JP4405963B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, or a sparrow ball game machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine that appropriately responds to an abnormality in a switch circuit at a symbol start port.

  A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start opening provided on the game board, a symbol display section for stopping a plurality of symbols after changing for a predetermined time, and a grand prize opening for opening and closing the opening and closing plate. Configured. When the proximity switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passing of the game ball, the symbol display unit fluctuates the displayed symbol for a predetermined time (referred to as symbol variation operation), and then the big hit when the special symbol stops in a predetermined manner. In this state (special game state), the special winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a profit state advantageous to the player.

  In such a gaming machine, if the proximity switch fails or is disconnected and is constantly turned on, the symbol variation operation is started repeatedly, and as a result, a profit state occurs regardless of the gaming operation. Will do. Therefore, in order to avoid such an abnormal operation, for example, it is possible to adopt a determination logic that determines that the game ball has passed the symbol start port only when the proximity switch changes from the OFF state to the ON state. The countermeasure eliminates the abnormal operation in which the symbol variation operation is continuously repeated.

  However, even when the measures described above are taken, the symbol variation operation may be started completely after the power is turned on regardless of the game operation. That is, the operation state of the proximity switch is periodically stored in the work area of the memory by executing an IN command or the like, but since the work area is cleared to zero by the initial processing after the power is turned on, the first time after the power is turned on. By executing the IN instruction, it is mistaken that the proximity switch has changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

  When such a misunderstanding occurs, after the power is turned on, no game operation is started, but the symbol variation operation is started, which gives a great distrust to the player who came to the store at the start of business. As a result, a sense of trust in a group of gaming machines of that kind is impaired. In some cases, a big hit state may be started at the start of business, which may cause an unexpected disadvantage to the game hall.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and a ball game machine in which abnormal operation does not start even if an element failure or disconnection occurs in a detection unit such as a proximity switch. The issue is to provide.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 outputs a detection signal in which the output level changes from the first level to the second level and then returns to the first level when the game ball passes through the specific area. A ball game machine that executes a predetermined game operation when a signal edge whose level changes in a specific direction is detected in the detection signal, in an initial process after power-on until a steady process is reached Initial processing means for storing the detection signal of the second level in the signal storage unit, acquisition means for acquiring the detection signal from the detection circuit every predetermined time in the subsequent steady processing, and storing the acquired detection signal in the signal storage in contrast to stored value parts, it determines whether the signal edge is detected, stores the determination result, and constant processing means for the currently obtained detection signal again stored in the signal storage unit, It is provided.

  In each of the above inventions, when the detection signal detected by the detection circuit changes, it is effective to shift to a game operation advantageous to the player based on a lottery process resulting therefrom.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a bullet ball game machine in which an abnormal operation is not started even when an element failure or disconnection occurs in a detection unit such as a proximity switch.

  Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the ball game machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. The illustrated pachinko machine includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 1 that is detachably attached to an island structure, and a front frame 3 that is pivotally mounted via a hinge 2 fixed to the outer frame 1. It is configured. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 3 from the back side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be freely opened and closed.

  An upper plate 8 for storing game balls for launch is mounted on the front plate 7, and a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a launch handle 10 are mounted at the bottom of the front frame 4. And are provided. The launch handle 10 is interlocked with the launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

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

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

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

  The liquid crystal display DISP is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to a big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. This liquid crystal display DISP has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 19 in the upper right portion. The special symbol display portions Da to Dc execute a reach effect that expects a big hit state to be invited, and the special symbol display portions Da to Dc and the surroundings perform a notice effect that informs the result of the determination indefinitely. The

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

  For example, the symbol start opening 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 15a. When the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 19 displays a winning symbol, the symbol start port 15 is opened and closed. The claw 15a is opened for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins the symbol start port 15, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time and are determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start port 15. Stop at the stop symbol. In addition, in special symbol display parts Da-Dc and its circumference, a notice effect may be performed between a series of symbol effects.

