JP4556272B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine.RelatedTo do.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Control of pachinko machine games is mainly performed by the main control board. The main control board includes a payout control board that performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls, a sound effect control board that performs output control of sound effects, and a display control board that performs display control such as symbol variation display. It is connected. The control of each control board is performed by a command transmitted from the main control board to each control board in one direction.
[0003]
  The payout of the prize ball must be surely performed even when the power of the pachinko machine is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Therefore, the applicant of the present applicationofThe data was retained (backed up) even after the pachinko machine was turned off, and after the power was turned on again, an attempt was made to pay out unpaid prize balls.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, pachinko machinesofWithdrawalDeIf you back up your data,Was powered on againsometimes,alwaysThere is a problem that unpaid prize balls are paid out.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems,Prize ballIt is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can back up the remaining payout amount and clear the backed up content.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is a main control for controlling a game.substrateAnd its main controlsubstrateBased on the command sent fromSub to controlcontrolsubstrateAnd the main controlsubstrateandsubcontrolsubstratePower supply that supplies drive power tosubstrateWhen,WithThe main control board stores at least the payout remaining number information of the valuable object, and can store the stored payout remaining number information even after the power is turned off, and a clear process for clearing the contents of the storage means And a command output means for outputting a command at the time of clearing to the sub control board when the information stored in the storage means is cleared by the clear processing means. When a command is received, the control corresponding to the clear command is performed..
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine that is a kind of a ball game machine, in particular, a first type pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine. Of course, the present invention can be used for other gaming machines such as a third-class pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, and a slot machine.
[0009]
  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning holes 2 through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out when a hit ball is won. In the center of the game board 1, a liquid crystal (LCD) display 3 for displaying symbols as a plurality of types of identification information is provided. The display screen of the LCD display 3 is divided into three in the horizontal direction. In each of the three divided display areas, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner while scrolling from right to left in the horizontal direction.
[0010]
  Below the LCD display 3, a symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4 is provided. When the hit ball passes through the symbol operating port 4, the above-described variation display of the LCD display 3 is started. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. The specific winning opening 5 is a big hit when the display result after the fluctuation of the LCD display 3 coincides with one of the predetermined symbol combinations, so that the hitting ball is easy to win for a predetermined time (for example, 30 It is released until seconds have passed or 10 hit balls have been won.
[0011]
  A V zone 5a is provided in the specific winning opening 5, and when the hit ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is opened, a continuation right is established and the specific winning opening 5 is closed. Thereafter, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of hit balls win the specific winning opening 5). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state in which the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state in which a predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.
[0012]
  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P, and in particular, a main control board C that controls the game contents of the pachinko machine P, and a payout control board that performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls. It is the block diagram which showed the electric constitution with H.
[0013]
  The main control board C of the pachinko machine P includes an MPU 11 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 12 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data, and a RAM 13 that is used as a work memory. Yes. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program. The RAM 13 is provided with a prize ball buffer 13a, a prize ball pointer 13b, and a remaining prize ball number counter 13c.
[0014]
  The winning ball buffer 13a is a buffer for storing the number of winning balls to be paid out when a ball that has been driven into the game area 1 wins the normal winning slot 2 or the like. Since the number of winning balls to be paid out is stored in the winning ball buffer 13a for each winning ball, the winning ball buffer 13a is composed of a plurality of bytes. When the prize ball data stored in the prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H as a prize ball command, the prize ball buffer 13a is erased. Specifically, after the number of prize balls stored in the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H, the values of the 1st and later prize ball buffers 13a are sequentially shifted to the smaller address side by 1 byte. As a result, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is erased.
[0015]
  The prize ball command is a command for instructing the payout control board H of the number of prize balls to be paid out. Since the maximum number of prize balls for one winning is 15 balls, Corresponding 15 types of prize ball commands “01H” to “0FH” are prepared.
[0016]
  The prize ball pointer 13b is a pointer indicating the position of the prize ball buffer 13a for storing the number of prize balls, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b. The value of the prize ball pointer 13b is incremented by "1" by writing the number of prize balls in the prize ball buffer 13a, and conversely, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H. “1” is subtracted.
[0017]
  The remaining prize ball number counter 13c is a counter for storing the number of unpaid prize balls, and is a counter for managing the number of prize balls to be paid out by the payout control board H on the main control board C. Each time the main control board C instructs the payout control board H to pay out the prize ball, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is incremented. Conversely, the payout control board H pays out the prize ball. Each time the award ball count switch 22 detects the paid-out prize ball, “1” is subtracted.
