JP5668747B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

Control of pachinko machine games is mainly performed by the main control board. The main control board includes a payout control board that performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls, a sound effect control board that performs output control of sound effects, and a display control board that performs display control such as symbol variation display. It is connected. These control boards are controlled based on commands transmitted from the main control board to the control boards.

Payout etc. prize balls, it is necessary to perform reliably even when the power supply of the pachinko machine is suddenly disconnected by the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Therefore, the present applicant, (back up) retained even after the power supply of the pachinko machine Lud over data to store the payout number of remaining prize balls is disconnected, all unpaid after the power is turned on again Tried to pay out a prize ball.
Also, back up the data in the event of power failure, in order to return the data after elimination of power failure, in the event of a power failure, it is necessary to execute a power failure processing for such to save the states of a game . Since the power failure process needs to be completed in a short time until the drive voltage of the control system decreases, it is preferable that the power failure process can be executed immediately after the power failure occurs. Therefore, the applicant of the present application is provided with a power failure monitoring circuit that detects the occurrence of a power failure, and inputs a power failure signal output from the power failure monitoring circuit when a power failure occurs, to a non-maskable interrupt terminal that cannot be set to prohibit interruption, The non-maskable interrupt tried to execute the power outage process.

However, when power failure processing is performed with non-maskable interrupts, it is not known when a power failure will occur, so various processes must be programmed so that there is no problem when power failure processing is executed. There is a problem that the program becomes complicated and the capacity increases.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably execute a power failure process .

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is characterized in that a control means capable of executing control relating to a game, a storage means capable of retaining data even after the power is turned off, and the control means when a power interruption occurs. A power failure monitoring means for outputting a power failure signal, and the control means is executed after the power is turned on, and the data stored in the storage means is used to return to the state before the power interruption, and A power failure that is executed after execution of the return process, and a repetitive process that repeatedly executes a predetermined process, a game control process that controls the progress of the game, and a power failure signal output by the power failure monitoring means. The game control process is executed in the first interrupt process that can be set to prohibit the interruption, and the process in the event of a power failure can be set to prohibit the interruption. Different from 1 interrupt processing A control process that is executed in a second interrupt process, and the predetermined process includes an interrupt prohibition process that prohibits an interrupt, and a process that is executed after the interrupt prohibition process and updates predetermined random data; And an interrupt permission process that is executed after the control process and permits an interrupt, and the drive voltage of the control means is at least during the power failure process when the power interruption occurs The power failure process is maintained to be executable.
The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, there is an effect that the power failure process can be suitably executed.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine which is one example of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. It is the flowchart which showed the INT interruption process (process at the time of a power failure). It is the flowchart which showed the main process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of 2nd execution example.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine that is a kind of a ball game machine, in particular, a first type pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine. Note that it is naturally possible to use the present invention for the third kind pachinko gaming machine and other gaming machines.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning holes 2 through which five to fifteen balls are paid out when a ball wins. A liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as “LCD”) 3 for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (special symbols) and the like is provided at the center of the game board 1. The display screen of the LCD 3 is divided into three in the vertical direction. In each of the three divided display areas, a variable display of symbols is performed while scrolling in the vertical direction from top to bottom.

  Above the LCD 3, a normal symbol display device 6 composed of two LEDs 6 a and 6 b with normal symbols “O” and “X” displayed on the surface is disposed. In this normal symbol display device 6, when the ball that has been driven into the game area passes through the gates 7 arranged on both sides of the LCD 3, the fluctuations in which the LEDs 6 a and 6 b of “◯” and “×” are alternately lit. Display is performed. When the change display is terminated with the “◯” LED 6a, the ordinary electric accessory 4 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  Also, a symbol operating port (first type starting port, ordinary electric accessory) 4 is provided below the LCD 3, and when the ball is awarded to the symbol operating port 4, the variation display of the LCD 3 is displayed. Be started. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. This specific winning opening 5 is a big hit when the display result after the fluctuation of the LCD 3 coincides with one of the predetermined symbol combinations, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds elapses) so that the ball is easy to win. (Or until 10 balls have been won).

