JP7114524B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine capable of playing a game such as a pachinko game machine.

In a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, there has been proposed a technique of setting the number of divisions of data to be backed up and completing backup processing at a predetermined number of interruptions (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-23552 A

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that an increase in data volume will cause an excessive processing load, resulting in problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately storing information.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the claims of the present application is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1, etc.) capable of playing a game, and has control means (for example, a production control micro CPU 19AK131 of computer 19AK120, etc.) and temporary storage means (eg, external RAM 19AK122, internal RAM 19AK133, etc.) capable of storing information to be written to the storage means (eg, backup storage unit 19AKA1 of backup data memories 19AK210A to 210D). backup data buffer 19AKB1, etc.), and the control means writes the storage content of the temporary storage means to the storage means based on the establishment of the write condition (for example, the effect control of step 19AKS79 middle backup process, etc.), and as the specific write process, the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means and the information stored in the storage means before one write condition is satisfied. temporary storage processing (for example, difference stack update processing in step 19AKS103 and write buffer update processing in step 19AKS105, etc.) for specifying difference information and storing it in the temporary storage means, and the temporary storage means and a differential write process (for example, backup data write process of step 19 AKS 108) for writing the difference information stored in the storage means, and the temporary storage means writes the difference information stored in a first storage area (for example, a differential stack 20AKB11) capable of storing the specified difference information, and the difference information stored in the first storage area as the difference information to be written to the storage means by the difference writing process; a storable second storage area (eg, write buffer 20AKB12, etc.);
According to such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, updating of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited (for example, prohibition setting by step 19 AKS 106) during execution of the difference writing process.
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above, during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated, the difference write process is executed (for example, after the permission is set in step 19 AKS 112 , steps 19AKS102-19AKS105, etc.).
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(4) In any one of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above, when the power supply is started, the information stored in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means for recovery (for example, power supply in step 19 AKS23). The information stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 may be restored by information processing at the time of input.
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas (for example, backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3), and the difference Updating of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by write processing.
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

It is a front view of the pachinko game machine in this embodiment. It is a rear perspective view of the pachinko game machine in this embodiment. It is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a flow chart which shows an example of game control main processing. It is a flow chart showing an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table; It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control process processing. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of variable display start setting processing; It is a flow chart which shows an example of stop design decision processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting example regarding a setting suggestion effect execution determination table; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example and a setting example regarding a setting suggestion pattern; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of effect processing during variable display; It is a figure which shows the execution example of setting suggestion production|presentation. It is a block diagram of a performance control board, peripheral devices, and the like. It is a configuration diagram showing various circuits and the like mounted on the effect control board. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a configuration example of a backup memory board; FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows an example of production|presentation control main processing, and processing priority. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of CPU exception event occurrence processing and an example of VDP error interrupt processing; It is a flow chart which shows an example of timer interruption processing for production control. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the production|presentation control command. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of displaying a maintenance history screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of displaying a maintenance history screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example when a setting change/confirmation history selection operation is performed; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 41AK; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 42AK; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 42AK; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 43AK; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 44AK; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a characteristic portion 45AK; It is a flow chart which shows an example of backup processing during production control. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and functions of characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition regarding writing of backup data;

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko game machine 1 (also the configuration and control of a general pachinko game machine) will be described.

(Structure of pachinko machine 1, etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1, showing the arrangement layout of the main members. A pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is roughly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 forming a game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) 3 supporting and fixing the game board 2 . A game area is formed in the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is shot from a predetermined ball shooting device and hit into the game area.

The "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, that a plurality of types of special symbols are variably displayed (the same applies to other symbols described later). Variations include updating display of a plurality of patterns, scrolling display of a plurality of patterns, deformation of one or more patterns, enlargement/reduction of one or more patterns, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols, which will be described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative patterns, which will be described later, a plurality of types of decorative patterns are scrolled or updated, and one or more decorative patterns are deformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to variable display of other symbols to be described later). Variable display may be expressed as variable display or variation.

The special symbols variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A are also called "first special symbols", and the special symbols variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B are also called "second special symbols". Also, a special game using the first special game is called a "first special game", and a special game using the second special game is called a "second special game". In addition, the number of special symbol display devices that variably display the special symbols may be one.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2 . The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and displays various effects images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5 .

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronism with the first special game and the second special game, a plurality of types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers) as decoration identification information different from the special patterns. variable display is performed. Here, in synchronism with the first special game or the second special game, decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, vertically direction scroll display and update display). It should be noted that the variable display of the special game and the decoration pattern that are executed in synchronization are also collectively referred to simply as the variable display.

A display area may be provided on the screen of the image display device 5 for displaying suspended display corresponding to the variable display whose execution is suspended and active display corresponding to the variable display being executed. Suspended display and active display are also collectively referred to as variable display corresponding display corresponding to variable display.

The number of variable representations that are reserved is also referred to as the number of reserved memories. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special game is also referred to as the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special game is also referred to as the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also referred to as the total reserved memory number.