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

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

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of a pachinko machine that realizes the above-described operations. Broken lines in the figure mainly indicate DC voltage lines. As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine receives AC 24V, outputs various DC voltages and outputs a power reset signal SYR when the power is turned on, a main control board 21 that mainly controls gaming operations, An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and an audio effect based on a control command CMD received from the main control board 21, an effect interface board 23 that transmits a signal received from the effect control board 22, and an effect interface board 23 The liquid crystal control board 24 for driving the liquid crystal display DISP based on the control command CMD ′ received from the control unit, and the payout control for controlling the payout motor M based on the control command CMD ″ received from the main control board 21 to pay out the game ball. The board 25 and the launch control board 26 that launches the game ball in response to the player's operation are mainly configured. It is.

  Here, the main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the liquid crystal control board 24, and the payout control board 25 are each mounted with a computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer. Therefore, the functions mounted on the main control board 21, the production control board 22, the liquid crystal control board 24, and the payout control board 25 and the operations realized by the circuits are functionally named. Unit 21, effect control unit 22, liquid crystal control unit 24, and payout control unit 25. All or part of the effect control unit 22, the liquid crystal control unit 24, and the payout control unit 25 are sub-control units.

  The main control board 21 receives from the power supply board 20 a power supply abnormality signal output when the voltage drops and a power supply reset signal SYR output when the power is turned on, in addition to DC12V, DC32V, and backup power supply (DC5V). . In the main control board 21, the received DC 12V is stepped down to DC 5V, and used as the power supply voltage of the computer circuit in the board.

  The main control board 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 27. And while receiving a switch signal from the proximity switch provided in each winning opening 16-18 on a game board, solenoids, such as an electric tulip, are driven. Note that the switch signal from the symbol start port 15 is received directly by the main control unit 21 without going through the game board relay board 27.

  FIG. 4A illustrates the connection relationship between the proximity switch SW provided in the symbol start port 15 and the one-chip microcomputer (A) mounted on the main control board 21. The detection switch circuit DET The circuit configuration is shown. As shown in the figure, the detection switch circuit DET includes an inductive proximity switch SW that detects the passage of the game ball in a non-contact manner (see FIG. 4B). The inductive proximity switch SW, the load resistor RL, and the buffer circuit It consists of BUF. The buffer circuit BUF includes a filter unit in which a resistor R2 and a capacitor C1 are connected in parallel, and an inverter circuit G1. The voltage across the load resistor RL is input to the least significant bit (LSB) of the input port P0 of the one-chip microcomputer (A) via the buffer circuit BUF.

  The inductive proximity switch SW of the embodiment uses a coil coupled to the high frequency oscillation circuit as a detection element, and detects that the oscillation amplitude and oscillation frequency of the high frequency oscillation circuit change due to the induced current flowing through the game ball when passing. ing. More specifically, the inductive proximity switch SW includes a proximity switch main circuit MAIN, a detection transistor TR that operates in response to a change in the oscillation state detected by the proximity switch main circuit MAIN, and a voltage limiting chain diode ZD. And a current limiting resistor R1. The high frequency oscillation circuit is built in the proximity switch main circuit MAIN. Further, the direct current 12V output from the power supply board 20 to the main control board 21 is supplied to the (+) terminal of the proximity switch SW, and the load resistor RL is connected to the (−) terminal.

  FIG. 4C is a time chart showing the operation content of the detection switch circuit DET. When the game ball passes the proximity switch SW, the oscillation state of the high-frequency oscillation circuit changes, and as a result, the detection transistor TR changes from the ON state to the OFF state under the control of the proximity switch main circuit MAIN. Then, only the leakage current of the proximity switch SW flows through the load resistor RL, and an L level voltage is output from the load resistor RL. Therefore, an H level voltage is supplied to the one-chip microcomputer (A) of the main controller 21 via the inverter circuit G1. In this embodiment, since the voltage from the inverter circuit G1 is supplied to the least significant bit (LSB) of the input port P0, the CPU of the one-chip microcomputer uses the data of ******** from the input port P0. Will get. The subscript B means a binary number, and * means either 0 or 1. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that all bits other than the LSB of the input port P0 are not used and are always 0.