  A V zone 5a is provided in the specific winning opening 5, and when the ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is opened, a continuation right is established and the specific winning opening 5 is closed. Thereafter, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of balls win the specific winning opening 5). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state in which the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state in which a so-called predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.

  Note that a state in which a predetermined game value is given in the third type pachinko gaming machine (special game state) is specified when the display result after the change of the LCD 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations. It means that the winning opening is opened for a predetermined time. When the ball wins into the specific winning opening while the specific winning opening is opened, a large winning opening provided separately from the specific winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. As shown in FIG. On the main control board C of the pachinko machine P, an MPU 21 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit is mounted. The MPU 21 includes a ROM 22 for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 21 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 22. A certain RAM 23 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are stored in the ROM 22 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 23 is configured so that a backup voltage is supplied from a power supply board 50 (to be described later) even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off. . The RAM 23 includes a backup area 23a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data. In the backup area 23a, when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine P is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. This is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 23a is executed when the power is turned off by the INT interrupt process (see FIG. 3). Conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 23a is performed when the power is turned on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation). The same is true for the following (see FIG. 4). Note that the power failure signal 51 output from the power failure monitoring circuit 50b described later is input to the INT terminal (external interrupt terminal) of the MPU 21 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (INT interrupt process) in FIG. 3 is executed at the timing of interrupt permission. When the INT interrupt is executed, the MPU 21 forcibly enters the interrupt disabled state without executing the interrupt disable instruction.

  The MPU 21 including the ROM 22 and the RAM 23 is connected to an input / output port 25. The input / output port 25 is controlled by a clear switch 50c provided on the power supply board 50 and a payout motor 26 for payout of prize balls and balls. The payout control board H that performs the above-described control, the display control board D that controls the variation display of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and the output control of the sound effect from the speaker 27 and the lighting control of the LED and the various lamps 28. The sound lamp control board S and other input / output devices 29 are connected to each other. The RAM (not shown) of the payout control board H is supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply board 50 even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, and retains data even after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off. It is configured so that it can be backed up.

  The power supply board 50 includes a power supply unit 50a for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine P, a power failure monitoring circuit 50b, and a clear switch 50c. The power failure monitoring circuit 50b is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal 51 to the INT terminal of the MPU 21 of the main control board C and the INT terminal of the MPU of the payout control board H when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 50b monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the largest voltage output from the power supply unit 50a, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal 51 is output to the main control board C and the payout control board H. Based on the output of the power failure signal 51, the main control board C and the payout control board H recognize the occurrence of the power outage, and the power failure process (in the case of the main control board C, the INT interrupt process of FIG. (Not shown).

  Note that the power supply unit 50a normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control board C and the payout control board H can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The clear switch 50c is a switch for clearing data backed up in the RAM 23 of the main control board C and the RAM (not shown) of the payout control board H, and is configured as a push button type switch. When the clear switch 50c is pressed, a clear signal 52 is output to the main control board C and the payout control board H. When the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on while the clear switch 50c is pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 23 is cleared by the main control board C and the payout control board H. .

  Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an INT interrupt process (power failure process) executed by the main control board C when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this INT interruption process, the state of the main control board C when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area 23a.

  When the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 51 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 50b to the INT terminal of the MPU 21 of the main control board C. Then, an INT interrupt is generated in the MPU 21, and if the interrupt is permitted, the INT interrupt process of FIG. 3 is started. On the other hand, if the MPU 21 is in an interrupt disabled state when the power failure signal 51 is output, the execution of the INT interrupt process of FIG. 3 is waited and is started at the timing when the interrupt is permitted. As described above, power is supplied from the power supply unit 50a of the power supply board 50 so that the processing of the main control board C can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal 51 is output. Therefore, the INT interrupt process can complete all processes normally within this predetermined time. When the INT interrupt is executed, the MPU 21 forcibly disables the interrupt, so that the INT interrupt does not occur repeatedly until the interrupt is permitted.