[0018]
  The MPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 constituted by an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to the payout control board H via buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed, a plurality of normal winning switches 17, a first type start port switch 18, and the like. , V count switch 19, 10 count switch 20, prize ball count switch 22, and other input / output device 25 are connected to each other.
[0019]
  The normal winning switch 17 is a switch for detecting each of the balls that have won the plurality of normal winning ports 2 in the game area 1, and is provided near the entrance of each of the normal winning ports 2. The first type starting port switch 18 is a switch for detecting a sphere that has passed through the symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4, and is provided in the vicinity of the symbol operating port 4. When a ball is detected by any one of the normal winning switches 17 or the first type start port switch 18, six payout balls are paid out by the payout control board H. The V count switch 19 is a switch for detecting a ball won in the V zone 5 a in the specific winning opening 5, and the 10 count switch 20 is a ball won in a place other than the V zone 5 a in the specific winning opening 5. It is a switch for detecting. When a ball is detected by the V count switch 19 or the 10 count switch 20, 15 prize balls are paid out by the payout control board H.
[0020]
  The prize ball count switch 22 is a switch for detecting a prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout motor 21 and is mounted in the prize ball payout unit S together with the prize ball payout motor 21. The winning ball payout motor 21 is a motor for paying out a winning ball. The driving of the winning ball payout motor 21 is controlled by the payout control board H.
[0021]
  As described above, the main control board C is connected to the payout control board H via the buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed. Therefore, transmission / reception of a prize ball command or the like between the main control board C and the payout control board H is performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H, and the payout control board H to the main control board C. Can not be done. The main control board C and the payout control board H are connected by eight data lines and one strobe line, and when the data on the strobe line becomes active, the data is output onto the eight data lines. The transmitted data is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H as a command.
[0022]
  The payout control board H performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls, and is used as an MPU 31, which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 32 storing a control program executed by the MPU 31, fixed value data, and a work memory. The RAM 33 is provided. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are stored in the ROM 32 as a part of the control program.
[0023]
  The RAM 33 of the payout control board H includes a remaining ball number counter 33a and is configured to be backed up by being connected to a backup capacitor 33b. Therefore, the value of the remaining number-of-balls counter 33a in the RAM 33 is held even when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off.
[0024]
  The remaining prize ball number counter 33a is a counter that stores the number of unpaid prize balls in the same manner as the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C described above. The value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is incremented every time the prize ball command is issued from the main control board C to the payout control board H by the prize ball command. On the contrary, every time the prize ball count switch 22 detects the paid out prize ball, “1” is subtracted. As described above, the value of the remaining award ball counter 33a is backed up by the capacitor 33b. Therefore, even if the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off during the payout of the prize ball, the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on again. As a result, the payout control board H can accurately pay out the remaining prize balls (unpaid prize balls).
[0025]
  The MPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected to each other by a bus line 35 that includes an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 35 is also connected to an input / output port 36. The input / output port 36 is connected to the main control board C via the buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs described above are fixed, as well as the prize ball payout motor 21 and the prize of the prize ball payout unit S. The ball count switch 22, the 7 segment LED 34, the reset switch 38, the ball removal switch 39, and other input / output devices 40 are respectively connected.
[0026]
  Here, the 7-segment LED 34, the reset switch 38, and the ball removal switch 39 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine P. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board C is housed in the main control box CB, and the payout control board H is housed in the payout control box HB. A plurality of openings are formed in the payout control box HB for storing the payout control board H, and a 7-segment LED 34, a reset switch 38, and a ball removal switch 39 are respectively exposed from these openings.
[0027]
  The 7-segment LED 34 is a display device for displaying the state of the payout control board H, and displays numbers, alphabets, and the like according to the state of the payout control board H. When there are two or more states to be displayed on the 7-segment LED 34, numbers indicating the respective states are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time.
[0028]
  The reset switch 38 is a switch for instructing the cancellation of the error occurring in the payout control board H and the clearing of the value of the backed-up remaining ball number counter 33a. When the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed for 1 second or longer, an error occurring in the payout control board H is canceled, and a 7-segment signal is sent to inform the user who has pressed the reset switch 38 of the error. “E” is displayed on the LED 34. Further, when the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more, the value of the remaining number of balls counter 33a is cleared to “0”, and 7 segments are provided to notify the user who has pressed the reset switch 38 of the clearing. “C” is displayed on the LED 34.
