JP6187637B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Game control of a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is mainly performed by a 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. Control of each of these control board is performed by a command or the like transmitted from the main control board in one direction to the control board.

In such a gaming machine, it is necessary to cope with the case where the power source of the gaming machine is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can cope with a power failure .

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided with a main control means for controlling a game and a sub-control means for performing a predetermined control based on a command transmitted from the main control means. The main control means uses the storage means connected to the backup power supply means so as to keep the stored contents even when the gaming machine is powered off, and the storage contents of the storing means after the gaming machine is turned on. Switchable between a game execution means for executing a game, an initialization means for initializing the stored contents of the storage means after the gaming machine is turned on, and a game execution by the game execution means and an initialization by the initialization means Switching means and main initialization command transmission means for transmitting a main initialization command to the slave control means when initialization by the initialization means is performed, the initialization means and the main initialization The hour command transmission means is included in one CPU, and the slave control means is a slave side initialization means for initializing slave storage means included in the slave control means after the gaming machine is turned on, and the master control means Means for executing a process at the time of main initialization command reception when a command at the time of main initialization to be transmitted is received, and the slave side initialization means has a gaming machine as the process at the time of command reception at the time of main initialization. After the power is turned on, the initialization of the secondary storage means is executed if it has not been executed, and the initialization of the secondary storage means is avoided if the initialization is already executed. Has a process to do.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to cope with a power failure.

It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine which is one Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the NMI interruption process performed with the main control board and the payout control board. It is a flowchart of the starting process performed with a main control board. It is a flowchart of prize ball processing performed with a main control board. It is a flowchart of a prize ball detection process executed in the prize ball process of the main control board. It is a flowchart of the command reception process performed by the reception interruption process of a payout control board. It is a flowchart of the starting process performed with a payout control board. It is a flowchart of a prize ball payout process executed by a payout control board.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine that is a kind of a ball game machine, in particular, a first type pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine. Of course, the present invention can be used for other gaming machines such as a third-class pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, and a slot machine.

  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. In the center of the game board 1, a liquid crystal (LCD) display 3 for displaying symbols as a plurality of types of identification information is provided. The display screen of the LCD display 3 is divided into three in the horizontal direction. In each of the three divided display areas, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner while scrolling from right to left in the horizontal direction.

  Below the LCD display 3, a symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4 is provided, and when the sphere passes through the symbol operating port 4, the above-described variation display of the LCD display 3 is started. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. The specific winning opening 5 is a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) so that the ball is a big hit and the ball is easy to win when the display result after the fluctuation of the LCD display 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations. Open until seconds have passed or 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 predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. In particular, the main control board C that controls the game contents of the pachinko machine P, and the payout control of prize balls and rental balls as valuable objects. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure with the payout control board | substrate H to perform.

  The main control board C of the pachinko machine P includes an MPU 11 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 12 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data, and a RAM 13 that is used as a work memory. Yes. The programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6 are stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program. Further, the RAM 13 is provided with a prize ball buffer 13a, a prize ball pointer 13b, a remaining prize ball counter 13c, an insufficient prize ball check completed flag 13d, an insufficient prize ball check counter 13e, and a backup area 13f. A backup capacitor (battery) 13x is connected and configured to be backed up. Therefore, each value of the RAM 13 is retained (backed up) even when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off.

  The winning ball buffer 13a is a buffer for storing the number of winning balls to be paid out when a ball that has been driven into the game area 1 wins the normal winning slot 2 or the like. Since the number of winning balls to be paid out is stored in the winning ball buffer 13a for each winning ball, the winning ball buffer 13a is composed of a plurality of bytes. When the prize ball data stored in the prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H as a prize ball command, it is erased from the prize ball buffer 13a. Specifically, after the number of prize balls stored in the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H, the values of the 1st and later prize ball buffers 13a are sequentially shifted to the smaller address side by 1 byte. As a result, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is erased.

  Here, the prize ball command is a command for instructing the payout control board H of the number of prize balls to be paid out, and is composed of 2 bytes. The first byte data of the prize ball command is data (for example, “A0H”) indicating that the command is a prize ball command, and the second byte data indicates the number of prize balls to be paid out. The data is shown. Since the maximum number of winning balls for one winning is 15 balls, 15 types of data “01H” to “0FH” corresponding to the maximum number of winning balls are used as the second byte data of the winning ball command. Yes.

  The prize ball command may be composed of 1 byte. As described above, since the maximum number of winning balls for one winning is 15 balls, when the winning ball command is composed of 1 byte, “01H” to “0FH” corresponding to the maximum winning ball number. Fifteen types of data are used as prize ball commands. In other words, when the upper 4 bits of a command composed of 1 byte are “0”, a winning ball command is set.

  The prize ball pointer 13b is a pointer indicating the position of the prize ball buffer 13a for storing the number of prize balls, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored in the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b. The value of the prize ball pointer 13b is incremented by "1" by writing the number of prize balls in the prize ball buffer 13a, and conversely, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a is transmitted to the payout control board H. “1” is subtracted.

  The remaining prize ball number counter 13c is a counter for storing the number of unpaid prize balls, and is a counter for managing the number of prize balls to be paid out by the payout control board H on the main control board C. Each time the main control board C instructs the payout control board H to pay out the prize ball, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is incremented, and conversely, the payout control board H pays out the prize ball. Each time the award ball count switch 22 detects the paid-out prize ball, “1” is subtracted. The value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is also used as the second byte data of an insufficient prize ball command to be described later.