  Specifically, in the INT interrupt processing, first, the values of each register and I / O are written to the stack area (S1), and then the value of the stack pointer is written to the backup area 23a and saved (S2). Further, the power failure occurrence information is written into the backup area 23a (S3), and the state at the time of power interruption due to the occurrence of a power failure is stored. Thereafter, after other power failure processing is executed (S4), the processing is looped until the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the INT interrupt process (power failure process) in FIG. 3 is executed only during the process from S19 to S21 in the main process in FIG. In the random number initial value update process (S22) and other random processes (S23) that are repeatedly executed after the process, the value of each register is programmed so as not to be taken over from the outside of the respective subroutines, so that the process of S1 Thus, it is not necessary to save the value of each register to the backup area 23a.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main process executed by the main control board C when the pachinko machine P is turned on. In the main process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 23a is returned to the original state, and the game control is continued from the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid or the clear switch 50c is pressed at power-on even if the backup is valid, the RAM clearing and initialization process is executed to initialize the pachinko machine P. .

  First, interrupts are prohibited (S11), and a stack pointer is set (S12). It is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 50c is turned on (S13). If it is not turned on (S13: No), it is confirmed whether or not the backup is valid (S14). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 23 is correctly stored. If the keyword is stored correctly, the backup is valid. On the other hand, if the keyword is not correct, the backup data is destroyed, so the backup is not valid. If the backup is valid (S14: Yes), the process proceeds to S15, and each state of the main control board C is returned to the state before the power is turned off. That is, the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 23a and written to the stack pointer to return to the state before power interruption (before power failure), that is, the state before INT interruption occurs (S15). Next, data such as each register and I / O saved in the stack area after returning the value of the stack pointer, that is, the backup area 23a is read from the backup area 23a, and each of these data is read from the original register and I / O. Write to O or the like (S16), and then execute an INT interrupt return to return to the place where the process was executed before the power was turned off, and continue the control from the state before the power was turned off.

  On the other hand, if the clear switch 50c is turned on (S13: Yes) or the backup is not valid (S14: No), RAM clearing and initialization processing are executed (S17), and then setting of timer interrupts, etc. (S18) After enabling the generation of an interrupt, the interrupt is permitted (S19). If there is an interrupt waiting for execution (if there is an interrupt that has already occurred), the interrupt is permitted here and executed. If two or more interrupts are waiting (if two or more interrupts have occurred), they are executed in order according to the interrupt priority set in advance in the MPU 21. In the INT interrupt that performs processing during a power failure and the timer interrupt that controls the game, the interrupt priority is higher in the INT interrupt, so both interrupts are generated and the execution is waited at the same time In such a case, the INT interrupt for power failure processing is executed in preference to the timer interrupt for game control. Therefore, after a power failure occurs, the power failure process can be executed quickly. After completion of all the interrupt processes, the main process (FIG. 4) is continued from the part (process) interrupted by the execution of the interrupt process.

  After permitting the interrupt in S19, interrupt is prohibited after the no-operation process (NOP process) (S20) (S21), and the random number initial value update process (S22) and other random processes (S23) are executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S19, and each process up to S23 is repeated. That is, the random number initial value update process (S22) and other random processes (S23) are executed in a state where interrupts are prohibited (S21), and then interrupts are once permitted (S19). After the no operation process (S20), interrupts are again prohibited (S21), and the random number initial value update process (S22) and other random processes (S23) are executed.

  Here, the random number initial value update process (S22) is a process for updating the initial value of the update of the random number counter for determining the jackpot. The other random process (S23) is an update process for imparting randomness to predetermined data in controlling the game. As described above, since these processes are repeatedly executed using an indefinite time during which no interrupt is executed, the data to be subjected to these processes has a random value as a result. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the processes from S19 to S23, the initial value for updating the random number counter can be set to a random value. In addition, each process of S19 to S21 is added between the random number initial value update process (S22) and the other random processes (S23), and the interrupt permission state is set between both processes (S22, S23). You may make it provide.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process executed in the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. The main control of the pachinko machine P is executed by this timer interrupt process. When the timer interrupt process is executed, the MPU 21 forcibly disables the interrupt. In this interrupt disabled state, first, the output data updated in the previous timer interrupt process is obtained by the special symbol variation process (S39), the display data creation process (S41), the ramp / information process (S42), etc. Port output processing for outputting to each port at once is executed (S31).

