control process after step S750 is executed. In the payout control process, the payout control microcomputer 370 first performs an excitation pattern output process for the firing motor 94 (output of the patterns of the firing motors φ1 to φ4 to the output port 0) (step S750). In the firing motor control process in step S752, the excitation pattern is stored in the excitation pattern buffer, which is a RAM area. Process to output to.

  Next, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs an input determination process (step S751). In the input determination process, the states of bits 4 to 6 of input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of input port 1 (see FIG. 31) are detected, and the detection result is a predetermined 1 byte of RAM (referred to as an input state flag). It is a process to be reflected in. In the payout control process, when control is performed based on the states of bits 4 to 6 of input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of input port 1, the state of the input port is not directly checked, but the input state is checked. Check the status of the flag.

  Next, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a firing motor control process (step S752). In the firing motor control process, the patterns of the firing motors φ1 to φ4 are stored in the excitation pattern buffer. When the firing motor 94 should be disabled, the patterns of the firing motors φ1 to φ4 that do not rotate the firing motor 94 are stored in the excitation pattern buffer. Also, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a payout motor control process (step S753). In the payout motor control process, when the payout motor 289 is to be driven, a process for outputting the patterns of the payout motors φ1 to φ4 to the output port 0 is performed.

  Also, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a prepaid card unit control process for communicating with the card unit 50 (step S754). Next, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes main control communication processing for communicating with the game control means of the main board 31 (step S755). Further, a prize ball lending control process for performing a control for paying out a lending ball in response to a ball lending request from the card unit 50 and for performing a control for paying out the number of award balls indicated by a prize ball number signal from the main board. Is executed (step S756).

  Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes error processing for detecting various errors (step S757). Further, an information output process for outputting prize ball information and ball lending information output to the outside of the gaming machine is executed (step S758). Further, a predetermined display is performed on the error display LED 374 according to the result of the error processing, and a display control process for lighting the prize ball LED 51 and the ball out LED 52 is executed (step S759). The payout control microcomputer 370 performs control for turning on the prize ball LED 51 when the prize ball is being paid out in the display control process. Further, when the prize ball payout is completed, control for turning off the prize ball LED 51 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, output port 2 buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. The contents of the output port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, and output port 2 buffer are output to the output port (step S760: output processing). However, since the lower 4 bits (fire motors φ1 to φ4) of output port 0 are executed in step S750, the output of the lower 4 bits of output port 0 is not performed in the output process. The output port 0 buffer, the output port 1 buffer, and the output port 2 buffer are a payout motor control process (step S753), a prepaid card control process (step S754), a main control communication process (step S755), and an information output process (step S758). And updated in the display control process (step S759).

  34 and 35 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the power-off process in step S749. In the power-off process, the payout control microcomputer 370 first checks whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not it is in an on state) (step S901). If not in the ON state, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM provided in the payout control board 37 is cleared to 0 (step S902). If it is on, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM is incremented by 1 (step S903). If the value of the backup monitoring timer matches the determination value (for example, 2) (step S904), the power supply stop process after step S905 is executed. That is, the process shifts from a state in which the payout control is executed to a state in which a power supply stop process (power-off control process) for saving the control state of the payout control is executed.

  By using the backup monitoring timer and the determination value, if the power-off signal is kept on for a time corresponding to the determination value, the power supply stop process is started. That is, even if the power-off signal is turned on for a moment due to noise or the like, the power supply stop process is not erroneously started. Note that the value of the backup monitoring timer is stored by the backup power source for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Therefore, in step S709 in the main process, it can be confirmed that the process result of the power supply stop process is stored because the value of the backup monitoring timer is the same as the determination value.

  In the power supply stop process, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets the power supply stop process standby time in the standby time timer (step S905), and receives a prize ball control signal from the game control means for a predetermined period (power supply stop). Waiting time waiting time) During the waiting time to be received, a prize ball receiving process is performed (steps S906 to S909). The standby time timer is stored in the RAM.

  The processing standby time at the time of power supply stop is a predetermined time as a period from the output of the power-off signal to the start of power-supply stop processing at the main board 31 according to the input of the power-off signal. is there. The power supply stop process standby time is determined at least so that the power supply stop process on the main board 31 is started before the award ball acceptance process during the standby time is completed.

  In the award ball acceptance process during the waiting time, the payout control microcomputer 370 adds the number indicated by the award ball number signal to the award ball unpaid number counter if the award ball REQ signal is on (step S906) ( Step S909). If the prize ball REQ signal is not on, the payout control microcomputer 370 decrements the standby time timer by 1 (step S907). If the standby time timer is not 0, the process returns to step S906 (step S908). That is, the award ball acceptance process during the standby time is executed until the power supply stop process standby time elapses. If the waiting time timer is 0, the award ball acceptance process during the waiting time is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S911.

  Here, an example of a conventional gaming machine will be described. Among conventional gaming machines in which a power-off signal is input to the game control board and the payout control board, a power-off signal is input to the game control board and the payout control board at the same timing. And the power-off signal is input to the game control board and the payout control board at different timings. Then, in the former gaming machine in which the power-off signal is input to the game control board and the payout control board at the same timing, when the power-off signal is input, the power supply stop processing is performed on the game control side and the payout control side. Since the processes are executed at the same timing, no command is transmitted / received between the game control board and the payout control board after the start of processing when the power supply is stopped.

  However, in the latter gaming machine in which the power-off signal is input to the game control board and the payout control board at different timings, the power supply stop process is executed at different timings on the game control side and the payout control side, Even after the start of processing when power supply is stopped, there is a possibility that a command may be transmitted and received between the game control board and the payout control board. It was. In particular, when the power supply stop process is executed on the payout control side prior to the game control side, a winning entry to the winning opening etc. is made after the power supply stop process is started on the payout control side. When the payout condition is satisfied, a prize ball REQ signal or the like output from the game control side may be missed, and there may be a problem that a prize ball due to winning is not paid out accurately.

  In order to avoid the possibility of such inconvenience as much as possible, in this embodiment, as described above, even after it is determined in step S905 that the power-off signal has been turned on, in step S908. If the waiting time timer is not 0, the award ball REQ signal is turned on and if YES is determined in step S906, the number indicated by the award ball number signal is surely added to the award ball unpaid number counter in step S909. Even when the power-off signal is input to the payout control board, the payout of the winning ball based on the winning that occurred immediately before the power supply is stopped (during the standby time) can be reliably performed. It is configured.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 34, when the award ball acceptance process during the waiting time is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 creates parity data (steps S911 to S920). That is, first, the clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (step S911), and the checksum calculation start address corresponding to the start address of the RAM area where the contents should be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set in the pointer. (Step S912). Further, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the final address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set (step S913).

  Next, an exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (step S914). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (step S915), the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S916), and the value of the checksum calculation count is decremented by 1 (step S917). Then, the processes in steps S914 to S917 are repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (step S918).

  When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the payout control microcomputer 370 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area (step S919). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (step S920). This data becomes parity data to be checked when the power is turned on. Next, an access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register (step S921). Thereafter, the built-in RAM 55 cannot be accessed.

  Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets the start address of the port clear setting table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S922). In the port clear setting table, the number of processes (the number of output ports to be cleared) is set to the head address, and then the output port address and output value data (clear data: the value of the off state of each bit of the output port) However, the number of output ports corresponding to the number of processes is sequentially set.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 loads data at the address pointed to by the pointer (ie, the number of processes) (step S923). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S924), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the output port address) is loaded (step S925). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S926), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, output value data) is loaded (step S927). Then, the output value data is output to the output port (step S928). Thereafter, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S929), and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S924 (step S930). If the number of processes is 0 (Y in step S930), that is, if all output ports to be cleared are cleared, the timer interrupt is stopped (step S931) and the loop process is started.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the power-off signal is turned off (step S932). When the power-off signal is turned off, the execution address at power-on (the address in step S701) is set as the return address, the return instruction is executed (step S934), and the timer interrupt process is terminated by RETI. Then, the process returns to the main process. Specifically, the state returns to a state in which a gaming device (such as a ball payout device 97) provided in the gaming machine is controlled.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the reset signal is in a low level on state (step S935). When the reset signal is turned on, the reset confirmation signal is switched from the off state to the on state (step S936). Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 enters a system reset state (system reset). That is, the payout control microcomputer 370 is returned to the operation stop state which is the start state (step S937). In this example, the payout control microcomputer 370 turns on the reset signal so as to be actively stopped when a voltage higher than the drive voltage (for example, 4 V) is still supplied. The voltage level of the detection voltage is set.

  When the power supply is stopped by the above process, the award ball reception process during the standby time and the power supply stop process in steps S911 to S931 are executed, indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed. Data (specified value with backup and checksum) is stored in backup RAM, RAM access is disabled, output port is cleared, and timer interrupt for executing payout control processing is disabled The

  By executing the award ball accepting process during the waiting time, even when the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the award ball number signal as the payout number data immediately before the power supply is stopped, the payout control microcomputer 370 is surely paid out. The numerical data can be received and stored, and the player can be prevented from being disadvantaged.

  In order to ensure that the payout control microcomputer 370 can receive the payout amount data, the timing at which the power-off signal is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 is delayed, and the payout control microcomputer 370 stops supplying power. You may make it the structure which delays the timing which starts a time process. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to provide a hardware delay circuit or the like. If a hardware delay circuit or the like is not provided, the game control microcomputer 560 may start outputting the prize ball number signal immediately before the power-off signal is input to the payout control microcomputer 370, or the payout control. After the power-off signal is input to the microcomputer 370 for the game (when transmission of the power-off signal to the game control microcomputer 560 is delayed), the game control microcomputer 560 starts outputting the award ball number signal. There is a risk. In this case, if the payout control microcomputer 370 immediately starts the power supply stop process in response to the power-off signal, the payout control microcomputer 370 may not recognize that the prize ball number signal has been transmitted. . However, in this embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 37 can reliably capture the prize ball number signal by executing the prize ball acceptance process during the waiting time.

