JP4947735B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention can store game control information related to game control and the like (for example, unreleased prize ball data and information for restarting a game) even when the power is shut off, and at least when power failure detection information becomes active The present invention relates to a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine) having a control device with a backup function for executing a power failure process including a process for storing and holding the game control information.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, and a sparrow ball gaming machine, a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that operates by receiving power supply and performs a game control operation according to execution of a program, etc. There is a game control device comprising processing means, which is configured to control the progress of the game state according to a predetermined game progress order. In such a gaming machine, the game control device generally manages and controls the operation of a plurality of controlled devices provided in the machine and advances the game. A subordinate control device (a subordinate control device of the game control device) that individually controls the operation of a specific device among the controlled devices is provided based on control information that is appropriately transmitted according to the state.
For example, a discharge unit (controlled device) that pays out a game ball or the like as a game value to a player is driven by a control process of a discharge control device (subordinate control device) based on game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device. Be controlled. Also, in this type of gaming machine, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display is provided at the center of the game board surface, etc., and this display device (controlled device) displays based on display control information from the game control device. There is a type in which a display game (for example, a change display game of identification information) which is driven by control of a control device (subordinate control device) and forms a part of a game, or an effect display which produces a game state is executed. Also, this type of gaming machine is usually provided with an electric decoration member such as a decorative lamp for production, and the electric decoration member (controlled device) is also controlled based on the decoration control information from the game control device. Drive control is performed by the control processing of the device (subordinate control device).

JP 2001-170326 A.

By the way, in the gaming machine as described above, when a power failure or the like occurs during the game and the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off, the gaming state of the gaming machine in the past has been conventionally And information on unreleased game values (for example, game balls as prize balls) (for example, prize ball number information such as so-called prize ball data) will disappear.
For this reason, even if the power supply is resumed (that is, even if the power is turned on again), the game cannot be resumed from the gaming state that was being executed when the power was cut off (including when a power failure occurred), and a power failure occurred. This causes inconveniences such as inability to compensate the player. In other words, it was in a state that was advantageous to the player such as a so-called jackpot before the power was cut off, but it was interrupted by a power failure, etc., and after the power was turned on again (including after the power failure was restored) There is a risk of resumption, and in this case the player suffers an irreparable disadvantage.
In addition, since the game value information that has not been discharged disappears, the corresponding game value is not discharged after the power is turned on again, so that the player may be disadvantaged in this respect as well. For example, a conventional general pachinko machine has a safe unit that collects all the winning balls in one place, detects them one by one, and holds the winning balls until the paying of the winning balls is completed. Even if there is any, etc., by confirming the winning balls held in this safe unit, the number of undischarged winning balls could be determined to some extent.
However, in recent years, in order to speed up the winning ball discharge, such a safe unit is not provided, and winning value detection is performed for each winning opening, and the game value information for that winning (unreleased ball information) Are added and stored, and a gaming machine has been proposed in which the winning ball is immediately discharged outside the machine without holding the winning ball after detection of winning, and in such a gaming machine, the gaming value information disappears. This means that there is no longer any method for objectively confirming the number of unreleased prize balls later, causing trouble between the player and the amusement store.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with a control device with a backup function as described above, in which the power failure process is properly and reliably performed.

To achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 can store and retain game control information related to the control of the controlled device even when the power is shut down, as a control device for controlling the operation of the controlled device in the machine. In addition to having a control device with a backup function that performs power failure processing including processing to set a power failure flag when power failure detection information becomes active, and stops functioning when reset information becomes active,
A power supply device that supplies a plurality of types of power supplies having different voltages and supplies a backup power to the control device with a backup function;
A power failure detection means for activating the power failure detection information when a voltage at a predetermined power source among the plurality of types of power sources is reduced to a power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure,
Reset information output means for activating the reset information after a sufficient time has elapsed to perform the power failure processing after the power failure detection information is active;
With
The power failure detection means is configured such that when the power is turned on again, the power supply voltage exceeds a power failure recovery voltage set lower than a stable value of the predetermined power supply voltage, and then the predetermined power supply voltages of all the plural types are stabilized. Having the function of returning the power failure detection information to inactive after a lapse of time,
The reset information output means has a function of returning the reset information to inactive after the power failure detection information is returned to inactive.
The information stored and held as the “game control information” is pure game state information (for example, if it is the first type of pachinko machine, information such as whether it is in a variable display, a big hit, or a customer waiting state) ), Or other information, for example, game value information that has not been discharged (in the case of a pachinko machine, information on the number of winning balls that have not been discharged) may be included, or a plurality of pieces of information may be included. Further, for example, it is not always necessary to include the game state information itself, and it may be information (for example, a stack pointer of a CPU constituting the microcomputer or data of each register) that can resume the game state or the control state.
The “power failure detection information” or “reset information” is, for example, a binary signal defined as one value being active and the other value being inactive (output from the outside to the control device with a backup function). Signal) or binary data (data in the control device with a backup function) such as a flag in which one value is active and the other value is defined as inactive.
Further, the “power failure detection means” and “reset information output means” may be configured by a circuit provided outside the control device with a backup function, or may be configured by individual circuits within the control device with a backup function. It can also be realized as a function of processing means (microcomputer or the like) constituting the control device with a backup function.
Further, the “power failure detection means” is not necessarily limited to detecting only a power failure, and may be a device that detects without distinguishing between a power interruption due to a power failure and a power interruption due to a normal power-off operation.
Moreover, as a preferable aspect, for example, as in claim 2, the power supply device may include the power failure detection means and the reset information output means.
Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as described in claim 3, the game control information is provided with a backup function-less control device that cannot store and store the game control information when the power is shut down, and when the power is turned on again, the reset information output means The controller without backup function may be activated before reset information is returned to inactive for the controller with backup function.
Further, as a preferable aspect, for example, as described in claim 4, as the control device with a backup function, a game control device that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information based on the occurrence of the game value;
A discharge control device that performs discharge control for discharging the game value based on the game value information output from the game control device,
The power failure detection means may activate the power failure detection information simultaneously for the game control device and the discharge control device when the power supply voltage drops to the power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 can store and retain game control information related to the control of the controlled device even during a power failure as a control device for controlling the operation of the controlled device in the machine. The power failure detection information is activated, and at least the game control information is stored and retained, the power failure processing including the processing is executed, and when the reset information is activated, the control device with a backup function is stopped.
A power supply device that supplies a plurality of types of power supplies having different voltages and supplies a backup power to the control device with a backup function;
A power failure detection means for activating the power failure detection information when a voltage at a predetermined power source among a plurality of types of power sources is reduced to a predetermined power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure,
When the power failure detection information becomes active, reset information output means for activating the reset information after a sufficient time has elapsed from the time point to execute the power failure processing,
The power failure detection means, when the power is turned on again, the power supply voltage exceeds a power failure recovery voltage set lower than a stable value of a predetermined power supply voltage among a plurality of types of power supplies, and the power supply voltage is stabilized. After that, it has a function to return the power failure detection information to inactive,
Said reset information output means, when the power failure detection information is returned to the inactive, then, it has a function of returning the reset information to the inactive,
A control device without a backup function that cannot store the game control information during a power failure,
When the power is turned on again, the reset information output means returns the reset information to the inactive control device and the control device with the backup function is not activated before the control device with the backup function is activated. The control device is activated .
The information stored and held as the “game control information” is pure game state information (for example, if it is the first type of pachinko machine, information such as whether it is in a variable display, a big hit, or a customer waiting state) ), Or other information, for example, game value information that has not been discharged (in the case of a pachinko machine, information on the number of winning balls that have not been discharged) may be included, or a plurality of pieces of information may be included. Further, for example, it is not always necessary to include the game state information itself, and it may be information (for example, a stack pointer of a CPU constituting the microcomputer or data of each register) that can resume the game state or the control state.
The “power failure detection information” or “reset information” is, for example, a binary signal defined as one value being active and the other value being inactive (output from the outside to the control device with a backup function). Signal) or binary data (data in the control device with a backup function) such as a flag in which one value is active and the other value is defined as inactive.
Further, the “power failure detection means” and “reset information output means” may be configured by a circuit provided outside the control device with a backup function, or may be configured by individual circuits within the control device with a backup function. It can also be realized as a function of processing means (microcomputer or the like) constituting the control device with a backup function.
Further, the “power failure detection means” is not necessarily limited to detecting only a power failure, and may be a device that detects without distinguishing between a power interruption due to a power failure and a power interruption due to a normal power-off operation.
As a preferred mode, for example, the power supply device may include the power failure detection means and the reset information output means.
As a preferred embodiment, for example, as the control device with a backup function as described in claim 3 ,
A game control device that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information based on the occurrence of the game value;
A discharge control device that performs discharge control for discharging the game value based on the game value information output from the game control device,
The power failure detection means is
When the power failure detection information is activated, when the power supply voltage is reduced to the power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure detection information is simultaneously activated for the game control device and the discharge control device,
When returning the power failure detection information to inactive, when the power is turned on again and the power supply voltage exceeds the power failure recovery voltage set lower than the stable value of the predetermined power supply voltage, all of the plural types from that time The power failure detection information may be returned to inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time during which the power supply voltage is stabilized .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the power failure detection information becomes active, the time from the time point until the reset information becomes active is set to be longer than the time required for power failure processing (for example, about 3 msec). Thus, it is possible to completely complete the power failure process, and the information to be stored and retained at the time of a power failure in the control device with a backup function is stored appropriately and reliably.
For this reason, after the power is turned on again (including after the power failure recovery), the game can be reliably restarted based on the information.
Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the disadvantage of the player due to a power failure or the like and the occurrence of trouble with the game store.
In addition, the power failure detection means, when the power is turned on again , the power supply voltage becomes stable when the power supply voltage exceeds the power failure recovery voltage set lower than the stable value of the predetermined power supply voltage among the plurality of types of power supplies. After that, since it has a function to return the power failure detection information to inactive, resetting the reset information to the inactive state ensures that all power supply voltages are in a stable state and the power failure detection information is returned to inactive. Therefore, the activation (function return) of the control device can be realized in a particularly reliable and safe state.
In addition, a control device without a backup function that cannot store game control information in the event of a power failure is provided, and when the power is turned on again, the reset information output means returns the reset information to the inactive control device with the backup function. Before that, the control device without the backup function can be activated.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to output the power failure detection information and the reset information to the control device with the backup function in addition to the supply of the backup power and the plurality of types of power to the control device with the backup function from the power supply device. It becomes.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a game control device that controls the progress of a game and outputs game value information (prize ball number information) based on the occurrence of the game value, and a game value output from the game control device The discharge control device that performs discharge control that discharges game value based on the information is a control device with a backup function, and the information stored in the event of a power failure (game control information) is directly related to the player's profit Information and information for resuming the game state (game state information) having a large influence on the player's profit are included.
Therefore, game value information that has the greatest impact on the player's profits is stored and stored with high reliability even when the power is turned off, and payout of unpaid game values based on this game value information is appropriate and reliable when power is turned on again. Can be executed.
In addition, the game status information that strongly affects the player's profits is stored and stored with high reliability in the event of a power failure, and resumption of the game based on this game status information (resumption from the time of the power failure) And it can be executed reliably.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
In addition, the pachinko machine of this embodiment has a feature in the control configuration related to the operation particularly when the power is cut off (including a power failure) and when the power is turned on again (including when the power is restored), and includes a game board of the pachinko machine. The front configuration is not particularly limited. Therefore, illustration and description of the front configuration are omitted.

A. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the back side of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a game machine (pachinko machine) indicated by reference numeral 1 is a card-type ball lending machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a ball lending machine or a card unit) 2 as a game ball lending device. Is attached. A pachinko machine having a ball lending machine 2 in addition to the gaming machine 1 is called a so-called CR machine (card reading machine).
The gaming machine 1 includes a frame-shaped front frame (not shown) provided on the front side, a game board (not shown) that is detachably attached to the front frame and has a game area on the front side. And a glass frame made of resin (not shown) for supporting the glass disposed on the front side of the game board. Here, the front frame is supported to be able to be opened and closed with respect to the wooden machine frame 5 on which the pachinko machine 1 is installed, and the glass frame is supported to be able to be opened and closed on the front frame. The game board is an area in which a game ball that has been launched is dropped from above and is judged to be out or safe. When a ball enters the winning slot and becomes safe, a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged. It becomes.

In this case, a game ball (that is, a winning ball) entered in each winning opening is detected in each of the winning openings provided in the game board (or in the gaming ball flow path dedicated to each winning opening). A detection unit of a sensor (described later with reference to FIG. 4) is provided.
In addition, if the game area on the game board is a game using a pachinko ball, for example, it belongs to the so-called “first type”, “second type”, “third type”, or others The model may be an arbitrary configuration.
However, in this embodiment, a configuration example of a control system, which will be described later, is described as belonging to the “first type”. The main configuration (not shown) of the game board surface of the “first type” pachinko machine is, for example, as follows. That is, on the game board surface of this type of pachinko machine, a display device (a so-called special view display device etc.) that displays the identification information (so-called special figure) in a variety of variable display areas and an open / close door Special variable winning device having a large winning opening, a normal variable winning device having a pair of left and right opening and closing members and functioning as a special figure starting port (a winning port serving as a starting condition for the fluctuation display of the special figure), and a normal symbol There are provided a general-purpose indicator for displaying (so-called general figure), a through-chucker-type general figure start opening (a winning opening as a starting condition for variable display of the normal figure), a plurality of general winning openings, and the like.

The main components of the back mechanism in the gaming machine 1 include a storage tank (upper tank) 11, a guide path 12, a frame external output terminal board 13, a half-end sensor unit 14, a discharge unit 15, and a discharge control device 16 (with a backup function). Control device), game control device 17 (control device with backup function), launch control device 18 (control device without backup function), launch unit 19, display control device 20 (control device without backup function), decoration control device 21 (backup) Non-functional control device), sound control device 22 (control device without backup function), card unit connection board 23, power supply device 24, game board external output terminal board 25, and the like.
There is no component equivalent to the conventional safe unit.

The storage tank 11 stores in advance the balls before being discharged, and an insufficient number of balls in the storage tank 11 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). Is done. The balls in the storage tank 11 are guided by the guide path 12 and discharged by the discharge unit 15. Whether there is a ball for discharging the prize ball or lending the ball on the guide path 12 is detected by a half-end ball detection switch 14a (shown in FIG. 4) in the half-end sensor unit 14.
The external output terminal board 13 for a frame and the external output terminal board 25 for a game board relay a signal exchange with a management apparatus (not shown) of a game shop, and are equipped with a connector for that purpose. ing. Here, a signal exchanged with the management device via the frame external output terminal board 13 is a signal necessary for a so-called frame-side control device (for example, the discharge control device 16 or the firing control device 18) or the like. A signal generated by a control device on the frame side, for example, a firing stop signal (input signal) for the firing control device 18, a ball break signal (output signal) indicating a shortage of stored balls in the storage tank 11, and a rented game ball Ball lending signal (output signal) indicating the number of awarded balls, prize ball number signal (output signal) indicating the number of awarded balls. On the other hand, a signal exchanged with the management device via the game board external output terminal board 25 is basically a signal generated by the game control device 17 and output from the gaming machine 1. As this output signal, for example, there is a symbol determination number signal indicating the number of fluctuations of the special figure, a jackpot signal indicating the state of the jackpot.