At predetermined positions on the game board 2, a first suspension indicator 25A and a second suspension indicator 25B each including a plurality of LEDs are provided. The first pending display 25A displays the first pending memory number by the number of lit LEDs. The second pending display 25B displays the number of second pending memories according to the number of lit LEDs.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

Winning ball device 6A, for example, forms a first starting winning opening that is kept in a constant open state in which game balls can enter, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out, and the first special game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second starting winning hole that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 3). The variable winning ball device 6B is provided with, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable winglets. comes close to the winning ball device 6A, and the closed state in which the game balls do not enter the second starting winning opening (also referred to as the second starting winning opening being closed). On the other hand, the variable winning ball device 6B is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening (second start It is also said that the prize-winning mouth is open.). When the game ball enters the second start winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out, and the second special game can be started. Note that the variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that changes between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to a device provided with an electric tulip-shaped accessory.

At predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four positions on the left and right sides of the game area), there are provided general winning holes 10 which are always kept open by predetermined ball receiving members. In this case, when the player enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning hole is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 3). Form.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door (for the special electric accessory) is in the OFF state, the big winning door closes the big winning door, and the game ball is pushed out. You will not be able to enter (pass through) the prize gate. On the other hand, in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize winning port door is in the ON state, the special prize winning port door opens the big prize winning port, making it easier for the game ball to enter the big prize winning port. Become.

When game balls enter the big winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When the game balls enter the big winning hole, more prize balls are paid out than when the game balls enter the first starting winning hole, the second starting winning hole and the general winning hole 10, for example.

Entering a game ball into each winning hole including the general winning hole 10 is also called "winning". In particular, winning a prize in a starting opening (first starting winning opening, second starting winning opening) is also referred to as starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display device 20 is composed of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs variable display of normal symbols as a plurality of types of normal identification information different from special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9", lighting patterns such as "-", and the like. The normal pattern may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of normal patterns is also called a normal pattern game.

A passage gate 41 through which game balls can pass is provided on the left side of the image display device 5 . Based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41, the normal game is executed.

Above the normal pattern display 20, a normal pattern holding display 25C is provided. The general pattern suspension display 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal pattern suspension storage number, which is the number of general pattern games whose execution is suspended, by the number of lit LEDs.

The surface of the game board 2 is provided with, in addition to the above configuration, a windmill for changing the flowing direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, an out port is provided for taking in game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the game machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 for game effects is provided at the periphery of the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 includes an LED.

At a predetermined position (not shown in FIG. 1) of the game board 2, a movable body 32 that operates according to the performance is provided.

A ball hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 operated by a player or the like to shoot a game ball toward the game area from the ball shooting device is provided at the lower right portion of the game machine frame 3 .

At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area, game balls paid out as prize balls and game balls lent from a predetermined ball lending machine are held (stored) so as to be supplied to the ball shooting device. ) is provided with a batted ball supply plate (upper plate). Below the upper plate, there is provided a batted ball supply plate (lower plate) from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper plate is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by a player is attached to a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. An operation on the stick controller 31A is detected by a controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 3).

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, there is provided a push button 31B that allows the player to perform a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation. An operation on the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 3).

The pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B as detection means for detecting actions (operations, etc.) of the player, but detection means other than these may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. A main substrate 11 housed in a substrate case 201 is mounted on the back surface of the pachinko game machine 1. - 特許庁A setting key 51 and a setting switch 52 are provided on the main board 11 . The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting changeover switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing set values such as the probability of winning a big hit and the rate of winning balls in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11 , such as at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17 .

A display monitor 29 is arranged in the center of the back surface of the main substrate 11, and a display changeover switch 30 is arranged on the side of the display monitor 29. As shown in FIG. The display monitor 29 may be configured using, for example, a 7-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display changeover switch 30 are arranged in front of the main board 11 when viewing the back side of the game board 2 with the gaming machine frame 3 opened.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive ratios, role ratios, and bases. The consecutive ratio is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the total number of prize balls to the first and second big prize openings (attackers). Of the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls won by winning the 2nd starting prize mouth (electric chew) and the number of prize balls by winning the 1st big prize mouth and the 2nd big prize mouth (attacker) account for the total number of prize balls. percentage. The base is the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the number of game balls launched. The display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko game machine 1 when it is in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. The display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display setting values to be changed or checked when in the setting change state or setting confirmation state.

The setting key 51 and the setting switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko game machine 1 when the game machine frame 3 is closed. A glass door frame 3a having a glass window is rotatably provided in the game machine frame 3, and the game area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the game area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko game machine 1, a security cover 500A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a formed in the shape of a vertically long square frame. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 500A covers the right side of the substrate case 201 including the setting keys 51 and the setting changeover switches 52 from the rear side. The security cover 500A is a substantially L-shaped member including short pieces 500Aa and long pieces 500Ab, and may be made of transparent synthetic resin.