  In this embodiment, the entire RAM area of the payout control board 37 is backed up by a backup power source (the contents of the RAM are saved for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped). Yes. Therefore, by the processing in steps S905 to S931, the checksum based on the contents of the RAM when the power-off signal is output is also stored in the RAM together with the value of the backup monitoring timer. When the power supply is restored within a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the payout control means performs the data stored in the RAM (the payout immediately before the power supply is stopped) by the process of step S711 described above. The payout state can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped according to the data indicating the payout state which is the control state by the control means (for example, including the value of the award ball non-payout number counter). If the power supply stop period exceeds the predetermined period, the value of the backup monitoring timer and the checksum should be different from the regular values. In this case, the initialization process in steps S712 to S714 is executed. The

  As described above, by the power supply stop process (preparation process for power supply stop), the data for returning the payout control state to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped is surely stored in the payout control storage unit (this In the example, the payout control board 37 is stored in the entire RAM area). Therefore, even if the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, if the power is restored within a predetermined period, the payout control state can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped. It should be noted that the entire RAM area of the payout control board 37 is not backed up by power, but only the area for storing data for returning the payout control state to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped is backed up by power. May be.

  If the power-off signal is turned off, the process returns to step S701. In this case, since data indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set, the payout control side recovery process in step S711 is executed. Therefore, when the power-off signal from the voltage drop monitoring means is turned off after executing the power supply stop process, the process returns to the state of executing the payout control process. Therefore, even if a power interruption or the like occurs, the payout control process does not stop, and the payout control process is automatically continued.

  Since the waiting time elapses after the game control microcomputer 560 starts the power supply stop process, the payout control microcomputer 370 starts the process when the game control microcomputer 560 stops the power supply. Later, the power supply stop process is started. Therefore, since the prize control signal is not output by the game control microcomputer 560 after the payout control microcomputer 370 has started the power supply stop process, it is possible to prevent the prize control signal from being missed. Can do.

  When the power supply voltage is further lowered and the VCC monitored by the power supply monitoring circuit 920 becomes +4.5 V or less after the power supply stop processing in the payout control microcomputer 370 and the game control microcomputer 560 is completed, The reset signal is set to the low level, and the low level reset signal is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and the game control microcomputer 560, and the low level reset confirmation signal is input to the game control microcomputer 560, and the operation is stopped. It becomes a state.

  FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing how the microcomputer operates when power supply to the gaming machine is started and when power supply is stopped. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply exceeds a predetermined value, the power-off signal is turned off. When the value of VCC exceeds a predetermined value, the reset signal becomes high level. Note that, as described above, the power monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to the high level OFF state after setting the power cutoff signal to the OFF state. Then, it is input to the reset terminal of the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 and the effect control CPU 101 mounted on the effect control board 80. The payout control microcomputer 370 and the effect control CPU 101 become operable when the reset signal becomes high level. When the payout control microcomputer 370 enters an operable state, it first executes an initialization process, then sets the reset confirmation signal to a high level off state, and then starts the payout control process. The effect control CPU 101 first executes an initialization process, and then starts the effect control process.

  A reset confirmation signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 is input to the main board 31. The main board 31 becomes operable in response to the reset confirmation signal being turned off at a high level. Therefore, the time when the game control microcomputer 560 becomes operable is later than the time when the CPU of the sub-board becomes operable. In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process based on a security check program when it becomes operable. When the security check process ends, an initialization process and a game control process are started.

  As described above, the game control microcomputer 560 performs a process of transmitting a command (command signal) to the CPU of the sub-board in the initialization process. When the game control microcomputer 560 starts the initialization process due to the time difference from when the reset signal is turned off to when the reset confirmation signal is turned off, when the CPU of the sub-board completes the initialization process Is slower than That is, after the payout control microcomputer 370 completes the initialization process, the reset confirmation signal is turned off, and when the game control microcomputer 560 starts the initialization process, the sub-board CPU performs the initialization process. Completed.

  In this embodiment, before the game control microcomputer 560 starts the initialization process, the security check process based on the security check program is executed. Therefore, it becomes more certain that the time point when the game control microcomputer 560 starts the initialization process is later than the time point when all the CPUs of the sub-boards complete the initialization process. Therefore, when the power supply of the gaming machine is started, the CPU of the sub board can receive the control command from the gaming control microcomputer 560 more reliably.

  On the other hand, when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply gradually decreases. However, when the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply falls below a predetermined value, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal (low level). ). The power-off signal is input to the payout control board 37. The power-off signal input to the payout control board 37 is output to the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B. Until a predetermined period elapses after the power-off signal is input to the main board 31, the game control microcomputer 560 displays the input state of the payout control signals (the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal) designated for the prize ball payout. After monitoring, power supply stop processing (also referred to as power-off control processing) is executed.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level when VCC falls below a predetermined value. The payout control means mounted on the payout control board 37 sets the reset confirmation signal to low level in response to the reset signal becoming low level, and then the system is reset. That is, the payout control microcomputer 370 is not operated. Note that the power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the power supply cutoff signal is output when the power supply voltage decreases.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31 is system-reset in response to the reset confirmation signal from the payout control board 37 becoming a low level. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is not operated.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the payout motor control process in step S753. In the payout motor control process, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes one of steps S521 to S526 according to the value of the payout motor control code.

  In the payout motor normal process (step S521) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 0, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets the pointer to the head address of the table stored in the ROM. The payout motor normal process setting table stores a payout motor excitation pattern table in which data of excitation patterns (payout motors φ1 to φ4) of each step for rotating the payout motor 289 at the time of ball payout is sequentially set. Yes.

  In the payout motor activation preparation process (step S522) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 1, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs bits 4 to 4 of the output port 0 buffer corresponding to the output state of the output port 0. For example, the initial value of the excitation pattern is set to 7.

  In the payout motor slow-up process (step S523) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 2, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs the constant speed process in order to smoothly start the payout motor 289. The output port 0 buffer corresponding to the output state of the output port 0 is read by reading the contents of the payout motor excitation pattern table at a longer interval and at a time interval that gradually approaches the time interval in the case of constant speed processing. Set to bits 4-7. At the time of reading, the contents of the payout motor excitation pattern table at the address pointed to by the pointer are read and the value of the pointer is incremented by one.

  In the payout motor constant speed process (step S524) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 3, the payout control microcomputer 370 periodically reads the contents of the payout motor excitation pattern table and outputs the output port 0. Set to bits 4-7 of the output port 0 buffer corresponding to the output state.

  In the payout motor brake process (step S525) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 4, the payout control microcomputer 370 stops the payout motor 289 more smoothly than in the case of the constant speed process. Bit 4 of the output port 0 buffer corresponding to the output state of the output port 0 by reading out the contents of the payout motor excitation pattern table at a long interval and gradually away from the time interval in the case of constant speed processing. Set to ~ 7.

  In the ball biting payout motor brake process (step S526) executed when the value of the payout motor control code is 5, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs the payout motor 289 in the case of rotation for releasing the ball biting. In order to smoothly stop the discharge, the payout motor at a longer interval than the rotation of the payout motor 289 for releasing the ball bite and at a time interval gradually moving away from the time interval in the case of constant speed processing. The contents of the excitation pattern table are read and set in bits 4 to 7 of the output port 0 buffer corresponding to the output state of output port 0.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the main control communication process in step S755. In the main control communication process, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes any one of steps S531 to S532 according to the value of the main control communication control code.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing main control communication normal processing (step S531) executed when the value of the main control communication control code is 0. In the main control communication normal processing, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs processing without executing the subsequent processing when the error bit (main control unconnected error bit or prize ball REQ signal error bit) is on. Is finished (step S541). In step S541, if any one of the two bits in the error flag is set, it is determined that the error bit is set.

  If the condition of step S541 is not satisfied and the connection confirmation signal is on, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms whether or not the prize ball REQ signal is on (steps S543 and S544). . Note that the connection confirmation signal being in the on state means that power is supplied and the game control means can control the progress of the game, and that the connection confirmation signal is in the off state means It means that the supply is stopped and the game control means cannot advance the game. If it is in the on state, the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball number signal is added to the contents of the prize ball unpaid number counter (step S545), and the main control communication control timer receives the prize ball REQ signal off monitoring time ( A process of setting the longest period during which the ON state of the prize ball REQ signal can be continued and a predetermined period (for example, “24” in this case) is set (step S546). The main control communication control timer is a timer used for monitoring time related to communication with the game control means of the main board 31. At this stage, the main control communication control timer is used to monitor the timing when the prize ball REQ signal is turned off. Prize ball REQ signal off monitoring time is set. Then, the value of the main control communication control code is set to 1 (step S547), and the process ends. The prize ball unpaid-out number counter is formed in a non-volatile (power-backed up in this example) RAM area.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing main control communication end processing (step S532) executed when the value of the main control communication control code is 1. In the main control communication process, if the error bit (main control unconnected error bit or prize ball REQ signal error bit) is on, the payout control microcomputer 370 proceeds to step S567 (step S561). . Moreover, also when a connection confirmation signal is an OFF state, it transfers to step S567 (step S562). When both error bits are in the off state and the connection confirmation signal is in the on state, it is confirmed whether or not the prize ball REQ signal is in the off state (step S563). When it is turned off, the process proceeds to step S567.