  Next, a random number update process (S32) for updating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot by “+1” is executed, and a storage timer subtraction process is executed (S33). The storage timer subtraction process shortens the time for symbol variation display when there is a predetermined number or more of reserved balls for jackpot determination and the symbol variation display is being performed on the LCD 3.

  In the switch monitoring process (S34), depending on the state of each read switch, a ball that has been driven into the game area is awarded to the prize winning port 2, the grand prize winning port 5, the symbol operating port 4, the passing to the gate 7, etc. The process regarding is performed. In the symbol counter update process (S35), as a result of the variable display performed on the LCD 3, a counter update process for determining a symbol to be stopped is performed. In the symbol check process (S36), based on the counter value updated in the symbol counter update process (S35), the jackpot symbol, the off symbol, and the reach symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S39). Etc. are determined.

  In the normal symbol variation process (S37), the normal symbol display device 6 composed of the two LEDs 6a and 6b of “O” and “X” is subjected to variation display, and as a result of the variation display, the “6” LED 6a is displayed. When the variable display is finished, a hit process is performed in which the normal electric accessory (symbol operating port) 4 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). After that, the state flag is checked (S38), and if the special symbol variation start or variation display is in progress on the LCD 3 (S38: during symbol variation), the ball passes the symbol operation port 4 by the special symbol variation process (S39). On the basis of the value of the random number counter read at the timing of the determination, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and a special symbol variation process is executed in the LCD 3. On the other hand, if the result of checking the status flag indicates that the jackpot is winning (S38: jackpot), a jackpot process (S40) such as opening the jackpot 5 is executed. Further, as a result of checking the status flag, if the special symbol is not changing or big hit (S38: Other), the processing of S39 and S40 is skipped and the process proceeds to the display data generation processing of S41.

  In the display data creation process (S41), demo data displayed on the LCD 3 in addition to the special symbol variation display, display data of the two LEDs 6a and 6b of the normal symbol display device 6, etc. are created, and lamp / information processing (S42) is performed. ), Various types of ramp data are generated, including ramp data for the holding ball. In the sound effect process (S43), sound effect data corresponding to the game situation is created. These display data and sound effect data are output (transmitted) to the corresponding control boards D and S by the port output process (S31).

  After the sound effect process (S29) ends, this timer interrupt process ends. Thereafter, the process returns to immediately after the main process (FIG. 4) executed immediately before the timer interrupt process is executed, and the main process is continued. Then, when the time set in the timer interrupt circuit has elapsed and the interrupt is permitted, this timer interrupt process is re-executed.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of the present embodiment, the timer interrupt process for controlling the game (FIG. 5) and the INT interrupt process for performing the backup process when a power failure occurs (power failure process) ) (FIG. 3) are configured so that interrupts can be prohibited. In particular, when a timer interrupt occurs and timer interrupt processing is executed, the MPU 21 enters an interrupt disabled state. Therefore, even if the power failure signal 51 is output in the middle of the game control and an INT interrupt occurs, the INT interrupt process is executed after the timer interrupt process is completed and the interrupt is performed in S19 of the main process. Wait until allowed. Therefore, the execution timing of the INT interrupt processing (power failure processing) can be controlled at the timing of interrupt permission (S19). Therefore, the power failure processing (INT interrupt processing) is executed only at a timing suitable for the power failure processing, and conversely, the power failure processing (INT split processing) is performed at a timing that is not convenient for the power failure processing. The control program can be a simplified small-capacity program.

  Since the timer interrupt process is forcibly disabled by the MPU 21 at the start of execution, it is not necessary to set the interrupt prohibition at the start of control. Therefore, the control program can be further simplified as compared with the case where the game control is performed not by the timer interrupt process but by the main process.

  In addition, when processing at power failure is performed by NMI interrupt, or processing at power failure is performed by INT interrupt that can be set to prohibit the interruption, the game is controlled by the main processing, and when power failure occurs during the control of the main processing When processing is feasible, interrupts are permitted, and when power failure processing is not possible, interrupts are prohibited. Since there are a lot of processing execution points, the program must assume a number of execution points, and as a result, the power failure processing itself becomes complicated. Therefore, in these cases, even if the power outage process is executed early when a power outage occurs, it takes a long time to execute it. It is longer than the embodiment. In other words, as in this embodiment, the power failure process is configured by an INT interrupt process that can be set to prohibit interrupts, and similarly, the game control is performed by a timer interrupt process that can be set to prohibit interrupts. By configuring, it is possible to simplify the process at the time of a power failure and shorten the time from the occurrence of a power failure to the completion of the process at the time of a power failure.