(Overview of Game Progress)
A game ball is shot toward a game area by a player's rotating operation of a ball-hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko game machine 1 . When the game ball passes through the passage gate 41, the normal pattern display device 20 starts the normal pattern game. In addition, when the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 during the period during the execution of the previous normal game (when the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 but the normal game based on the passage cannot be executed immediately) , the normal game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this normal pattern game, if a specific normal pattern (normal pattern per pattern) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern per pattern". On the other hand, if a normal pattern (normal pattern losing pattern) other than the normal pattern per pattern is stop-displayed as the determined normal pattern, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern losing". When it comes to "normal game", the variable winning ball device 6B is opened for a predetermined period of time and the opening control is performed (the second start winning opening is opened).

When a game ball enters the first starting winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

When the game ball enters the second starting winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

In addition, when the game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening during the period during which the special game is running, or during the period when it is controlled to the big win game state or the small win game state described later (although the start win has occurred If the special game based on the starting prize cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special game based on the entry is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the special symbol game, if a specific special symbol (a big hit symbol, for example, "7", the actual symbol differs depending on the type of the big hit described below) is stopped and displayed as a fixed special symbol, it becomes a "big win" and a big winning symbol. If a predetermined special symbol (a small winning symbol, for example, "2") different from the symbol is stop-displayed, it becomes a "small winning". Also, if a special symbol (losing symbol, for example, "-") different from the big-hit symbol or the small-hit symbol is stop-displayed, it becomes "losing".

After the display result in the special game becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. After the display result in the special game becomes "minor win", it is controlled to the small win game state.

In the jackpot game state, the jackpot formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is the timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) and the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). It will continue until whichever comes first. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the big winning slot can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as an upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the big winning opening is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until it reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times (15 times or 2 times).

In the jackpot game state, the player can get a prize ball by entering the game ball into the big winning hole. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the upper limit period of opening, the more advantageous the player is.

In addition, a jackpot type is set in the "jackpot". For example, multiple types of opening modes (number of rounds and upper limit period of opening) of the big winning opening and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time saving state, variable probability state, etc.) are prepared, and the jackpot type is set according to these It is As the jackpot types, there may be provided a jackpot type with which many prize balls can be obtained, a jackpot type with few prize balls, or a jackpot type with which few prize balls can be obtained.

In the small winning game state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. For example, in the small winning game state, the same opening mode as the big winning game state when some jackpot types etc.), the big prize opening is opened. In addition, you may provide a small-hit classification also in a "small-hit" like a big-hit classification.

After the jackpot game state is finished, depending on the jackpot type, it may be controlled to a time-saving state or a variable probability state.

In the time saving state, the control (time saving control) that shortens the average special figure fluctuation time (period of varying the special figure) than the normal state is executed. In the time-saving state, by shortening the average normal figure fluctuation time (the period during which the normal figure is changed) than in the normal state, and by improving the probability of becoming a "normal figure hit" in the general figure game than in the normal state, etc. Control (high opening control, high base control) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning opening is also executed. Since the time-saving state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbols) is improved, it is an advantageous state for the player.

In the variable probability state (probability variable state), in addition to the time-saving control, the variable probability control in which the probability that the display result is a "jackpot" is higher than in the normal state is executed. The variable probability state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbols is improved, and in addition, a "big hit" is likely to occur, so it is a further advantageous state for the player.

The time saving state and the variable probability state are continued until one of the end conditions such as execution of the special game for a predetermined number of times and start of the next big win game state is established first. The end condition that the special figure game of a predetermined number of times has been executed is also referred to as a number cut (number cut time reduction, number cut probability variable, etc.).

The normal state means a game state other than a special state such as an advantageous state such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, a time saving state, a variable probability state, etc., and the display result in the normal game is "normal game". The pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", returns to the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a predetermined return after power-on, such as when the system is reset) It is the state controlled in the same way as when processing is not executed).

The state in which probability variable control is executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variable control is not executed is also called a low probability state. A state in which time-saving control is performed is also referred to as a high-based state, and a state in which time-saving control is not performed is also referred to as a low-based state. Combining these, the short-time state is also called a low-probability-high base state, the probability-variable state is a high-probability-high base state, and the normal state is a low-probability-low base state. The high probability state and the low base state are also referred to as the high probability low base state.

After the small win game state is over, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the special figure game becomes "small win" is continuously controlled (however, "small win" occurs). If the special game at the time is the special game for the predetermined number of times in the above cut, the game state is naturally changed). In addition, there may not be a "small hit" as a display result of a special figure game.

In addition, the game state may change based on the fact that the game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the big winning opening) during the jackpot game state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, it may be controlled to the probability variable state after the big hit game state.

(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects such as notifying the progress of the game and exciting the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The production will be described below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5. In addition to or instead of the display, sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 are provided. lighting or extinguishing, the movement of the movable body 32, or a performance using any performance device including a part or all of these.

As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R provided on the image display device 5, the first special game or the second In response to the start of the 2 special figure game, the variable display of the decoration pattern is started. At the timing when the display result (also called fixed special pattern) is stopped and displayed in the first special game or the second special game, a fixed decorative pattern (combination of three decorative patterns), which is the display result of variable display of decorative patterns, is displayed. ) is also stopped (derived).

