JP4957237B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and particularly relates to a gaming machine including a nonvolatile display medium.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, various display devices are attached for the purpose of improving interest and presenting information to the player.

Recently, when a fixed display is performed with little change in symbols, a gaming machine has been proposed that uses electronic paper to save power by eliminating the power required to display symbols (for example, Patent Document 1). ).
JP 2000-51500 A

  However, there is a possibility that the display of the electronic paper or the like is falsified due to magnetic / electrical interference from the outside, or the displayed content is obfuscated.

  In particular, when a power failure occurs, the electronic paper can check the state of the gaming machine before the occurrence of the power failure because the display is maintained, but if the display content may be tampered with, It is impossible to determine whether the display during a power failure is correct, which may cause trouble with the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a nonvolatile display medium that can protect the nonvolatile display medium from tampering.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a nonvolatile display medium on which game information that is information related to the gaming machine is displayed, and the nonvolatile display medium is flexible. And a power failure detection device for detecting a power failure, and a superimposing means for overlapping the display body of the nonvolatile display medium more than twice while the power failure detection device detects a power failure.

  Thereby, since the non-volatile display media are stacked, even if a specific part is falsified, other parts are also changed at the same time, so that it is possible to clearly grasp the falsification.

  According to the present invention, even if an attempt is made to tamper with a non-volatile display medium in which display is maintained even when power is not supplied or is weak, it is difficult to specify a target location for tampering and tampering is performed. Even if it is executed, a change occurs at a place other than the target place at the same time, so that it is possible to suppress falsification and clearly understand that the falsification has occurred.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a pachinko machine 100 which is one of gaming machines as an example.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine attached to Taishima.
Usually, in the pachinko hall, a facility for installing the pachinko machine 100 called Taijima 200 is provided. The pachinko machine 100 is attached to the islands 200 side by side at a predetermined interval.

  Further, the pachinko machine has a structure in which all the components of the pachinko machine 100 other than the outer frame 1 are attached to the outer frame 1 via hinges. The Taijima 200 and the pachinko machine 100 are attached only through the outer frame 1. As a result, in a state where the pachinko machine 100 is attached to the Taijima 200, it is possible to confirm the back of the pachinko machine 100 by opening the pachinko machine 100 with the hinge as an axis.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

  As shown in these drawings, the front door 2 is mounted so as to be rotatable around the left side. In addition, a horizontally long rectangular dish plate 3 is mounted on the front surface of the front door 2 so as to be rotatable around the left side. An upper plate 4 is fixed to the front surface of the plate 3. The upper plate 4 is for storing game balls.

  A firing handle 5 is rotatably mounted on the front surface of the front door 2 at a lower right portion, and a firing motor 6 is mounted behind the firing handle 5.

  A rectangular frame-like window frame 7 is mounted on the front surface of the front door 2 so as to be rotatable around the left side, and a transparent glass window (not shown) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 7. Is retained. A frame-shaped mechanism board (not shown) is fixed to the rear surface of the front door 2. A game board 8 is held on this mechanism board, and the game board 8 is covered from the front by the glass window of the window frame 7. Further, a frame key 9 is mounted on the front surface of the front door 2 so as to be positioned on the right side. The frame key 9 locks the front door 2 in a closed state in close contact with the outer frame 1, and The window frame 7 is locked in a closed state in close contact with the front door 2.

  An outer rail 10 and an inner rail 11 are fixed to the front surface of the game board 8, and the game ball P repelled by the hitting ball is released between the outer rail 10 and the inner rail 11 to the upper part in the game board 8. In addition, a plurality of obstacle nails 12 are driven into the front surface of the game board 8, and the game ball P released to the upper part in the game board 8 falls while hitting the plurality of obstacle nails 12.

  A substantially circular display base plate 13 is fixed to the front surface of the game board 8, and a special symbol display device 14 is held on the display base plate 13. The special symbol display device 14 comprises a color liquid crystal display, and a special symbol start port 15 is fixed to the front surface of the game board 8 below the special symbol display device 14. The special symbol starting port 15 corresponds to a starting port and a winning port, and has a pocket shape whose upper surface is open.

  A center cover 17 is fixed to the rear surface of the game board 8. A main circuit box 18 is fixed to the rear surface of the center cover 17, and a main circuit board 19 is accommodated in the main circuit box 18. A main control device 20 as a main control device is mounted on the main circuit board 19.

  A display circuit board 24 is fixed to the rear surface of the display base plate 13, and the display circuit board 24 is covered from behind by a center cover 17. A display control device 25 is mounted on the display circuit board 24.

  Below the center cover 17, an electronic paper 110 as a non-volatile display medium, and an electronic paper unit 101 provided with a driver circuit board 111 for writing arbitrary information to the electronic paper 110 and erasing the information, etc. Is provided. The electronic paper 110 is a medium that displays information relating to a pachinko machine in the event of a power failure, for example, game information indicating information relating to a privilege to be given to the player.

  Specifically, the electronic paper 110 is written in a state in which the power is turned on even when the pachinko machine 100 is not turned on (for example, a power failure) or power supplied from a spare battery or the like. It is a medium that can maintain the visual state of information such as characters and figures with no power supply or weak current, using liquid crystal, using magnetophoresis, using electrophoresis, moving powder, Examples include those that rotate particles, those that use electrochemical reactions, and those that use structural changes in dye molecules.

Details of the electronic paper 110 according to the present embodiment will be described later.
A substantially semi-circular winning hole base plate 27 is fixed to the front surface of the game board 8 below the special symbol starting port 15, and a large winning port 28 is formed on the base plate 27 for the winning port. Has been. The special winning opening 28 corresponds to a winning opening, and has a rectangular tube shape with an open front.