  The shortage prize ball checked flag 13d indicates that the shortage prize ball is generated when a power outage occurs when an "shortage prize ball" occurs in which the prize balls to be paid out by the payout control board H are insufficient with respect to the number of prize balls to be paid out. This is a flag for indicating whether or not the power is turned off and the power is turned on again.

  Depending on the timing at which the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, backup is performed in a state where the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a of the payout control board H is smaller than the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c of the main control board C. There is. For example, after the prize ball command is transmitted from the main control board C and the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C is updated, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a of the payout control board H is updated. If the control of the payout control board H is stopped due to power interruption before the update, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a of the payout control board H becomes smaller than the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C. Is backed up. In such a case, when the power failure is resolved and the power is turned on again, the payout control board H pays out the number of prize balls stored in its own remaining prize ball number counter 33a. The value stored in the remaining ball counter 13c of the substrate C is insufficient.

  The shortage balls in this case are generated due to the timing of power-off, etc., such as a failure of the pachinko machine P (for example, a case where a prize ball cannot be paid out due to a failure of the prize ball payout motor 21). It is not caused by a malfunction. Therefore, in order to smoothly advance the game after the power is turned on again, the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is provided to indicate whether or not the insufficient prize ball is generated for the first time after the power is turned on again. In this way, a shortage ball due to the re-entry of the ball is prevented from causing a prize ball under error.

  When the deficient ball checked flag 13d is turned off, it indicates that the first deficient ball is being checked after the power is turned on again. This indicates that the check has already been completed. Therefore, the shortage ball checked flag 13d is turned off when the value of the remaining ball number counter 13c is not “0” in the start-up process when the power is turned on again (see FIG. 4) (S26). "Is turned on (S28). This is because, when the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is “0”, the first shortage prize ball check after power-on is the same as having already been completed. When the main control board C is initialized in the start-up process (S16), the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is turned on in the initialization process. This is because the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c is cleared to “0”, and in this case as well, the first shortage winning ball check after power-on is the same as having already been completed.

  If a shortage ball is generated with the shortage ball checked flag 13d off, a shortage ball command is issued to report the shortage ball number to the payout control board H without generating a shortage ball under error. Is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H (S65 in FIG. 6). On the contrary, when a shortage prize ball is generated with the shortage prize ball checked flag 13d turned on, a prize ball under error is generated (S67 in FIG. 6). This is because there is no shortage of prize balls due to power re-entry.

  Here, the shortage prize ball command is a command from the main control board C to the payout control board H in order to report the shortage when the number of prize balls to be paid out by the payout control board H is insufficient when the power is turned on again. The command to be sent. The insufficient prize ball command is composed of 2 bytes. The first byte data is data (for example, “A2H”) indicating that the command is an insufficient prize ball command, and the second byte data is data indicating the number of insufficient prize balls. ing. Specifically, the value of the remaining winning ball number counter 13c is set as the second byte data. When the payout control board H receives the insufficient prize ball command, it reads out the second byte data and writes it in the remaining prize ball number counter 33a (S78 in FIG. 7). Thereby, the payout control board H pays out the award winning ball.

  The insufficient prize ball check counter 13e is a counter that determines the determination timing of whether or not there is an insufficient prize ball. In the present embodiment, a value corresponding to 5 seconds is set as an initial value in the shortage prize ball check counter 13e, and in the prize ball detection process (S50) of FIG. When the value of the ball counter 13c is not “0”, “1” is subtracted. As a result of this subtraction, it is determined whether or not there is an insufficient prize ball at the timing when the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e becomes “0”. Specifically, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is not “0” at the timing when the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e becomes “0”, the command is issued from the main control board C. It is determined that there are unpaid prize balls (shortage prize balls) that are not paid out for some reason. As described above, if the shortage prize ball checked flag 13d is off at this time, a shortage prize ball command is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H (S65 in FIG. 6). If the checked flag 13d is on, a prize ball under error process is performed (S67 in FIG. 6).

  The value of the shortage prize ball check counter 13e is initialized each time a prize ball command is transmitted (S46 in FIG. 5) or each time a prize ball is paid out (S52 in FIG. 6). The Also, when the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is turned off (S27 in FIG. 4), or when it becomes impossible to pay out a prize ball (S60 in FIG. 6), each is initialized.

  When the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the backup area 13f returns the pachinko machine P 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. The writing to the backup area 13f is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 3). Conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 13f is performed when the power is turned on (the power is turned on by eliminating the power failure). The same is performed in the initialization process (see S21 and S22 in FIG. 4).

  The MPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 14 constituted by an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 14 is also connected to the input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to the payout control board H via buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed, a plurality of normal winning switches 17, a first type start port switch 18, and the like. The V count switch 19, 10 count switch 20, prize ball count switch 22, clear switch 23, and other input / output device 25 are connected to each other.

  The normal winning switch 17 is a switch for detecting each of the balls that have won the plurality of normal winning ports 2 in the game area 1, and is provided near the entrance of each of the normal winning ports 2. The first type starting port switch 18 is a switch for detecting a sphere that has passed through the symbol operating port (first type starting port) 4, and is provided in the vicinity of the symbol operating port 4. When a ball is detected by any one of the normal winning switches 17 or the first type start port switch 18, six payout balls are paid out by the payout control board H.

  The V count switch 19 is a switch for detecting a ball won in the V zone 5 a in the specific winning opening 5, and the 10 count switch 20 is a ball won in a place other than the V zone 5 a in the specific winning opening 5. It is a switch for detecting. When a ball is detected by the V count switch 19 or the 10 count switch 20, 15 prize balls are paid out by the payout control board H.