[0029]
  Since the pressing portion (pressing portion) of the reset switch 38 is covered with the lid body 38a, the reset switch 38 cannot be pressed unless the lid body 38a is opened. Therefore, erroneous pressing of the reset switch 38 by a pachinko hall clerk or the like can be prevented, and inadvertent clearing of the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a can be avoided. In order to prevent erroneous pressing of the reset switch, the pressing portion of the reset switch may be arranged toward the side surface of the pachinko machine P. If the reset switch is provided in this way, the pressing portion of the reset switch can be hidden from the rear view of the pachinko machine P, and thus erroneous pressing of the reset switch can be prevented.
[0030]
  The ball removal switch 39 is a switch for discharging a prize ball payout unit S and a ball in the supply path to the prize ball payout unit S. When the ball removal switch 39 is pressed, the ball is played. All are discharged to the upper plate (or lower plate) (not shown) of the table.
[0031]
  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the reset interrupt process performed on the main control board C will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the reset interrupt process executed every 2 ms on the main control board C. In this reset interrupt process, first, it is checked whether or not the process is the first process executed after power-on (S1). If it is the first process executed (S1: Yes), the RAM 13 Initialization processing such as setting the initial value after the content is once cleared to “0” is executed (S2). After execution of the process of S2, the execution of the process waits until the next reset interrupt process occurs.
[0032]
  If it is determined in the process of S1 that the reset interrupt process is executed after the power-on for the second time or later (S1: No), one of the normal winning switch 17 or the first type start port switch 18 is used. It is confirmed whether or not a sphere has been detected (S3). When a ball is detected by any of the switches 17 and 18 (S3: Yes), “6” is set to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b in order to pay out six prize balls. Write (S4), and add "1" to the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S5). On the other hand, when a sphere is not detected by any of the switches 17 and 18 (S3: No), the process of S4 and S5 is skipped and the process proceeds to S6.
[0033]
  In the process of S6, it is confirmed whether or not a sphere is detected by the V count switch 19 or the 10 count switch 20 (S6). When a ball is detected by any of the switches 19 and 20 (S6: Yes), “15” is set to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b in order to pay out 15 prize balls. Write (S7) and add "1" to the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S8). On the other hand, when a sphere is not detected by any of the switches 19 and 20 (S6: No), the process of S7 and S8 is skipped and the process proceeds to S9.
[0034]
  In the process of S9, it is checked whether or not the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is “0” (S9). If the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is not “0” (S9: No), it means that the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the prize ball buffer 13a. Therefore, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is stored. Is sent to the payout control board H as a prize ball command (S10). After the prize ball command is transmitted, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a, which is the prize ball number data transmitted by the prize ball command, is added to the remaining prize ball counter 13c (S11). Then, the value of the first and subsequent prize ball buffers 13a is shifted one byte at a time to the smaller address side (S12), the value of the prize ball buffer 13a is updated, and the value of the transmitted 0th prize ball buffer 13a is updated. Further, “1” is subtracted from the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S13). On the other hand, if the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is “0” in the process of S9 (S9: Yes), the data of the number of prize balls to be paid out is not stored in the prize ball buffer 13a. Each process is skipped and the process proceeds to S14.
[0035]
  In the process of S14, it is determined whether or not the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S14). If it is detected that the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S14: Yes), it means that one prize ball has been paid out, so the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is confirmed (S15) and the value If “0” is not “0” (S15: No), “1” is subtracted from the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c corresponding to the paid-out winning ball (S16). On the other hand, if the prize ball count switch 22 is not detected to be on (S14: No), no prize ball has been paid out, and even if the prize ball count switch 22 is detected to be on, the remaining prize ball number counter If the value of 13c is “0” (S14: Yes, S15: Yes), the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c cannot be subtracted, so the process of S16 is skipped and the process proceeds to S17. .
[0036]
  In the process of S17, each process (S17) for controlling the progress of the game is executed on the main control board C, and after the execution of each process (S17), the process is continued until the next reset interrupt process occurs. Wait for execution.
[0037]
  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a command reception process and a main process performed on the payout control board H will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of command reception processing executed in the interruption processing of the payout control board H. When the payout control board H receives a command transmitted from the main control board C, an interrupt is generated each time, and this command reception process is executed.
[0038]
  In the command reception process, first, it is determined whether or not the received command is a prize ball command (S21). If the received command is a prize ball command (S21: Yes), the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball command is added to the remaining prize ball number counter 33a (S22). On the other hand, if the received command is not a prize ball command (S21: No), processing according to the received command is executed (S23), and this command reception processing is terminated.