  If the prize ball REQ signal is not turned off, the value of the main control communication control timer is confirmed (step S564). If the value of the main control communication control timer is not 0, the value of the main control communication control timer is decremented by 1 (step S565). If the value of the main control communication control timer is 0, the prize ball REQ signal is not turned off within the monitoring time, and the prize ball REQ signal error bit is set in the error flag (step S566), and the process goes to step S567. Transition. In step S567, the value of the main control communication control code is set to 0, and the process ends.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the winning ball lending control process in step S756. In the winning ball lending control process, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms that the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is turned on (step S601). The counter value is decremented by 1 (steps S602 and S604), and if the ball is not being lent, the value of the award ball unpaid-out number counter is decremented by 1 (steps S602 and S603). Next, the payout ball detection bit of the payout control state flag formed in the RAM is set (step S605). The payout ball detection bit is a game regardless of whether the payout motor 289 is driven in one payout ball payout process (up to 15 balls) or one ball lending process (25 payouts) in the payout passing waiting process. This is used to detect that no sphere has passed through the payout number counting switch 301. Thereafter, any one of steps S610 to S612 is executed according to the value of the payout control code.

  In the winning ball lending control process, when checking the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 or subtracting the unpaid number counter, the error bit check is not executed. Therefore, even if an error state relating to the payout of game balls is detected, every time a payout of game balls is detected by the payout number count switch 301, if the payout game balls are loaned balls, the ball lending unpaid number counter If the value is decremented by 1, and the prize ball is a prize ball, a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the prize ball unpaid number counter is executed. Therefore, even if an error relating to payout occurs, the number of unpaid game balls can be managed accurately. That is, the game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 before the payout control microcomputer 370 detects the occurrence of an error are detected by the payout number count switch 301 with a slight delay from the time of payout. The payout control microcomputer 370 generates an error when a game ball is paid out from the ball payout device 97 and an occurrence of an error is detected before the game ball is detected by the payout number count switch 301. The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 before the detection can be reflected in the award ball unpaid number counter or the ball lending unpaid number counter.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the payout start waiting process (step S610) executed when the payout control code is 0. In the payout start waiting process, if the error bit is set, the payout control microcomputer 370 does not execute the subsequent processes (step S621). The error bit in the error flag includes a main board non-connection error bit. The main board non-connection error is set when the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 is in the OFF state. Accordingly, the payout control microcomputer 370 starts substantial control on condition that the connection confirmation signal is turned on after power supply to the gaming machine is started. The fact that the connection confirmation signal is in the on state means that power supply is performed and the game control means can control the progress of the game, so that the payout control of the prize ball according to the progress of the game can be executed. means. On the other hand, the fact that the connection confirmation signal is in an off state means that the power supply is stopped and the game control means cannot advance the game, so that the award ball payout control according to the progress of the game cannot be executed. It means that there is. Accordingly, the payout control microcomputer 370 stops the payout control of the prize ball when the bit of the main board non-connection error is set.

  On the other hand, if the BRDY signal is not in the on state, processing for paying out a prize ball after step S631 is executed. If the BRDY signal is on and the BRQ signal that is a ball lending request signal is on, a ball lending operation flag is set (steps S623 and S624). Then, “25” is set in the unpaid ball lending counter (step S625), and “25” is set in the payout motor rotation number buffer (step S626).

  The payout motor rotation frequency buffer is referred to in the payout motor control process (step S753). That is, in the payout motor control process, control is performed to rotate the payout motor 289 by the number of rotations corresponding to the value set in the payout motor rotation frequency buffer.

  Thereafter, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets a value corresponding to the payout motor start preparation process (step S522) (specifically, “1”) to the payout motor control code for selecting the process executed in the payout motor control process. ) Is set (step S627), the value of the payout control code is set to 1 (step S628), and the process is terminated.

  In step S631, the payout control microcomputer 370 checks whether or not the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is 0 (step S631). If 0, the process ends. The award ball unpaid-out number counter has a non-zero value (the number indicated by the award ball number signal) when the award ball REQ signal is received from the game control means of the main board 31 in step S546 in the main control communication normal process. ) Is added. If the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is not 0, it is confirmed whether it is 15 or more (step S632). If it is less than 15, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is set in the payout motor rotation count buffer (step S633), and if it is 15 or more, “15” is set in the payout motor rotation count buffer. Then, a winning ball operating flag is set (step S635), and the process proceeds to step S627.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a payout motor stop waiting process (step S611) executed when the payout control code is 1. In the payout motor stop waiting process, the payout control microcomputer 370 checks whether or not the payout operation is completed (step S641). The payout control microcomputer 370 sets a flag to that effect when, for example, the payout motor brake process (step S525) in the payout motor control process ends, and the payout operation ends by checking the flag in step S641. It can be confirmed whether or not.

  When the payout operation is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets the payout passing monitoring time in the payout control monitoring timer (step S642). The payout passing monitoring time is a time that has a margin in the time from when the last payout ball is paid out by the payout motor 289 until it passes through the payout number count switch 301. Then, the value of the payout control code is set to 2 (step S643), and the process ends.

  44 to 46 are flowcharts showing a payout passing waiting process (step S612) executed when the value of the payout control code is 2. In the payout passing waiting process, when a prize ball is being paid out, it is determined that the payout has been completed normally if the value of the prize ball unpaid number counter is zero. If the value of the award ball unpaid-out counter is not 0, if it is not in an error state, a re-payout operation of one game ball is tried up to 2 times. In the re-payout operation, when it is detected by the payout number count switch 301 that the game ball is actually paid out, it is determined that the payout is normally completed. In this embodiment, the maximum number of game balls to be paid out in one prize ball payout operation is 15, and if a prize ball number signal is received during the prize ball payout operation, Since the value increases, even if the payout is completed normally, the value of the award ball non-payout number counter may not be 0.

  Further, when the ball lending is being paid out, it is determined that the payout has been completed normally if the value of the ball lending unpaid-out counter is 0. If the value of the ball lending unpaid number counter is not 0, and if it is not in an error state, a re-payout operation of one game ball or the remaining number of ball lending (corresponding to the value of the ball lending unpaid number counter) Try. In this embodiment, the number of game balls to be paid out in one ball lending and payout operation is 25 (fixed value), and the payout motor 289 is rotated so that 25 game balls are paid out. Therefore, if the value of the unpaid ball lending number counter is not 0, the payout has not been completed normally.

  In the payout passing waiting process, the payout control microcomputer 370 first checks the value of the payout control timer, and if the value is 0, the process proceeds to step S653 (step S650). If the value of the payout control timer is not 0, the value of the payout control timer is decremented by 1 (step S651). If the value of the payout control timer is not 0 (step S652), that is, if the payout control timer has not timed out, the process is terminated. Note that the process of step S650 is a process that takes into account when a game ball payout retry operation to be described later is started. When the process of step S807, which will be described later, is executed, a retry operation is started via a route that moves from step S650 to S653.

  If the payout control timer has timed out (step S652), it is confirmed whether or not the ball lending payout process (ball lending operation) has been executed (step S653). Whether or not the ball lending operation has been executed is confirmed by whether or not the ball lending operation in progress flag in the payout control state flag formed in the RAM is set. When the ball lending operation is not executed, that is, when the prize ball payout process (prize ball operation) is executed, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms the value of the award ball unpaid number counter ( Step S654). When the value of the winning ball unpaid-out counter is 0, it is determined that the winning ball payout processing has been completed normally, and the payout ball detection bit in the payout control state flag, 1 bit during re-payout operation, and during re-payout operation 2 bits, the winning ball operating flag and the ball lending operating bit are reset (step S655), the payout control code is set to 0 (step S656), and the process is terminated. This bit is set when the switch 301 is turned on, and indicates that the payout number counting switch 301 has detected at least one game ball during the payout operation. Further, 1 bit during the re-payout operation and 2 bits during the re-payout operation are control bits used when executing a re-payout process including two re-payout operations.

  If the value of the award ball unpaid-out counter is not 0, the payout control microcomputer 370 indicates an error flag (specifically, 1 bit for a payout switch error, 2 bits for a payout switch error, and a payout case). Re-payout operation on condition that any one or a plurality of error bits) is not set (step S659), and on the condition that payout ball detection bit is not set (step S661). Execute. If the error flag is set, the re-payout operation is not executed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the payout is normally completed, the value of the award ball non-payout number counter may not be 0. Therefore, if the payout ball detection bit is set, that is, if the payout number count switch 301 detects the payout of at least one game ball during the prize ball payout process, it is assumed that the prize ball payout process is normally completed. The process proceeds to step S655. For example, if 15 game balls should be paid out in one prize ball payout process, but only 14 game balls are actually paid out (the payout count switch 301 has only 14 game balls). (If not detected), since the payout ball detection bit is set, it is considered that the winning ball payout processing has been completed normally. In this case, the value of the award ball unpaid-out counter is decremented by only 14. Since the shortage will be paid out in the next prize ball payout process, there will be no disadvantage to the player.

  In order to execute the re-payout process, the pay-out control microcomputer 370 first checks whether or not 2 bits during re-payout operation are set (step S662). If not set, it is confirmed whether or not 1 bit is set during the re-payout operation (step S663). If 1 bit is not set during the re-payout operation, 1 is set as the number of re-payout operations to execute the first re-payout operation (step S664), and 1 bit is set during the re-payout operation (step S665). ) The value of the re-payout operation number or the ball lending unpaid-out number counter is set in the payout motor rotation number buffer (step S666). The payout motor rotation frequency buffer is referred to in the payout motor control process (step S753). That is, in the payout motor control process, control is performed to rotate the payout motor 289 by the number of rotations corresponding to the value set in the payout motor rotation frequency buffer. In step S666, the value of the unpaid ball lending number counter is also handled because step S666 is used in the re-payout process in the lend-out process. That is, in step S666, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets the re-payout operation number in the re-payout process in the prize ball payout process, and sets the value of the unpaid-in-ball-out number counter in the repayment process in the ball lending payout process. set. Thereafter, the payout control code is set to 1 (step S667), and the process is terminated.