The discharge control device 16 performs control necessary for ball discharge (both prize ball discharge and rental ball discharge), and a circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a predetermined case. Has been. As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge control device 16 has a predetermined number of game balls (that is, prize balls) based on the game value discharge control information (including at least prize ball number information) transmitted from the game control device 17. Is controlled (details will be described later).
The game control device 17 electrically controls various electrical components (electrical accessories) such as various switches, solenoids, and lamps arranged on the game board, and sends control information to other control devices to play the game. The circuit board on which a circuit including a microcomputer for performing the control is formed is housed in a predetermined case. The game control device 17 is a control device that performs overall control of the game, and plays an important role in, for example, prize ball discharge control (details will be described later).

The launch control device 18 performs control necessary for launching a sphere, and is configured by housing a circuit board that realizes this control function in a predetermined case.
The launch unit 19 is a mechanism for launching a ball in accordance with an operation of a launch operation knob (not shown) provided at the lower front portion of the gaming machine 1 while following the control of the launch control device 18.
The display control device 20 controls the above-mentioned display device based on the display control information transmitted from the game control device 17 as shown in FIG. 2, and a circuit board that realizes this control function in a predetermined case Is housed and configured. The display control device 20 supplies power to the display device described above.
As shown in FIG. 2, the decoration control device 21 performs drive control of a decoration lamp or the like provided on the front side of the gaming machine 1 based on the decoration control information transmitted from the game control device 17, in this case A circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a case disposed on the left side of the back surface of the display control device 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sound control device 22 is based on sound control information transmitted from the game control device 17, and a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is used for various kinds of game conditions. In this case, a circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a case disposed on the right side of the back surface of the display control device 20.
The card unit connection board 23 is a board for wiring connection between the gaming machine 1 side and the ball lending machine 2 side.

B. FIG. 2 is a diagram generally showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a power supply device and the like.
In FIG. 2, AC 24 V is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the outside, and the AC 24 V that is an external power source is first distributed to the power supply device 24. The power supply device 24 converts AC 24V into direct current, generates various DC voltages, and supplies them to each control device. Specifically, DC 32V for driving solenoid, DC 12V for driving lamps, sensor driving and backlight driving are generated as driving power sources, and DC 5V is used as a power source for control devices for operating each control device. Generate.
Then, DC32V and DC5V are supplied to the launch control device 18 (not shown in FIG. 3), DC32V, DC12V and DC5V (including backup power supply) are supplied to the discharge control device 16, and DC32V, DC12V and DC5V (including backup power supply) are supplied to the game control device 17. In addition, DC 12 V and DC 5 V are supplied to the sound control device 22, DC 32 V, DC 12 V and DC 5 V are supplied to the decoration control device 21, and DC 12 V and DC 5 V are supplied to the display control device 20.

Here, a launch stop signal is input to the launch control device 18 from the discharge control device 16, and the launch stop signal is used when the launch control device 16 has some abnormality on the discharge control device 16 side. Is a signal for enabling the launch operation when the operation is stopped or when the abnormality is resolved.
Further, the discharge control device 16 exchanges signals (card unit control information and operation panel signals) with the ball lending machine 2 (card unit) and the operation panel substrate 26 via the card unit connection substrate 23, Control necessary for renting out balls. The operation panel board 26 is a board provided with an operation member for renting out a ball provided on a front operation panel (not shown) below the front of the gaming machine, a connection circuit for a display member (not shown), and the like. For example, it is disposed on the back side of the front operation panel.

Next, a detailed configuration of the power supply device and the like will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 24 includes a DC32V generation circuit 30, a DC12V generation circuit 31, a DC5V generation circuit 32, a DC5VBB generation circuit 33, and a power failure detection circuit 34 (including a reset signal output unit 34a). ing.
The above-mentioned AC 24V is supplied to the DC 32V generation circuit 30, and the DC 32V generation circuit 30 converts this AC 24V into DC 32V.
The DC12V generation circuit 31 is supplied with the DC32V, and the DC12V generation circuit 31 converts the DC32V into DC12V.
The DC5V generation circuit 32 is supplied with the DC32V, and the DC5V generation circuit 32 converts the DC32V into DC5V. The power converted by the DC12V generation circuit 31 and the DC5V generation circuit 32 is supplied as a power source necessary for the operation of each element such as the microcomputers 110 and 210 described later.

Next, the DC5VBB generation circuit 33 is a circuit that supplies backup power at the time of power interruption (including power failure) to a RAM 113 described later of the game control device 17 and a RAM 213 described later of the discharge control device 16, in this case FIG. As shown in the figure, it includes a backflow preventing diode 33a and a capacitor (super capacitor) 33b. That is, DC5V is supplied from the DC5V generating circuit 32 to the RAMs 113 and 213 through the diode 33a functioning as an irreversible means and through the wirings 36a, 36b, 37a, and 37b. The DC5V from the DC5V generation circuit 32 is also supplied to the capacitor 33b via the diode 33a. The capacitor 33b is connected to the RAMs 113 and 213 via the wirings 36a and 36b or the wirings 37a and 37b.
A male / female type connector (not shown) is provided in the middle of the wirings 36a, 36b and the wirings 37a, 37b, and these wirings are connected to the power supply device 24 side and the game control device 17 side or the discharge control device by this connector. It can be separated into 16 sides.

Here, the capacitor 33b constitutes a backup power source, and is charged through the diode 33a during normal time (power supply), and outputs (discharges) power to back up the RAM 113 or 213 when the power is shut off. is there. The diode 33a receives the output of the DC5V generation circuit 32, supplies normal power to each storage means (RAM 113 or 213), and charges the capacitor 33b during normal operation as described above. Supply power.
That is, the capacitor 33b and the diode 33a are normally connected to the RAMs 113 and 213 in order to retain all the stored contents of the RAMs 113 and 213 of the control devices 17 and 16 (including the memory area for the number of winning balls) even during a power failure. Supply power at the time and backup power at the time of power failure. Therefore, in this case, the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16 are the control devices with the backup function of the present invention, and the other control devices 18, 20, 21, and 22 are the control devices without the backup function. ing.
Although not shown, the wiring 36a, the wiring 37a, and the like for supplying backup power from the capacitor 33b to the RAMs 113 and 213 are provided with LC filters, for example, to prevent problems due to noise, voltage fluctuations, and the like. It may be configured.

Further, the power failure detection circuit 34 detects in advance that the power supply to the DC5V generation circuit is cut off (that is, power failure including a power failure) (for example, when a power failure is detected when DC32V drops to 22V which is a power failure detection voltage) This is a circuit that activates a power failure detection signal (power failure detection information) for microcomputers 110 and 210 (to be described later) of the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16. This power failure detection circuit 34 constitutes a power failure detection means of the present invention. In this case, the power failure detection circuit 34 detects the power interruption caused by a power failure and the power interruption caused by a normal power-off operation without distinguishing between them. That is, even during normal power-off operation, when DC32V drops to 22V, which is a power failure detection voltage, it is detected as a power failure start and a power failure detection signal is output.
Further, the reset signal output unit 34a in the power failure detection circuit 34 is configured to reset the microcomputers 110, 210 (CPUs 111, 211), etc., of the control devices, etc. at a time (described later). Has a function of activating a reset signal (reset information). The reset signal output unit 34a constitutes reset information output means of the present invention.
Note that the reset signal is generally a signal for returning the CPU or the like to an initial state. However, when the reset signal is input to the CPU or the like, the function is substantially stopped while the reset signal is being input. When this reset signal is released, each CPU and the like are restarted. In FIG. 3, the firing control device 18 is omitted, but the reset signal is also input to the processing means (for example, a logic circuit) constituting the firing control device 18 in this case as shown in FIG. Is done.