  A door 29 is mounted on the winning hole base plate 27 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 30, and the door 29 is connected to a plunger of a large winning hole solenoid 31 via a crank mechanism (not shown). . The large winning opening solenoid 31 is fixed to the rear surface of the winning opening base plate 27, and when the large winning opening solenoid 31 is disconnected, the large winning opening 28 is based on the fact that the door 29 is rotated vertically. Is closed and the special winning opening 28 is opened based on the fact that the door 29 is rotated horizontally when the special winning opening solenoid 31 is energized.

  A main set 34 is mounted on the rear surface of the front door 2 so as to be rotatable about the same side portion as the front door 2. The main set 34 has a rectangular frame shape surrounding the center cover 17. A ball tank 35 is fixed to the rear surface of the main set 34 at the upper end portion, and a game ball P is stored in the ball tank 35. Has been. A tank rail 36 and a dispensing device 37 are fixed to the rear surface of the main set 34. The payout device 37 is connected to the inside of the ball tank 35 via the tank rail 36, and can be used to pay out game balls in the designated number.

  A ball passage 49 is provided in the main set 34. The ball passage 49 connects the payout device 37 and the upper plate 4, and the game ball P paid out from the payout device 37 is supplied into the upper plate 4 through the ball passage 49. A lower plate 50 is fixed to the front surface of the front door 2. The lower plate 50 communicates with the upper plate 4, and game balls overflowing from the upper plate 4 spill from the upper plate 4 into the lower plate 50.

Next, a power supply board employed in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a power supply board, a supply path of the power supply board, and the like.

  A power board 52 is fixed to the rear surface of the main set 34 at the upper end, and a pair of power cords 53 are electrically connected to the power board 52. These power cords 53 are electrically connected to a power supply device (not shown) in a pachinko hall. As shown in FIG. 4, a main power source Vin of 24V AC is supplied to the power board 52 through the power cord 53. . The power supply board 52 is electrically connected to the firing motor 6. When the main power source Vin is valid, the firing handle 5 is rotated, so that the power supply board 52 supplies the firing motor 6 with a 24 V AC drive power. Vout1 is applied.

  A rectifier circuit 54 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52, and the rectifier circuit 54 converts the main power source Vin into a DC power source Vout2 of 24V DC. A boosting smoothing circuit 55 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52. The step-up / smoothing circuit 55 converts a 24V DC power supply Vout2 into a DC32V drive power supply Vout3. When the main power supply Vin is valid, the main controller 20 and the winning ball control device 46 are connected to the big prize opening solenoid 31 and the ball payout motor. The drive power supply Vout3 is applied to 43.

  A DC / DC circuit 56 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52. This DC / DC circuit 56 converts a DC 24V DC power supply Vout2 into a DC12V drive power supply Vout4. When the main power supply Vin is valid, the DC / DC circuit 56 starts the special symbol display device 14, the special symbol start sensor 16, The drive power supply Vout4 is applied to the winning a prize opening sensor 33 and the payout sensor 51.

  A reserve power supply circuit 57 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52, and the reserve power supply circuit 57 is electrically connected to the output side of the DC / DC circuit 56 via a diode 58. The standby power supply circuit 57 is mainly composed of a capacitor. For example, when the main power supply Vin is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the standby power supply circuit 57 supplies the special symbol start sensor 16 and the payout sensor 51 to the drive power supply Vout4 ′ for a set time T. Is applied.

  A DC / DC circuit 59 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52. This DC / DC circuit 59 converts DC 24V DC power supply Vout2 into DC5V drive power supply Vout5. When the main power supply Vin is valid, the DC / DC circuit 59 switches from the DC / DC circuit 59 to the main controller 20 of the main circuit board 19 and the display circuit board. The drive power supply Vout5 is applied to the display control device 24 of 24 and the prize ball control device 47 of the prize ball circuit board 46.

  A standby power supply circuit 60 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52, and the standby power supply circuit 60 is electrically connected to the output side of the DC / DC circuit 59 via a diode 61. This standby power supply circuit 60 is mainly composed of a capacitor. When the main power supply Vin is cut off, the standby power supply circuit 60, the main controller 20, the prize ball controller 46, the electronic paper 110, and the driver circuit board 111 are described later. The driving power source Vout 5 ′ is applied to the electronic paper unit 101 for a set time T.

  A backup power supply circuit 62 is mounted on the main circuit board 19. This backup power supply 62 has two diodes and a lithium battery 64. When the drive power supply Vout5 and the drive power supply Vout5 'are valid, the drive power supply Vout5 is supplied to the RAM 65 and the electronic paper unit 101 of the main controller 20 through one of the diodes. The drive power supply Vout5 ′ is applied, and when the drive power supply Vout5 and the drive power supply Vout5 ′ are cut off, the DC3V backup power supply Vout6 is applied from the lithium battery 64 to the RAM 65 through the other diode.

  The backup power supply Vout6 can supply power to the electronic paper 110 via the driver circuit board 111 at the time of a power failure. The necessity of supplying power to the driver circuit board 111 and the like by the backup power supply Vout6 depends on the type of electronic paper 110 employed. That is, when a weak current is required to maintain the visible state of the employed electronic paper 110, the power from the backup power source Vout6 is used.

  A power failure detection circuit 70 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52. The power failure detection circuit 70 monitors the voltage level of the main power source Vin, and gives a power failure signal to the main controller 20 and the prize ball controller 46 based on the voltage level of the main power source Vin dropping to the power failure level. . Further, a power failure signal is given to the main circuit board 19 and the prize ball circuit board.

  A reset circuit 71 is mounted on the power supply substrate 52. The reset circuit 71 monitors the voltage level of the drive power supply Vout5. Based on the rise of the voltage level of the drive power supply Vout5 to the reset level, a reset signal is simultaneously applied to the display circuit board 24 and the prize ball circuit board (in parallel). ).