  If it is confirmed in step S663 that 1 bit is set during the re-payout operation, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets 1 as the re-payout operation number in order to execute the second re-payout (step S663). In step S668, 1 bit is reset during the re-payout operation (step S669), and 2 bits are set during the re-payout operation (step S670). Then, control goes to a step S666.

  In step S662, when it is confirmed that 2 bits are set during the re-payout operation, the payout control microcomputer 370 does not pay out the game ball even if the re-payout process is executed twice (payout number count). Assuming that the switch 301 has not detected a game ball), the payout case error bit in the error flag is set (step S672). At that time, 2 bits are reset during the re-payout operation (step S671). Then, the process ends.

  As described above, if no game balls are paid out even if two re-payout operations are performed in the re-payout process (corrected payout process), it is determined that the game ball payout operation has failed and the payout number count switch has not passed. An error bit (payout case error bit) is set.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the prize game medium payout control means in the payout control microcomputer 370 does not pay out the prize game medium based on the detection signal from the payout number count switch 301 as the payout detection means. When this is detected, control is performed so that the payout means pays out one prize game medium up to a predetermined number of times (in this example, twice). In this embodiment, if the prize game medium is not paid out even if the retry operation for paying out the prize game medium is performed twice, the payout case error bit is set and an error is being generated. (Step S672), the payout case error bit may be set when it is first detected that the premium game medium has not been paid out. Note that “retry operation (or“ retry ”,“ retry operation processing ”)” means that the actual payout number is the same as the normal payout process for executing payout of a predetermined number of game balls. This is an operation to be executed when the number is small, and means an operation for executing the payout process again in order to pay out an unpaid game ball separately from the normal payout process.

  In the prize ball lending control process, the error bit is checked to determine whether or not to perform a payout operation (one prize ball payout or one ball lending). The payout start shown in FIG. Only in the waiting process. In the payout motor stop waiting process shown in FIG. 43 and the payout passing wait process shown in FIG. 44 and the like, the error bit is not checked. Note that the error bit is also checked in step S659 or the like in the payout passing waiting process, but this check is for determining whether or not a re-payout operation is to be performed, and the payout operation (single prize ball payout or 1 This is not to determine whether or not to start the lending of the ball. Therefore, after the process of step S626, S633 or step S634 is performed and the game ball payout process is started, the payout process is not interrupted even if an error occurs. In other words, when an error occurs, the game ball payout process is continued until a point at which the game ball can be cut well (at the time when one prize ball payout or one ball lending ends). The error bits in the error flag checked in step S621 include an error bit indicating that the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 has been turned off. Therefore, even when the connection confirmation signal is turned off, the game ball payout process is stopped at a time when it is best to turn it off.

  When it is confirmed in step S653 that the ball lending / dispensing process (ball lending operation) has been executed, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms whether or not the value of the lending / unpaid number counter is 0 (step). S657). If it is 0, it is determined that the ball lending / dispensing process is normally completed, and the process proceeds to step S655.

  In step S657, if the value of the ball lending unpaid number counter is not 0, an error flag (specifically, any one of the payout switch error error 1 bit, the payout switch error error 2 bit, and the payout case error bit) Or one bit or a plurality of bits) is not set (step S675), the re-payout process is executed. If the error flag is set, the re-payout process is not executed.

  In order to execute the re-payout process, the pay-out control microcomputer 370 first checks whether or not 2 bits during re-payout operation are set (step S676). If not set, it is confirmed whether or not 1 bit is set during the re-payout operation (step S677). If 1 bit is not set during re-payout operation, 1 is set as the number of re-payout operations to execute the first re-payout operation (step S678), and 1 bit is set during re-payout operation (step S679). ) After further resetting the payout ball detection bit (step S680), the process proceeds to step S666.

  If it is confirmed in step S677 that 1 bit is set during the re-payout operation, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs a process for re-executing the re-payout operation. Specifically, 1 bit is reset during the re-payout operation (step S681). If the payout ball detection bit is set, that is, if the game ball is paid out in the first re-payout operation, the process proceeds to step S683. If the payout ball detection bit is not set, the process proceeds to step S684 to execute the second re-payout operation.

  In step S683, the payout ball detection bit is reset, and then the process proceeds to step S666. Therefore, in this case, since 1 bit remains set during the re-payout operation, the first (first) re-payout operation is performed again. In step S684, 1 is set as the number of re-payout operations (step S684), 2 bits during re-payout operation are set (step S685), and the process proceeds to step S666.

  In step S676, when it is confirmed that 2 bits during the re-payout operation are set, the payout control microcomputer 370 resets 2 bits during the re-payout operation (step S686) and the payout ball detection bit is set. In other words, if the game ball has been paid out by the re-payout operation, the process proceeds to step S683 to try to eliminate the remaining unpaid. If the payout ball detection bit is not set, it is determined that the game ball has not been paid out even if the re-payout process is executed twice (the payout count switch 301 has not detected a game ball), and the payout in the error flag A case error bit is set (step S688). Then, the process ends.

  As described above, if one game ball is not paid out even if two re-payout operations are continuously performed in the re-payout process (corrected payout process) related to the ball lending process, the game ball payout operation is poor. As a result, a payout count switch non-passing error bit (payout case error bit) is set.

  Next, error processing will be described. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the type of error and the display of the LED 374 for error display. As shown in FIG. 47, when the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 is turned off, the payout control microcomputer 370 displays “1” on the error display LED 374 as a main board non-connection error. Control to do. Accordingly, when the prize ball BUSY signal is turned off during confirmation of the input state of the prize ball BUSY signal (steps S261, S268, S269), “1” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

  When disconnection of the payout number count switch 301 or a ball clogging occurs at the payout number count switch 301, control is performed to display “2” on the error display LED 374 as the payout switch abnormality detection error 1. The disconnection of the payout number count switch 301 or the occurrence of ball clogging in the payout number count switch 301 is determined by the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 not being turned off.

  When the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is turned on even though the game ball is not paying out, control is performed to display “3” on the error display LED 374 as the payout switch abnormality detection error 2. Do. If the detection signal of the payout count switch 301 does not turn on despite the rotation abnormality of the payout motor 289 or the game ball being paid out, “4” is displayed on the error display LED 374 as a payout case error. Take control. The specific method for detecting that the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is not turned on is as described above. When the prize ball REQ signal is turned on at an improper timing or when the prize ball REQ signal is turned off at an improper timing, “5” is displayed in the error display LED 374 as a prize ball REQ signal error. Control to display. A specific method for detecting that the prize ball REQ signal is turned on or off at an incorrect timing is as described above.

  In addition, when the lower pan is full, that is, when the full switch 48 is turned on, control is performed to display “6” on the error display LED 374 as a full error. When the supply ball is insufficient, that is, when the ball break switch 187 is turned on, control is performed to display “7” on the error display LED 374 as a ball break error.

  Further, when the VL signal from the card unit 50 is turned off, control is performed to display “8” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit unconnected error. When communication with the card unit 50 is performed at an improper timing, control is performed to display “9” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit communication error. The prepaid card unit communication error is detected in the prepaid card unit control process (step S754).

  Among the above errors, after the occurrence of a payout switch abnormality detection error 2, a payout case error or a prize ball REQ signal error, the error release switch 375 is operated and an operation signal is output from the error release switch 375 (becomes turned on). The payout control means returns to the state before the error occurred.

  48 and 49 are flowcharts showing the error processing in step S757. In the error processing, the payout control microcomputer 370 checks the error flag, and the set bits are only the payout switch abnormality detection error 2, the payout case error, and the prize ball REQ signal error (any one of the three). Whether or not only those bits, or only two of the three bits, or only those three bits) is checked (step S801). If only those bits are set, it is confirmed whether or not the operation signal is turned on from the error release switch 375 (step S802). When the operation signal is turned on, the error recovery time is set in the pre-error recovery timer (step S803). The error recovery time is the time from when the error release switch 375 is operated until the actual return from the error state to the normal state.

  If the operation signal from the error release switch 375 is not on, the value of the timer before error recovery is confirmed (step S804). If the value of the timer before error recovery is 0, that is, if the timer before error recovery is not set, the process proceeds to step S808. If the pre-error recovery timer is set, the value of the pre-error recovery timer is decremented by -1 (step S805). If the pre-error recovery timer value becomes 0 (step S806), the payout switch of the error flag is set. The bits of the abnormality detection error 2, the payout case error and the prize ball REQ signal error are reset (step S807), and the process proceeds to step S808.

  When the processing of step S807 is executed, there may be an error bit that is not in the set state among the bits of the payout switch abnormality detection error 2, the payout case error, and the prize ball REQ signal error. There is no problem resetting error bits that are not in the state. As described above, in this embodiment, when an error (see FIG. 47) that causes the setting of the payout switch abnormality detection error 2, the payout case error, or the winning ball REQ signal error bit occurs, an error occurs. The error is released when the release switch 375 is pressed.