C. Configuration of Ball Discharge Mechanism Next, a schematic configuration of the discharge unit 15 (ball discharge mechanism) of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the control system (the launch control device and the like are omitted).
The discharge unit 15 includes a game ball channel (not shown) that is basically formed in the vertical direction so that the game ball flows down due to gravity, and a payout unit 15a (shown in FIG. 4) provided above the game ball channel. The same applies hereinafter) and a flow path switching unit 15b provided in the lower part of the game ball flow path. At the lower part of the flow path switching unit 15b, there are provided discharge ball detection means (a rental ball detection sensor 41, a prize ball detection sensor 42) for detecting a game ball to be discharged. The first prize ball detection sensor and the second prize ball detection sensor) correspond to prize ball detection means.
The game ball flow path is such that the game ball guided from the storage tank 11 by the guide path 12 and passing through the half-end sensor unit 14 flows down from the upper end side, and a branch portion (not shown) formed in the flow path switching unit 15b. ), And one of them is a prize ball passage (not shown) for passing a game ball discharged as a winning ball, and the other is for passing a game ball discharged as a rental ball This is a ball rental channel (not shown). The branch portion is provided with a flow path switching valve (not shown) that can swing to a position where either the prize ball flow path or the rental ball flow path is closed with respect to the upstream side of the game ball flow path. When the path switching valve is driven by the flow path switching solenoid 43 and swings, the game ball discharged to the downstream side of the game ball path has one of the award ball path and the rental path. It is configured to pass.
Further, the discharge unit 15 in this case is a two-row type in which two rows of the game ball flow paths are provided, and components (flow path switching valve, discharge ball detection means, etc.) associated with the game ball flow paths are also Two sets are provided correspondingly.

The payout unit 15a includes two sprockets (not shown) corresponding to two rows of game ball flow paths, a single ball discharge motor 44 (for example, a pulse motor) that collectively drives these sprockets, and a sprocket by gravity. A stop member (not shown) for preventing inadvertent rotation (that is, inadvertent discharge of the game ball) and a stopper solenoid 45 for driving the stop member are provided.
The sprocket is arranged so that the outer peripheral portion is partially located in the game ball channel from an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the game ball channel, and between the teeth on the outer periphery (that is, the valleys). Part) is configured to fit one game ball, and the game ball cannot pass through the opening unless the sprocket rotates.
The ball discharge motor 44 is for driving and controlling the operation of rotating the sprocket by a predetermined amount to discharge a predetermined number of game balls downstream. The ball discharge motor 44 is controlled by the discharge control device 16.
The stop member is a member that is biased in a direction to engage with the sprocket or a member that rotates integrally with the sprocket. The stopper solenoid 45 is a force that attracts the stop member when excited (from the engaged state). Force for retreating) is generated, and the stop member is released (engaged) in the non-excited state. This stopper solenoid 45 is also controlled by the discharge control device 16.

In such a payout unit 15a, when the stopper solenoid 45 is operated (excited) under the control of the discharge control device 16, the state where the stop member is engaged with the sprocket is released, and the sprocket can rotate. It becomes a state. In this rotatable state, the ball discharge motor 44 is operated under the control of the discharge control device 16 to rotate the sprocket by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction, so that a corresponding number of game balls are sent downstream. , It will flow down the game ball channel due to gravity. In addition, immediately after the predetermined amount of game balls are discharged, the rotation of the ball discharge motor 44 is stopped by the control of the discharge control device 16, and the stopper solenoid 45 is immediately inactivated (non-excited state). The stop member is returned to the engaged state, and the sprocket is prevented from rotating, so that it is possible to reliably prevent a malfunction in which an amount of game balls exceeding a predetermined amount flows down due to the action of gravity. In addition, there is a power interruption (including a power failure) while the game balls are being discharged (that is, during the prize ball discharge or the rental ball discharge), and the operation of the ball discharge motor 44 and the stopper solenoid 45 is performed by the discharge controller 16 ( Even when stopped by (described later), the flow of the game ball is immediately prevented by the action of the stop member described above.
Next, the rental ball detection sensor 41 is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a rental ball) that passes through the above-described rental ball channel, and the prize ball detection sensor 42 passes through the aforementioned prize ball channel. It is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a prize ball). The detection outputs of these sensors 41 and 42 are input to the discharge control device 16, and the detection output of the prize ball detection sensor 42 among these sensors is also input to the game control device 17 via the relay board 250. Has been. Further, one of these sensors 41 and 42 is provided for each game ball channel corresponding to the fact that there are two game ball channels. In FIG. 4, for example, one prize ball detection sensor 42 is provided. Is called the first prize ball detection sensor, and the other prize ball detection sensor 42 is called the second prize ball detection sensor.

D. Next, the main configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, this control system is roughly composed of a game control device 17 and other peripheral devices such as a discharge control device 16.
The game control device 17 includes a game microcomputer 110 composed of a one-chip microcomputer, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 101 that obtains a predetermined clock by dividing the oscillation frequency of the crystal, and an input / output that inputs and outputs various signals. The interface 102 and the reset signal first delay circuit 103 are included. The gaming microcomputer 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113, and is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip.
Here, the RAM 113 is information for resuming the game state in the control device with a backup function (game control device 17) of the present invention, unreleased game value information (in this case, prize ball number information), etc. (ie, game It corresponds to a backed-up storage means that stores and holds control information) even when the power is shut off (including a power failure).

The winning ball number information is information that can determine the presence / absence and number of winnings, the type of winning opening, the winning ball number data itself (principal ball data), or the number of winning balls. Specifically, in this case, a predetermined memory area (hereinafter referred to as a payout request remaining counter) is secured in the RAM 113 of the gaming microcomputer 110, and the award ball data that has been transmitted to the discharge control device 16 is not discharged. (Payout request value) are stored in this memory area as prize ball number information.
For example, when five prize balls are won and the prize ball data is transmitted as prize ball number information from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 16, the prize corresponding to five prize balls is displayed in the payout request remaining counter. Sphere data is added. On the other hand, when a prize ball discharge is detected by the above-described prize ball detection sensor 42, the game controller 17 processes the prize ball data for the number of discharges from the payout request remaining counter.

As shown in FIG. 4, the input / output interface 102 receives detection signals from the special figure start switch 51, the general figure start switch 52, the attacker V switch 53, the attacker count switch 54, and the prize opening switches 1 to N. .
Here, the special figure start switch 51 is a sensor for detecting the winning of the game ball to the special figure start opening (ordinary variable winning apparatus) described above, and the general figure start switch 52 is a through-chucker type general figure start opening. The sensor V switch 53 detects the winning (passing) of the game ball to the special winning port in the above-described large winning port (special variable winning device). The attacker count switch 54 is a sensor that detects a winning of a game ball (a prize other than a V prize or a prize including a V prize) in the above-described large prize opening (special variable prize winning device). Reference numerals 1 to N are sensors for detecting a winning of a game ball at each general winning opening. These switches 51 to 54 and winning opening switches 1 to N correspond to so-called winning ball detecting means. However, even if a game ball wins (passes) the usual figure start opening, normal prize ball discharge is not executed (the usual figure start opening is usually only for starting the usual figure change). The usual start switch 52 does not correspond to a winning ball detecting means.
In addition, the input / output interface 102 has a half-end ball for detecting whether or not there is a game ball for discharging a winning ball and renting a ball (whether or not there is a sufficient game ball upstream of the discharge unit). Detection switch 14a, overflow switch 122 for detecting a full state (excessive storage of balls) of a tray (not shown) provided at the lower front of the gaming machine, detecting that the glass frame supporting the glass on the front of the gaming machine has been opened A detection signal from the glass frame release switch 123 is also input. In addition, the detection signals from the first and second prize ball detection sensors 42 for detecting the number of prize balls discharged are also input via the relay board 250.