  An initialization switch 73 is mounted on the power supply board 52, and the initialization switch 73 is connected to the main circuit board 19 and the prize ball circuit board 45. The initialization switch 73 is operated from the front with the front door 2 open.

Next, the pachinko machine 100 information transmission path will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an information path and the like related to the main control device.

  As shown in the figure, an input / output terminal of the main controller 20 is electrically connected to an input / output terminal of the display controller 25, and a special symbol is connected to an output terminal of the display controller 25 via a drive circuit 26. The display device 14 is electrically connected. The display control device 25 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and displays numeric symbols in three horizontal rows on the special symbol display device 14 based on driving control of the special symbol display device 14.

  The special winning opening solenoid 31 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the main control device 20 via the drive circuit 32, and the main control device 20 supplies the exciting power to the special winning opening solenoid 31 through the drive circuit 32 for a set time ( For example, the special winning opening 28 is opened only for a set time based on giving for 30 seconds. This opening operation is called a round operation, and is repeated a set number of times (for example, 15 rounds) (big hit operation).

  The prize ball control device 46 has a payout processing unit 47 mainly composed of a microcomputer, and the input / output terminal of the main control device 20 is electrically connected to the input / output terminal of the prize ball control device 46. ing. A ball payout motor 43 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the prize ball control device 46 via a drive circuit 48, and the payout processing unit 47 of the prize ball control device 46 controls driving of the ball payout motor 43. Based on the above, the game ball P is paid out from the payout device 37.

  The payout sensor 51 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the main controller 20 and the input terminal of the prize ball controller 46. The payout sensor 51 is composed of a proximity switch, and outputs a payout signal to the main control device 20 and the prize ball control device 46 based on the detection of the game ball P paid out from the payout device 37 into the upper plate 4. To do.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 100 configured as described above will be described. The following operations are executed by the main control device 20, the display control device 25, and the prize ball control device 46 based on a control program recorded in advance in the ROM.

<Special drawing start signal processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the start processing unit (a is a flowchart showing special figure start signal processing, and b is a flowchart showing power failure processing).

  When the main power source Vin is turned on in the operation state of the initialization switch 73, a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72, and the start processing unit 21 of the main control device 20 is shown in FIG. The process proceeds to step S1 shown in FIG. Then, the initialization signal from the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S2. Here, the backup data recorded in the big hit area of the RAM 65 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  When the start processing unit 21 detects the special symbol start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16 in step S3, the start processing unit 21 proceeds to step S4 and detects the number of sets of counter data recorded in the big hit area of the RAM 65. In the big hit area, a maximum of 5 sets of counter data are recorded. When the start processing unit 21 detects that the counter data is less than 5 sets, the process proceeds to step S5.

  When the start processing unit 21 proceeds to step S5, the big hit counter value No and the symbol counter value Nz corresponding to the counter data are acquired. The jackpot counter No. and the symbol counter Nz are added to different upper limit values from “0” and then added back to “0”. The start processing unit 21 acquires the jackpot counter value No. and the symbol counter value Nz. Then, the big hit counter value No and the symbol counter value Nz are recorded in the big hit area of the RAM 65, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  If the start processing unit 21 determines in step S6 that the counter data is recorded in the big hit area, the process proceeds to step S7. Here, the top counter data (big hit counter value No and symbol counter value Nz) of the big hit area is output to the determination processing unit 22, and the process proceeds to step S8.

  When the start processing unit 21 detects a data clear command in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9. This data clear command is output from the determination processing unit 22, and when the start processing unit 21 proceeds to step S9, it clears the top counter data in the big hit area and returns to step S3. Based on the repetition of steps S3 to S9, the recording of the counter data, the output of the counter data, and the clearing of the counter data are executed.

<About jackpot judgment processing>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the determination processing unit (a is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process, and b is a flowchart showing a power failure recovery process).

  When the main power source Vin is turned on in the operation state of the initialization switch 73, a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72, and the determination processing unit 22 of the main control device 20 is shown in FIG. The process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. Then, an initialization signal from the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S12. Here, the backup data recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  When the determination processing unit 22 detects the counter data from the start processing unit 21 described above in step S13, the determination processing unit 22 records the counter data in the determination area of the RAM 65. And it transfers to step S14 and compares the big hit counter value No of counter data with the big hit judgment value. This big hit determination value is recorded in advance in the ROM of the main controller 20, and when it is determined that they are the same, the big hit is recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65, and it is determined that the two are different. Sometimes a miss is recorded.

  After recording the determination result, the determination processing unit 22 proceeds to step S15 or S16, sets a big hit symbol or a missing symbol based on the symbol counter value Nz of the counter data, and proceeds to step S17. The jackpot symbol is a combination of three symbols having the same left column, middle column, and right column. Further, the off symbol refers to three combination symbols in which the left column, the middle column, and the right column are different.

  When the determination processing unit 22 proceeds to step S <b> 17, it outputs a symbol variation command to the display control device 25. Then, the display control device 25 changes the symbol of each column of the special symbol display device 14 in the order of “0” → “1” → “2” …… “8” → “9” → “0” → “1”. Vary with.

  When the determination processing unit 22 outputs the symbol variation command, the process proceeds to step S18 and outputs the symbol setting result of step S15 or the symbol setting result of step S16 to the display control device 25. Then, the display control device 25 stops changing each column of the special symbol display device 14 with the set symbol, and notifies the player of a big hit or miss.

  When the determination processing unit 22 outputs the symbol setting result (symbol stop command), the process proceeds to step S19. If it is determined that no big hit is recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65, the process proceeds to step S24, and the counter data (the big hit area of the big hit area) that has been processed based on the output of the above-described data clear command to the start processing unit 21 is transferred. (First counter data) is cleared. If it is determined in step S19 that a big hit is recorded in the determination area, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the determination processing unit 22 sets a setting value (for example, 15) in the round counter Nr (Nr ← 15). Then, the process proceeds to step S21, and the special winning opening 28 is opened for the set time based on the application of the drive power source Vout3 to the special winning opening solenoid 31 for the set time. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22, and "1" is subtracted from the round counter value Nr, and the process proceeds to step S23.