  After that, when the game ball finishes passing through the coil section, the detection transistor TR returns from the OFF state to the ON state. Therefore, the voltage of the load resistor RL returns to the H level, and the one-chip microcomputer (A) has the L level voltage. Supplied. Therefore, at this timing, the CPU of the one-chip microcomputer acquires data of 00000000B (= 00H) from the input port P0. The subscript H means a hexadecimal number.

  By the way, the above operation is performed when the detection switch circuit DET centering on the proximity switch SW functions normally. However, when a disconnection portion occurs in the detection switch circuit DET or the proximity switch SW or other circuit element breaks down, there is a possibility that the H-level voltage is constantly supplied to the one-chip microcomputer (A). However, in this embodiment, an abnormal operation of the gaming machine is prevented by providing appropriate processing, and this point will be described in detail later.

  Returning to FIG. 3 and continuing the description, the main control unit 21 transmits a control command CMD ″ to the payout control unit 25 in one direction, while the payout control unit 25 receives a prize indicating a payout operation of the game ball. A ball count signal and a status signal CON relating to an abnormality in the payout operation are received, and the status signal CON includes, for example, a replenishment signal, a payout shortage error signal, and a lower plate full signal. In addition to the control command CMD "from the main control board 21, a switch signal such as a count switch for detecting the number of game balls is received from the game board. The computer circuit of the payout control board 25 controls the operation of the launch control board 26 by the launch control signal. On the other hand, the launch control board 26 controls the launch operation of the game ball by driving solenoids based on the launch control signal from the payout control board 25 and the switch signal of the launch stop switch resulting from the player's operation. is doing.

  The effect control unit 22 is connected to the main control unit 21 in one direction via the command relay board 28. Specifically, a parallel signal line that receives a control command and a strobe signal line that receives an interrupt signal STB are connected to the main control unit 21. Then, the production control unit 22 includes a one-chip microcomputer (B) that executes processing such as voice production, lamp production, and data transfer, an EPROM that stores a control program for the one-chip microcomputer (B), and a one-chip microcomputer ( A speech synthesis IC that generates a speech signal based on an instruction from B) and a speech memory that stores compressed speech data that is the original data of the generated speech signal are included.

  The effect control unit 22 generates a sound signal for sound effect and a lamp drive signal for lamp effect based on the control command CMD received from the main control unit 21 and outputs it to the effect interface board 23. In addition, the design effect corresponding to the sound effect and the lamp effect is specified, and a control command CMD ′ indicating the specified effect content is output to the effect interface board 23 together with the strobe signal STB ′.

  The effect interface board 23 transfers the control command CMD ′ and the strobe signal STB ′ received from the effect control unit 22 to the liquid crystal control board 24 as they are. In addition, the audio signal output from the effect control unit 22 is supplied to the speaker via the speaker relay board 31, and the audio effect corresponding to the control command CMD output from the main control unit 21 is realized. Similarly, the lamp drive signal output from the effect control unit 22 is supplied to the LED group via the lamp connection board 30, and the lamp effect corresponding to the control command CMD output from the main control unit 21 is realized.

  The liquid crystal control board 24 receives a control command CMD 'via the effect interface board 23, and controls a one-chip microcomputer (C) that controls a pattern effect, a control ROM that stores a control program for the one-chip microcomputer (C), and the like. A graphic controller (VDP / Video Display Processor) that drives the liquid crystal display DISP based on an instruction from the one-chip microcomputer (C) and a graphic that stores basic data (sprite pattern data) drawn on the liquid crystal display DISP ROM.