During the period from the start of the variable display of the decorative design to the end of the variable display, the variable display of the decorative design may be in a predetermined ready-to-win state (ready-to-win state is established). Here, the ready-to-win mode means that when the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitute a part of the jackpot combination described later, the decorative symbols that are not stopped and displayed are displayed in a variable manner. It is the aspect that is continuing.

Further, a ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the above-described ready-to-win mode during the variable display of decorative symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ratio of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decoration pattern) to the "big win" (also called the "big win reliability" or "big win expectation") depends on the performance mode. A plurality of different types of ready-to-win effects are executed. The ready-to-win performance includes, for example, a normal reach and a super-to-win with higher reliability than the normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "big hit", a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (decoration The display result of the variable display of the pattern becomes a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decoration patterns (for example, "7" etc.) are stop-displayed together on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle" and "right" decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R. .

In the case of a ``variable probability big hit'' controlled to a variable probability state after the end of the big win game state, odd decorative patterns (for example, "7" etc.) are stopped and displayed together, and the variable probability state is entered after the end of the big win game state. In the case of an uncontrolled "non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", even-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "6") may be stopped and displayed together. In this case, odd-numbered decorative patterns are also called probability variable patterns and even-numbered decorative patterns are also called non-probable variable patterns (normal patterns). After becoming a ready-to-win mode with non-probability variation symbols, a promotion performance may be executed to finally become a "probability variation big hit".

When the display result of the special figure game is "small hit", on the screen of the image display device 5, as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns, a fixed decorative pattern (for example, " 1, 3, 5", etc.) are derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a "minor hit"). As an example, decoration symbols constituting a chance eye are stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle” and “right” decoration symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R. In addition, when the display result of the special game is a "big hit" of some jackpot types (jackpot types in the same manner as the small win game state), and when it becomes a "minor hit" , a common fixed decoration pattern may be derived and displayed.

If the display result of the special game is "Loss", the variable display mode of the decorative pattern does not become the ready-to-win mode, and the fixed decorative pattern of the non-reach combination (" Also referred to as "non-reach loss".) may be stopped (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "losing", after the mode of variable display of the decorative pattern becomes the ready-to-win mode, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a predetermined ready-to-win combination ("reach losing") that is not a big hit combination. (Also called) fixed decorative pattern is displayed stop (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is "reach lost").

The effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 include displaying the variable display corresponding display (suspended display and active display). In addition, as other effects, for example, a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbols. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big win in the variable display during execution and a pre-reading notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big win in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is suspended). As the pre-reading advance notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the display corresponding to variable display (suspended display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

Also, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns are temporarily stopped during the variable display of the decorative patterns, and then the variable display is restarted, so that one variable display is simulated as a plurality of variable displays. A pseudo continuous effect may be executed.

During the big winning game state, the performance during the big winning is executed to report the big winning game state. As the effect during the big win, the effect of notifying the number of rounds or the promotion effect indicating that the value of the big win game state is improved may be executed. Also, during the small-hit game state, an effect during the small-hit game for notifying the small-hit game state is executed. It should be noted that during the small winning game state, some of the jackpot types (jackpot types in the jackpot game state in the same manner as the small hit game state, for example, the jackpot type in the subsequent game state high probability state) jackpot game By executing a common performance in both states, the player may not know whether the current state is a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small winning game state and after the end of the big winning game state, it is made impossible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state. may

Further, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demonstration (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (customer waiting demonstration effect is executed).

(Substrate configuration)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, etc., as shown in FIG. In addition, various substrates such as a payout control substrate, an information terminal substrate, and a launch control substrate are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 . Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also mounted. Various control boards are not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductive patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but are also configured to implement specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on electronic circuit boards. It is a concept that includes an electronic circuit mounting board that has been manufactured.

In the pachinko game machine 1, the power supply board 17 can supply power from an AC 100V external power supply such as a commercial power supply to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the performance control board 12. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), a power circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage into a specific DC voltage (eg, 12 V DC or 5 V DC), and the like. I have.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (execution of a special game (including management of suspension), execution of a general-purpose game (including management of suspension), jackpot game state, small hit game state, game state, etc.) has a function to control. The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103. , a random number circuit 104 and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105 .

The CPU 103 executes a program stored in the ROM 101 to perform processing for controlling the progress of the game (processing for realizing the functions of the main substrate 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (variation patterns described later, effect control commands described later, data such as various tables referred to when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. . The RAM 102 is a backup RAM that retains stored contents for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped in part or in its entirety. All or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be developed in the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102 .

The random number circuit 104 counts updatably numerical data representing various random numbers (game random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated (updated by software) when the CPU 103 executes a predetermined computer program.

The I/O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals to be described later) are input, various signals (first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, normal symbol display device 20, first reservation It includes an output port for transmitting a signal for controlling (driving) the indicator 25A, the second hold indicator 25B, the normal figure hold indicator 25C, and a solenoid drive signal).