  When the process of step S807 is executed and the payout case error bit is reset, the payout control code is “2” (corresponding to the execution of the payout passing waiting process shown in FIGS. 44 to 46), and the prize ball When the value of the unpaid-out number counter or the value of the ball-lending unpaid-out number counter is not 0, a retry operation for game ball payout is started. That is, when the award ball lending control process of step S756 is executed next, when the payout passing waiting process of step S612 is executed, the repayment process is performed again. For example, if the prize ball payout process has been performed and the value of the prize ball unpaid number counter is not 0, the process proceeds from step S654 to step S659, and it is confirmed in step S659 that the error bit is in the reset state. Therefore, the process for starting the re-payout process after step S662 is executed again, and the re-payout process is executed. Regarding the payout case error bit reset by pressing the error release switch 375, when the bit is set (when step S672 is executed), the payout control timer has already expired. Therefore, when the process in step S807 is executed and the payout case error bit is reset, the payout control timer = 0 is determined in the determination in step S650 when the payout passage waiting process is executed next. Further, when the payout case error bit is set, the payout ball detection bit is 0 (since step S672 is not executed unless the payout ball detection bit is 0 according to the determination in step S661). Therefore, step S662 is always executed whenever it is confirmed in step S659 that the error bit is in the reset state. That is, the re-payout process is always executed.

  As described above, the payout control means is used for paying out a game ball when the payout number count switch 301 detects no game ball even though the ball payout device 97 pays out a game ball. After performing the correct payout control for causing the ball payout device 97 to execute the retry operation for a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) as a limit, the payout number count switch 301 has detected no game balls. When it is detected (see step S661 onward in FIG. 45), the control state related to the payout is shifted to the error state, and the corrected payout control is performed again on condition that an error release signal is output from the error release switch 375 in the error state. The correction payout control restart process for executing

  Further, even during re-payout processing in an error state (specifically, during re-payout processing before setting a payout case error and during re-payout processing after the error release switch 375 is pressed), steps S601 to S601 shown in FIG. The process of S604 is being executed. That is, even when an error related to payout occurs, if the game ball passes the payout number count switch 301, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter or the ball lending unpaid number counter is subtracted. Therefore, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter or the ball lending unpaid number counter when returning from the error state is a value reflecting the number of game balls actually paid out. That is, even if an error relating to payout occurs, the number of game balls actually paid out can be accurately managed.

  Also, in the payout passing waiting process shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, even when it is confirmed that the game ball has been paid out as a result of the re-payout process, the payout case error bit is not reset. The bit of the payout case error is reset only when the error release switch 375 is operated (specifically, when an error return time after operation has elapsed) (steps S802 and S807). That is, the state of the payout case error (payout shortage error) is not automatically canceled based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the payout number count switch 301, etc. The error is not cleared. Therefore, the game store clerk and the like can surely recognize that a shortage of payout has occurred.

  When the error reset switch 375 is operated so as to be reset by hardware (reset to the payout control microcomputer 370), for example, a prize ball is acquired by operating the error cancel switch 375. The value of the unpaid number counter is also cleared. However, in this embodiment, since the payout control means is configured to perform the re-payout operation again by operating the error release switch 375, the payout process is executed reliably, which is disadvantageous to the player. Can not be given.

  In step S808, the dispensing control microcomputer 370 confirms the detection signal of the full switch 48. If the detection signal of the full tank switch 48 is output (if it is in the ON state), the full tank error bit in the error flag is set (step S809). If the detection signal of the full tank switch 48 is in the OFF state, the full tank error bit is reset (step S810).

  Also, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms the detection signal of the ball break switch 187 (step S811). If the detection signal of the ball break switch 187 is output (if it is on), the ball break error bit in the error flag is set (step S812). If the detection signal of the ball break switch 187 is OFF, the ball break error bit is reset (step S813). When the ball break error bit is set, the bit corresponding to the ball break LED 52 in the output port 1 buffer is set to a value corresponding to the lighting state in the display control process of step S759.

  Furthermore, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms the state of the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 (step S815), and if the connection confirmation signal is not output (if it is in the off state), the main board unconnected error. A bit is set (step S816). If the connection confirmation signal is output (if it is on), the main board non-connection error bit is reset (step S817).

  Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout number count switch 301 among the switch timers in which the state of the detection signal of each switch is set, and the value is the switch on maximum time ( For example, if it exceeds “240” (step S818), the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 1 is set in the error flag (step S819). If the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout number count switch 301 is less than the switch-on maximum time, the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 1 is reset (step S820). Note that the value of each switch timer is incremented by 1 when the state of the input port to which the detection signal of each switch is input is switched on in the input determination process of step S751, and cleared by 0 when it is off. Accordingly, the fact that the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout number count switch 301 exceeds the maximum switch-on time means that the payout number count switch 301 is in the ON state beyond the maximum switch-on time. Then, it is determined that the game ball is clogged at the disconnection of the payout number count switch 301 or at the portion of the payout number count switch 301.

  In addition, when the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout number count switch 301 becomes a switch-on determination value (for example, “2”) (step S821), the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the ball lending operation flag and the award. If both the ball operation flags are in the reset state, the game ball passes through the payout number count switch 301 even though the payout operation is not in progress, and the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 is set in the error flag (step S822). S823). If the ball lending operation flag or the winning ball operation flag is set, the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 is reset (step S824).

  Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 confirms the input state of the VL signal from the card unit 50 (step S825). The unit unconnected error bit is set (step S826). If the VL signal is input (if it is on), the prepaid card unit unconnected error bit is reset (step S827).

  In the display control process in step S759, notification by display (numerical value display) corresponding to the error bit in the error flag is performed by the error display LED 374. Therefore, a communication error can be notified by the error display LED 374. Further, since the communication error is detected on the payout control means side, the communication error can be detected without increasing the burden on the game control means.

  In this embodiment, the main board non-connection error is automatically eliminated when the connection confirmation signal is turned on (see steps S815 and S817), but the condition that the error release switch 375 is further operated is added. Thus, the error state may be eliminated.

  In this embodiment, a communication error is reported so as to be distinguishable from a communication error with the card unit 50 (a prepaid card unit non-connection error and a prepaid card unit communication error) and other errors (see FIG. 47). ). Therefore, a communication error between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is easily identified.

  In this embodiment, the error display LED 374 mounted on the payout control board 37 installed on the back side of the gaming machine is informed that an error relating to payout has occurred. You may mount an alerting | reporting means in another location (For example, the payout unit in which the ball payout apparatus 97 etc. were concentratedly arranged). Furthermore, you may make it alert | report by the indicator (for example, prize ball LED51) installed in the front side of the gaming machine. Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 performs control for lighting the prize ball LED 51 when the prize ball REQ signal is on in the display control process, and when the prize ball REQ signal is off, Control for turning off the prize ball LED 51 is performed. When an error relating to payout occurs, for example, the prize ball LED 51 is blinked to notify that an error related to payout has occurred. If an error is notified by a display device installed on the front side of the gaming machine, the game shop clerk can more easily recognize the occurrence of the error. Moreover, you may use together the alerting | reporting by error display LED374, and the alerting | reporting by the indicator installed in the front side of the gaming machine.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 will be described. As shown in FIG. 50, in this embodiment, the effect control command (specifically, the effect control signal constituting the effect control command) has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification). The second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 51, the 8-bit effect control signal of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The production control microcomputer 100 mounted on the production control board 80 detects that the production control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interruption process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control means, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of the effect control signal.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the production control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable, for example, in accordance with the first and second bytes of the production control signal. The effect control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 52, the command 80XX (H) (XX corresponds to the type of variation pattern) designates the variation pattern in the variable display device 9 that performs variable display (variation) of the decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol. This is an effect control command to be performed. Note that a command for specifying a variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as a variation start instruction. The effect control command corresponds to a display control command for instructing display control, and also functions as a light emitter control command and sound control command for instructing light emitter control and sound control.

  Command A000 (H) is an effect control command for instructing stop of variable display of decorative symbols.

  Commands D000 (H) and D001 (H) are initialization commands transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see steps S94 and S14 in FIG. 14). When the recovery process is executed based on the data stored in the backup RAM, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the effect control command D001 (H) (step S94), and when the recovery process is not executed, The game control microcomputer 560 transmits an effect control command of D000 (H) (step S14).

  When receiving the command D000 (H), the production control microcomputer 100 displays an initial screen (for example, a demonstration screen) on the variable display device 9, and receives the command D001 (H), A screen for notifying that the restoration process has been executed is displayed.

  Next, a method for sending control commands from the effect control board 80 to the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 will be described. When the production control microcomputer 100 receives the production control command from the main board 31, the lamp control board 35 is caused to produce an production synchronized with the production by the variable display device 9 by the lamp / LED and the speaker 27. The lamp control command is transmitted, and the sound control command is transmitted to the sound control board 70.

  As illustrated in FIG. 53, when the lamp control command and the voice control command are transmitted from the presentation control board 80 to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, the presentation control microcomputer 100 and the lamp control microcomputer 351 and the voice control microcomputer 701 communicate with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 53, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs, for example, a 1-byte lamp control signal (or audio control signal) transmitted through 8 signal lines, and a lamp control REQ signal (or audio control). REQ signal) is turned on. When the lamp control microcomputer 351 (or the voice control microcomputer 701) takes in the lamp control signal (or voice control signal), it outputs a one-pulse lamp control response signal (or voice control response signal). When the effect control microcomputer 100 detects that the lamp control response signal (or voice control response signal) is turned off after being turned on, the lamp control REQ signal (or voice control REQ signal) is turned off. To. Note that such a control command sending method is an example, and if the lamp control command and the voice control command are transmitted from the effect control board 80 to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 by bidirectional communication, Other transmission methods may be used.

  Next, the operation of the production control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the production control microcomputer 100. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the effect control microcomputer 100 starts main processing. In the main process, the production control microcomputer 100 first performs an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval, and the like ( Step S771). Thereafter, the production control microcomputer 100 monitors the timer interrupt flag (step S772). When the timer interruption occurs, the production control microcomputer 100 sets “1” as the value of the timer interruption flag in the timer interruption process. If “1” is set as the value of the timer interrupt flag in step S772, the effect control microcomputer 100 clears the value of the timer interrupt flag (step S773), and executes the following effect control processing. .