  The pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 has the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3 described above. The main control unit 21 starts after the power is turned on and finally repeats the infinite loop process (ST9 to ST11) and the main process (FIG. 5), and starts every predetermined time (for example, 2 mS). Based on timer interrupt processing (Fig. 7) that realizes the main control operation and NMI processing (Fig. 6) that backs up the register value of the CPU when the power supply voltage drops, the overall operation of the pachinko machine is controlled comprehensively. Yes. The one-chip microcomputer (A) mounted on the main control unit 21 has a CPU core corresponding to Z80 CPU (manufactured by Zilog).

  The system reset processing program (main routine) will be described below with reference to FIG. This main routine is started not only when the power is turned on, but also when the count value of the watchdog timer reaches a predetermined value due to a program runaway and the CPU is reset. In addition, there are two patterns when the power is turned on. There is a case where the power is turned on while the initialization switch is not operated and the pachinko machine is in an OFF state, as in the case of recovery from a power failure state. There are cases where the initialization switch is turned on by an attendant and the power is turned on, such as when the hall is opened.

  In any case, in the main routine shown in FIG. 5, first, the Z80 CPU sets itself to the interrupt disabled state, initializes the stack pointer, and initializes the built-in register of the one-chip microcomputer (ST1). At this time, the CPU sets itself to interrupt mode 2 (ST1).

  Next, the CPU determines the value of the RAM clear signal (ST2). The RAM clear signal is a signal indicating whether or not to initialize the RAM work area, and has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch operated by the staff. If it is assumed that the pachinko hall is opened and the power is turned on with the initialization switch turned on, the determination in step ST2 is Yes, the RAM work area is cleared to zero (ST4), and then the work area. The values necessary for the are initialized (ST5). This initial setting process (ST5) includes a LEVEL address setting process for storing the switch signal of the detection switch circuit DET. In the first embodiment, 1 is stored in the LEVEL address (FIG. 5B). (Refer to process ST5_A).)

  Following the process of step ST5, a control command indicating the power-on state is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 24 via the effect control board 22 and the effect interface board 23 (ST6). Further, a Z80-CTC (counter timer circuit) built in the one-chip microcomputer is initialized (ST7), and the CPU is set to an interrupt enabled state (EI) (ST8). Thereafter, the random number update process is repeated in an infinite loop. Note that the random number update process includes an update process for the sub-counter BGN that circulates through the numerical value range by the increment process, and an update process for the outlier symbol counter. The value of the sub-counter BGN is used to change the initial value of the jackpot counter BG circulating through the numerical value range MAX by the random number generation process (ST21) in FIG. The out symbol counter is a process for determining what kind of out game to be produced when the dismissal state is determined by the jackpot determination processing in the special symbol processing (ST34) of FIG. is there. Note that the update process of the sub-counter BGN is executed in an interrupt disabled state (ST9 to ST11).

  By the way, when the initialization switch is in the OFF state as in the case of recovery from the power failure state, the content of the backup flag BFL is determined following the determination in step ST2 (ST3). The backup flag BFL is data indicating whether or not the backup data saved in the NMI process (FIG. 6) has been restored to the original state. In this embodiment, the backup flag BFL is a process of step ST44 in FIG. The backup flag BFL is set to 5AH and is cleared to zero in the process of step ST14 in FIG.

  If it is during recovery from the power failure state, it is determined in step ST3 that the content of the backup flag BFL is 5AH, so the 16-bit data read from the SP storage area of the RAM is stored in the CPU stack. It is written to the pointer SP (ST12). Next, the CPU executes a POP instruction to restore the value of each register (BC, DE, HL) excluding the AF register from the stack area (ST13). As a result of this process, the recovery process from the power failure is completed, so the backup flag BFL is cleared to zero to indicate that (ST14). Finally, it is checked whether or not the interrupt is prohibited before the power failure (ST15 and ST16), and after the AF register is returned from the stack area (ST17 and ST19), the process is terminated while the interrupt is disabled (ST17 and ST19). (ST17) Alternatively, the process is returned to the interrupt enabled state (ST18, ST19). In addition, by executing the RET instruction after the POP instruction in steps ST17 and ST18, the value of the PC (program counter) at the time of the PUSH process being restored in the stack area is restored, and the process interrupted due to a power failure or the like Will be resumed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of an NMI interrupt processing program that occurs when the power supply voltage drops due to a power failure or the like. In this interrupt processing, first, the contents of each register (AF, I, BC, DE, HL) are pushed to the stack area (ST40). Next, the value of the stack pointer SP after execution of the PUSH instruction in step ST40 is stored in the SP storage area of the RAM (ST41). FIGS. 6B and 6C show the saving state of each register (AF, I, BC, DE, HL), stack pointer SP, and program counter PC.