  Furthermore, according to the pachinko machine P of the present embodiment, even when the power failure signal 51 is repeatedly output in a pulse shape due to the influence of noise or the like, there is no inconvenience such as a stack over and the normal power failure processing is performed. Can be executed. That is, when the power failure process is executed with an NMI interrupt, when the power failure signal 51 is repeatedly output in pulses, the NMI interrupt process, which is a power failure process, is repeatedly executed. Since the return address is stacked (stored) every time NMI interrupt processing (power failure processing) is executed in the stack area, it will eventually become a stack over and processing cannot be executed normally (MPU 21 runs out of control). ). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the power failure process is performed by the INT interrupt process that can be set to prohibit the interruption, so even if the power failure signal 51 is repeatedly output, the INT interrupt process (power failure process) ) Is not repeated unless interrupts are allowed. Therefore, even in such a case, stack over does not occur due to the stack at the return address of the interrupt, and the power failure process can be executed normally.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment described above, interrupt processing is prohibited for the processing (random number initial value update processing (S22) and other random processing (S23)) for imparting randomness to predetermined data such as the initial value for updating the random number counter. Executed in the main process in the state. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, this process is executed in the timer interrupt process. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main process of the second embodiment that is executed by the main control board C when the pachinko machine P is powered on. In this main process, as in the main process of the first embodiment, first, the processes from S11 to S18 are executed. Then, after executing the process of S16, an INT interrupt return is executed to return to the place where the process was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off. On the other hand, after execution of the process of S18, interrupt is permitted (S51), and the subsequent processes are looped.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second embodiment executed in the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. In the case of the second embodiment, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, when the timer interrupt process is executed, the MPU 21 forcibly enters the interrupt prohibited state. In the second embodiment, in this interrupt disabled state, first, the value of the stack pointer is decremented by 2, and the return address (address) after the completion of the 2-byte timer interrupt stacked at the time of timer interrupt execution is obtained. Clear (S60). As described above, by manipulating the value of the stack pointer at the start of the interrupt, the use area of the stack can be reduced correspondingly, and the RAM 23 can be used effectively.

  Note that the processing of S60 (manipulation of the value of the stack pointer) does not necessarily need to be executed immediately after the start of the timer interrupt processing. For example, even if it is executed before the processing of S63, troubles such as a stack over may be caused. The program can be operated normally without coming. However, in this case, the processing after S31 is executed while the return destination address after the end of the timer interrupt is stored in the stack area, and therefore the use area of the stack cannot be reduced by the return address. If the return address after the timer interruption is stored in 3 bytes or more, the value of the stack pointer is subtracted by the number of bytes in S60.

  After the process of S60, each process of S31 to S43 is executed as in the case of the first embodiment. After execution of the process of S43, randomness initial value update processing (S61), which is a process for updating the initial value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot, and randomness is given to predetermined data in the control of the game The other random process (S62) which is an update process for providing is performed. After execution of both processes (S61, S62), interrupt is once permitted (S63), and after no operation process (S64), interrupt is again prohibited (S65). After the interruption is prohibited, the process proceeds to S61, and the above-described processes from S61 to S65 are repeated until the next timer interruption process occurs.

  Thus, the random number initial value update process (S61) and the other random processes (S62) are repeatedly executed during the remaining time until the next timer interrupt is generated and executed after the execution of S60 and S31 to S43. Therefore, the data to be processed is a random value as a result. In addition, each process of S63 to S65 is added between the random number initial value update process (S61) and the other random processes (S62), and the interrupt permission state is also present between both processes (S61, S62). May be provided.