  When determining that the round counter value Nr is not “0” in step S23, the determination processing unit 22 returns to step S21 and repeats steps S21 to S23. Thereafter, when it is determined that the round counter value Nr has been subtracted to “0”, the process proceeds from step S23 to S24, and the processed counter data is cleared based on outputting a data clear command to the start processing unit 21.

<About winning signal processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the prize ball processing unit (a is a flowchart showing a winning signal process, b is a flowchart showing a power failure process, and c is a flowchart showing a power failure recovery process).

  When the main power source Vin is turned on in the operation state of the initialization switch 73, a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72, and the winning ball processing unit 23 of the main control device 20 The process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. Then, the initialization signal from the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S32. Here, the backup data recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 detects a winning signal from the big winning opening sensor 33 in step S33, the process moves to step S34. Here, based on the execution of “prize ball counter Na ← Na + C1 (for example, 15)”, the prize ball counter value Na is recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65, and the process proceeds to step S37. If a special symbol start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16 is detected in step S35, the process proceeds to step S36. Here, based on executing “prize ball counter Na ← Na + C2 (for example, 5)”, the prize ball counter value Na is recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65, and the process proceeds to step S37.

  When the award ball processing unit 23 detects “award ball counter value Na ≧ 1” in step S37, the award ball processing unit 23 proceeds to step S38 and determines the state of the flag F. The flag F is set to “1” at the time of activation or set to “1” in step S48 described later. When the prize ball processing unit 23 detects “F = 1” in step S38, step S39 is performed. The prize ball counter value Na is set in the payout counter Nb (Nb ← Na). Then, the payout counter value Nb is recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65, and the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the winning ball processing unit 23 sets the payout counter value Nb in the payout confirmation counter Nc (Nc ← Nb). Then, the payout confirmation counter value Nc is recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65, and the process proceeds to step S41. Here, a payout command and a payout number (= payout counter value Nb) of the game ball P are output to the payout processing unit 47 of the prize ball control device 46, and “0” is input to the flag F (F ← 0). The process proceeds to S42.

  When the award ball processing unit 23 detects a payout signal from the payout sensor 51 in step S42, the process moves to step S43. Here, “1” is subtracted from the payout counter value Nb in the prize ball area (Nb ← Nb−1), and the process proceeds to step S44. As described above, the payout signal is output every time one game ball P is paid out from the payout device 37. Based on the execution of “Nb ← Nb−1”, the game ball P is not paid out. The number is measured.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 detects a payout end signal in step S44, the process moves to step S45. As will be described later, this payout end signal is output based on confirmation that the payout processing unit 47 has paid out “Nb” game balls P. When it is detected that the payout counter value Nb in the prize ball area is decremented to “0”, it is determined that the payout information of the payball area is consistent with the payout information of the payout processing unit 47, and steps S45 to S46 are performed. Migrate to

  If the winning ball processing unit 23 determines that the payout counter value Nb in the winning ball area is not subtracted to “0” in step S45, the payout information of the payball processing unit 47 is not consistent with the payout information of the payout processing unit 47. And the process proceeds to step S47. The payout counter value Nb of the prize ball processing unit 23 and the payout end signal of the payout processing part 47 are consistent unless there is an illegal action such as illegal exchange of the main circuit board 19 or the prize ball circuit board 45. When the process proceeds to step S47, the unit 23 determines that there has been an illegal act. Then, an abnormal signal is output to the pachinko hall host computer (not shown), and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the prize ball processing unit 23 calculates the number of unpaid game balls P based on executing “prize ball counter Na ← Na−payout confirmation counter Nc”. In step S48, "1" is input to the flag F (F ← 1), and the process returns to step 33. Accordingly, every time the game ball P enters the special symbol start opening 15 and the special winning opening 28, the set values C1 and C2 are added to the prize ball counter value Na in the prize ball area, and the payout operation of the game ball P is performed. When stopped (when F = 1), a payout command and a payout number Nb are output. At the same time, every time a payout end signal is output from the payout processing unit 47, the prize ball counter Na in the prize ball area is subtracted to calculate the latest payout number Na.

<About the prize ball payout process>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing contents of the payout processing unit (a is a flowchart showing payout processing, and b is a flowchart showing power failure processing).

  When the main power source Vin is turned on in the operation state of the initialization switch 73, a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the prize ball control device 46. Then, the payout processing unit 47 of the prize ball control device 46 is activated prior to the start processing unit 21, the determination processing unit 22, and the prize ball processing unit 23 of the main control device 20, and step S51 in FIG. Migrate to Here, the initialization signal from the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S52. Then, the backup data recorded in the payout area of the RAM 69 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S53.

  When the payout processing unit 47 detects the above-mentioned payout command and the number of payouts (payout counter value Nb) output from the prize ball processing unit 23 in step S53, the process proceeds to step S54. Here, the payout execution counter Nb ′ is set to the payout execution counter Nb ′ by inputting the payout counter value Nb (Nb ′ ← Nb), and is recorded in the payout area of the RAM 69.

  When the payout processing unit 47 sets the payout execution counter Nb ′, the process goes to step S55 and drives the rotating shaft of the ball payout motor 43 by a unit amount based on the application of the drive power supply Vout3 to the ball payout motor 43. When a payout signal from the payout sensor 51 is detected in step S56, it is confirmed that one game ball P has been paid out, and the process proceeds to step S57. Here, the number of unpaid game balls P is calculated based on subtracting “1” from the payout execution counter value Nb ′ of the payout area (Nb ′ ← Nb′−1), and the process proceeds to step S58.