  The prize ball count switch 22 is a switch for detecting a prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout motor 21 and is mounted in the prize ball payout unit S together with the prize ball payout motor 21. The winning ball payout motor 21 is a motor for paying out a winning ball, and the driving of the winning ball payout motor 21 is controlled by the payout control board H.

  The clear switch 23 is a switch for clearing data backed up in the RAMs 13 and 33 of the main control board C and the payout control board H, and is configured as a push button type switch. When the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on while the clear switch 23 is pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the RAMs 13 and 33 are cleared by the main control board C and the payout control board H, respectively. (See S13 in FIG. 4: Yes, S16, S83 in FIG. 8: Yes, S86).

  As described above, the main control board C is connected to the payout control board H via the buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs are fixed. Therefore, transmission / reception of a prize ball command or the like between the main control board C and the payout control board H is performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the payout control board H, and the payout control board H to the main control board C. Can not be done. The main control board C and the payout control board H are connected by eight data lines and one strobe line, and when the data on the strobe line becomes active, the data is output onto the eight data lines. The transmitted data is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H as a command.

  The payout control board H performs payout control of prize balls and lending balls, and is used as an MPU 31, which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 32 storing a control program executed by the MPU 31, fixed value data, and a work memory. The RAM 33 is provided. The programs of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 9 are stored in the ROM 32 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 33 of the payout control board H is provided with a remaining ball number counter 33a, an initialization flag 33b, a prize ball payout permission flag 33c, and a backup area 33d, and a backup capacitor (battery) 33x is connected. Has been configured to be backupable. Therefore, each value in the RAM 33 is retained (backed up) even when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off.

  The remaining prize ball number counter 33a is a counter that stores the number of unpaid prize balls in the same manner as the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C described above. The value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is incremented every time the prize ball is instructed from the main control board C to the payout control board H by the prize ball command. On the contrary, every time the prize ball count switch 22 detects the paid out prize ball, “1” is subtracted. The payout control board H operates the award ball payout motor 21 to pay out the award balls until the value of the remaining award ball number counter 33a reaches “0”. Since the value of the counter 33a is backed up by the capacitor 33x, even when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off during the payout of the prize ball, the payout control board H is turned on by turning on the power of the pachinko machine P again. The remaining prize balls (unpaid prize balls) can be paid out accurately.

  The initialization flag 33b is a flag that is turned on when the dispensing control board H receives an initialization command transmitted from the main control board C. The initialization command is a command transmitted when the backup data is cleared in the startup process of the main control board C (see S18 in FIG. 4), and the initialization command and the prize ball are given to the payout control board H. This is a command for giving a payout permission. Upon receiving this initialization command, the payout control board H turns on the initialization flag 33b. If the initialization process (S85) has already been completed in the payout control board H, the payout control board H turns off the initialization flag 33b. (S90), the process is shifted to each process, and a state in which a prize ball can be paid out is set. On the other hand, when the initialization command is received in a state where the data backup is effectively performed in the payout control board H, the initialization process (S97) is executed in accordance with the main control board C, and then each process is performed. Transition to a state where award balls can be paid out. In this case, the initialization flag 33b once turned on is turned off by the initialization process of S97.

  The prize ball payout permission flag 33c is a flag that is turned on when the payout control board H receives a prize ball payout permission command transmitted from the main control board C, and is used to instruct permission for payout of prize balls. Flag. Upon receiving the prize ball payout permission command, the payout control board H turns on the prize ball payout permission flag 33c so as to store the prize ball payout permission (S74). When the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on, the payout control board H ends the start-up process, and after turning off the prize ball payout permission flag 33c (S90, S98), the process proceeds to each process. The award ball can be paid out.

  Here, the prize ball payout permission command is a command transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H at the end of the startup process of the main control board C when the backup is valid, and is 1 byte. Configured (for example, “A1H”). This prize ball payout permission command instructs the payout control board H after the start-up process to be permitted to pay out prize balls.

  Note that one or two or more commands indicating the state of the pachinko machine P may be used instead of separately providing a prize ball payout permission command. In this case, since the state of the pachinko machine P is reported to the payout control board H by the command, in the payout control board H, when the value of the remaining winning ball counter 33a is not “0”, the reported pachinko machine is reported. If the state of P is a state in which the prize ball can be paid out, the prize ball is paid out. Conversely, if the prize ball cannot be paid out, the system waits for the prize ball to be paid out.

  Similarly to the backup area 13f of the main control board C described above, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the backup area 33d returns the state of the pachinko machine P to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. Therefore, it is an area for storing a stack pointer at the time of power-off (including when a power failure occurs, the same applies hereinafter), values of registers, I / O, and the like. The writing to the backup area 33d is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 3). Conversely, each value written to the backup area 33d is restored when the power is turned on (the power is turned on by eliminating the power failure). The same is performed in the initialization process (see S92 and S93 in FIG. 8).

  The MPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected to each other by a bus line 35 that includes an address bus and a data bus. The bus line 35 is also connected to an input / output port 36. The input / output port 36 is connected to the main control board C via the buffers (inverter gates) 16 and 37 whose inputs and outputs described above are fixed, as well as the prize ball payout motor 21 and the prize of the prize ball payout unit S. The ball count switch 22, the clear switch 23, and other input / output devices 40 are respectively connected.