The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals from various switches (gate switch 21, starting switch (first starting switch 22A and second starting switch 22B), count switch 23) for detecting game balls A detection signal indicating that the switch has been turned on by entering) is captured and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal means that the passage or entry of the game ball has been detected.

The switch circuit 110 takes in a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100 . The reset signal is an operation stop signal for stopping the operation of the control circuit such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using either the power supply monitoring circuit, the IC with built-in watchdog timer, or the system reset IC. I wish I had. The power-off signal turns off when a predetermined power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and turns on when the period in which the predetermined power supply voltage is equal to or less than the predetermined value continues for a power-off reference time or longer. Become. The clear signal is turned on, for example, when a clear switch provided on the power supply substrate 17 is pressed.

Solenoid circuit 111, a solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 (for example, a signal to turn on the solenoid 81 and the solenoid 82), to the solenoid 81 for normal electric accessories and the solenoid 82 for the big winning entrance door transmit.

A display monitor 29 , a display changeover switch 30 , a setting key 51 , a setting changeover switch 52 , and a door open sensor 90 are connected to the main board 11 . The door open sensor 90 detects opening of the gaming machine frame 3 including the glass door frame 3a.

The main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100), as part of the control of the progress of the game, produces a production control command (a command to specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) according to the progress of the game. 12. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. - 特許庁The effect control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, the display result of the special game (including the jackpot type), the variation pattern used when executing the special game (details will be described later). )), game status (for example, start and end of variable display, opening status of big winning slots, occurrence of winning, number of reserved memories, game status), commands specifying error occurrence, and the like.

The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the effect control command, and produces effects based on the received effect control command (various effects according to the progress of the game, (including various notifications such as driving of the movable body 32, error notification, power failure recovery notification, etc.).

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control section 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The effect control CPU 120 executes a program stored in the ROM 121 to execute a process for executing the effect together with the display control unit 123 (a process for realizing the above function of the effect control board 12, and the effect to be executed (including the decision, etc.). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as a main memory.

The effect control CPU 120 displays the execution of the effect based on the detection signal from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (a signal that is output when an operation by the player is detected and appropriately indicates the operation content). The controller 123 may also be instructed.

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes an effect based on an effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120 .

The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to display a performance image by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display device 5 based on the performance execution instruction from the performance control CPU 120 . The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the effect image and turn on/off the game effect lamp 9 . Also, it supplies a lamp signal (a signal specifying the lighting/extinguishing mode of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 . Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a driving circuit for driving the movable body 32 .

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the sound designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. Let

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, and turns on/off the game effect lamp 9 in a manner specified by the lamp signal. do. In this manner, the display control unit 123 controls sound output and lighting/extinguishing of the lamp.

The effect control CPU 120 executes voice output, lamp lighting/extinguishing control (supply of sound designation signals and lamp signals, etc.), and control of the movable body 32 (supply of signals for operating the movable body 32, etc.). You may do so.

The random number circuit 124 counts updatably numerical data indicating various random numbers (random numbers for effects) used for executing various effects. The effect random number may be updated by effect control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

I / O 125 mounted on the production control board 12 has an input port for taking in production control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, lamp signal). and an output port of

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the effect control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided for each function as in the pachinko game machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

(motion)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described.

(Major operations of the main substrate 11)
First, main operations in the main board 11 will be described. When power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes the game control main process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing game control main processing executed by the CPU 103 on the main substrate 11. As shown in FIG.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are performed (step S2). Initial settings include stack pointer setting, internal device register setting (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), setting to make RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether or not the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3). The recovery condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is in the OFF state, there is backup data, and the backup RAM is normal. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, for example, if a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, a clear signal in an ON state is input to the game control microcomputer 100 . If such an on-state clear signal is input, it may be determined in step S3 that the restoration condition is not satisfied. It is sufficient that the backup data can be stored in the RAM 102 serving as a backup RAM for game control. In step S3, the presence or absence of backup data, the presence or absence of data errors, etc. may be confirmed or inspected to determine whether or not the recovery condition can be established.

If the restoration condition is satisfied (step S3; Yes), after executing the restoration process (step S4), the setting confirmation process (step S5) is executed. The work area is set based on the contents stored in the RAM 102 by the recovery process in step S4. By setting the work area using the backup data stored in the RAM 102, the game state when the power supply is stopped can be restored. It is sufficient if the pattern variation can be restarted.

If the recovery condition is not satisfied (step S3; No), the initialization process (step S6) is performed, and then the setting change process (step S7) is performed. The initialization processing in step S6 includes clear processing for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and initial values are set in the work area by executing the clear processing.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined setting confirmation condition is satisfied. The setting confirmation condition is established, for example, when the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is ON and the setting key 51 is ON when the power supply is started. The setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed when the recovery condition including the clear signal being in the OFF state is satisfied in step S3. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be satisfied only when the clear signal is in the OFF state, the fact that the clear signal is in the OFF state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

When the setting confirmation condition is satisfied in the setting confirmation process of step S5, the setting confirmation state is entered in which the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 can be confirmed, and the setting is performed from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. A confirmation start command is sent. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set in the pachinko game machine 1 can be confirmed by the display on the display monitor 29 . When ending the setting confirmation state, a setting confirmation end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 .