  Subsequently, since there is a case where a prize ball is currently being paid out, the state of the prize ball counting switch is detected and stored (ST42). Note that waiting for a predetermined time (ST43) takes into consideration the time for which the prize ball being paid out moves. Next, 5AH, which is an ON flag value, is stored in the RAM area of the backup flag BFL (ST44). Thereafter, access to the RAM is prohibited and the power supply voltage drops to wait for the CPU to become inoperative (ST45). ). After that, the CPU becomes non-operating, but since the backup power is supplied to the RAM, the backed up data continues to be stored as it is. That is, even after the power supply is completely shut down, the RAM area is maintained as shown in FIGS.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of each register are saved in the stack area (ST20), and then random number generation processing is first executed (ST21). The random number generation processing includes update processing of the winning counter RG and the big hit counter CT used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing ST29 and the special symbol processing ST34.

  In step ST21, the winning counter RG and the big hit counter BG are each updated by increment (+1) processing within a predetermined numerical range, and the updated counter values are the hit determination random number value and the big hit determination random number, respectively. It is used as a numerical value in the lottery operation. Specifically, the value of the winning counter RG is used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing (ST29) when the game ball passes through the gate 18, and the value of the big hit counter BG is determined by the game ball starting the symbol. When passing through the mouth 15, it is used for the lottery operation in the special symbol process (ST34). The random number generation process includes a winning symbol random number generating process and a big hit symbol random number generating process for determining a stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 19 and the special symbol display units Da to Dc.

  When the random number generation process (ST21) as described above is completed, a timer subtraction process is performed for the timer that manages the time of each gaming operation (ST22), and then the detection switch circuit for the symbol start port 15 and the gate 18 And signals of various switches including the detection switch circuit of the special winning opening 16 are inputted and stored (ST23). For example, when a game ball is won at the symbol start opening 15, the data in the work area (LEVEL address and EDGE address) shown in FIG. 8B is set to 1, which will be described in detail later. Each timer subtracted in the process of step ST22 is for managing the opening time of the electric tulip and the special winning opening 16 and other game effect times.

  Subsequently, after the control command generated at this stage is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST24), error management processing is performed (ST25). The error management process is a determination as to whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the device, such as whether or not the supply of game balls has stopped or the game balls are clogged. Next, after creating a control command for the payout control unit 25 (ST26), the generated control command is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST27).

  Next, the normal symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation state is not “winning” (ST29). The normal symbol processing means determination as to whether or not to operate an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball is passing through the gate based on the switch input result in step ST23, the value of the winning counter RG updated in the random number generation process (ST21) is acquired. The acquired random value is compared with the winning value at the start of fluctuation. If the comparison result is a winning state, the operation state is changed to a “winning” operation state. On the other hand, if it is “winning”, a process for operating an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip is performed (ST31).

  Subsequently, a necessary control command is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST32), and special symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation state is not “big hit” (ST34). The special symbol process (ST34) is a determination as to whether or not to operate the first-type special electric accessory such as the special winning opening 16. Specifically, first, based on the data of the EDGE address (see FIG. 8B) rewritten by the switch input result (ST23), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the symbol start port 15. . When it is confirmed that the data of the EDGE address is 01H and the game ball has won the symbol start opening 15, a process for starting the changing operation is executed and updated by the random number generation process (ST21). The value of the hit jackpot counter BG is acquired, and the acquired random number value is compared with the jackpot winning value. Then, if the comparison result is a winning state, the operation state is changed to a “big hit” operating state.