  Next, each process performed in the main control board C and the payout control board H will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of NMI interrupt processing executed separately on the main control board C and the payout control board H when the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption processing, the states of the main control board C and the payout control board H when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like are stored in the respective backup areas 13f and 33d. Note that the NMI interrupt process is a process that is separately mounted on the ROM 12 of the main control board C and the ROM 32 of the payout control board H, but can be represented in the same manner in the notation of the flowchart. Are summarized in the figure.

  When the power of the pachinko machine P is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure, a power failure signal (not shown) is output to the NMI (Non Maskable Interrupt) terminals of the MPUs 11 and 31 of the main control board C and the payout control board H, respectively. When a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal, each of the MPUs 11 and 31 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal is output, power is supplied so that the processing of the main control board C and the payout control board H can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 3 is executed within this predetermined time.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, the stack pointer value is written to the backup areas 13f and 33d (S1), and further, the values of each register and I / O are written to the backup areas 13f and 33d (S2). The state at the time of power-off due to occurrence or the like is stored. Thereafter, another power failure process that differs depending on the main control board C and the payout control board H is executed (S3), and then the process is looped until the power supply is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of start-up processing executed on the main control board C when the pachinko machine P is turned on. In this process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 13f 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 if the clear switch 23 is pressed when the power is turned on even if the backup is valid, an initialization process is executed.

  First, interrupts are prohibited (S11), and then a temporary stack pointer is set so as not to destroy the data stacked in the original stack area (S12). It is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 23 is turned on (S13). If the clear switch 23 is turned on (S13: Yes), the process proceeds to S15 and the initialization process is executed. If the clear switch 23 is not turned on (S13: No), it is confirmed whether the backup is valid (S14). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 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 S21, and each state of the main control board C is returned to the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid (S14: No), the process proceeds to S15 and the initialization process is executed.

  In the initialization process from the process of S15, first, a normal stack pointer is set, the contents of the stack are adjusted (S15), the RAM clearing and initialization process is executed (S16), the RAM 13 and the I / O Initialize each value such as. At this time, the missing prize ball checked flag 13d is turned on.

  Thereafter, the interruption is permitted (S17), an initialization command is transmitted to the payout control board H using the interrupt (S18), and the payout control board indicates that the initialization process has been executed on the main control board C. Tell H. Since the payout control board H is lighter in processing than the main control board C, the start-up process ends before the main control board C. Therefore, the payout control board H can reliably receive the initialization command transmitted from the main control board C. After transmitting the initialization command, the main control board C executes a wait process so that the payout control board H that has received the initialization command waits for a sufficient time to complete the initialization process (S19). , And wait for a predetermined time to shift to the next processing. After the execution of the wait process, the payout control board H has also risen reliably, so the process shifts to each process of S20 and game control is started.

  In the return processing from S21, first, data such as each register and I / O saved in the backup area 13f is read from the backup area 13f, and these data are written to the original register and I / O (S21). . Further, the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 13f and written to the stack pointer to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power failure), that is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interrupt (S22). Thereafter, an interrupt is permitted (S23), and a prize ball payout permission command is transmitted to the payout control board H using the permitted interrupt (S24). When the payout control board H receives the prize ball payout permission command, the payout ball can be paid out.

  Next, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is checked (S25). If the value is not "0" (S25: No), after the start-up process, the payout control board H causes the unpaid before the power is turned off. In this case, the deficient ball check completed flag 13d is turned off (S26), and it is checked whether or not there is a deficiency in the number of award balls to be paid out. In order to set the determination time (determination timing) for the check, the initial value of 5 seconds is set in the shortage prize ball check counter 13e (S27).

  On the other hand, if the remaining prize ball counter 13c is “0” (S25: Yes), there is no prize ball that has not been paid before the power is turned off, and the prize ball is paid out after the start-up process. Absent. Therefore, in such a case, since there is no occurrence of insufficient prize balls due to re-entry of the power, the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is turned on (S28). Thereafter, the NMI interrupt is returned, the processing is returned to the place where it was executed before the power was turned off, and the control is continued from the state before the power was turned off.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the prize ball process executed in each process (S20) of the main control board C. The winning ball process includes a winning detection process for detecting a hit ball that has won the normal winning slot 2, the first type starting port 4 or the big winning slot 5 (S30), and a winning ball command for transmitting a winning ball command to the payout control board H. The process consists of three processes: a transmission process (S40) and a prize ball detection process (S50) for detecting a prize ball paid out by the payout control board H.

  In the winning detection process (S30), first, it is confirmed whether or not a ball is detected by any of the normal winning switch 17 or the first type start port switch 18 (S31). When a ball is detected by any of the switches 17 and 18 (S31: Yes), “6” is set to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b in order to pay out six prize balls. Write (S32) and add "1" to the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S33). On the other hand, when a sphere is not detected by any of the switches 17 and 18 (S31: No), the process of S32 and S33 is skipped and the process proceeds to S34.

  In the process of S34, it is confirmed whether or not a sphere is detected by the V count switch 19 or the 10 count switch 20 (S34). When a ball is detected by any of the switches 19 and 20 (S34: Yes), “15” is set to the value-th prize ball buffer 13a of the prize ball pointer 13b in order to pay out 15 prize balls. Write (S35), and add "1" to the value of the prize ball pointer 13b (S36). On the other hand, if a ball is not detected by any of the switches 19 and 20 (S34: No), the process of S35 and S36 is skipped, the winning detection process (S30) is terminated, and a prize ball command transmission process of S40 is performed. Migrate to

  In the prize ball command transmission process (S40), it is first checked whether or not the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is "0" (S41). If the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is not “0” (S41: No), it means that the prize ball data to be paid out is stored in the prize ball buffer 13a, and therefore the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a. Is set as the second byte data of the prize ball command, and the prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control board H (S42).