[0039]
  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main process of the payout control board H. With this main process, each process necessary for the payout control board H, such as payout of prize balls, is executed. In this main process, first, the value of the remaining award ball counter 33a is checked (S31). If the value is not "0" (S31: No), an unpaid prize ball remains, so that a prize ball is paid out. The motor 21 is driven to pay out one prize ball (S32). On the other hand, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is “0” (S31: Yes), there is no unpaid prize ball remaining, so the prize ball payout process in S32 is skipped.
[0040]
  If it is detected in the processing of S33 that the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S33: Yes), it means that the prize ball has been paid out. Therefore, in such a case, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is confirmed (S34), and if the value is not "0" (S34: No), the remaining prize ball corresponding to the paid-out prize ball. The value of the number counter 33a is decremented by “1” (S35). On the other hand, when the prize ball count switch 22 is not turned on (S33: No) or the prize ball count switch 22 is detected to be on (S33: Yes), the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is “0”. If so (S34: Yes), the process of S35 is skipped.
[0041]
  In each process of S36 and S37, the pressing state of the reset switch 38 is confirmed. If the reset switch 38 is not pressed or is pressed for less than 1 second (S36: No, S37: No), the state of the payout control board H is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 (S38). ). If the reset switch 38 is pressed and the pressing time is 1 second or more and less than 5 seconds (S36: No, S37: Yes), the error occurring in the payout control board H is canceled (S39). Then, “E” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 in order to inform the presser of the reset switch 38 (for example, a pachinko hall clerk) that the error has been cancelled (S40).
[0042]
  If the pressing time of the reset switch 38 is 5 seconds or more (S36: Yes), the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a is cleared to "0" (S41), and the memorized number of winning balls is erased. Then, “C” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34 in order to notify the user who has pressed the reset switch 38 that such erasure has been performed (S42). Note that the pressing time of the reset switch 38 is measured by the timer interrupt process executed in parallel on the payout control board H together with the main process.
[0043]
  After executing the processes of S38, S40, and S42, each process necessary for the payout control board H is executed (S43), and then the process proceeds to S31 again. Note that the processing such as when the ball removal switch 39 is pressed is executed in each processing (S43).
[0044]
  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of the present embodiment, the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a of the payout control board H that stores the remaining payout amount of the winning ball is set by the backup capacitor 33b. It is held even after the power supply of P is cut off. Therefore, even when the power of the pachinko machine P is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the number of unpaid prize balls is stored, and after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on again, they are surely paid out. be able to. Moreover, since the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a can be cleared by pressing the reset switch 38, for example, even if an unpaid prize ball remains by a test before factory shipment of the pachinko machine P, It can be cleared so that extra prize balls are not paid out when the hall of the pachinko machine P is installed.
[0045]
  In addition, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is cleared only when the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more. Therefore, even if a hall clerk touches the reset switch 38 by mistake, The value of the prize ball number counter 33a can be held without being cleared. Further, the reset switch 38 is also used as an error canceling switch for canceling an error occurring in the payout control board H. The error is canceled by continuously pressing the reset switch 38 for one second or more. Is called. That is, when the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed, the error is first canceled, and the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a is cleared only when the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed. In addition, when the error is released, “E” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 34, so that the presser of the reset switch 38 easily recognizes the release timing of the reset switch 38 being pressed by this display. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to avoid accidentally clearing the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a by inadvertently pressing the reset switch 38.
[0046]
  Next, a modification will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above embodiment, when the reset switch 38 provided on the payout control board H is continuously pressed for 5 seconds or more, the value of the backed-up remaining ball number counter 33a is cleared. On the other hand, in the modification shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, when the clear switch 51 instead of the reset switch 38 is provided on the power supply board D and the clear switch 51 is pressed, the remaining prize ball It is configured to clear the values of the number counters 13c and 33a.
[0047]
  FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a first modification. In the first modified example, not only the payout control board H but also the main control board C backs up the values of the remaining ball counters 13c and 33a, and these values are the clear switches provided on the power supply board D. It is cleared by pressing (operating) 51. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the main control board C and the payout control board H via the input / output ports. When the main control board C and the payout control board H input the clear signal 52, the values of the remaining winning ball counters 13c and 33a are cleared to “0” in the control boards C and H, respectively.
[0048]
  Note that when the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c and other values are backed up in the main control board C as in the first modification, the process of the main control board C is performed as the reset interrupt process in FIG. Instead, it is performed in another interrupt whose interrupt priority is lower than that of the NMI interrupt (non-maskable interrupt) or in a main process other than the interrupt. Thereby, when the backup process at the time of a power failure, that is, the backup data storage process at the time of the power failure occurs by NMI interruption, the backup process can be surely executed. The same applies to the second, fourth, and fifth modifications described later.