  When the special symbol processing (ST34) as described above is completed, the first type special electric accessory using the special winning opening 16 is operated on condition that the current state is the “big hit” operation state. Processing is performed (ST36). Next, in the command transmission process (ST37), a control command for specifying the variation pattern for the effect operation is transmitted to the effect control unit 22, and the effect control unit 22 that has received this control command is based on the received control command. The sound production and the lamp production are started. In addition, the liquid crystal control unit 24 that has received a control command corresponding to the voice effect or the lamp effect from the effect control unit 22 starts the symbol changing operation on the liquid crystal display 14.

  When the command transmission process (ST37) is finished, the register saved in the process of step ST20 is restored and the timer interrupt process is finished (ST38). As a result, the process returns to the main routine. However, when the predetermined time (2 mS) has elapsed, the process of step ST20 is started again, so that the processes of steps ST20 to ST38 are repeated every 2 mS.

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating in detail a part of the switch input management process (ST23) in the series of timer interrupt processes (ST20 to ST38) described above. Specifically, it is a part for determining the winning of a game ball to the symbol start opening 15 and is one of the characteristic parts of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, first, switch data of the input port P0 (FIG. 4) of the one-chip microcomputer is continuously acquired a plurality of times (here, twice) (ST50, 51). Then, on condition that the values of the input port P0 continuously match, the switch data (hereinafter referred to as switch level data) is stored in the DT address which is a temporary storage area (ST52, 53). In this embodiment, when acquiring the switch level data, it is a condition that the same level is continuously obtained a plurality of times. Therefore, the game ball is not won due to the influence of noise or the like. It is possible to prevent misidentifying that a prize has been won.

  Following the process of step ST53, the switch level data of the DT address acquired this time is determined (ST54). If the value is 00H, the edge flag FL is reset to 0 and the process proceeds to step ST58 (ST55). On the other hand, if the data at the DT address is 01H, it is compared with the data at the LEVEL address (ST56). Since the acquired data at the time of the previous timer interruption is stored at the LEVEL address (see ST59), if the data at the LEVEL address is 01H, it means that the switch level data has not changed, If the data at the LEVEL address is 00H, it means that the switch level data has risen from 00H to 01H.

  Therefore, when the switch level data has not changed (when LEVEL address = 01H), the process proceeds to step ST55, but when it is found that the switch level data has risen (when LEVEL address = 00H), the edge flag is set. FL is set to 1 (ST57). Thereafter, since the value of the edge flag FL is stored as the switch edge data in the EDGE address (ST58), the EDGE address becomes 01H only when the switch level data rises from 00H to 01H, otherwise EDGE. The address is 00H. After that, the data at the DT address is copied to the LEVEL address, and the process ends (ST59).

  FIG. 8C is a time chart showing the above-described operation content. The value of the input port P0 (LSB value) is acquired at the timing indicated by the broken line for each timer interrupt. The acquired value is stored in the LEVEL address as it is, but the switch edge data in the EDGE address is set to 1 only when the data in the LEVEL address rises from 0 to 1.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the switch level data at the LEVEL address is forcibly set to 1 in the initial setting process of step ST5. Therefore, even if there is an abnormality in the detection switch circuit DET and the H level data is constantly supplied to the one-chip microcomputer, the switch level data at the LEVEL address will not rise from 0 to 1. Therefore, there is no misperception in the game ball winning determination. That is, at the time of the abnormality as described above, 01H is constantly detected as the switch level data DT, but since the LEVEL address is initially set to 01H after the power is turned on, it passes the route of ST54 → ST56 → ST55. Thus, there is no misidentification in the game ball winning determination. In the normal state, 00H is detected as the switch level data DT after the power is turned on, so that 00H is stored in the LEVEL address through the route ST54 → ST55 → ST58 → ST59. Therefore, the subsequent rise of the switch level data is not overlooked.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, only when the switch level data changes from the first state (00H) to the second state (01H), it is determined that the detection switch circuit DET has detected the game ball, and the power supply By setting the switch level data to the second state (01H) in the initial state after the insertion, it is possible to prevent misidentification of the game ball winning. However, the operation is not limited to such an operation. For example, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the detection switch circuit DET is a game ball only when the switch level data is in the second state (01H) a plurality of times (here, twice) in the timer interrupt process. Is detected. In this case, in the initial setting process (ST5) in the main process, the value of the CT address (counter value) is forcibly set to FFH (see ST5_B in FIG. 5C).