  After the prize ball command is transmitted, the value of the 0th prize ball buffer 13a, which is the prize ball number data transmitted by the prize ball command, is added to the remaining prize ball counter 13c (S43). Then, the value of the first and subsequent prize ball buffers 13a is shifted one byte at a time toward the smaller address side (S44), the value of the prize ball buffer 13a is updated, and the value of the transmitted 0th prize ball buffer 13a is updated. Is further subtracted from the value of the prize ball pointer 13b by “1” (S45), and an initial value is set to 5 seconds which is an initial value for the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e that determines the timing for determining whether or not there is an insufficient prize ball. The minute value is set (S46), and the determination timing is initialized.

  On the other hand, if the value of the prize ball pointer 13b is “0” in the process of S41 (S41: Yes), the data of the number of prize balls to be paid out is not stored in the prize ball buffer 13a. Each process is skipped, the prize ball command transmission process (S40) is terminated, and the process proceeds to a prize ball detection process of S50.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the winning ball detection process (S50). In the prize ball detection process, a prize ball paid out by the payout control board H is detected, and on the basis of the detection result, a prize ball over error process (S57), a prize ball under error process (S67), or Then, a shortage ball command transmission process (S65) is executed.

  In the prize ball detection process (S50), it is first determined whether or not the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S51). If it is detected that the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S51: Yes), it means that one prize ball has been paid out. A value for 5 seconds, which is an initial value, is set in the check counter 13e (S52), and the determination timing is initialized.

  The value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is confirmed (S53), and if the value is not "0" (S53: No), the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is set to " 1 "is subtracted (S54). As a result of the subtraction, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c becomes “0” (S55: Yes), the check for insufficient prize balls at the time of re-turning on the power is completed, so the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is turned on. In step S56, the prize ball detection process is terminated. If the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c is not “0” as a result of the subtraction in S54 (S55: No), the processing of S56 is skipped without turning on the insufficient winning ball checked flag 13d, This prize ball detection process is terminated. Note that the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d once turned on is not turned off until the processing of S26 in FIG. 4 is executed.

  On the other hand, if the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S51: Yes), if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is “0” (S53: Yes), the prize ball to be originally paid out. Since the number of prize balls is paid out in excess of the number, in that case, prize ball over error processing is executed (S57), and this prize ball detection processing is terminated.

  In the process of S51, when the turn-on of the prize ball count switch 22 is not detected (S51: No), no prize ball has been paid out. Therefore, in such a case, the subsequent processes of S58 to S67 are executed in order to check whether or not there is an insufficient prize ball. First, the value of the remaining winning ball counter 13c is checked (S58). If the value is “0” (S58: Yes), there is no unpaid winning ball. Therefore, since there is no need to check for insufficient prize balls, this prize ball detection process is terminated. When the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is “0”, the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is always on (S56, S28 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is not “0” (S58: No), it is checked whether or not the pachinko machine P is in a state in which a prize ball can be paid out (S59). If the pachinko machine P is in a state where it is impossible to pay out the prize balls (S59: No), the initial value is set in the missing prize ball check counter 13e in order to initialize the determination timing of whether or not there are missing prize balls. The value for 5 seconds is set (S60), and this prize ball detection process is terminated. As a result, it is possible to set a determination timing as to whether or not there is a short prize ball on the basis of a time point at which a prize ball can be paid out, so that such a determination can be made appropriately. In addition, as a case where the prize balls cannot be paid out, the storage tank (not shown) for storing the prize balls to be paid out is an empty state in which only prize balls less than a predetermined amount are stored, Examples include a state where both the upper and lower dishes from which the prize balls are paid out are full.

  If the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is not “0” (S58: No) and the pachinko machine P is in a state where the prize ball can be paid out (S59: Yes), the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e is set. Check (S61). If the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e is not “0” (S61: No), “1” is subtracted from the value (S62). If the value is “0” as a result of the subtraction (S63: Yes). ), The timing for determining whether or not there is a missing prize ball. Since this process is performed under the condition that the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is not “0” (S58: No), there is an insufficient prize ball.

  In such a case, the missing prize ball checked flag 13d is checked (S64). If the flag 13d is off (S64: No), the first missing prize ball is generated after the power is turned on. Therefore, in this case, unlike the case of a normal prize ball under error, the prize ball command transmitted from the main control board C before the power cut-off is not normally received by the payout control board H due to the occurrence timing of a power failure or the like. Although it has been received, it is assumed that the power supply was turned off and the control of the payout control board H was stopped before the received value was added to the remaining prize ball counter 33a of the payout control board H. . That is, the occurrence of the shortage prize ball is not caused by a failure of the pachinko machine P such as an abnormality of the prize ball payout motor 21 but by the timing of power-off. Therefore, in this case, in order to prioritize smooth progress of the game, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c storing the number of missing prize balls is set as the second byte data, and the missing prize balls A command is transmitted to the payout control board H (S65). With the shortage prize ball command, the occurrence and number of shortage prize balls are reported to the payout control board H, and the payout control board H causes the shortage prize ball to be paid out. After the shortage ball command is transmitted, the shortage ball checked flag 13d is turned on to store that the first shortage ball check has been completed after the power is turned on again (S66). Exit.