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be in a game stop state to stop the progress of the game. When the game is in the stopped state, shooting of game balls by operating the batted ball operation handle, detection of game balls by various switches, etc. are stopped, and the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbols are stopped. The display device 20 may be controlled so as to stop-display a lost symbol or the like, or to perform a display corresponding to a game stop state different from the lost symbol. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state associated therewith should also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined setting change condition is satisfied. The setting change condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is turned ON when power supply is started. The setting change condition may include that the clear signal is on.

When the setting change condition is established in the setting change process of step S7, the setting change state is set in which the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 can be changed, and the main board 11 sets to the effect control board 12. A change start command is sent. In the setting change state, the setting values are displayed on the display monitor 29, and each time the operation of the setting changeover switch 52 is detected, the numerical values displayed on the display monitor 29 are sequentially updated and displayed. After that, when the setting key 51 is turned off by the operation of the staff of the game arcade, etc., the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated) in the backup area of the RAM 102, and the display monitor 29 is updated. turn off the When ending the setting change state, a setting change end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 .

When the pachinko game machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko game machine 1 may be put in the game stop state as in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the game stop state associated therewith should also end.

On the effect control board 12 side, when a setting confirmation start command or a setting change start command is received, control may be performed to notify that the setting is being checked or that the setting is being changed. For example, a predetermined image may be displayed on the image display device 5, a predetermined sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R, or a light-emitting member such as the game effect lamp 9 may emit light in a predetermined manner.

The clear signal is turned on by pressing a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17, for example. Therefore, if the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is ON and the setting key 51 is ON when the power supply is started, and if the clear switch is ON, the initialization process of step S6 and the step The setting change process of S7 is executed to enable control to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed together with the recovery process of step S4 to enable control to the setting confirmation state. If the detection signal from the door opening sensor 90 is off when the power supply is started, or if the setting key 51 is off, and if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 is executed. On the other hand, it is not controlled to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery processing of step S4 is executed, but it is not controlled to the setting confirmation state.

After executing the setting confirmation process or the setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, the register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S9), and the interrupt is permitted (step S10 ). After that, loop processing is entered. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing.

When the CPU 103 that has executed such game control main processing receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 (step S21). Subsequently, by executing predetermined main-side error processing, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, jackpot information (information indicating the number of occurrences of jackpots, etc.) supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, start information (start Data such as information indicating the number of wins, etc.), probability change information (information indicating the number of times the odd state has occurred, etc.) is output (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S24). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S25). By the CPU 103 executing the special symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, execution and suspension management of the special symbol game, control of the big win game state and small win game state, control of the game state, and the like are realized.

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes normal symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, thereby managing the execution and suspension of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41), It is possible to control the opening of the variable winning ball device 6B based on the "normal game". The execution of the normal pattern game is performed by driving the normal pattern display device 20, and the normal pattern reservation number is displayed by lighting the normal pattern reservation display device 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when power failure occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, and the like may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may transmit and set an effect control command in each of the processes described above. In the command control process of step S27, a process of transmitting the effect control command set for transmission to the sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control process, after permitting the interrupt, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 5 as the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a starting winning determination process (step S101).

In the starting winning determination process, the occurrence of starting winning is detected, and the process of storing the pending information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 and updating the pending storage number is executed. When a starting prize is generated, a random number value for determining the display result (including the jackpot type) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as pending information. Further, based on the extracted random number value, a process of pre-reading and judging the display result and the variation pattern may be executed. After storing the pending information and the number of pending memories, the transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command for specifying the determination result such as the occurrence of the start winning, the number of pending memories, and the prefetch determination is performed on the effect control board 12. will be The effect control command at the time of start winning set to be transmitted in this manner is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. is transmitted to

After executing the starting winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes of steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM102. In addition, in each process (steps S110 to S120) of the special symbol process process, transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 is performed.

The special symbol normal process of step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal process, it is determined whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game based on the presence or absence of pending information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on the random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a "big hit" or "small hit", and the type of the big hit in the case of "big hit". is determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal process, a fixed special symbol (any one of a big hit symbol, a small winning symbol, or a losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set according to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal process ends. In addition, the special figure game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also called special figure 2 priority digestion). Also, the winning order of the game balls to the first start winning opening and the second starting winning opening may be stored, and the condition for starting the special game may be established in the order of winning (also called winning order).

When making various decisions based on random numbers, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (tables in which decision values to be compared with random numbers are assigned to decision results) are referred to. Other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the effect control board 12 are the same. Various tables are stored in the ROM 121 of the effect control board 12 .