  In the following, based on FIG. 9, as in the case of FIG. 8, first, switch data of the input port P0 of the one-chip microcomputer is obtained twice in succession (ST60, 61). Then, the switch level data is stored in the LEVEL address of the work area on condition that the values of the input port P0 continuously match (ST62, 63).

  If the data stored in the LEVEL address is 00H, 0 is stored in the CT address indicating the counter value (ST65), and then the edge flag FL is set to 0 and the process proceeds to step ST71 (ST66). On the other hand, if the data stored at the LEVEL address is 01H, it is determined whether or not the data at the CT address is FFH (ST67). In principle, the CT address stores the number of times of determination at the time of timer interruption when the switch level data is 01H, but FFH is stored in the initial setting after power-on.

  Therefore, if the data at the CT address is FFH, it means that the current time is immediately after the power is turned on, and the process proceeds to step ST66. On the other hand, when the CT address data (count value) is other than FFH, the CT address data is incremented as a counting operation (ST68), and it is determined whether the incremented value is 02H (ST69). If the count value is 02H, the edge flag FL is set to 1 (ST70), and if the count value is other than 02H, the edge flag FL is reset to 0 (ST66). Thereafter, the value of the edge flag FL is stored as switch edge data at the EDGE address (ST71).

  As described above, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the detection switch circuit DET is a game ball only when it recognizes that the switch level data DT is 01H twice in succession in a timer interruption at a predetermined time interval. Is detected. Note that the switch level data DT may become 01H even in the third and subsequent timer interruptions, but the switch edge data is 00H, and it is not determined that the detection switch circuit DET has detected a game ball.

  Incidentally, there is a case where there is an abnormality in the detection switch circuit DET and H level data is constantly supplied to the one-chip microcomputer. In this case, the switch level data at the LEVEL address becomes 01H immediately after the power is turned on. However, since the data at the CT address is initially set to FFH, the operation of ST64 → ST67 → ST66 is repeated, and the EDGE address is repeated. No switch edge data of 01H is obtained. That is, the CT address data (FFH) prohibits the counting operation (ST68) (prohibited data = FFH). If the detection switch circuit DET is normal, the switch level data at the LEVEL address is 00H immediately after the power is turned on, so the data at the CT address is cleared through the route ST64 → ST65, and the subsequent counting process (ST68). Is allowed.

  In the second embodiment, it becomes a problem whether the switch level data DT is 01H twice in succession in the timer interrupt. Therefore, for example, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 9C (see * section), when the switch level data DT becomes 01H only once and then returns to 00H, it is ignored. However, considering the outside diameter size and the passing speed of the game ball, it is impossible to return from 01H to 00H at about 2 mS, which is the interrupt interval of the timer interrupt. There is no problem in ignoring the case where it does not. Rather, when returning from 01H to 00H at about 2 mS, it is considered to be a malfunction due to noise or other influences, so the effectiveness of the second embodiment in which this state is not determined to be a winning game ball is high.

  Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment in which an error notification is executed by determining an abnormality of the detection switch circuit DET when the power is turned on. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, after initial setting of the work area (ST5), switch data input processing is executed (ST51 to ST52), and when data of the same level is obtained, this is set to the LEVEL address. Stored (ST53, 54). At this stage immediately after the power is turned on, the game ball cannot pass through the symbol start port 15, so the switch level data is 00H. However, when the detection switch circuit DET is out of order, the switch level data may be 01H. Accordingly, when the switch level data at the LEVEL address is 01H, an error process is performed and the process returns to step ST51 (ST56). As the error process, an error notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 21 to the effect control unit 22, and the notification process is executed in the liquid crystal control unit 24 that receives the error notification command transferred from the effect control unit 22. Conceivable. Also, the operation stop command is stopped from the main control unit 21 to the payout control unit 25, and based on the control of the payout control unit 25, the game ball launching operation on the launch control board 26 is prohibited.

  When such an error notification process is executed, the staff member grasps the occurrence of an abnormal situation based on the tour in the game hall or the notification from the player. When the initialization switch is turned on after the failure repair is completed and the power is turned on, the process proceeds from step ST55 to step ST6 normally.

  Similarly, when the repair is completed without lowering the power supply, the process proceeds from step ST55 to step ST6. In this case, in step ST6, a recovery command indicating that the error state has been eliminated is transmitted to the effect control unit 22 and the payout control unit 25 prior to normal processing. Then, the effect control unit 22 transfers the restoration command to the liquid crystal control unit 24, and the liquid crystal control unit 24 that receives the restoration command displays the restoration of the error state on the liquid crystal display DISP. In addition, the payout control unit 25 that has received the recovery command controls the launch control board 26 to resume the launch operation in the prohibited state.

  In order to realize the above operation, the error flag is set to 1 in step ST56, and it is determined whether or not the value of the error flag is 1 when it is determined that the LEVEL address is 0. . Here, if the error flag is 1, it means that the error state has been recovered after executing the error processing once, so the above recovery command is transmitted. On the other hand, if the error flag is 0, the process does not go through step ST56 after the power is turned on, so the recovery command transmission process is skipped.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described concretely, the concrete description content does not specifically limit this invention. For example, in the embodiment, the detection switch provided exclusively at the symbol start port has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other detection switches. For example, the present invention can be effectively applied not only to all detection switches provided on the game board but also to detection switches for detecting a prize ball paid out from the gaming machine. In addition, the processing procedures specifically described in FIGS. 8 to 10 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a front view which shows the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a block which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a circuit diagram which shows a part of main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main process in a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the NMI process in a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in a main control part. It is drawing explaining the switch input process of 1st Example of FIG. 7 in detail. It is drawing explaining the switch input process of 2nd Example in detail. It is drawing explaining the switch input process of 3rd Example in detail.

Explanation of symbols

15 Specific area (design start port)
DET detection circuit (detection switch circuit)
ST5_A initial processing means ST53 acquisition means ST56 to ST59 steady processing means

Claims (5)

When the game ball passes through a specific area, the output level changes from the first level to the second level, and then has a detection circuit that outputs a detection signal that returns to the first level, and the detection signal changes in level in a specific direction. A ball game machine that executes a predetermined game operation when a signal edge is detected,
Initial processing means for storing a second level detection signal in the signal storage unit in the initial processing after power-on until reaching steady processing;
In subsequent steady processing, an acquisition means for acquiring a detection signal from the detection circuit every predetermined time;
The acquired detection signal is compared with the stored value of the signal storage unit to determine whether or not the signal edge is detected, the determination result is stored, and the currently acquired detection signal is stored in the signal storage unit. A gaming machine comprising: steady processing means for re-storing. A main control unit that generally controls the entire game operation and a sub-control unit that executes individual control operations based on control commands received from the main control unit,
The main control unit, based on the main processing that will be initiated when the power source is turned on, the timer interrupt processing to realize the main control operation of the started game machine at predetermined time intervals, and NMI processing executed at drop of the power supply voltage The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control operation is realized.   The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the steady process is executed in the timer interrupt process, and the initial process is executed in the main process.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the initial process is executed after a RAM area clear process.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the detection signal detected by the detection circuit changes, the game operation is shifted to a game operation advantageous to the player based on a lottery process caused by the detection signal.

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