  On the other hand, in the process of S64, if the insufficient prize ball checked flag 13d is turned on (S64: Yes), it is not the first occurrence of the insufficient prize ball after the power is turned on again. That is, it is assumed that the occurrence of the insufficient prize ball this time is not caused by the power-off timing but is caused by the failure of the pachinko machine P or the like. Therefore, in such a case, a prize ball under error process is executed (S67), and this prize ball detection process is terminated.

  In the process of S61, the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e is “0” (S61: Yes), or the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e is not “0” (S61: No). If the value of the insufficient prize ball check counter 13e after subtraction of “1” is not “0” (S63: No), it is not the timing for determining whether or not there is an insufficient prize ball. In this case, each process of S64 to S67 is skipped, and the winning ball detection process is ended.

  Next, each process performed on the payout control board H will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of command reception processing executed in the interruption processing of the payout control board H. When the payout control board H receives a command transmitted from the main control board C, an interrupt is generated each time, and this command reception process is executed.

  In the command reception process, first, it is determined whether or not the received command is an initialization command (S71). If the command is an initialization command (S71: Yes), the initialization flag 33b is turned on to store the reception of the initialization command (S72), and the command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, if the received command is not an initialization command (S71: No), it is determined whether or not the command is a prize ball payout permission command (S73). If the received command is a winning ball payout permission command (S73: Yes), the winning ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on to store the reception of the winning ball payout permission command (S74), and this command receiving process is terminated. To do.

  If the received command is neither an initialization command nor a prize ball payout permission command (S71: No, S73: No), it is determined whether or not the command is a prize ball command (S75). If the received command is a prize ball command (S75: Yes), the number of prize balls designated as the second byte data of the prize ball command is added to the remaining prize ball number counter 33a (S76). The process ends. On the other hand, if the received command is not a prize ball command (S75: No), it is determined whether or not the command is an insufficient prize ball command (S77). If the received command is a shortage ball command (S77: Yes), the value indicated as the second byte data of the shortage ball command is written to the remaining ball number counter 33a (S78), and the number of remaining balls The value of the counter 33a is made to coincide with the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c of the main control board C. Accordingly, the payout control board H performs payout of the shortage prize ball designated by the shortage prize ball command.

  If the received command is none of the above commands (S77: No), the process according to the received command is executed (S79), and the command receiving process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of start-up processing executed by the payout control board H when the pachinko machine P is turned on. In this process, if the backup is valid, each data stored in the backup area 33d is returned to the original state, and the prize ball payout control is continued from the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid, or if the clear switch 23 is pressed when the power is turned on even if the backup is valid, an initialization process is executed.

  First, interrupts are prohibited (S81), and then a temporary stack pointer is set so as not to destroy the data stacked in the original stack area (S82). It is confirmed whether or not the clear switch 23 is turned on (S83). If it is turned on (S83: Yes), the process proceeds to S85, and the initialization process is executed. If the clear switch 23 is not turned on (S83: No), it is confirmed whether the backup is valid (S84). This confirmation is determined by whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 33 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 (S84: Yes), the process proceeds to S92, and each state of the main control board C is returned to the state before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the backup is not valid (S84: No), the process proceeds to S85 and the initialization process is executed.

  In the initialization process from the process of S85, first, a normal stack pointer is set, the contents of the stack are arranged (S85), RAM clearing and initialization process are executed (S86), and the RAM 33 and I / O Initialize each value such as. Thereafter, interrupts are permitted (S87), and the above-described command reception process of FIG. 7 can be executed. After the interruption is permitted, the process loops until either the initialization flag 33b or the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on in order to wait for the prize ball payout permission from the main control board C (S88: No). , S89: No). If either the initialization flag 33b or the winning ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on (S88: Yes or S89: Yes), it means that the winning ball payout permission has been issued from the main control board C. Therefore, in such a case, in preparation for the next power-off, both the initialization flag 33b and the prize ball payout permission flag 33c are turned off (S90), and then each process as the main process of the payout control board H is executed ( S91). Since the prize ball payout process of FIG. 9 is executed in each process (S91), either the initialization flag 33b or the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on for the payout of the prize ball by the payout control board H. It will wait until it is done.

  Even when the initialization command transmitted from the main control board C is received and the initialization flag 33b is turned on (S88: Yes), the process proceeds to S90, so that the RAM clear and initialization process is performed. (S86) is not executed repeatedly.

  In the return processing from S92, first, data such as each register and I / O saved in the backup area 33d is read from the backup area 33d, and these data are written to the original register and I / O (S92). . Further, the value of the stack pointer is read from the backup area 33d and written to the stack pointer to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power failure), that is, the state before the occurrence of the NMI interrupt (S93). Thereafter, the interrupt is permitted (S94), and the command reception process of FIG. 7 can be executed. After permitting the interrupt, the process loops until either the initialization flag 33b or the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on in order to wait for the prize ball payout permission from the main control board C (S95: No). , S96: No).

  If the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned on (S95: Yes), it means that a prize ball payout permission has been issued from the main control board C. Therefore, in such a case, in preparation for the next power-off, the prize ball payout permission flag 33c is turned off (S98), the NMI interrupt is returned, and the process is returned to the place where it was executed before the power-off. Continue control from the state before the power was turned off. This makes it possible to pay out the winning ball.