In addition, when there are n general winning ports on the game board, n winning port switches 1 to N are arranged.
The half-end ball detection switch 14a and the overflow switch 122 are discharge preparation state detection means for determining whether or not the discharge precondition is met. The discharge precondition in this case is that the game ball is detected by the half-end ball detection switch 14a, and that the full state of the tray is not detected by the overflow switch 122, and all these preconditions are satisfied. Otherwise, even if undischarged prize balls remain, prize balls are not discharged. That is, in the present embodiment, information indicating whether or not the discharge precondition is satisfied is also transmitted as the gaming value discharge control information. If the discharge control device 16 does not confirm that the discharge precondition is satisfied, the discharge control device 16 The prize ball is not discharged. In addition, if the fulfillment of the discharge precondition is not confirmed in the game control device 17, the above-described transmission of the award ball number information (transmission from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 16) is not executed, and as a result The prize ball may not be discharged (in this case, the information on the discharge precondition is not required to be transmitted).

On the other hand, from the input / output interface 102, the display control device 20, the decoration control device 21, the sound control device 22, the universal LED 7 constituting the above-mentioned general-purpose display, and the above-mentioned ordinary fluctuation winning device are driven. Signals are output to the solenoid 134, the attacker solenoid 135 that drives the opening / closing door of the special variation winning device, the game board external output terminal 136 that constitutes the game board external output terminal board 25, and the test output unit 138. The Further, the game value discharge control information signal is output from the input / output interface 102 to the discharge control device 16.
Here, the game board external output terminal 136 is an external information terminal provided on the game board side, from which various signals (for example, a big hit signal etc.) are output to an external management device (not shown) as described above. To do. The management device manages gaming machines, island facilities, etc. throughout the hall. It calculates the necessary business data based on various input signals and displays the processed data on the display as needed. For example, a computer system.
The test output unit 138 is a communication terminal that can read information stored in the game control device 17 and is used when the state of the game control device 17 is inspected.

Next, the discharge control device 16 controls the discharge of the prize ball by driving the above-described discharge unit 15 (ball discharge mechanism) based on the game value discharge control information input from the game control device 17 (details will be described later). ). In this case, the discharge control device 17 includes a microcomputer 210 including a CPU 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 204 for obtaining a predetermined clock, an input / output interface 205, and a reset signal second delay circuit 206. It is comprised including. Each element is connected by an address bus, a data bus, a power supply line, or the like. The CPU 211 performs processing necessary for game ball discharge (including prize ball discharge and rental ball discharge), and the ROM 212 stores a program and the like necessary for discharge control.
Here, the RAM 213 is used to control game control information such as undischarged game value information (in this case, prize ball number information) in the control device with a backup function (discharge control device 16) of the present invention (including power failure). Corresponds to the backed-up storage means for storing and holding.

The input / output interface 205 of the discharge control device 16 receives signals from the above-described prize ball detection sensor 42 and the ball rental detection sensor 41.
Further, a control signal is output from the input / output interface 205 to the above-described ball discharge motor 44, stopper solenoid 45, and flow path switching solenoid 43.
The discharge control device 16 and the ball lending machine (card unit) 2 can communicate bidirectionally via the input / output interface 205 and the card unit connection board 23 (not shown in FIG. 4). Send and receive correct signals.

Next, the reset signal first delay circuit 103 and the reset signal second delay circuit 206 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) provided in the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16 will be described.
The reset signal first delay circuit 103 and the reset signal second delay circuit 206 only rise to the inactive side of the reset signal output from the reset signal output unit 34a in the power failure detection circuit 34 described above (reset release signal). Is transmitted to each of the microcomputers 110 and 210 after being delayed by a separate delay time (T10 and T11 described later; see FIG. 6), and the startup timing of each of the microcomputers 110 and 210 is determined by setting the characteristics of these circuits. It can be set arbitrarily.
It should be noted that it is preferable that the startup timing of the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 is basically started later than other control devices in order to avoid the transmission signal being missed as much as possible. In this case, the display control device 20, the decoration control device 21, the sound control device 22, and the launch control device 18 are started substantially simultaneously with the output (reset signal) of the reset signal output unit 34a becoming inactive. Thereafter, the discharge control device 16 is activated, and then the game control device 17 is activated (see FIG. 6; details will be described later).
The reset signal first delay circuit 103 and the reset signal second delay circuit 206 constitute the reset information output means of the present invention.

E. Operation of Control System Next, an example of control processing of this pachinko machine will be described. Note that only the power failure process and the prize ball discharge-related process (subroutine and interrupt process), which are features of the present invention, will be described, and other processes (including the main routine) will be omitted.
(A) Prize Ball Data Transmission Control in Game Control Device First, the prize ball data transmission control process (award ball number information transmission process) by the game control apparatus 17 (microcomputer 110) will be described. This process is, for example, an interrupt process that is executed based on an interrupt signal generated when a detection signal is input by the winning detection means.

That is, first, in step S1, the output of the winning ball detecting means (such as the above-described winning opening switches 1 to N) is read to determine whether any winning is detected. If a winning is detected, the interrupt process is started at the timing of interrupt permission and the process proceeds to step S2, and if not detected, the interrupt process is not executed.
In step S2, the number of winning balls corresponding to the detected winning is determined, and then in step S3, the determined number of winning balls (for example, the payout request remaining counter) (for example, the payout request remaining counter) is determined in a predetermined memory area. A value (award ball number information) corresponding to 5, 10, or 15 is added as a payout request value.
Next, in step S4, a command including the number of prize balls (prize ball number information) determined in step S2 is transmitted to the discharge control device 16. This command is a part of the game value discharge control information described above. The gaming value emission control information described above may also include the above-mentioned emission precondition information. In this case, the command is transmitted separately from the emission precondition information. However, the command may be transmitted as information including discharge preconditions. After this step S4, one sequence ends (interrupt processing ends).
According to the above processing, each time a winning is detected, prize ball number information (in this case, the command) is determined and transmitted to the discharge control device 16, and the prize ball number information is stored in the storage means. The accumulated value is accumulated as a stored value (in this case, a payout request value) in a predetermined area (payout request remaining counter) of a certain RAM 113.

  The command of the number of prize balls (game value discharge control information) sent from the game control device 17 to the discharge control device 16 is, for example, a multi-bit parallel signal for transmitting command data (prize ball data itself). (DATA) and a 2-bit control signal (START signal, STB (strobe) signal) for communication of these command data (see FIG. 7). Then, as illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 7 (normal time), the command data is transmitted in synchronization with the STB signal following the START signal, and the CPU 211 of the discharge control device 16 reads the command data while confirming the STB signal. It has a configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the START signal becomes active only once before a set of command data, and the STB signal becomes active at the transmission timing of the command data (signal stabilization time). Here, the START signal is, for example, an interrupt signal (input to a predetermined interrupt terminal of the microcomputer 210) for starting the reception process (interrupt process) of the discharge control device 16 (CPU 211).