  A timer interrupt occurs every 2 ms, for example. That is, the effect control process is activated, for example, every 2 ms. Further, in the timer interrupt process in this embodiment, only the process of setting “1” as the value of the timer interrupt flag is performed, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process, but the timer interrupt process The effect control process may be executed.

  In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 100 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S774). Next, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs effect control process processing (step S775). In the effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9 is executed. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 performs a motor drive signal output process (step S776). In the motor drive signal output process, a process of outputting a drive signal to the motor 150 is executed to operate the hammer 151. In addition, a data input process for inputting the operation signal from the operation switch 81 and the detection signals from the sensors 154 and 155 through the input port 106 is executed (step S777). And the process which updates a random number counter is performed (step S778). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S772.

  An INT signal for effect control from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the effect control microcomputer 100. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, a timer interrupt is generated in the production control microcomputer 100. Then, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes effect control command reception processing in the interrupt processing. In the reception process of the effect control command, the effect control microcomputer 100 stores the received effect control command data in the command reception buffer.

  FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S775) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes any one of steps S800 to S805 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying the fluctuation time is received by the command reception interrupt process. For example, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (variation pattern reception flag) indicating that a variation pattern command has been received is set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed by command analysis processing that a variation pattern designation effect control command has been received. When it is confirmed that the effect control command designating the variation pattern has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S801.

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S801): A combination of a variation pattern to be actually used and a stop symbol of the ornament symbol is determined from a plurality of variation patterns of ornament symbols determined according to the variation pattern command. Also. The variation of the decorative symbol (left middle right symbol) in the variable display device 9 is started. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S802.

  Symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, etc.) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time. Further, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S803.

  Decoration symbol stop process (step S803): If the effect control command (decoration symbol stop effect control command: confirmation command) is received after the fluctuation time has elapsed, the symbol change is stopped and the stop symbol is stopped. Control to display (definite symbol) is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S804.

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of probability variable big hit display or normal big hit display is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S805.

  Process during jackpot game (step S805): Control during jackpot game is performed. For example, when an effect control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S800.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines a decorative symbol variation pattern based on the received variation pattern command (step S871). In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 uniquely determines at least a part of the decorative pattern variation pattern. For example, the variation time specified by the EXT data of the variation pattern command among the variation patterns of a plurality of types of decorative symbols prepared in advance and the pre-determined result (big hit, miss, reach, etc.) by the game control microcomputer 560 A variation pattern to be executed is selected from among a plurality of types of variation patterns of decorative designs.

  In other words, the production control microcomputer 100, for example, at least one of the decorative pattern variation modes, such as the content of the design of the decorative design (for example, which character is used to produce), the presence / absence of execution of the notice effect, and the content of the production. The department is decided independently. In step S871, the production control microcomputer 100 operates in conjunction with the operation mode of the movable member and the movable member, such as the presence / absence of the production in which the hammer 151 serving as the movable member and the decorative design co-operate and the content of the production. At least a part of the decorative pattern variation mode is uniquely determined. Also, a variable time timer corresponding to the decorative symbol variation period is started, and an instruction is given to the VDP 109 so that the variable display device 9 starts the variation of the left middle right decorative symbol (step S872). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the process during symbol variation (step S873).

  Next, a specific example of a game effect using the hammer 151 will be described. FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the display state of the variable display device 9 and the operation state of the hammer 151. When the decorative pattern variation pattern is determined in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the effect control microcomputer 100 starts variable display of the decorative symbol on the variable display device 9 (see FIG. 57A). Here, it is assumed that the effect pattern using the hammer 151 as the movable member is determined as the decorative pattern variation pattern in step S871.

  When a predetermined period elapses after the decorative symbol variation display is started, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the left middle right symbol in the temporary stop state (not the final stop but the stop display) in the display area H1 of the variable display device 9. And a button guidance display for prompting the player to press the operation switch 81 is displayed in the display area H2 (see FIG. 57B). For example, a message “Press the button!” Is displayed as the button guidance display.

  When the player presses the operation switch 81 while the button guidance display is being executed (FIG. 57 (C)), the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the button guidance display and the motor 150 is turned on. On the other hand, a drive signal for forward rotation is output. Note that the effect control microcomputer 100 ignores the operation signal that is output when the operation switch 81 is pressed while the button guidance display is being executed. Therefore, the operation switch 81 as an operation means that can be operated by the player during the game is actually operable during the operable period set by the production control microcomputer 100 during the game.

  When a drive signal for forward rotation is output to the motor 150, the hammer 151 performs an operation of swinging down in the forward rotation (clockwise direction) (see FIG. 57D). Further, the production control microcomputer 100 determines the timing at which the hammer 151 is swung down in accordance with the input timing of the signal from the operation switch 81, and among the decorative symbols that are in a temporarily stopped state in synchronization with the determination timing. The display of the left pattern of the decorative pattern is started, and the display of re-change is started. In this embodiment, the hammer 151 is installed so as to pass through the display position of the left symbol when it is swung down. Therefore, the display of the variable display device 9 and the operation of the hammer 151 produce an effect as if the left design of the decorative design that has been temporarily stopped is struck by the hammer 151 and the variation is resumed. Is done.

  When re-variation display of the left symbol is started, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a drive signal for reverse rotation to the motor 150. When a reverse rotation drive signal is output to the motor 150, the hammer 151 moves in the reverse direction (counterclockwise direction) and returns to the original position (FIG. 57E). FIG. 57 (F)).

  Then, the production control microcomputer 100 stops the left symbol so as to become the determined stop symbol when the decorative symbol variation time elapses. That is, when it is determined to be a big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result (see FIG. 57 (E)), and when it is determined to be an off symbol, it is variable. As a display result of the display, the off symbol is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 57 (F)).

  FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the relationship between the display state of the variable display device 9 and the operation state of the hammer 151. As shown in FIG. 58, when the operation switch 81 is not pressed by the player during the period in which the button guidance display is executed, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the re-variable display after a predetermined time has elapsed. (See FIG. 58C). Other display controls are the same as the display control shown in FIG. In other words, the production control microcomputer 100 stops the left symbol so as to become the determined stop symbol when the decorative symbol variation time elapses. When it is determined to be a big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result (see FIG. 58D). As a display result, the off symbol is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 58E).

  The production control microcomputer 100 stops the driving of the motor 150 when the detection signal of the sensor 155 indicates an ON state when the hammer 151 is swung down in the motor drive signal output process of step S776. Further, when the hammer 151 is returned to the original position, if the detection signal of the sensor 154 indicates an ON state, the driving of the motor 150 is stopped. The production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the detection signal is output from the sensors 154 and 155, that is, whether or not the detection signal indicates an ON state in the data input process of step S707. The confirmation result is stored in a flag formed in the RAM. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms the state of the flag in the motor drive signal output process.

  In the above embodiment, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is mounted on the power supply board 910. However, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 may be mounted on the payout control board 37 as shown in FIG. A power supply monitoring circuit 920 is not mounted on the power supply board 910A shown in FIG. A power-off signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is output to the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B. Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 to which the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input outputs a reset confirmation signal. The output reset confirmation signal is input to the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B. In the configuration shown in FIG. 59, it is not necessary to provide a signal line (cable) for transmitting a power-off signal from power supply board 910 </ b> A to payout control board 37. Therefore, the number of signal lines from the power supply board 910 to the electrical component control board can be further reduced. Furthermore, since the overall length of the signal line for transmitting the power-off signal between the substrates is shortened, the possibility of noise from the power-off signal can be reduced.

  The relay board 77 installed on the signal path between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80 is provided with a unidirectional circuit. Therefore, the signal from the effect control board 80, the signal input to the effect control board 80 (the operation signal of the operation switch 81 and the detection signals of the sensors 154 and 155), and the lamp control board 35 connected to the effect control board 80 and A signal from the sound control board 70 (a board not connected to the main board 31 is also referred to as a peripheral board) is not transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31 due to the presence of the relay board 77. Therefore, the signal input path from the outside to the game control microcomputer 560 is limited, and the possibility of an illegal act of sending an illegal signal to the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 60, the DC power supplied from the power supply board 910 to the main board 31 may be routed through the payout control board 37. According to such a configuration, only one power cable (including a plurality of types of power supply lines) for supplying power from the power supply board 910 to the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 may be installed. The installation position of the signal line that transmits the power-off signal, the clear signal from the clear switch 921, the reset signal, and the reset confirmation signal may be away from the installation position of the power cable so that noise from the power supply does not get on. Although it is preferable that one power cable be drawn from the power supply board 910, it is easy to separate the power cable from the signal line for transmitting the power-off signal, the clear signal, the reset signal, and the reset confirmation signal.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, for each of the main board 31 and the payout control board 37, a power line, a power-off signal line, and a reset signal line are included in one cable. ing. The configuration of the power supply board 910 shown in FIG. 60 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 60, a power supply monitoring circuit 920 may be further mounted on the payout control board 37.

  Also in the configuration shown in FIG. 60, the relay board 77 provided on the signal path between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80 is provided with a unidirectional circuit. Therefore, the signal from the effect control board 80, the signal input to the effect control board 80 (the operation signal of the operation switch 81 and the detection signals of the sensors 154 and 155), and the lamp control board 35 connected to the effect control board 80 and A signal from the sound control board 70 (a board not connected to the main board 31 is also referred to as a peripheral board) is not transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31 due to the presence of the relay board 77.

  Next, main effects obtained by the embodiment described above will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, since the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B mounted on the payout control board 37, the power supply stop process is executed. The wiring involved can be simplified and the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Further, when the game control side recovery process is performed by the game control microcomputer 560, a recovery command for notifying the fact is output to the effect control microcomputer 100 as an effect control command. Therefore, it is possible for the player or the like to easily recognize that the game control side restoration process has been performed.