  On the other hand, if the initialization flag 33b is turned on (S95: No, S96: Yes), it means that the initialization command is transmitted from the main control board C. Therefore, in such a case, the RAM clearing and initialization process is executed (S97), the payout control board H is initialized, and then each process as the main process of the payout control board H is executed (S91). Since the prize ball payout process of FIG. 9 is executed in each process (S91), the payout of the prize ball by the payout control board H is on standby until the initialization flag 33b is turned on.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the main control board C executes the wait process (S19) after transmitting the initialization command, and waits for the execution of the subsequent process for a predetermined time. During execution of the initialization process (S97), no new command is transmitted from the main control board C. Therefore, the payout control board H can normally perform the payout control of the game even in such a case.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the prize ball payout process executed in each process (S91) of the payout control board H. With the prize ball payout process, the prize balls are paid out and the prize balls that have been paid out are detected. In the prize ball payout process, first, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 33a is checked (S101). If the value is not "0" (S101: No), an unpaid prize ball remains, so a prize ball is paid out. The motor 21 is driven to pay out one prize ball (S102). On the other hand, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is “0” (S101: Yes), there is no unpaid prize ball remaining, so the prize ball payout process in S102 is skipped.

  If it is detected in the process of S103 that the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S103: Yes), it means that the prize ball has been paid out. Therefore, in such a case, the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is confirmed (S104), and if the value is not “0” (S104: No), the remaining prize ball corresponding to the paid-out prize ball. The value of the number counter 33a is decremented by “1” (S105), and this prize ball payout process is terminated. On the other hand, if the prize ball count switch 22 is not turned on (S103: No) or the prize ball count switch 22 is turned on (S103: Yes), the value of the remaining prize ball counter 33a is “0”. If so (S104: Yes), the process of S105 is skipped and this prize ball payout process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of the present embodiment, the values of the remaining award ball counters 13c and 33a of the main control board C and the payout control board H that store the award ball payout remaining numbers are used for backup. The capacitors 13x and 33x hold the pachinko machine P after the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the power supply of the pachinko machine P is suddenly cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the number of unpaid prize balls is memorized, and after the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on again, it should be paid out reliably Can do.

  Moreover, the payout of unpaid prize balls is performed after either the initialization command or the prize ball payout permission command is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H. Therefore, even if the time required for the start-up processing of the main control board C and the payout control board H is different, the payout of the prize balls performed by the payout control board H is surely performed on both the main control board C and the payout control board H. Can be detected.

  In addition, depending on the timing when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned off, there may be insufficient prize balls after the power is turned on again. Instead, the short control ball command is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H, and the payout control board H pays out the short prize ball. Therefore, there is an effect that the game can be smoothly advanced by compensating for the occurrence of insufficient prize balls after the power is turned on again.

  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.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a shortage ball is generated after the power is turned on again, the shortage ball command is always transmitted without generating a win ball under error. However, instead of this, when an insufficient prize ball is generated after the power is turned on again, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is checked, and an insufficient prize ball command is transmitted according to the value or a prize ball is received. It may be determined whether to generate an under error. That is, the shortage prize ball generated due to the power-off timing cannot be received by the payout control board H or received even if the payout control board H receives the prize ball command transmitted from the main control board C. This is a case where the control is stopped due to power interruption before addition to the number counter 33a. Therefore, the number of shortage prize balls generated due to the power-off timing is a unit of the number of prize balls designated by one prize ball command. Accordingly, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c of the main control board C when a shortage prize ball occurs when the power is turned on again is the number indicated by the prize ball command, a prize ball under error is generated. Without sending the shortage prize ball command from the main control board C to the payout control board H, if the value of the remaining prize ball counter 13c is not the number indicated by the prize ball command, the power is turned on again. Even if insufficient prize balls are generated at the time, a prize ball under error is generated.

  Specifically, in the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment, the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball command is “6” or “15”. The value of the prize ball number counter 13c is checked, and if the value is either “6” or “15”, a shortage prize ball command is transmitted, and conversely, if it is neither “6” nor “15”. Generates a baseball under error. Further, since the maximum value of the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball command is “15”, when an insufficient prize ball occurs after the power is turned on again, the value of the remaining prize ball number counter 13c is checked and the value is obtained. If the value is “16” or more, a prize ball under error may be generated.

  Each of the RAMs 13 and 33 is constituted by a static RAM which is a nonvolatile memory. When the power is cut off, a backup voltage is supplied to the RAMs 13 and 33 by backup capacitors 13x and 33x. It was configured to retain (backup) the contents. However, instead of this, the RAMs 13 and 33 may be configured by a memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory that can hold the contents without applying a backup voltage, and the backup capacitors 13x and 33x may be omitted. In such a case, the RAMs 13 and 33 themselves also serve as backup means or main backup means.

  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 the jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state under 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. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is that it is provided with 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). Then, the change of the identification information is started, and the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and the fixed identification information at the time of the stop Is a slot machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the specific identification information is a necessary condition. In this case, coins, medals, etc. are representative examples of game media As mentioned.