  When the payout processing unit 47 detects “payout execution counter Nb ′ = 0” in step S58, it determines that the payout operation of the game ball P has ended. And it transfers to step S59, outputs the above-mentioned payout completion signal to the prize ball processing part 23 of the main controller 20, and returns to step S53. Accordingly, the payout processing unit 47 detects the payout command and the payout number Nb from the prize ball processing unit 23 when the payout operation is stopped, and detects the next payout command and the payout number Nb after the payout operation ends.

  Next, visualization and storage of game information in the event of a power failure will be described. Here, at the time of a power failure, it means a state in which backup processing is performed after the voltage (power) input to the pachinko machine 100 becomes equal to or less than a threshold value.

<Special signal start signal processing at power failure>
When a power failure occurs during the game, a power failure signal is output from the power failure detection circuit 70 to the main controller 20. Then, the start process part 21 of the main control apparatus 20 transfers to step S61 of (b) shown in FIG. Here, when it is detected that there is no special symbol start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16, the process proceeds to step S64, and the elapse of the set time T is determined. This set time T corresponds to the time during which the reserve power supply Vout4 'is applied from the reserve power supply circuit 57 to the special symbol start sensor 16 and the payout sensor 51, and the start processing unit 21 passes the set time T in step S64. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step S61, and steps S61 and S64 are repeated.

  If the start processing unit 21 detects the special figure start signal while repeating steps S61 and S64, the process proceeds from step S61 to S62. Here, when it is detected that the number of recorded counter data in the big hit area of the RAM 65 is 5, the processing is terminated. If it is detected that the number of recorded counter data is 4 or less, the process proceeds to step S63, where the big hit counter value and the symbol counter value are acquired at the detection timing of the special figure start signal and recorded in the big hit area. Therefore, the counter data immediately before the power failure is stored in the big hit area of the RAM 65 after the standby power supply Vout 5 ′ of the main controller 20 is shut off.

  The counter data is transmitted to the driver circuit board 111 as game information and displayed on the electronic paper 110 as character information, and the display is held.

<About jackpot judgment processing at power failure>
When a power failure occurs during the game, a power failure signal is output from the power failure detection circuit 70 to the main controller 20. At this time, if the counter data and the round counter value Nr are recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65, the counter data and the round counter value Nr are transmitted to the driver circuit board 111 as game information using the standby power supply Vout5 ′. The character information is displayed in the determination display area of the electronic paper 110 and the display is held. Further, the counter data and the round counter value Nr are stored in the determination area of the RAM 65 after the standby power supply Vout5 ′ is shut off.

<About winning signal processing at power failure>
When a power failure occurs during the game, a power failure signal is output from the power failure detection circuit 70 to the main controller 20. Then, the winning ball processing unit 23 of the main control device 20 proceeds to step S71 of (b) shown in FIG. If it is detected that there is no payout signal from the payout sensor 51, the process proceeds to step S72. Then, when it is detected that there is no special symbol start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16, the process proceeds to step S77.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 determines in step S77 that the set time T has not elapsed, the award ball processing unit 23 returns to step S71 and repeats S71, S72, and S77. This set time T (application time of the spare power supply Vout 4 ′ for the special symbol start sensor 16 and the payout sensor 51) is set slightly longer than the time when the game ball P falling from the sprocket 40 of the payout device 37 reaches the payout sensor 51. When the sprocket 40 releases the game ball P immediately before the power failure, the game ball P reaches the payout sensor 51 within the set time T, and a payout signal is output from the payout sensor 51.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 detects the payout signal in step S71, the process moves to step S73, and the payout counter value recorded in the winning ball area of the RAM 65 based on executing “payout counter Nb ← Nb−1”. Nb is rewritten, and the game ball P released from the sprocket 40 immediately before the power failure is measured. When “Nb = 0” is detected in step S74, the process proceeds to step S75, and the prize ball counter value Na recorded in the prize ball area of the RAM 65 is determined based on executing “Na ← Na−Nc”. rewrite.

  If the special ball starter 23 detects the special symbol start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16 before the set time T elapses, the process moves from step S72 to S76 and executes “prize ball counter value Na ← Na + C2”. Based on this, the prize ball counter value Na is rewritten. Therefore, after the standby power supply Vout 5 ′ of the main controller 20 is cut off, the prize ball counter value Na, the payout counter value Nb, and the payout confirmation counter value Nc immediately before the power failure are stored in the prize ball area of the RAM 65.

  Further, before the standby power supply Vout5 ′ of the main controller 20 is cut off, the payout counter value Nb, the prize ball counter value Na, and the payout confirmation counter value Nc are transmitted to the driver circuit board 111 as game information. Is displayed as character information on the electronic paper 110, and the display is held.

<About payout processing at power failure>
When a power failure occurs during the game, a power failure signal is output from the power failure detection circuit 70 to the prize ball controller 46. Then, the payout processing unit 47 of the prize ball control device 46 proceeds to step S81 in FIG. 9B.

  When the payout processing unit 47 detects that there is no payout signal from the payout sensor 51 in step S81, the payout processing unit 47 proceeds to step S83. If it is determined that the set time T has not elapsed, steps S81 and S83 are repeated. As described above, the set time T is set to be slightly longer than the time required for the game ball P released from the sprocket 40 of the payout device 37 to reach the payout sensor 51, and the payout device 37 plays a game immediately before a power failure. When the ball P is released, the game ball P reaches the payout sensor 51 within the set time T, and a payout signal is output from the payout sensor 51.

  When the payout processing unit 47 detects a payout signal in step S81, the payout processing unit 47 proceeds to step S82 and executes the payout execution recorded in the payout area of the RAM 69 based on executing “payout execution counter Nb ′ ← Nb′−1”. The counter value Nb ′ is rewritten, and the game ball P released from the payout device 37 immediately before the power failure is measured.