  Since the above timer interrupt process is continuously executed until the next timer interrupt occurs, the next timer interrupt process is started only after the process of S63 and before the process of S65. Can be done. Similarly, the INT interrupt processing (power failure processing) of FIG. 3 executed when a power failure occurs is also configured with an interrupt that can be prohibited, so that the power failure signal 51 is output between S60 and S31 to S62. Even if the interrupt is made, the execution of the INT interrupt process is waited during that period, and is executed only after the interrupt is permitted in S63. Therefore, the execution timing of the INT interrupt processing (power failure processing) can be controlled at the timing of interrupt permission (S63). Therefore, the power failure processing (INT interrupt processing) is executed only at a timing suitable for the power failure processing, and conversely, the power failure processing (INT split processing) is performed at a timing that is not convenient for the power failure processing. The control program can be a simplified small-capacity program. Since the timer interrupt process is forcibly disabled by the MPU 21 at the start of execution, there is no need to set interrupt prohibition at the start of control, and the control program is further simplified accordingly. can do.

  Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, the power failure signal 51 is repeatedly output in pulses because of the influence of noise, etc. In such a case, it is possible to normally execute the process at the time of a power failure without causing a problem such as a stack over.

  The control means described in claim 1 corresponds to the timer interrupt process shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, and the save means corresponds to the INT interrupt process (power failure process) shown in FIG. As the electric means, the processes of S15 and S16 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 correspond.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the game control is performed using the timer interrupt process. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, an interval interrupt that can be executed by the internal setting of the MPU 21 or an interrupt You may make it perform control of a game by the other interruption process in which prohibition setting is possible. In each of the embodiments described above, the main control board C has been described as an example. However, as a matter of course, such a configuration may be used for another control board such as a payout control board H configured to be backed up. .

  In each of the above embodiments, after the process of S16 of the main process (FIGS. 4 and 6), an INT interrupt return is executed to return to the place where the process was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is turned on. Continued from the previous state. However, instead of this, in the main process of the first embodiment (FIG. 4), after the process of S16, the process jumps to the process of S19. In the main process of the second embodiment (FIG. 6), after the process of S16, You may comprise so that it may jump to the process of S51. In this case, however, the value of the stack pointer is subtracted by 2 at the beginning of the INT interrupt process (FIG. 3), and the return address (address) after completion of the INT interrupt stacked during the execution of the INT interrupt process. ) And adjust the data stored in the stack. At this time, when the return address is 3 bytes or more and is stored in the stack, the value of the stack pointer is subtracted by the number of bytes. Also with this configuration, the execution point of the INT interrupt process (power failure process) is determined in each of the above embodiments, that is, in the first embodiment, after the process of S19 in FIG. Before the process, in the second embodiment, since it is determined after the process of S63 in FIG. 7 and before the process of S65, even if the jump is performed instead of the INT interrupt return, the control is performed before the power is turned off. You can continue from the state. According to such a configuration, the amount of RAM used can be reduced by the number of data of the return address after completion of the INT interrupt stored in the stack.

  You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said Example. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, a two-time right item, a three-time right item) May also be implemented. Moreover, after a jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state on the condition that a ball is awarded in a predetermined area. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the game machine may be implemented as various game machines such as an alepatchi, a sparrow ball, a slot machine, a game machine in which a so-called pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

  In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. Accordingly, the basic concept of the slot machine is that “a variable display means for confirming and displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed in a variable manner, and the symbol resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operating lever). The change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol Is a slot machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player. In this case, the game medium is typically a coin, a medal or the like.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable display means for displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  The modification of this invention is shown below. 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said evacuation means is constituted by an interrupt having a higher interrupt priority than said control means. Therefore, if both interrupts occur and the execution is waiting at the same time, if the interrupt is permitted, the saver is executed with priority over the control means, so the saver can be quickly Can be executed.