[0049]
  FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating a second modification. In the second modified example, as in the first modified example, not only the payout control board H but also the main control board C backs up the values of the remaining ball counters 13c and 33a, and these values are stored in the power supply board. It is cleared by pressing (operating) a clear switch 51 provided in D. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is first output from the power supply board D to the main control board C via the input / output port. When the clear signal 52 is input, the main control board C clears the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c to “0” and transmits a clear command 53 to the payout control board H. The clear command 53 is transmitted in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H via the buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed, similarly to the prize ball command of the embodiment described above. Is done. When the payout control board H receives the clear command 53, the value of the backed-up remaining ball number counter 33a being backed up is cleared to “0”.
[0050]
  FIG. 7C is a block diagram illustrating a third modification. In the third modified example, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C is not backed up, and only the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a of the payout control board H is backed up. The value 33a is cleared by pressing (operating) the clear switch 51 provided on the power supply substrate D. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the payout control board H via the input / output port, and when the clear signal 52 is input by the payout control board H, the payout control is performed. The value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a on the substrate H is cleared to “0”. Note that the clear signal 52 is not output to the main control board C having no backup data.
[0051]
  In the modification shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the clear switch 51 is provided on the power supply board D, and when the clear switch 51 is pressed, the values of the remaining winning ball counters 13c and 33a are cleared. At the same time, the main control board C, the payout control board H, and the other control board O are reset to return to the initial state.
[0052]
  FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a fourth modification. In the fourth modified example, as in the first modified example described above, not only the payout control board H but also the main control board C backs up the values of the remaining prize ball counters 13c and 33a. It is cleared by pressing (operating) a clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D, and the main control board C, the payout control board H and the other control boards O are reset. When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, clear signals 52 are output from the power supply board D to the main control board C, the payout control board H, and the other control boards O via the input / output ports. When the main control board C and the payout control board H input the clear signal 52, the values of the remaining ball counters 13c and 33a are cleared to “0”, and the running program is reset to return to the initial state. To do. Further, the other control board O that has input the clear signal 52 resets the program being executed and returns to the initial state.
[0053]
  In this way, the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D can clear the backup data 13c, 33a and reset the control boards C, H, O, so that the control program for the pachinko machine P is for some reason. Even in the case of a runaway malfunction, the runaway can be stopped by simply operating the clear switch 51. Since the contents of the RAM are destroyed when the control program runs out of control, there is a possibility that the values of the remaining ball counters 13c and 33a are destroyed due to the runaway and an incorrect value is written. However, in the fourth modification, not only the control boards C, H, and O are reset by pressing the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D, but also the backup data 13c and 33a are cleared. After each control board C, H, O is returned to the initial state, the pachinko machine P can be operated normally. Note that the order of executing the clearing of the backup data 13c and 33a and the resetting of the control boards C, H, and O may be reversed.
[0054]
  FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a fifth modification. In the fifth modified example, as in the second modified example described above, not only the payout control board H but also the main control board C backs up the values of the remaining winning ball counters 13c and 33a. It is cleared by pressing (operating) a clear switch 51 provided on the power supply board D, and the main control board C, the payout control board H and the other control boards O are reset to return to the initial state.
[0055]
  When the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D is pressed, a clear signal 52 is first output from the power supply board D to the main control board C via the input / output port. When the clear signal 52 is input, the main control board C clears the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c to “0” and transmits a clear command 53 and a reset command 54 to the payout control board H. Both commands 53 and 54 are unidirectional from the main control board C to the payout control board H via buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed, as in the award ball command of the above-described embodiment. Sent to. When the payout control board H receives the clear command 53, the payout control board H clears the value of the backed-up remaining ball number counter 33a to “0”, and when the reset command 54 is received, the program being executed is reset and initialized. Return to the state.
[0056]
  The main control board C also transmits a reset command 55 to the other control board O in order to reset the other control board O. This reset command 55 is also transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H in one direction. When the other control board O receives the reset command 55, it resets the program being executed and returns to the initial state. After transmitting the reset command 55, the main control board C resets the program being executed by itself and returns to the initial state.
[0057]
  As described above, also in the fifth modified example, the clear switch 51 of the power supply board D can clear the backup data 13c, 33a and reset the control boards C, H, O. The order of clearing the backup data 13c on the main control board C and transmitting the clear command 53 and reset commands 54 and 55 to the control boards H and O is not limited to the above description, and the order is changed. You can do it.