  Further, in response to the reset signal input from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 to the payout control microcomputer 370, after the processing from step S701 is executed, a reset confirmation signal is output to the game control microcomputer 560 and reset. Based on the fact that the confirmation signal is in a high level off state, the game control microcomputer 560 starts executing the game control process. Thus, without providing a reset signal delay means, the payout by the payout control microcomputer 370 prior to the game control processing by the game control microcomputer 560 when the game machine is powered on with a simple configuration. The control process can be started, and a player's disadvantage due to a loss of a control signal from the game control microcomputer 560 can be prevented. That is, on the basis of the input of the start signal, after the payout control process is started by the payout control microcomputer, the start signal is output to the game control means, and the game control process is started by the game control microcomputer. Is done. Thus, with a simple configuration, when the gaming machine is turned on, the payout control process by the payout control microcomputer can be started before the game control process by the game control microcomputer. It is possible to prevent a player from being disadvantaged due to a loss of a signal including the number-of-payout data from the microcomputer.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, after the payout control microcomputer 370 executes step S701 to step S715 in response to the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 being in a high level off state, Since the reset confirmation signal to be output to the control microcomputer 370 is generated (step S716), the payout control microcomputer 370 can be surely started before the game control microcomputer 560. .

  In the embodiment described above, the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input only to the payout control board 37, or the power supply monitor circuit 920 is mounted on the payout control board 37 itself. As a result, the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 perform power supply stop processing when compared with the case where the power cut-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is supplied to both the main board 31 and the payout control board 37. Wiring in the gaming machine can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  When the power cut-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input only to the payout control board 37, the power supply system extending from the power supply board 910 to the main board 31 can be integrated. This makes it easy to separate the power-off signal wiring and the power cable of the power supply system so that they can be clearly distinguished. Similarly, the clear signal wiring from the clear switch 921 and the power cable of the power supply system are also easily separated and can be clearly distinguished.

  Further, in the case where the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is mounted on the payout control board 37 itself, the power cut signal transmission line from the power supply monitor circuit 920 need only be routed from the payout control board 37 to the main board 31, and noise. Or the like, and the possibility that the power-off signal is erroneously input due to the influence thereof can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the embodiment described above, the signal connection state with the game control microcomputer 560 is monitored in step S815 in the payout control microcomputer 370, and the main control unconnected error bit is set in step S816. In response to this, the payout of prize balls can be stopped. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the connection state between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370, execution of the payout control can be restricted. Note that when an abnormality in the connection state is detected, the payout process being executed may be immediately stopped.

  In the embodiment described above, the unidirectional circuit 74 provided on the relay board 77, for example, an operation signal when the operation switch 81 is operated, a signal from the lamp control board 35 or the voice control board 70, Since signals input to the effect control microcomputer 100, such as detection signals from the sensors 154 and 155, are not input to the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 outputs a game control microcomputer. Unauthorized acts such as an unauthorized signal input to the computer 560 can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, since the error flag state is not referred to in the prize ball lending control process in step S756 and the process is continued even in an error state, When a payout is detected, a subtraction process of a prize ball non-payout number counter is executed in step S603. Thereby, even if an error state occurs, the number of game balls paid out can be managed accurately.

  In the embodiment described above, when YES is determined in step S482 in the game control microcomputer 560, the timer interrupt process is terminated by RETI, and the process returns to step S1. That is, the game control side power supply stop process is executed when the power-off signal is turned on, and when the power-off signal is turned off, the process proceeds to step S1 where the game control process can be started. Thereby, even if a power supply interruption etc. occur, if the power supply is restored, it is possible to automatically return to the original backed-up gaming state.

  In the above-described embodiment, even when a winning at the winning opening occurs immediately before the power supply is stopped, the number of winning balls has not been paid out by the processing of steps S906 and S909 in the payout control microcomputer 370. It can be added to the counter and saved. In addition, the backup function can be realized with a simple hardware configuration.

  Next, modifications and feature points of the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In the embodiment described above, after the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and the processing of steps S701 to S714 is executed, the payout control microcomputer 370 The example in which the reset confirmation signal is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 373B has been described. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is used in software by using a program used for the main process on the payout control side so that the payout control microcomputer 370 can be started before the game control microcomputer 560. An example of delaying the timing at which the reset confirmation signal is input has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a program used for the main process on the game control side may be used so that the timing at which the substantial game control process is started to be executed by the game control microcomputer 560 may be delayed in software. . For example, a reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to both the payout control microcomputer 370 and the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 373B without passing through the payout control microcomputer 370. The software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game control process for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed after executing step S4 in the main process of FIG. In this case, the payout control microcomputer 370 can be started up prior to the game control microcomputer 560 without performing the process of step S716, and thus the same effect is obtained.

  When the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31 via the output circuit 373B without passing through the payout control microcomputer 370. The input pattern of the reset signal input to the main board 31 may be used as the input pattern of the reset signal to the production control microcomputer 100 and the sound control microcomputer 701.

  Further, the start of the game control microcomputer 560 is not limited to software, but may be delayed in hardware (delayed by a hardware circuit) through a delay circuit or the like. When the delay circuit is used, the start-up of the game control microcomputer 560 is delayed for a period determined by a preset delay amount. Specifically, the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to both the payout control microcomputer 370 and the delay circuit directly without going through the payout control microcomputer 370, and a period determined by the delay amount is obtained. After the elapse of time, a reset signal may be input from the delay circuit to the game control microcomputer 560. In this case as well, the payout control microcomputer 370 can be started up before the game control microcomputer 560 without performing the process of step S716, so that the same effect can be obtained. The delay circuit may be provided upstream of the output circuit 373B so that the reset signal output from the delay circuit is input to the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 373B. In this case, the delay circuit may be provided on the power supply board 910 or the payout control board 37.

  Further, the delay circuit may be provided at a downstream position from the output circuit 373B so that a reset signal that has passed through the output circuit 373B is input to the delay circuit. In this case, the delay circuit may be provided on the payout control board 37 or may be provided on the main board 31. When the delay circuit is provided on the main board 31, an input pattern for inputting the reset signal input to the main board 31 as an input pattern of the reset signal to the production control microcomputer 100 and the sound control microcomputer 701. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reset signal is input to the payout control board 37 and the reset confirmation signal is output from the payout control board 37 to the main board 31. However, the reset signal is input to the reset control signal. May be output from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. Even in this case, the payout control microcomputer 370 can be started before the game control microcomputer 560 by executing the above-described software delay process or by providing a delay circuit. Have the same effect.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to both the payout control microcomputer 370 and the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 373B at substantially the same timing. In the above description, the example in which the power supply stop process is executed on the game control side and the payout control side simultaneously with the input of the power-off signal has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control is performed so that the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the game control side precedes the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the payout control side. May be. This delays the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the payout control side when the power is cut off, thereby preventing a player from being disadvantaged due to a control signal being dropped from the game control microcomputer 560. Can do. As a specific means, the timing at which the power-off signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 is delayed by executing the above-described software delay processing or by providing a delay circuit. You may make it make it.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the payout request is made by the prize ball REQ signal and the payout number is designated by the prize ball number signal. However, the payout request and the payout number are designated by the prize ball number signal. It may be configured. In this case, the payout control means may determine that the payout request is made at the same time when the prize ball number signal is output. According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to use the prize ball REQ signal.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 370 determines that the prize ball payout has ended when it detects that the payout motor 289 has rotated by the planned payout number. May be determined to be the end of the prize ball payout. That is, the payout control means is configured to determine whether or not the payout is completed by detecting the operation amount of the payout means (in this example, the rotation amount of the payout motor 289 or the number of detections by the payout motor position sensor). May be.

  (5) In the embodiment described above, the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball control signal from the game control means of the main board 31 in the main control communication process (step S755) in the timer interrupt process. However, the prize ball REQ signal may be a strobe signal (payout control INT signal) from the main board 31 and the prize ball number signal may be received by an interruption process based on an external interruption.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, the recording medium used in the recording medium processing apparatus (card unit 50) is a magnetic card (prepaid card). However, the recording medium is not limited to a magnetic card, but a non-contact type or a contact type. The IC card may be used. In addition, when the recording medium processing apparatus is configured to be able to identify the recording information based on the identification code, the recording medium can at least read the information such as the identification code that can identify the recording information. It may be something that can be recorded on. Further, the recording medium may be one in which a predetermined information recording symbol such as a barcode is printed so as to be readable. The shape of the recording medium is not limited to a card shape, and may be any shape such as a disk shape, a spherical shape, or a chip shape.

  (7) The pachinko gaming machine in the above-described embodiment mainly has a predetermined game value when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols. Pachinko machines that can be granted to a player, but if there is a prize in a predetermined area of an electric accessory that is released based on a start prize, a pachinko machine that can be given a predetermined game value to the player or start It may be a pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when the symbols of symbols that are variably displayed based on a winning combination become a predetermined symbol combination. Further, the game medium is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine that is a game ball, and the game medium may be provided with an electrical component for paying out the game medium even in a slot machine such as a coin (medal). .

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a power-off signal is transmitted to the main board 31 via the payout control board 37 based on a voltage drop (specifically, reception of a power-off signal or a reset signal) The payout control board 37 is configured to output a power-off signal and a reset confirmation signal to the main board 31 on the basis of the above. However, other signals such as a clear signal based on depression of the clear switch 921 are also used. Is transmitted to the main board 31 via. Further, various power sources used in the gaming machine may be supplied to the main board 31 via the payout control board 37. The various signals and various power sources may be transmitted / supplied to other sub-boards such as the effect control board 80 via the payout control board 37.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, different expressions such as transmission / reception and output / input are used for the exchange of various signals, but transmission and output or reception and input are used in substantially the same meaning. Needless to say, these expressions are interchangeable. In addition, the transmission / reception of signals having many meanings such as control commands is made transmission / reception, and the transmission / reception and output / input are made of transmission / reception of signals for transmitting information by switching on / off. There are also cases where they are used properly. Even in this case, these expressions are interchangeable.