  Further, before the standby power supply Vout5 ′ of the main controller 20 is shut off, the payout execution counter value Nb ′ is transmitted to the driver circuit board 111 as game information and displayed as character information on the electronic paper 110. Is retained.

  Therefore, after the standby power supply Vout5 ′ of the main control device 20 and the standby power supply Vout5 ′ of the prize ball control device 46 are cut off, the RAM 65 of the main control device 20 and the RAM 69 of the prize ball control device 46 are consistent. The payout information (the payout counter value Nb and the payout execution counter value Nb ′) is stored.

  As described above, the electronic paper 110 on which the game information is displayed is displayed on the pachinko machine 100 as shown in FIG. 1 because the game information is continuously displayed by the no power source or the backup power supply circuit 62 even during a power failure. If the electronic paper 110 opened and confirmed on the back side is confirmed, it is possible to visually confirm the state of the pachinko machine 100 in the event of a power failure.

  Further, since the information displayed on the electronic paper 110 is synchronized with the information stored in the RAM 65, the information that can be visually confirmed corresponds completely with the state of the pachinko machine 100 after the power failure recovery described below.

<Special drawing start signal processing at power failure recovery>
When a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72 when the power failure is restored, the start processing unit 21 of the main control device 20 proceeds to step S1 in FIG. Here, the non-operation of the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S3 without clearing the big hit area of the RAM 65. Therefore, when the counter data immediately before the power failure is recorded in the big hit area, the counter data is output to the determination processing unit 22 in step S7. Counter data is acquired and output to the determination processing unit 22.

<About jackpot judgment processing at the time of power failure recovery>
When a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72 when the power failure is restored, the determination processing unit 22 of the main control device 20 proceeds to step S11 in FIG. Here, the non-operation of the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to the power failure recovery process in step S25. When the counter data is recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65, the counter data is cleared in step S91 of (b) in the figure, and the process proceeds to step S92.

  When determining that the round counter value Nr is not recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65 in step S92, the determination processing unit 22 finishes the power failure recovery process and proceeds to step S13 in FIG. Therefore, the big hit determination operation and the symbol setting operation are performed based on the counter data immediately before the power failure output from the start processing unit 21 or the new counter data after the recovery from the power failure.

  If the determination processing unit 22 determines that the round counter value Nr is recorded in the determination area of the RAM 65 in step S92 of (b) in the figure, the determination processing unit 22 proceeds to step S93. Then, the special winning opening 28 is opened based on the driving of the special winning opening solenoid 31, and the process proceeds to step S94.

  When the determination processing unit 22 subtracts “1” from the round counter value Nr in step S94, the power failure recovery processing is completed based on detecting “round counter value Nr = 0” in step S95, and (a) in FIG. The process proceeds to step S13. Therefore, the big hit determination operation and the symbol setting operation are performed based on the counter data immediately before the power failure output from the start processing unit 21 or the new counter data after the power failure recovery.

<About winning signal processing at power failure recovery>
When a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the main control device 20 through the delay circuit 72 when the power failure is restored, the prize ball processing unit 23 of the main control device 20 sets “1” to the flag F, which is shown in FIG. The process proceeds to step S31 of a). Here, the non-operation of the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to the power failure recovery process in step S49. The payout counter value Nb is read from the winning ball area of the RAM 65 in step S101 of FIG. 5C, and when “payout counter value Nb = 0” is detected, the power failure recovery process is terminated.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 finishes the power failure recovery process, the process moves to step S33 in FIG. Accordingly, when “prize ball counter value Na ≧ 1” is detected in step S37, the payout counter value Nb and the payout confirmation counter value Nc are set based on the prize ball counter value Na immediately before the power failure, and the prize ball control device 46 A payout command and a payout counter value Nb are output to the payout processing unit 47. Further, when “prize ball counter value Na = 0” is detected in step S37, a payout command and a payout counter value are sent to the payout processing unit 47 based on the detection of a winning signal and a special figure start signal in steps S33 and S35. Nb is output.

  When the winning ball processing unit 23 detects “payout counter value Nb ≧ 1” in step S101 of FIG. 10C, in step S102, the winning ball processing unit 23 outputs a payout command to the payout processing unit 47 and inputs “0” to the flag F. (F ← 0). Then, the power failure recovery process is finished, and the process proceeds to step S33 in FIG.

<About payout processing when power is restored>
When a reset signal is given from the reset circuit 71 to the prize ball control device 46 at the time of recovery from the power failure, the payout processing unit 47 of the prize ball control device 46 proceeds to step S51 of FIG. Here, the non-operation of the initialization switch 73 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S53 without clearing the payout area of the RAM 69.

  When the payout processing unit 47 detects a payout command from the prize ball processing unit 23 in step S53, the payout execution counter value Nb ′ of the payout area is set in step S54, and the ball payout motor 43 is driven in step S55. When a payout signal from the payout sensor 51 is detected in step S56, "1" is subtracted from the payout execution counter value Nb 'in step S57, and when "payout execution counter value Nb' = 0" is detected in step S58. In step S59, a payout end signal is output.

  At this time, the prize ball processing unit 23 detects a payout signal from the payout sensor 51 in step S42 of FIG. 8A, and subtracts the payout counter value Nb in step S43. When the payout end signal from the payout processing unit 47 is detected in step S44, the process proceeds to step S45, where the payout information and the payout of the payout processing unit 47 are based on comparing the payout counter value Nb with “0”. Check consistency with information.