  2. The gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation unit is configured by an interrupt having a highest interrupt priority among interrupts that can be prohibited and used. A gaming machine 2 characterized by that. Therefore, if an interruption of the save means occurs and the interrupt is permitted, the save means interrupts first even if another interrupt (except for the NMI interrupt) is waiting to be executed. Since it is executed, the evacuation means can be executed quickly after a power failure occurs. Even if it is used in the form, for example, interrupts that are not used for actual control such as an interrupt return (RETI) in NOP processing after execution of interrupts are excluded except for the level of interrupt priority. Is done.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, or a gaming machine 1 or 2, further comprising a power failure monitoring means for outputting a power failure signal when a power failure occurs, wherein the evacuation means is triggered by a power failure signal output from the power failure monitoring means. A gaming machine 3 characterized by being constituted by an interrupt process to be executed. Since the saving means is executed in response to the output of the power failure signal, the data related to the game can be saved to the backup means quickly after the power failure.

  2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means is executed by an internal interrupt that can independently generate an interrupt. Machine 4. Since the control means is executed by, for example, internal interruption of the CPU (or MPU), it is not necessary to provide a trigger device for executing the control means outside the CPU (or MPU). Therefore, the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. Examples of the internal interrupt include an interval interrupt that can be independently generated at a constant interval by setting a timer interrupt or CPU (or MPU).

  In the gaming machine 4, the control means executes all of its own interrupt processing in an interrupt-inhibited state. Therefore, since the saving means is not executed during the execution of the control means, the guarantee of the command transmitted by the control means and the saving processing of the register information, etc. are simplified in executing the saving means, and the program capacity and use RAM capacity to be reduced can be reduced.

  The gaming machine 5 includes update means for updating predetermined data used for control related to the game by the control means so as to have randomness, and the update means includes an interrupt executed by the control means. A gaming machine 6 that is executed in a main process separately from the process. Since the updating of the predetermined data by the updating means is executed by the main process, the updating time is shortened depending on the execution time of the control means. Therefore, by such data update, the updated data can be given randomness and used for game control.

  In the gaming machine 6, the updating means prohibits interruption before the execution and permits interruption after the execution. Therefore, since the control means and the saving means are not executed during the execution of the update means, it is possible to update predetermined data with the remaining time of execution of the control means without complicating the program. When the updating means is composed of two or more subroutines, interrupt prohibition and permission may be performed for each subroutine, or a plurality of subroutines may be performed collectively.

  In the gaming machine 4, the control means includes a first control unit that performs control relating to the game, and a second control unit that imparts randomness to predetermined data used in the first control unit. A game machine characterized in that one control unit is executed in a state in which interrupts are prohibited, and the second control unit is executed in a state in which interrupts are prohibited, while interrupts are permitted after the execution. 8. According to such a configuration, since the saving unit is not executed during the execution of the first control unit and the second control unit of the control unit, it is possible to control the game without complicating the program. Also, the predetermined data can be updated with the remaining execution time of the first control unit, and the data can be given randomness. When the second control unit is configured by two or more subroutines, the prohibition and permission of interrupts may be performed for each subroutine, or a plurality of subroutines may be performed collectively.

  In the gaming machine 8, when the control is executed due to the generation of an interrupt, the control means continues the control during the execution until the next self interrupt occurs. The gaming machine 9 is characterized by clearing the stack at the return address after completion of the interrupt being executed before starting the game. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the stack over due to the occurrence of overlapping interrupts and to execute control normally. Note that the stack at the return address after completion of the interrupt is cleared, for example, by returning the value of the stack pointer by the number of data indicating the return address.