[0058]
  Here, the pressing (operation) method of the clear switch 51 in the first to fifth modifications will be described. The clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D only when the clear switch 51 is pressed (operated) as follows so that the backup data is not accidentally cleared due to an erroneous operation of the clear switch 51b. .
[0059]
  As the first pressing method, the clear signal 52 is output only when the power supply of the power supply board D is turned on while the clear switch 51 is pressed. Conversely, as the second pressing method, Is to output the clear signal 52 only when the power supply of the power supply board D is turned off while the clear switch 51 is pressed.
[0060]
  For example, when the main control board C and the payout control board H runaway, even if the clear signal 52 and the commands 53 to 55 are transmitted, they may not be received normally. However, the control boards C, H, and O are not out of control when the power is turned on (on), and the control boards C, H, and O are out of control when the power is off. An NMI interrupt that is a forced interrupt is generated in order to execute a backup process for normally saving the data 13c and 33a. Therefore, even during a runaway in this NMI interrupt process, the clear signal 52 and each command 53 to 55 can be normally received. Therefore, by outputting the clear signal 52 when the power is turned on (turned on) or off, the control board C, H, O can normally receive the clear signal 52 and the commands 53 to 55, and the backup data 13c. , 33a can be surely returned to the initial state by a clear process or reset.
[0061]
  The third pressing method outputs the clear signal 52 only when the clear switch 51 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or more, and the fourth pressing method is a personal pressing method. This is so-called double click that is frequently used in computers and the like, that is, only when the clear switch 51 is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time (for example, when it is pressed twice within 2 seconds). The signal 52 is output.
[0062]
  When the clear switch 51 is simply pressed, the clear signal 52 is not output, but when the clear switch 51 is pressed under a predetermined condition (predetermined pressing method) as in the first to fourth pressing methods. As long as the clear signal 52 is output from the power supply board D to the main control board C or the payout control board H, erroneous clearing of the backup data is prevented. Conversely, the clear signal 52 is configured to be output whenever the clear switch 51 is pressed, and the clear signal 52 is pressed from the first to the fourth by the soft control in the main control board C or the like. When the output is performed according to the method, it may be determined that each pressing method is executed, and each process described above may be executed. By adopting such a configuration, the output timing of the clear signal 52 can be matched with the pressing timing of the clear switch 51, so that the hardware configuration of the output circuit of the clear signal 52 can be simplified and the device cost can be reduced. It is.
[0063]
  As a matter of course, the first to fourth pressing methods are pressing methods that can be used in any of the first to fifth modifications, and can be used in any of the first to fifth modifications. It ’s good.
[0064]
  Further, the clear switch 51 is not necessarily provided directly on the power supply substrate D. For example, when a power switch unit that turns on and off the power supply board D is provided on the upstream side of the power supply board D, the clear switch 51 may be provided on the power supply switch unit. That is, the clear switch 51 may be provided in a place other than the power supply board D as long as it is an electrically upstream position capable of outputting a signal to the main control board C and the payout control board H. In place of the “power supply board” in claim 1, “clear operation means” is provided on an electrically upstream board that can output a signal to the main control board C or the payout control board H, such as a power switch unit. You may comprise so that it may provide.
[0065]
  In the above embodiment, the prize object to be paid out by the payout control board H as the valuable object having the predetermined valuable value according to claim 1ButApplicable.
[0066]
  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.
[0067]
  For example, in the above embodiment, the contents of the RAM 33 of the payout control board H are all backed up by the backup capacitor 33b, not limited to the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a. However, the capacitor 33b may be configured to back up only the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a.
[0068]
  Further, when the reset switch 38 is continuously pressed for 1 second or more, not all errors occurring in the payout control board H are canceled, but among the errors occurring in the payout control board H, Only an error peculiar to the payout control board H may be canceled. As described above, since transmission / reception between the main control board C and the payout control board H is performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H, the reset switch 38 of the payout control board H is pressed for 1 second or more. Even though the error of the payout control board H can be released, the error of the main control board C cannot be released. Among the errors generated in the payout control board H, the main control board C, such as a prize ball non-detection error in which the number of prize balls to be paid out is insufficient, or a prize ball over error in which the number of prize balls to be paid out is too large. There is an error managed by both the payout control board H and the payout control board H. This is because if such an error is canceled only by the payout control board H, the state of the main control board C and the payout control board H will be inconsistent, and the control will be hindered.