(B) Prize ball payout monitoring control in the game control device Next, a process of prize ball payout monitoring control by the game control device 17 will be described. This process is repeated, for example, one sequence at each reference time as a subroutine in the main control process of the game control device 17.
When the process is started, it is determined in step S11 whether or not there is a remaining number in the payout request remaining counter (that is, whether or not the value is equal to or more than one prize ball), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process proceeds to step S16.
Next, in step S12, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not, the process proceeds to step S17.
In step S13, the data (payout request value) of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (usually detected for one), and the processing of one sequence is completed.

On the other hand, in step S17, a prize ball is not detected even though the payout request remaining counter has a value (the prize ball is not ejected even though the prize ball needs to be ejected), so an abnormality determination is performed. In the abnormality determination, for example, an abnormality is determined when a time when no prize ball is detected exceeds a set value even though the payout request remaining counter has a value. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S18, where some signal output or display for notifying the abnormality is performed. For example, a signal indicating this abnormality is output to the management device via the game board external output terminal 136 described above. On the other hand, if it is not determined to be abnormal, the processing of one sequence is terminated. Further, after step S18, the processing of one sequence is finished.
In step S16, abnormality determination is performed based on the presence or absence of prize ball detection. The reason why the process proceeds to step S16 is that the remaining number of the payout request remaining counter is not present, so that it is presumed that the winning ball discharge has been normally completed. However, in the case where Mangaichi winning ball detection has been performed in spite of such a state, it is determined that abnormal or illegal winning ball discharge is being executed, and thus it is determined. Specifically, for example, each time the process proceeds to step S16, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. Data of the number of prize balls detected in a specific area (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality determination counter) is cumulatively added. Then, when the value of the abnormality determination counter after the cumulative addition is confirmed each time and becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 16 prize balls), it is assumed that abnormal or illegal prize ball discharge is being executed. The process proceeds to step S20. If no winning ball is detected, or if the value of the abnormality determination counter has not reached the predetermined value even if a winning ball is detected, the processing of one sequence is terminated as a normal range. Note that the value of the abnormality determination counter is initialized and returned to zero when the determination in step S11 becomes affirmative, for example.
In step S20, for example, a command is output to the decoration control device 21, and a specific warning lamp or the like on the front of the gaming machine for notifying that an excessive prize ball discharge error has occurred, for example, the gaming machine is turned on again. Is set to continue to be lit or blinking until one sequence is completed.

According to the above processing, every time a winning ball is detected, the winning ball number information corresponding to the winning ball is subtracted from the stored value (payout request value) of the payout request remaining counter.
Further, if a prize ball is not detected even though there is a payout request value, an abnormality is determined, and in some cases, an output for notifying abnormality is executed (steps S17 and S18).
Further, even when a prize ball is detected even though there is no remaining number in the payout request remaining counter, an abnormality notification is output in some cases (steps S16 and S20).
Then, in the process in which the winning ball detection is normally executed and the data of the payout request remaining counter is subtracted (the state where there is the remaining number of payout request remaining counters), the processing of one sequence is completed through step S13, and abnormal No output is made (ie, processing continues as normal). In addition, even when there is no remaining number in the payout request remaining counter and no winning ball is detected, the determination in step S16 is negative and no abnormal output is made (that is, the process is continued as normal).
Note that the processes in steps S17 and S18 and steps S16 and S20 described above are processes for monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge more carefully, and are not necessarily provided.

(C) Data Receiving Process of Discharge Control Device Next, a data reception process (interrupt processing) of prize ball number information performed by the discharge control device 16 (microcomputer 210) will be described. This process is an interrupt process that is executed based on an interrupt signal that is generated when the command for the number of prize balls transmitted in the process of step S4 of the game control device 17 is input.
When the process is started (that is, when the command is input), in step S21, a process of receiving this command is first performed.
Next, in step S22, the prize ball number information data included in the received command is added as a payout execution value to a predetermined memory area in the RAM 213 (hereinafter referred to as a payout execution remaining counter).
According to the above process, every time prize ball number information is received, the received prize ball number information is cumulatively added to the payout execution remaining counter.

(D) Prize Ball Discharge Control of Discharge Control Device Next, prize ball payout control (control of prize ball discharge) of the discharge control device 16 will be described. This process is repeatedly performed, for example, one sequence at each reference time as a subroutine in the main control process of the discharge control device 16.
When the process is started, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the operation of the motor 44 and the stopper solenoid 45 of the payout unit 15a is finished (that is, whether or not it is stopped). If it is stopped, the process proceeds to step S32. If it is in operation, the process proceeds to step S38. Here, the stopped state means a state in which the rotation of the motor 44 is stopped and the stopper solenoid 45 is not excited (that is, a state where the prize ball discharge is stopped).
Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not there is no remaining number of specific memory areas (hereinafter referred to as target value counters) provided in the RAM 213 (that is, whether or not the value is less than one prize ball). If not, the process proceeds to step S33, and if present, the process proceeds to step S41.
In step S41, a signal for notifying abnormality is output. The process proceeds to step S41 because there is an abnormal state in which there is a remaining number in the target value counter in which the target value for winning ball discharge is set even though the payout unit 15a has stopped discharging the winning ball. Such processing is performed. Note that this process is a process for monitoring the normality of prize ball discharge more carefully, and is not necessarily provided.
After this step S41, the processing of one sequence is finished.

On the other hand, in step S33, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining number in the payout execution remaining counter. If there is not, the process of one sequence is terminated, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S34.
Next, in step S34, the information of the discharge preconditions in the game value discharge control information transmitted from the game control device 17 is read, and whether or not the discharge preconditions are satisfied (awarding of prize balls is permitted). If it is not permitted, the process of one sequence is terminated. If permitted, the process proceeds to step S35.
Next, in step S35, a payout target value that is the target number of winning balls for discharging the winning balls is determined, and this value is set in the target value counter. The payout target value is determined as follows, for example. That is, when the value of the remaining number (payout execution value) of the payout execution remaining counter exceeds the maximum number of discharged balls (for example, 15) of the discharge unit 15, the value of this maximum discharged ball number is set. If the number is less than the maximum number of discharged balls, the remaining number is taken as the value. That is, the value is set as large as possible within the range of the maximum number of discharged balls. This is because the largest number of prize balls can be discharged by one prize ball discharge, which can contribute to the speeding up of the prize ball discharge.
Here, the maximum number of discharged balls of the discharge unit 15 is the minimum number of game balls that are estimated to be held in the guide path 12 when the half-end ball detection switch 14a outputs a detection signal. It is a value determined from

Next, in step S36, the flow path switching valve solenoid 43 of the discharge unit 15 (flow path switching unit 15b) is actuated as necessary to set the game ball to pass through the aforementioned award ball flow path. .
Next, in step S37, the award for the payout target value set in the target value counter in a state where the stopper solenoid 45 of the discharge unit 15 (payout unit 15a) is operated to release the engagement state of the stop member described above. Control for operating the ball discharge motor 44 by the rotation angle or rotation amount corresponding to the number of balls is started.
Next, in step S38, the detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is read to determine whether or not a prize ball has been detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step S39, and if not, the processing of one sequence is terminated.
In step S39 and subsequent step S40, the data of the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter are subtracted by the detected number of prize balls (usually detected for one).
After step S40, one sequence of processing is terminated.

According to the above processing, when there is no remaining number in the target value counter (the discharge unit 15 is in a stopped state) and a remaining number is generated in the payout execution remaining counter (when there is prize ball number information), the discharge precondition is Assuming that it is established, a predetermined payout target value is set in the target value counter, and a single prize ball discharge operation of the discharge unit 15 for discharging the prize balls corresponding to the payout target value is started. (Steps S31 to S37). During the operation of the discharge unit 15 (during the prize ball discharge operation), the determination of step S31 is always negative, and the process of step S38 is repeated, and each time a prize ball is detected, step S39, In S40, the value corresponding to the number of prize balls is sequentially subtracted from the payout execution remaining counter and the target value counter. Next, when the discharge unit 15 is stopped, step S32 and subsequent steps are executed again, and the above operation is repeated each time a remaining number is generated in the payout execution remaining counter (as long as the remaining number exists).
In addition, if the discharge unit 15 has stopped the prize ball discharge and there is a remaining number in the target value counter, the abnormality notification is performed as described above (step S41).