  (10) In the above-described embodiment, the on / off state of the signal may be a high level state / low level state, and conversely, may be a low level state / high level state. The signal on / off state may be a signal output state / signal output stop state, or conversely, may be a signal output stop state / signal output state.

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

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board in the state which removed the glass door frame. It is the rear view which looked at the gaming machine from the back. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show a ball dispensing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive device of a movable member. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a payout control board. It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an effect control board, a lamp control board and a sound control board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of bit allocation of the output port in a game control means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of bit allocation of the output port in a game control means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in a game control means. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows a power-off process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffer used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a switch process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of a control signal. It is a block diagram which shows the signal wire | line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a control signal. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of how to output a payout control signal. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball number table. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball number addition process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows prize ball waiting processing 1. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the winning ball waiting process 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the output port in a payout control means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of bit allocation of the input port in a payout control means. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which CPU for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off process which CPU for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off process which CPU for payout control performs. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing how the microcomputer operates when power supply to the gaming machine is started and when power supply is stopped. It is a flowchart which shows a payout motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a main control communication process. It is a flowchart which shows main control communication normal processing. It is a flowchart which shows a main control communication end process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball lending control process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a payout motor stop waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows payout passage waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout passage waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout passage waiting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the kind of error, and the display of LED for an error display. It is a flowchart which shows an error process. It is a flowchart which shows an error process. It is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a production control command. It is an explanatory view showing how to send the production control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the method of sending a lamp control command and an audio | voice control command. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a variation pattern command command reception waiting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between the display state of a variable display apparatus, and the operation state of a hammer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between the display state of a variable display apparatus, and the operation state of a hammer. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example by which the power supply monitoring circuit was mounted in the payout control board. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure for making the direct-current power supplied to a main board | substrate pass through a payment control board | substrate.

Explanation of symbols

  1 pachinko machine, 31 game control board (main board), 37 payout control board, 77 relay board, 80 effect control board, 81 operation switch, 100 effect control microcomputer, 154,155 sensor, 301 payout number count switch, 370 payout control microcomputer, 560 game control microcomputer, 910 power supply board, 917 capacitor (backup power supply), 920 power supply monitoring circuit.

Claims (12)

A gaming machine that is capable of playing using a game medium and paying out a prize game medium as a prize based on the fact that a payout condition is established by the game,
A payout condition detecting means for detecting that the payout condition is satisfied and outputting a payout condition satisfaction signal;
Game control board equipped with a game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting an effect control command for controlling an effect device for effect provided in the gaming machine When,
A payout means for paying out the prize game medium;
A payout control board equipped with a payout control microcomputer for executing payout control processing for controlling the payout means;
An effect control board equipped with an effect control microcomputer for executing effect control processing for controlling the effect device based on the effect control command output from the game control microcomputer;
An activation signal output means for outputting an activation signal for instructing the payout control microcomputer to start the payout control process when power supply to the gaming machine is started;
Voltage drop monitoring means for monitoring the power supplied to the gaming machine and outputting a voltage drop signal indicating the voltage drop when detecting that the voltage of the power has dropped;
A connection state monitoring means for monitoring a connection state of signals between the game control microcomputer and the payout control microcomputer ;
The game control microcomputer is:
Based on the establishment of the payout condition, a prize game medium number data capable of specifying the number of prize game media to be paid out is stored, and the stored contents are stored at least for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Game control storage means to hold;
When the payout condition establishment signal is input from the payout condition detection means, payout number data output means for outputting payout number data specifying the number of premium game media to be paid out to the payout control microcomputer;
On the condition that the payout number data is output from the payout number data output means, the prize game medium performs a subtraction process for subtracting a value corresponding to the payout number specified by the payout number data from the prize game medium number data. Numerical data subtraction means;
Game control side power supply stop process for executing game control side power supply stop process for storing data indicating the progress of the game in the game control process on condition that the voltage drop signal is input Means,
The dispensing control microcomputer is:
Stores unpaid-out number data indicating the number of unpaid premium game media that have not been paid out of the number of payouts of premium game media specified by the payout-number data from the payout-number data output means, and stores it in the gaming machine Payout control storage means for retaining the stored content for at least a predetermined period even when the power supply of
Unpaid number data adding means for adding the number of payouts of the prize game medium specified by the payout number data from the payout number data output means to the unpaid number data stored in the payout control storage means;
A prize game medium payout control means for controlling the payout means to pay out an unpaid premium game medium indicated by the unpaid-out number data;
On the condition that the voltage drop signal is input, payout control side power supply stop time processing means for executing the payout control side power supply stop time processing for storing the unpaid number data,
A payout control process starting means for starting the payout control process on condition that the start signal from the start signal output means is input;
When the payout control process is started by the payout control process starting means, and when the unpaid number data is stored in the payout control storage means, the payout can be made based on the stored unpaid number data. Payout control side recovery means for performing the payout control side recovery processing,
An activation confirmation signal output means for outputting an activation confirmation signal to the game control microcomputer after the payout control process starting means starts the payout control process;
Payout control process stop means for stopping execution of the payout control process when the connection state monitoring means detects an abnormality in the connection state ,
The payout control board is:
A voltage drop signal output unit is provided for outputting the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop monitoring means to the gaming control microcomputer;
The activation signal output means does not output the activation signal to the game control microcomputer,
The game control microcomputer further includes:
Game control process starting means for starting the game control process on condition that the activation confirmation signal from the activation confirmation signal output means is input to the game control microcomputer;
When the game control process is started by the game control process start means, and data indicating the progress of the game is stored in the game control storage means, the game control process is started based on the stored data. Game control side recovery means for performing game control side recovery processing for recovering the progress state of the game when power supply is stopped;
A recovery command output means for outputting, as the effect control command, a recovery command for notifying that when the game control side recovery process is performed by the game control side recovery means; Gaming machine.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the voltage drop monitoring unit is mounted on the payout control board. A power supply board for supplying power to the payout control board;
The payout control board includes transmission means for transmitting electric power supplied from the power supply board to the game control board,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the voltage drop monitoring unit is mounted on the power supply board. The presentation further comprising: a signal input blocking means for preventing signal input from the control microcomputer to the game control microcomputer, the gaming machine according to any of claims 1 to 3. An operation means that can be operated by the player while the game is in progress;
An operation signal input means for inputting an operation signal corresponding to the operation when the operation means is operated,
The presentation control microcomputer, based on the operation signal which the operating signal input means is input, characterized in that it comprises the operation corresponding presentation start means for starting a particular effect in the presentation device, according to claim 4 Game machines. Further comprising a peripheral board on which a control circuit that performs control according to the type of the rendering device is mounted,
The production control microcomputer outputs a command for controlling the production device to the control circuit according to the type of the production device connected to the control circuit by bidirectional communication with the control circuit. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5 , characterized by the following. A movable member that operates according to the gaming state;
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the movable member,
A detection signal input unit to which a detection signal indicating a detection result of the position detection means is input is provided on the effect control board,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein the presentation control microcomputer includes a position determination unit that determines a position of the movable member based on the detection signal. A payout detecting means for detecting payout of the premium game medium and outputting a payout detection signal;
An error state setting means for shifting a control state related to payout by the payout control microcomputer to an error state when a predetermined error state transfer condition is satisfied;
The payout control microcomputer subtracts the number of unpaid premium game media indicated by the unpaid number data stored in the payout control storage means each time the payout detection means detects payout of the premium game media. And a detection prize game medium subtraction means for performing a payout control side subtraction process.
2. The detected prize game medium subtracting means executes the payout control side subtraction process each time the payout detecting means detects a payout of a prize game medium even in the error state. The gaming machine according to claim 7 . A voltage drop signal input unit to which the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop signal output unit is input is provided in the game control board,
The game control microcomputer further includes a game control side power supply confirmation processing means for executing a game control side power supply confirmation process for confirming an input state to the voltage drop signal input unit in the game control process,
When the game control side power supply stop processing means confirms that the voltage drop signal has been input to the voltage drop signal input unit by the game control side power supply confirmation processing means, Execute the process, and then repeatedly execute the game control side power supply confirmation process until it is confirmed that the voltage drop signal is not input to the voltage drop signal input unit, and the voltage drop signal input unit receives the voltage The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the game control process returns to a state in which the game control process can be started when it is confirmed that a decrease signal is not input. Further comprising clear means for clearing the stored contents held by the game control storage means,
The payout control board includes transmission means for transmitting the supplied power to the game control board,
The clear means is characterized in that it is mounted on the power board for supplying power to said dispensing control board, the gaming machine according to any of claims 1 to 9. The dispensing control microcomputer is:
When the voltage drop signal from the voltage drop monitoring means is input , a predetermined waiting time is set before executing the payout control side power supply stop process by the payout control side power supply stop time processing means. Voltage drop determination means for determining whether or not the payout number data output means has output the payout number data until elapse of
When it is determined by the voltage drop time determining means that the payout number data output means has output the payout number data until the waiting time has elapsed, the prize game medium designated by the payout number data further seen including a voltage drop during data adding means for adding the number of payouts to the unpaid coin number data stored in the payout control storage means,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the standby time is a time that is predetermined as a period until at least the game control side power supply stop process is started. Machine. Characterized in that it further comprises a relay board to the output presentation control commands and relayed to the presentation control microcomputer from the game control microcomputer, claimed in any of claims 11 Game machines.

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