[0069]
  The modification of this invention is shown below. 2. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the main control board holds a main remaining number storage means for storing a payout remaining number of valuable objects and contents of the main remaining number storage means even after the power is turned off. Main clearing means, and main clearing means for clearing the contents of the main remaining number storage means held by the main backup means, and the main clear operation for operating the main clearing means on the power supply board A control device 1 for a gaming machine, characterized in that means is provided. As described above, when the data of the main control board is backed up, not only the data of the payout control board but also the data of the main control board can be cleared.
[0070]
  2. The gaming machine control device or the gaming machine control device 1 according to claim 1, wherein the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main control means). The gaming machine control device 2 is characterized in that the clearing means is activated when the clear switch is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more. When the clearing means (or main clearing means) is activated simply by operating the clear switch, the remaining number storing means (or main remaining number storing means is easily caused by an erroneous operation of the user (the clerk of the hall where the gaming machine is installed). ) Is cleared. This makes it meaningless to back up the contents of the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means) by the backup means (or main backup means), and it is not possible to reliably pay out unpaid valuable objects. On the other hand, the control device 2 of the gaming machine is configured such that the clearing unit (or the main clearing unit) is activated when the clear switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or longer. Even if the clear switch is operated, the clear means (or main clear means) does not operate, and the contents of the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means) can be retained. Therefore, the operation of the clearing means (or the main clearing means) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be avoided, and unpaid valuable objects can be paid out reliably.
[0071]
  2. The gaming machine control device or the gaming machine control device 1 according to claim 1, wherein the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main control means). The game machine control device 3 is operated when the power switch of the power supply board is turned on (or turned off) while the clear switch is pressed. Since the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is activated when the power to the gaming machine is turned on (or turned off) while the clear switch is pressed, the clear switch is operated by the user or the like by mistake. Even if is operated, the clearing means (or main clearing means) does not operate, and the contents of the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means) can be retained. Therefore, the operation of the clearing means (or the main clearing means) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be avoided, and unpaid valuable objects can be paid out reliably.
[0072]
  2. The gaming machine control device or the gaming machine control device 1 according to claim 1, wherein the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board is constituted by a clear switch, and the clear means (or main control means). The gaming machine control device 4 is characterized in that the clearing means is activated when the clear switch is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time. Since the clearing means (or the main clearing means) is configured to operate when the clear switch is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the clearing means (or even if the user operates the clear switch by mistake, Alternatively, the main clear means) does not operate, and the contents of the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means) can be retained. Therefore, the operation of the clearing means (or the main clearing means) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be avoided, and unpaid valuable objects can be paid out reliably.
[0073]
  2. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or the gaming machine control devices 1 to 4, wherein the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) is connected to the payout control board (or main control board) from the power supply board. A control device 5 for a gaming machine, which outputs a clear signal to a control board and operates a clearing means (or main clearing means) of the payout control board (or main control board) by the clear signal.
[0074]
  2. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or the gaming machine control devices 1 to 4, wherein the clear operation means (or main clear operation means) is a clear signal from the power supply board to the main control board. When the clear signal is input, the main control board includes a clear command transmitting means for transmitting a clear command to the payout control board, and the clearing means for the payout control board includes A control device 6 for a gaming machine, which operates when a clear command transmitted by a clear command transmitting means is received.
[0075]
  2. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or the gaming machine control devices 1 to 6, wherein the clearing means (or main clearing means) is the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means). A game machine control characterized by clearing the contents of the game machine, resetting the payout control board (or main control board), and returning the payout control board (or main control board) to an initial state. Device 7. The clear operation means (or main clear operation means) provided on the power supply board clears the contents of the remaining number storage means (or main remaining number storage means) and resets the payout control board (or main control board). Since it can be returned to the initial state, when the gaming machine runs away, the runaway can be easily stopped and the initial state can be restored.
[0076]
  2. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or the gaming machine control devices 1 to 7, wherein the payout control board includes an error releasing means for releasing an error of the payout control board, and an error releasing means thereof. And a switch means for selectively actuating the clearing means, and a control device 8 for a gaming machine. As described above, since one switch means is shared as an operation switch for two means (error canceling means and clearing means), one switch means can be omitted, so that the apparatus can be simplified and the apparatus cost can be reduced. . Also, since one switch means can selectively activate two means (error canceling means and clearing means), one means for the user (the clerk of the hall where the gaming machine is installed) Only (for example, error canceling means) can be disclosed and the existence of the other means (for example, clearing means) can be kept secret. As a result, a function that is not desired to be notified to the user (for example, a function by the clearing means) can be installed in the gaming machine while keeping it secret.