(E) Power failure processing of game control device and discharge control device Next, the game control device 17 (microcomputer 110) and the discharge control device 16 (microcomputer 210) execute based on the power failure detection signal of the power failure detection circuit 34 described above. An example of a power failure process will be described.
When a power failure detection signal from the power failure detection circuit 34 is input, in this case, the microcomputers 110 and 210 treat this as a compulsory interrupt signal (so-called NMI interrupt signal), and the preceding interrupt (sensor or Each process as a power failure process is performed by interrupting other processes such as switch input and other processes being executed.
That is, when a power failure detection signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 34, the CPU 111 or 211 first backs up all the registers, stack pointer data, or interrupt enabled / disabled data before the occurrence of an NMI interrupt. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 or 213. If necessary, the remaining number (latest value) of the payout request remaining counter or the payout execution remaining counter described above is naturally stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 113 or 213 that is backed up.
Next, all the outputs are turned off, and after the detection signal reading process of the winning ball detection means (the above-described winning ball detection sensor 42) or the winning detection means (the above-mentioned winning opening switch 1 to N, etc.) is performed, a power failure occurs. After the flag is set and access to the RAM 113 or 213 is finally prohibited, the process waits in a reset signal input waiting state.
Here, in the process of turning off the output and prohibiting access to the RAM and waiting, the function is substantially stopped (software operation is stopped) until the hardware operation is stopped by the reset signal, and an indefinite signal is generated. This is to reliably prevent output or indefinite data from being erroneously written to the RAM. In addition, the processing to save all data such as all registers and stack pointers is the same as when the power was turned off after turning on the power again (including after power failure recovery) (game status and game control in addition to the storage status of the award ball number information) And the operation can be resumed from the state at the time of the power failure. The reason why the detection signal from the winning ball detection means is read during the power failure process is to eliminate the missing of the winning ball or the winning winning ball that has been discharged just before the power is turned off.

F. Next, the operation when the power of the pachinko machine is cut off (including power failure) will be described.
In this case, when there is a power failure or the like and the output of the DC 32V generation circuit 30 in the power supply device 24 first decreases from 32V to a power failure detection voltage (for example, 22V), the power failure detection circuit of the power supply device 24 as shown in FIG. 34 activates the power failure detection signal (in this case, its output becomes L level). At the same time, this power failure detection signal is input to the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 and the microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16, whereby the aforementioned power failure processing is executed by the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16. The power failure detection voltage is guaranteed until the operation of the payout unit 15 is ensured until the time of power failure detection (period T1 in FIG. 5), and the detection signal reading process of the winning detection means during power failure processing is completed. The operation of the sensors (especially each switch constituting the winning detection means and the like) (that is, DC12V power supply) is guaranteed (see T2 in FIG. 5), and further, the microcomputer 110 (CPU111) until the reset signal is input to the microcomputer 110 or the like. ) And the like (that is, a DC 5V power supply) should be guaranteed, and in this embodiment, for example, this condition can be satisfied by setting it to 22V.

Next, when a predetermined delay time T3 (for example, about 3 msec) has elapsed from the output of the power failure detection signal (active), the reset signal output unit 34a of the power failure detection circuit 34 activates the reset signal as shown in FIG. (In this case, the output becomes L level). At the same time, this reset signal is input to the CPUs of all the control devices 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 (T3 = T4 = T5). Stop operation reliably.
After the power is shut off, the data in the RAMs 113 and 213 (including the values of the payout request remaining counter and the payout execution remaining counter described above) are backed up and stored by the DC5VBB generation circuit 33 (backup power supply) described above. As described above. In addition, the delay time T3 (corresponding to the predetermined time of the present invention) is set to a sufficient time that the power failure process described above can be performed.

G. Next, the operation of the pachinko machine when the power is turned on again (including when the power is restored) will be described.
(A) Start-up operation If the output of the DC32V generation circuit 30 in the power supply device 24 exceeds 22V, for example, after power failure recovery (in this case, even when the normal power is turned on), as shown in FIG. 6, the power supply voltage (DC32V) After a delay time T6-T7 (for example, about 3 msec) that sufficiently stabilizes, the power failure detection circuit 34 of the power supply device 24 deactivates the power failure detection signal (in this case, its output becomes H level). At the same time, the power failure detection signal is input to the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 and the microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16, thereby canceling the power failure detection state.
Next, when a predetermined delay time T7 (for example, about 4 msec) has elapsed from the output of the power failure detection signal (inactive), the reset signal output unit 34a of the power failure detection circuit 34 deactivates the reset signal as shown in FIG. (In this case, the output becomes H level). At the same time, this reset signal is input to the CPU of the control devices 18, 20, 21, 22 without backup function, and the CPUs of these control devices 18, 20, 21, 22 are first activated. Note that the delay time T7 is set such that the reset signal is released after each power supply has sufficiently reached each control device (including sensors) and controlled devices (for example, the motor 44 of the discharge unit 15). (See T6, T8, and T9 in FIG. 6).

Next, when the predetermined delay time T11 (for example, about 300 μsec) has elapsed from the output of the reset signal (inactive) by the action of the reset signal second delay circuit 206 described above, the reset signal is a control device with a backup function. This is input to the discharge control device 16, thereby starting the microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16.
When the predetermined delay time T10 (for example, about 600 μsec) has elapsed from the output of the reset signal (inactive) by the action of the reset signal first delay circuit 103 described above, the reset signal is a control device with a backup function. This is input to the game control device 17, whereby the microcomputer 110 of the game control device 17 is activated last.
In this case, in detail, the reset signal input to the discharge control device 16 or the game control device 17 is finally inactive as shown in FIG. 6 by the function of the delay circuits 103 and 206, for example. It becomes temporarily inactive before (at the same time as other control devices).

(B) Control operation of game control device when power is turned on again When power is restored within a predetermined warranty period from a power failure or the like (that is, when power is turned on again), the RAM 113 of the game control device 17 is subjected to the power failure processing described above. The power failure flag set to is stored normally. For this reason, the microcomputer 110 performs a process such as initializing only a specific area of the RAM 113 (an area excluding information such as prize ball data that is stored and held) after determining that the power failure has been restored after the startup. The stack pointer, all registers, and other data are restored to the ones at the time of power-off, the address is interrupted at the time of power-off, and the prize ball discharge control operation (ie, the above-mentioned prize ball number information transmission process) is performed. All the control processes including it are resumed continuously from the power-off state.

(C) Control operation of the discharge control device when the power is turned on again The microcomputer 210 of the discharge control device 16 also stores the aforementioned power failure flag in its RAM 213 normally when the power is turned on again. For this reason, the microcomputer 210 also performs processing such as determining that it is a power failure recovery after startup and initializing only a specific area of the RAM 213 (an area excluding information such as prize ball data stored and held). The stack pointer, all registers, and other data are restored to the ones at the time of power-off, the address is interrupted at the time of power-off, and the prize ball discharge control operation (that is, the above-mentioned prize ball number information reception process, etc.) All the control processes including it are resumed continuously from the power-off state.
For this reason, when a power failure or the like occurs while data such as prize ball number information is being transmitted between the game control device 17 and the discharge control device 16 and this transmission processing is interrupted, this power-off timing is at any timing. However, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7 (at the time of a power failure), when the power is turned on again, this transmission process is resumed from the state at the time of power-off (at the time of interruption), and data loss or data loss occurs. hard.