  According to the above embodiment, the application time T of the standby power supply Vout4 ′ to the payout sensor 51 is such that the game ball P released from the sprocket 40 of the payout device 37 is detected immediately before the main power supply Vin is cut off and a payout signal can be output. The application time T of the standby power supply Vout5 ′ to the winning ball control device 46 is set to a length that allows the payout execution counter value Nb ′ to be subtracted based on the payout signal output from the payout sensor 51 after the main power supply Vin is shut off. Set. Therefore, when the game ball P is released from the sprocket 40 immediately before the power failure, a payout signal is output from the payout sensor 51 to the prize ball control device 46, and the prize ball control device 46 subtracts the payout execution counter value Nb ′. The game ball P released from the sprocket 40 immediately before the power failure is measured, and an accurate payout execution counter value Nb is obtained.

  Further, the application time T of the standby power supply Vout 5 ′ to the main controller 20 is set to a length that allows the payout counter value Nb to be subtracted based on the payout signal output from the payout sensor 51 after the main power supply Vin is shut off. Therefore, when the game ball P is released from the payout device 37 immediately before the power failure, it is reflected in both the payout counter value Nb and the payout execution counter value Nb ′. It is easy to check that the ROM of the main control device 20 and the ROM of the prize ball control device 46 have been illegally replaced during a power outage, simply by checking whether or not there is a payout end signal when the value Nb becomes “0”. Can be found.

  Further, the start processing unit 21 of the main control device 20 monitors the special figure start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16 when the main power source Vin is shut off, and acquires the counter data based on detecting the special figure start signal. Configured. For this reason, when the power failure is restored, the big hit and miss judgment operation, the big hit symbol and the miss symbol display operation are performed based on the counter data immediately before the power failure, so that the game ball P enters the special symbol start port 15 immediately before the power failure. It is possible to prevent the determination operation of the big hit from being performed despite the ball.

  The prize ball processing unit 23 of the main control device 20 monitors the special figure start signal from the special symbol start sensor 16 when the main power source Vin is shut off, and detects the special figure start signal, and the prize ball counter value Na is detected. Was configured to add. For this reason, when the power failure is restored, the game ball P is paid out based on the prize ball counter value Na immediately before the power failure, so that the game ball P enters the special symbol starting port 15 immediately before the power failure. It is prevented that the payout operation of P is not performed.

  In addition, when the main power source Vin is turned on while the main control device 20 and the prize ball control device 46 are in the operation state of the initialization switch 73, the payout counter value Nb (the payout information of the game ball P) and the payout execution counter value Nb ′ ( Since the backup data of the game ball P (payout information) is cleared, the backup data of the payout counter value Nb and the payout execution counter value Nb ′ is cleared when the initialization switch 73 is operated after the main power source Vin is turned on. It will not be done.

  Next, the configuration of the electronic paper unit 101 including the electronic paper 110 will be specifically described. The electronic paper unit 101 is attached to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100.

  10A and 10B are diagrams showing an electronic paper unit, where FIG. 10A is a plan view and FIG. 10B is a side view.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic paper unit 101 includes an electronic paper 110, a driver circuit board 111, a shield case 112, a take-up roller 113, a motor 114, and a connector 115.

  The electronic paper 110 is a non-volatile display medium that can display and erase information such as characters and symbols on the display body 116 and can maintain the displayed information without supplying power. The electronic paper 110 shown in the figure is obtained by integrating a display body 116 and a display rewriting circuit (not shown) such as a TFT arranged in a matrix, and the driver circuit board 111 controls the display rewriting circuit. By doing so, information can be displayed and deleted at an arbitrary place.

  The shield case 112 is a shielding box that blocks external tampering, obfuscation, and erasure of displayed information on the display body 116. Specifically, the function of the shield case 112 varies depending on the characteristics of the display body 116 accommodated therein. For example, if the drive source of the display body 116 is an electric field, the shield case 112 is made of a grounded metal that shields the electric field. If the drive source of the display body 116 is light, the shield case 112 is a black that shields light. If it is the case.

  The winding roller 113 takes up the electronic paper 110 while maintaining the range of curvature allowed by the electronic paper 110, overlaps the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110, and accommodates the entire display body 116 in the shield case 112. It is a member. Note that the overlapping of the display bodies 116 means a state where two or more layers of the display bodies 116 exist in the thickness direction of the electronic paper 110, and is included in a state where they overlap even when the distance between the display bodies 116 is long. . Accordingly, the display body 116 is stacked even when the electronic paper 110 is wound around the winding roller 113 in a single layer.

  The motor 114 is a drive source for driving the take-up roller 113 and taking up the electronic paper 110, and is driven by a drive power supply Vout5 'in the event of a power failure.

  The connector 115 is a group of terminals for connecting the driver circuit board 111 and the display rewriting circuit of the electronic paper 110, and the connection between the connector 115 and the driver circuit board 111 can be easily released by the winding force of the motor 114. ing.

  In the case of this embodiment, the winding roller 113 and the motor 114 constitute a superimposing means.

Next, the operation of the electronic paper unit 101 will be described.
Usually, the electronic paper 110 of the electronic paper unit 101 is held in an unfolded state. In the event of a power failure, game information is displayed as described above.

  When all the game information is displayed on the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110, the motor 114 is driven and the electronic paper 110 is wound around the take-up roller 113. At this time, the connector 115 is separated from the driver circuit board 111 by the driving force of the motor 114.

  In a state where the winding of the electronic paper 110 is completed, the display body 116 is accommodated in the shield case 112.

  The above-described electronic paper unit 101 can pull out the electronic paper 110 by a human hand and check the content displayed on the display 116 even after the winding of the electronic paper 110 is completed. It is possible to do.

  With the pachinko machine 100 having the electronic paper unit 101 as described above, it is possible to confirm the game information that is the state of the pachinko machine 100 immediately before the power failure by pulling out the electronic paper 110 even during the power failure. It becomes.