The variation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "1". In this variation pattern setting process, one of a plurality of variation patterns is selected using random numbers for determining the variation pattern based on the result of pre-determination as to whether the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit." including the process of determining In the variation pattern setting process, when the variation pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2", and the variation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern is the execution time of the special game (special figure fluctuation time) (also the execution time of variable display of decorative patterns), the form of variable display of decorative patterns (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the variable display of decorative patterns. It specifies the content of the production (type of reach production, etc.), and is also called a variable display pattern.

The special symbol variation process of step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol variation processing includes a process of setting for varying the special symbols in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and the elapsed time after the special symbol starts to vary. It includes a process to measure . Also, it is determined whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation processing ends.

The special symbol stop processing of step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". In this special symbol stop processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B stop the variation of the special symbol, and stop display (derivate) the fixed special symbol which is the display result of the special symbol. It includes a process to set for Then, when the display result is "big hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off and the display result is "small hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "8". Moreover, when the display result is "losing", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "small hit" or "losing", when the time saving state or probability variable state is controlled, and when the end of the number cut is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the special symbol stop processing ends.

The jackpot opening preprocessing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "4". This jackpot opening pre-processing includes processing for making settings for starting a round in the jackpot gaming state and opening the jackpot, based on the fact that the display result is a "jackpot". is When opening the big winning opening, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door is executed. At this time, for example, an upper limit period for opening the big winning opening and an upper limit number of rounds to be executed are set according to the type of the jackpot. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the big hit opening pretreatment is completed.

The process during jackpot opening of step S115 is performed when the value of a special figure process flag is "5". In this process during the opening of the big win, there is a process of measuring the elapsed time from opening the big winning hole, and based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, the big winning hole is detected. It includes processing for determining whether or not it is time to return from the open state to the closed state. Then, when returning the large winning opening to the closed state, after executing processing such as stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", The process during jackpot opening is terminated.

The jackpot opening post-processing of step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". This jackpot opening post-processing includes processing for determining whether or not the number of executions of rounds in which the jackpot is opened has reached a set upper limit number of executions, and processing for judging whether or not the number of executions of rounds in which the jackpot is opened has reached a set upper limit number of executions. It includes processing to make settings for terminating . Then, when the number of executions of the round has not reached the upper limit number of executions, the value of the special process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of executions of the round reaches the upper limit number of executions, the special process flag The value is updated to "7". When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the jackpot release post-processing ends.

The jackpot end processing of step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "7". This jackpot end processing includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending production as a production operation for informing the end of the jackpot game state has passed, and a probability change corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. It includes processing for performing various settings for starting control and time saving control. When such setting is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end processing ends.

Small hit opening pretreatment of step S118 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "8". This small hit opening pre-processing includes a process of setting to open the big winning opening in the small win game state based on the display result being "small win". At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "9", and the small hit opening preprocessing ends.

The process during the small hit opening of step S119 is performed when the value of the special figure process flag is "9". In this small winning opening process, there is a process of measuring the elapsed time from opening the big winning opening, and the timing of returning the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. It includes processing for determining whether or not When the big winning opening is returned to the closed state and the end timing of the small winning game state comes, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "10", and the small winning open processing is ended.

Small hit end processing of step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "10". This small-hit end processing includes a process of waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the period during which the effect operation for notifying the end of the small-hit game state is executed elapses. Here, when the small winning game state ends, the game state in the pachinko game machine 1 before entering the small winning game state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small winning game state has passed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the small winning end processing ends.

The pachinko game machine 1 is configured such that the probability of winning a big hit and the rate of winning balls are changed according to set values. For example, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol process processing, by using the display result determination table (winning probability) according to the set value, the probability of winning a big hit and the rate of winning balls are changed. For example, the set value consists of 6 levels from 1 to 6, 6 being the highest probability of winning the big win, and the smaller the value is in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, the lower the probability of winning the big win. In this example, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage for the player is the highest, and the lower the value in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the lower the advantage in stages. . If the winning probability of the big win changes according to the set value, the ball payout rate may also change according to the set value. While the probability of winning a big win is constant regardless of the set value, the number of rounds in the big win game state may change according to the set value. The pachinko game machine 1 may be configured to be able to set any one of a plurality of set values with different degrees of advantage for the player. The set values set in the pachinko game machine 1 are notified by transmitting a set value designation command from the main board 11 side to the effect control board 12 side.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a display result determination table. Figure 7 (A) shows a configuration example of the display result determination table for the first special figure used when the variation special figure is the first special figure, and Figure 7 (B) shows that the variation special figure is the second special figure It shows a configuration example of the display result determination table for the second special figure used when it is a figure. A display result determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 101 . In the display result determination table, the hit determination value compared with the random number MR1 is assigned to the special symbol display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol, according to the set value. The random number MR1 is a random number for determining the display result, and the value is randomly updated within the range of 0-65535. As the display result determination table, a common display result determination table may be used for the first special figure and the second special figure.