The gaming machine described above has the following effects.
(1) When the power failure detection information becomes active, the reset information is always activated after a predetermined time (T3) has elapsed from that point, and the control device with a backup function always stops functioning after performing the power failure process. For this reason, the situation where only the power failure process is executed and the function is not stopped does not occur, and the control process of the control device with the backup function is simplified.
(2) Also, since the predetermined time (T3) is set to be longer than the time required for power failure processing (for example, about 3 msec), it is possible to ensure that power failure processing is completely completed, and with a backup function. The information to be stored and held when the power is shut off in the control device is stored and held appropriately and reliably. For this reason, after the power is turned on again (including after the power failure recovery), the game can be reliably restarted based on the information.
In particular, in this gaming machine, a game control device 17 that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information (prize ball number information) based on the occurrence of the game value, and the game value information output from the game control device 17. The discharge control device 16 that performs the discharge control for discharging the game value based on the above is a control device with a backup function, and the information (game control information) stored and retained when the power is turned off is directly linked to the profit of the player The game value information and the information for resuming the game state (game state information) having a large influence on the player's profit are included. Therefore, game value information that has the greatest impact on the player's profits is stored and stored with high reliability even when the power is turned off, and payout of unpaid game values based on this game value information is appropriate and reliable when power is turned on again. Can be executed. In addition, game state information that strongly affects the player's profits is stored and stored reliably even when the power is turned off, and resumption of the game based on this game state information (resumption from the time of turning off the power) It can be executed properly and reliably.
Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the disadvantage of the player due to a power failure or the like and the occurrence of trouble with the game store.
(3) In addition, the power failure detection circuit 34 (power failure detection means) detects an increase exceeding the regulation value of the power supply voltage (in this case, for example, 22 V) (that is, detects power reactivation), and the power supply voltage is stabilized. When a predetermined time (T6-T7) elapses, the power failure detection signal (power failure detection information) has a function of returning to inactive, and the reset signal output unit 34a (reset information output means) returns the power failure detection information to inactive. Then, after that (after a predetermined time T7), the reset signal (reset information) is returned to the inactive state. For this reason, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the reset state is released (that is, the reset information is returned to the inactive state), and the power supply voltage (in this case, DC32V, 12V, 5V) is surely stabilized. And since it is performed after the power failure detection information is returned to the inactive state, the activation (return of function) of the control device can be realized in a particularly reliable and safe state.

(4) Further, in this gaming machine, the game control information cannot be stored when the power is cut off, and the control device without backup function (launch control device 18, display) that stops functioning when the reset signal (reset information) becomes active. A control device 20, a decoration control device 21, and a sound control device 22) were provided. That is, reset information is also input to the control devices 18, 20, 21, and 22 without backup function, and start / stop (function stop or function recovery) is controlled by this reset information. For this reason, there is an advantage that a single reset signal output unit 34a (reset information control means) can collectively perform start / stop control of each control device (both with and without a backup function).

In addition, this invention is not restricted to the aspect of the said example, There can be various deformation | transformation and application.
For example, the power failure detection means distinguishes between power shutdown by a normal power shutdown operation and inadvertent power shutdown such as a power failure, and detects only the latter power shutdown (that is, only power failure etc.) and outputs a power failure detection signal. There may be a configuration for outputting. In this case, power failure processing (forced interrupt processing) is executed only in the case of a power failure and the power failure flag is set only in the case of a power failure. Even when the power is turned on again, normal startup processing (basically including processing for initializing all areas of the RAM first) is executed. The present invention includes such an embodiment.
In the above embodiment, the RAM 113 and 213 backed up by the backup power source composed of the capacitor 33b are exemplified as the memory holding means for storing and holding the game control information of the control device with a backup function while the power is shut off. For example, the memory holding means can be configured by an EEPROM. If stored in a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, the guarantee period that can be stored is theoretically infinite, and theoretically it is not discharged by resuming the game or power-off regardless of the power-off time. Supplementary prize balls can be discharged after the power is turned on again.

In the above embodiment, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is also input to the game control device, and the stored value of the prize ball number information of the game control device (data of the above-mentioned payout request remaining counter) corresponds to the prize ball detection. The subtraction of the prize ball number information in this game control device is, for example, a mode of subtracting only the transmission amount at the time of transmission (or after transmission) of the prize ball number information to the discharge control device (discharge) There may also be a mode in which the information on the number of unsold prize balls is accurately managed only on the control device side (in this case, it is not necessary to input the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 to the game control device). Conversely, the signal of the prize ball detection sensor 42 is input only to the game control device, and the discharge control device subtracts the information on the number of prize balls each time the prize ball discharge operation is executed (only on the game control device side). There may be a mode in which the information on the number of unsold prize balls is accurately managed.
Further, only the game control device may be a control device with a backup function, or a control device (for example, a display control device) other than the game control device or the discharge control device may have a backup function (for example, It may be a control device with a backup function having information for resuming the display control state.
Further, it goes without saying that the method for discharging the prize balls is not limited to the above embodiment.
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
16 Discharge control device (control device with backup function)
17 Game control device (control device with backup function)
18 Launch control device (control device without backup function)
20 Display control device (control device without backup function)
21 Decoration control device (control device without backup function)
22 Sound control device (control device without backup function)
24 Power supply device 34 Power failure detection circuit (power failure detection means)
34a Reset signal output unit (reset information output means)
103 Reset signal first delay circuit (reset information output means)
206 Reset signal second delay circuit (reset information output means)

Claims (3)

As a control device for controlling the operation of the controlled device in the machine, game control information related to the control of the controlled device can be stored even during a power failure, and at least the game control information is stored when the power failure detection information becomes active A power failure process including a process for holding is performed, and a control device with a backup function that stops functioning when reset information becomes active,
A power supply device that supplies a plurality of types of power supplies having different voltages and supplies a backup power to the control device with a backup function;
A power failure detection means for activating the power failure detection information when a voltage at a predetermined power source among a plurality of types of power sources is reduced to a predetermined power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure,
When the power failure detection information becomes active, reset information output means for activating the reset information after a sufficient time has elapsed from the time point to execute the power failure processing,
The power failure detection means, when the power is turned on again, the power supply voltage exceeds a power failure recovery voltage set lower than a stable value of a predetermined power supply voltage among a plurality of types of power supplies, and the power supply voltage is stabilized. After that, it has a function to return the power failure detection information to inactive,
Said reset information output means, when the power failure detection information is returned to the inactive, then, it has a function of returning the reset information to the inactive,
A control device without a backup function that cannot store the game control information during a power failure,
When the power is turned on again, the reset information output means returns the reset information to the inactive control device and the control device with the backup function is not activated before the control device with the backup function is activated. A gaming machine characterized by starting a control device .   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device includes the power failure detection unit and the reset information output unit. As the control device with the backup function,
A game control device that controls the progress of the game and outputs game value information based on the occurrence of the game value;
A discharge control device that performs discharge control for discharging the game value based on the game value information output from the game control device,
The power failure detection means is
When the power failure detection information is activated, when the power supply voltage is reduced to the power failure detection voltage due to the occurrence of a power failure, the power failure detection information is simultaneously activated for the game control device and the discharge control device,
When returning the power failure detection information to inactive, when the power is turned on again and the power supply voltage exceeds the power failure recovery voltage set lower than the stable value of the predetermined power supply voltage, all of the plural types from that time The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power failure detection information is returned to inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time during which the power supply voltage of the game becomes stable .

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