[0077]
  In the control device 8 of the gaming machine, a display device, and a display control unit for causing the display device to perform a first display when the error canceling unit is operated and to perform a second display when the clearing unit is operated A control device 9 for a gaming machine, comprising: Since the user of the switch means (the clerk of the hall where the gaming machine is installed) can confirm the operation status of each means by displaying the display means, the desired means can be operated reliably. Note that both the display device and the display control means may be mounted on the payout control board.
[0078]
  In the control device 8 or 9 of the gaming machine, the switch means is constituted by a push button, and the error canceling means operates when the push button is kept depressed for a first predetermined time, and the clearing means is The gaming machine control device 10 operates when the push button is continuously pressed for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. As a result, the clearing unit can be operated only after the error canceling unit is operated, and therefore it is possible to prevent the clearing unit from being easily operated due to an erroneous operation or the like.
[0079]
  In any one of the control devices 1 to 10 of the gaming machine, the switch means (or clear switch) is constituted by a push button and is provided with a lid that covers the push portion of the push button so as to be opened and closed. A control device 11 for the gaming machine. The pressing of the push button is performed after opening the lid that covers the pressing portion of the push button. That is, at the normal time, since the pressing portion of the push button is covered with the lid, it is possible to prevent erroneous push of the push button.
[0080]
  In any one of the control devices 1 to 11 of the gaming machine, the switch means (or clear switch) is configured by a push button, and a pressing portion of the push button is disposed toward a side surface direction of the gaming machine. A control device 12 for a gaming machine. By disposing the pressing portion of the push button toward the side of the gaming machine, the push button can be hidden from the user (the clerk of the hall where the gaming machine is installed). Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous pressing of the push button by the user.
[0081]
  In any one of the control devices 8 to 12 of the gaming machine, the error canceling means cancels only an error peculiar to the payout control board among errors occurring in the payout control board. The control device 13. That is, since the error related to the main control board is not canceled, the states of the main control board and the payout control board can be matched even if the error canceling means is activated.
[0082]
  4. The gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or the gaming machine control devices 1 to 13, wherein communication between the main control board and the payout control board is performed from the main control board to the payout control board. A control device 14 for a gaming machine, comprising one-way means capable of only in one direction.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the gaming machine of claim 1,A main control board for controlling the game, a sub control board for performing predetermined control based on a command transmitted from the main control board, a power supply board for supplying driving power to the main control board and the sub control board, The main control board stores at least the payout remaining number information of the valuable object, and stores the stored payout remaining number information even after the power is turned off, and clears the contents of the storage means. Clear processing means, and when the information stored in the storage means is cleared by the clear processing means, command output means for outputting a clear command to the sub control board, the sub control board, When the clear command is received, control corresponding to the clear command is performed.The contents of the remaining number storage means can be clearedWhenThere is an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine that is one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a reset interrupt process executed on the main control board.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of command reception processing executed in the reception interrupt processing of the payout control board.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of main processing executed by the payout control board.
7 is a block diagram showing a modification of the present embodiment, where FIG. 7A is a first modification, FIG. 7B is a second modification, and FIG. 7C is a third modification. Show.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a modification of the present embodiment, where (a) shows a fourth modification and (b) shows a fifth modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
17 Normal winning switch
21 Award ball payout motor
22 Prize ball count switch
13 RAM of main control board (storage means)
13a Remaining ball counter on main control board
33 RAM of payout control board
33a Count of remaining balls on payout control boardT
33b Condenser for backupS
34 7 segment LED
38 Reset switch
38a lid
51 Clear switchH
52 Clear signal
53 Clear command(Clear command)
54,55 Reset command(Clear command)
C Main control groupBoard
D Power supply baseBoard
H Discharge control groupBoard (sub control board)
O Other control board (sub control board)
P Pachinko machine (game machine)
S prize ball dispensing unit

Claims (1)

A main control board for controlling the game, and the sub-control board for performing a predetermined control on the basis of the command transmitted from the main control board, a power supply board for supplying driving power to the main control board and the sub-control board, In a gaming machine equipped with
The main control board is
Storage means for storing at least the payout remaining number information of the valuable object, and capable of holding the stored payout remaining number information even after the power is turned off;
Clear processing means for clearing the contents of the storage means;
Command output means for outputting a clear command to the sub-control board when the information stored in the storage means is cleared by the clear processing means,
When the sub-control board receives the clear command, the sub-control board performs control corresponding to the clear command .

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