  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. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the shortage notification means is a case where the number of valuable objects stored in the main remaining number storage means at the time of power-on is not paid out by the payout control means. When the value of the main remaining number storage means for storing the number of valuable objects for one minute corresponds to one unit of the number of valuable objects instructed from the main control means to the payout control means (or one unit to be instructed) The gaming machine 1 is characterized in that, when the number of valuable objects is equal to or less than the maximum value, the number of valuable objects is reported to the payout control means.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the shortage notification means is provided when the number of valuable objects stored in the main remaining number storage means at the time of power-on is not paid out by the payout control means. A gaming machine 2 characterized in that the number of valuable objects can be reported to the payout control means. Since the shortage notifying means is activated only when the power is turned on, that is, when the power failure processing due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is performed, the remaining number of valuable objects to be stored in the payout control means is stored in the main control means. Since the shortage notification means is activated only when the number of remaining objects to be paid out becomes smaller, the shortage notification can be performed separately from other errors that occur regardless of the power interruption.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control means operates the shortage notification means when the remaining payout of valuable objects stored in the main remaining number storage means at power-on is zero. A gaming machine 3 comprising operation prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation. As the operation prohibiting means, the “shortage ball check completed flag 13d” is exemplified in the above embodiment, and when the flag 13d is on, the operation of the shortage notification means (that is, transmission of the shortage ball command) is performed. It is forbidden. Therefore, the shortage notification is only made when the remaining payout of valuable objects stored in the payout control means becomes smaller than the remaining payout of valuable objects stored in the main control means due to the execution of a power failure due to the occurrence of a power outage, etc. The means can be activated. Therefore, the notification of the shortage of the number of valuable objects to be paid out can be performed in distinction from other errors that occur regardless of the power interruption.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control means includes an operation restriction means for restricting the operation of the shortage notification means within one time after the power is turned on. As the operation limiting means, the “shortage ball check completed flag 13d” is exemplified in the above embodiment, and when the flag 13d is on, the operation of the shortage notification means (that is, transmission of the shortage ball command) is performed. Limited to no more. Therefore, when the power is turned on again after a power failure due to a power failure, etc., the shortage notification means operates only once at most. It can be done separately from other errors that occur independently of.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout control means receives the shortage notification of the number of valuable objects to be paid out by the shortage notification means. A gaming machine 5 comprising a remaining number rewriting means for rewriting the value stored in the number storage means to the shortage value. Even if valuable objects are not paid out due to some device abnormality of the gaming machine (abnormality of the dispensing motor, etc.), the shortage notification of the remaining number of valuable objects stored in the main control means and the payout control means respectively By means, it can be matched at power-on.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the shortage notifying means is a case where a payout remaining number of valuable objects stored in the main remaining number storage means is not 0 and the payout A gaming machine characterized by notifying the payout control means of the shortage of valuable objects to be paid out when payout of valuable objects by the control means is not performed for a predetermined time or more.

  In the gaming machine 6, the shortage notifying means initializes the counting of the predetermined time when a valuable object is paid out by the payout control means. The notification of the shortage of valuable objects is performed when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the last valuable object is paid out. Therefore, even if there are a large number of valuable objects to be paid out and the payout is performed over a long period of time, the shortage of valuable objects will not be notified as long as the valuable objects are being paid out. . That is, notification of the shortage of valuable objects can be performed at an appropriate timing.

  In the gaming machine 6 or 7, when the payout control means cannot pay out the valuable object, the shortage notifying means waits for the shortage notice. 8. Examples of the state in which the payout control unit cannot pay out the valuable object include a case where the storage amount of the valuable object in the storage tank that stores the valuable object to be paid out is less than a predetermined amount and is in an empty state. .

  In the gaming machine 8, the shortage notifying unit is in a state where a state where the valuable object cannot be paid out by the payout control unit is resolved (or a state where the valuable object cannot be paid out by the payout control unit) The gaming machine 9 is configured to initialize the time measurement of the predetermined time. After the valuable object can be paid out by the payout control means, if the payout is not performed for a predetermined time or more, the shortage of valuable objects is notified. Therefore, even in such a case, the notification of the number of insufficient valuable objects can be performed at an appropriate timing.

  10. A game machine according to claim 1, wherein the main control means and the payout control means can transmit and receive in only one direction from the main control means to the payout control means. A gaming machine 10 comprising means.

  The gaming machine 11 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 device is confirmed and stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, 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 those to which values (including data written on magnetic cards as well as premium balls) are given.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 10, 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 variation of the identification information is stopped, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated 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 generating means. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 10, 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 fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation, and the fluctuation 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 elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium and starting to change the identification information In this case, the game machine is configured to require a predetermined number of balls and to be paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

13 RAM of main control board (storage means)
13x main control board backup capacitor (backup power supply means)
33 RAM of payout control board (secondary storage means)
C Main control board (Main control means)
H payout control board (slave controller)
P Pachinko machine (game machine)
S13 Switching means
S16 Initializing means
S18 Command transmission means at main initialization
S21, S22 Game execution means
S86, S97 Slave side initialization means

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine comprising main control means for controlling a game and slave control means for performing predetermined control based on a command transmitted from the main control means,
The main control means includes
Storage means connected to the backup power supply means so as to keep the stored contents even during the power-off of the gaming machine;
A game execution means for executing a game using the stored contents of the storage means after powering on the gaming machine;
Initialization means for initializing the storage contents of the storage means after powering on the gaming machine;
Switching means capable of switching between execution of the game by the game execution means and initialization by the initialization means;
When initialization by the initialization means is performed, the main initialization time command transmission means for transmitting a main initialization time command to the slave control means,
The initialization unit and the main initialization time command transmission unit include a single CPU,
The slave control means includes
Slave initialization means for initializing slave storage means included in the slave control means after powering on the gaming machine;
Means for executing a main initialization time command reception process when receiving a main initialization time command transmitted by the main control means;
The slave side initialization means executes the initialization when the slave side storage means has not been initialized after power-on of the gaming machine as the main initialization command reception process. A game machine characterized by having processing for avoiding repeated execution of initialization when the side storage means has been initialized.

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