  In the gaming machine 9, when the control is executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt, the control means continues the control during the execution until the next self-interrupt occurs. A gaming machine 10 characterized by clearing the stack of the return address after the end of the interrupt at the start of control. By clearing the stack at the return address at the start of control, the RAM stack amount can be reduced by that amount, and the RAM can be used effectively. Note that the stack at the return address after completion of the interrupt is cleared, for example, by returning the value of the stack pointer by the number of data indicating the return address.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 10, the evacuation means is permitted and prohibited from being interrupted so as to be executed only in one part of the program. Therefore, since the return address after execution of the saving means is fixed, it is not necessary to store the address at the time of a power failure, and the storage amount and processing contents of the process at the time of power failure can be simplified correspondingly. If a process that does not affect the return address of the saving means is included between the permission and the prohibition of the interrupt, such as the NOP process, after the permission of the interrupt and before the prohibition of the interrupt A series of periods until is called one place. In the case of the gaming machine 11, the return address stack is cleared at the time of interruption of the saving means, and the RETI instruction is not executed at the time of interruption return after the power recovery processing, but is fixed. Configure to jump to the return address.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 11, the control system drive voltage is effective for a time sufficient for execution of the evacuation means when the execution of the evacuation means is most delayed from the output of the power failure signal by the power failure monitoring means. A gaming machine 12 comprising power supply means for maintaining the state. Even when the execution of the evacuation means is most delayed, the drive voltage of the control system is maintained in a valid state for a time sufficient for the execution of the evacuation means by the power supply means. Therefore, the saving process at the time of a power failure can be executed after the arrival of a convenient timing for control.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation means evacuates an I / O value to the backup means. By backing up the I / O value, the output state of each port can be restored and the game can be resumed. The saving means may save the stack pointer value or each register value to the backup means in addition to the I / O value.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 13, wherein the control means is a main control means for controlling a game and paying out a valuable object based on a control command transmitted from the main control means. Payout control means for performing control related to the game that is control, and the backup means, the evacuation means, and the power recovery means are provided in the main control means and the payout control means, respectively. Characteristic gaming machine 14. Since the gaming state of the main control means and the payout control means can be backed up in the event of a power failure and this can be restored after the power failure has been resolved, even if the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, the payout control means Can be paid out reliably. Note that it is not always necessary to back up both the main control means and the payout control means, and only one of them may be backed up. In such a case, the backup means, the evacuation means, and the power recovery means are provided on the backup side of the main control means or the payout control means. Further, control means for performing control related to a game other than the main control means and the payout control means (for example, a display control means for performing display control and a sound lamp control means for controlling sound and lamp output) may be used as the control means. .

  15. The gaming machine 15 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and in response to the operation of the operation handle, a ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the ball is awarded to an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition (or passing through the working port), the identification information variably displayed on the display means is determined and stopped after a predetermined time. Further, at the time of outputting the special gaming state, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include values to which value (including information written on a magnetic card as well as premium balls) is given.

  15. The gaming machine 16 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Alternatively, when a predetermined time elapses, the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is output on the condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. A gaming machine provided with a special gaming state output means. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  15. The gaming machine 17 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine includes “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The variation of the identification information is started due to the operation, the variation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed, and the confirmation at the time of the stop is confirmed. Special game state output means for outputting a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the identification information is specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium, and at the time of starting the variation of the identification information Is a gaming machine that requires a predetermined number of balls and is configured so that a large number of balls are paid out when the special gaming state is output.

21 MPU (control means)
23 RAM (storage means)
23a backup area A 50b power failure monitoring circuit (power failure monitoring means)
51 Power failure signal P Pachinko machine (game machine)
S1 to S4 INT interrupt processing (power failure processing, second interrupt processing)
S15, S16 Main processing (return processing)
S19 Interrupt permission processing (part of repeated processing, part of predetermined processing)
S21 Interrupt prohibition processing (part of repeated processing, part of predetermined processing)
S22, S23 Control processing (part of repetitive processing, part of predetermined processing)
S31 to S43 Timer interrupt process (game control process, first interrupt process)

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine comprising control means capable of executing control relating to a game, storage means capable of retaining data even after power is turned off, and power failure monitoring means for outputting a power failure signal to the control means when a power failure occurs ,
The control means includes
A return process that is executed after the power is turned on and uses the data stored in the storage means to return to the state before the power is turned off;
A repetitive process that is executed after execution of the return process and repeatedly executes a predetermined process;
A game control process for controlling the progress of the game;
A power failure process executed when a power failure signal output by the power failure monitoring means is input,
The game control process is executed in a first interrupt process that can be set to prohibit interrupts,
The process at the time of power failure can be set to prohibit the interruption, and is executed in a second interrupt process different from the first interrupt process,
The predetermined process is:
Interrupt prohibition processing that prohibits interrupts,
A control process that is executed after the interrupt prohibition process and includes a process for updating predetermined random data;
It is executed after the control process, and includes an interrupt permission process for permitting an interrupt.
The gaming machine is characterized in that the drive voltage of the control means is maintained so that the power failure process can be executed at least during the power failure process when the power interruption occurs. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.

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