  In addition, since the electronic paper 110 is housed in the shield case 112 during a power failure, the entire display body 116 of the electronic paper 110 is blackened from the outside, and the electronic paper is changed from an alteration that makes the game information unreadable. 110 can be protected. Furthermore, even if the shield is broken, since the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110 is held in an overlapped state, it is difficult to specify the position on the display body 116, and it is displayed on the display body 116. It is possible to prevent a specific part from being altered to other information. In addition, even if the alteration is attempted, other parts also change together, so that it is possible to clearly understand that the alteration has been made.

  Next, the configuration of another electronic paper unit 101 including the electronic paper 110 will be specifically described. The electronic paper unit 101 is also attached to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 as described above.

  11A and 11B are diagrams showing an electronic paper unit, where FIGS. 11A and 11B are front views and FIG. 11C is a top view.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic paper unit 101 includes an electronic paper 110, an erasing / writing device 121 including a driver circuit board 111, and a superimposing unit 130.

  The basic functions of the electronic paper 110 are the same as described above. The electronic paper 110 shown in the figure does not display information itself, but displays (prints) information using a separate erasing / writing device 121.

  The erasing / writing device 121 includes an erasing unit 122 and a writing unit 123, and acts on the electronic paper 110 to display information on the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110 based on the control of the driver circuit board 111. It is a device that can be erased.

  The superimposing unit 130 includes a first base 131, a second base 132, a hinge 133, a first spring 134, a second spring 135, a tilting rod 136, a stopper 137, and a substrate 138. Yes.

  The first base 131 and the second base 132 are members that hold the electronic paper 110 in a stable manner, and apply a force to the electronic paper 110 to fold and open the electronic paper 110.

  The hinge 133 is a member that pivotably connects the second base to the first base, and has two pivot shafts, so that the electronic paper 110 is allowed as shown in FIG. The electronic paper can be folded while maintaining the range of curvature.

  Both the first spring 134 and the second spring 135 are springs that urge the electronic paper 110 in the folding direction. The second spring 135 urges the electronic paper 110 in an opened state in the initial state in a folded state, and the first spring 134 folds the electronic paper 110 and maintains the folded state. It is.

  The tilting rod 136 is engaged with the end of the second base 132 in a state where the electronic paper 110 is opened and spread, and the electronic paper 110 is resisted against the spring force of the first spring 134 and the second spring 135. It is a member that is maintained in an open and expanded state. Further, the tilting rod 136 can be tilted by a motor (not shown), tilted at a predetermined timing after a power failure, and can be disengaged from the second base 132.

  The stopper 137 is a member that maintains the folded electronic paper 110 at a predetermined interval.

Next, the operation of the electronic paper unit 101 will be described.
In general, the electronic paper 110 of the electronic paper unit 101 is held in an opened and expanded state by the engagement between the second base 132 and the tilting rod 136. In the event of a power failure, the erasing / writing device 121 moves in the length direction of the electronic paper 110 with respect to the substrate 138, and the game information is written into the electronic paper 110 as described above.

  When all the game information is written on the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110 and the erasing / writing device 121 returns to the original position (position shown in FIG. 11A), the tilting rod 136 is driven by a drive source (not shown). It tilts and the engagement between the second base 132 and the tilting rod 136 is released.

  When the engagement with the tilting rod 136 is released, the second base 132 is urged in the upright direction by the second spring 135 and further folded by the first spring 134 so as to overlap the first base 131. .

  The above-described electronic paper unit 101 can fold the electronic paper 110 without requiring electric power. Further, if necessary, the electronic paper 110 can be opened and spread by a human hand, so that the content displayed on the display body 116 can be confirmed even during a power failure.

  In the case of the pachinko machine 100 having the electronic paper unit 101 as described above, it is possible to confirm the game information that is the state of the pachinko machine 100 immediately before the power failure by opening and spreading the electronic paper 110 even during the power failure. It becomes possible.

  In addition, since the display body 116 of the electronic paper 110 is held in a folded and stacked state during a power outage, even if an attempt is made to tamper with a specific display displayed on the display body 116, Since the change also appears in the part, it is possible to clearly grasp the falsification.

  In the embodiment described above, the electronic paper 110 is attached to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is normally invisible to the player. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic paper 110 may be attached to the front of the pachinko machine 100 at a place that is always visible to the player.

  Further, the content displayed on the electronic paper 110 is not particularly limited, and may be the symbol itself presented during the game.

  The present invention is effective when applied to a gaming machine, particularly a gaming machine that maintains an advantageous state for a player for a long time.

The perspective view which shows the pachinko machine attached to Taijima. The front view of a pachinko machine. The rear view of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the supply path | route of a power supply board, a power supply board, etc. FIG. The block diagram which shows the information path | route etc. regarding a main control apparatus. The flowchart which shows the processing content of a starting process part (a is a flowchart which shows a special figure starting signal process, b is a flowchart which shows a power failure process). The flowchart which shows the processing content of the determination process part (a is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process, b is a flowchart which shows a power failure recovery process). The flowchart which shows the processing content of a prize ball processing part (a is a flowchart which shows a winning signal process, b is a flowchart which shows a power failure process, c is a flowchart which shows a power failure recovery process). The flowchart which shows the processing content of a payout process part (a is a flowchart which shows payout process, b is a flowchart which shows a power failure process). (A) is a top view which shows an electronic paper unit, (b) is the side view. (A), (b) is a front view which shows an electronic paper unit, (c) is the top view.

Explanation of symbols

  Main control device 20, power failure detection circuit 70, pachinko machine 100, electronic paper unit 101, electronic paper 110, display body 116, take-up roller 113, motor 114, first base 131, Second base 132, hinge 133, first spring 134, second spring 135, tilting rod 136, erasure writing device 121

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising a non-volatile display medium on which gaming information that is information about the gaming machine is displayed,
The non-volatile display medium has flexibility,
A power failure detection device for detecting a power failure;
A gaming machine comprising superimposing means for overlapping the display body of the non-volatile display medium more than twice while the power failure detection device detects a power failure.

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