In the display result determination table, when the gaming state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values than when it is a normal state or a time saving state (low probability state), "big hit" special figure display assigned to the result. As a result, when it is a high probability state such as a probability variable state in which probability variable control is performed in the pachinko game machine 1, the probability that it is determined to control to a big hit game state is higher than when it is a low probability state such as a normal state or a time saving state. get higher

In the first special figure display result determination table, regardless of the game state or setting value, it is determined so that the probability that the special figure display result will be "small hit" and controlled to the small win game state will be the same value. has been assigned a value. In the second special figure display result determination table, regardless of the game state or setting value, the probability that the special figure display result is controlled to the small hit game state as "small hit" is the first special figure display result Determination values are assigned so as to be the same values different from those in the determination table. In addition, depending on the set value, the probability that the special figure display result is controlled to the small hit game state as the "small hit" may be changed. The probability that the special figure display result is controlled to the small winning game state as "small hit" regardless of the variation special figure may be the same probability.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure and the display result determination table for the second special figure, when the game state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 1020 to 1237 of the hit judgment value is set regardless of the set value It is set to the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value for judging the jackpot. When the set value is 1, 1020 to 1237 are assigned to the "jackpot", and only the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value for judging the jackpot is set, while the set value 2 to set value 6 are set. In this case, a numerical range corresponding to each set value from 1238 is set as a non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the big hit determination value.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure and the display result determination table for the second special figure, when the game state is the variable probability state, the range from 1020 to 1346 of the hit determination values is a big hit regardless of the set value. It is set to the common numerical range of the jackpot judgment value for judging. When the set value is 1, by assigning 1020 to 1346 to the "jackpot", only the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value for judging the jackpot is set, while the set value 2 to the set value In the case of 6, a numerical range corresponding to each set value from 1346 is set as the non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the big hit determination value.

In the first special figure display result determination table, when the gaming state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 32767 to 33094 of the hit determination values is a small value for determining a small hit regardless of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the hit judgment value. The small-hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big-hit determination value, regardless of whether the set value is 1-6. This prevents the numerical range of the small-hit determination value from overlapping the range of the big-hit determination value that varies according to each set value.

In the first special figure display result determination table, when the gaming state is a variable probability state, the range from 32767 to 33094 in the hit determination value is the set value Regardless, it is set to a common numerical range of the small hit determination value for judging the small hit. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big hit determination value, regardless of whether the set value is 1-6. This prevents the numerical range of the small-hit determination value from overlapping the range of the big-hit determination value that varies according to each set value.

In the second special figure display result determination table, when the gaming state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 32767 to 33421 of the hit determination values is a small value for determining a small hit regardless of the set value. It is set in the common numerical range of the hit judgment value. The small-hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big-hit determination value, regardless of whether the set value is 1-6. This prevents the numerical range of the small-hit determination value from overlapping the range of the big-hit determination value that varies according to each set value.

In the second special figure display result determination table, when the gaming state is a variable probability state, the range from 32767 to 33421 of the hit determination value is the set value Regardless, it is set to a common numerical range of the small hit determination value for judging the small hit. The small-hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the big-hit determination value, regardless of whether the set value is 1-6. This prevents the numerical range of the small-hit determination value from overlapping the range of the big-hit determination value that varies according to each set value.

The number of set values that can be set in the pachinko game machine 1 may be 5 or less or 7 or more. The smaller the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1, the more advantageous the player may be. The playability may be changed according to the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1. - 特許庁For example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability variable state loops at a rate of 65% (so-called variable loop type). When the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/200, and the game ball during the jackpot game is a predetermined value provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7. While controlling the game state after the end of the jackpot game to a probability variable state based on passing through the switch, the game property (so-called V variable probability type), and when the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 3, the probability of a big hit is 1/320 and the probability of a small hit is 1/50, and the game is played during a high base (during time reduction control). A game property (a so-called one-type two-type mixed type) that controls a big hit game state based on the ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 may be employed. When the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any one of 1 to 3, the game performance is the same, but the big win probability and small win probability are higher than when these set values are any one of 1 to 3. A setting in which the probability is high and the number of prize balls that can be obtained during the jackpot game is small (for example, when the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any one of 4 to 6) may be provided. A common switch may be used for different purposes when the playability is changed according to the set value. Specifically, when the set value is 1 to 3, a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 is set to a production switch (for executing a predetermined production each time a game ball passes through a prescribed area). switch), and when the set value is 4 to 6, the predetermined switch is a game switch (for controlling the game state to a variable probability state or a big hit game state based on the game ball passing through the predetermined switch switch).

The jackpot type may be determined at different ratios depending on the set value based on the assignment of the determination value in the jackpot type determination table. Alternatively, the jackpot type may be determined at a common rate regardless of the set value. The variation pattern may be determined at different ratios according to the set values based on the allocation of the determination values in the variation pattern determination table. Alternatively, the variation pattern may be determined with a common ratio regardless of the set value. A set value may be suggested by the frequency with which normal reach and super reach are performed by having the execution ratio of normal reach and super reach differ according to a set value. Alternatively, regardless of the setting value, the execution ratio of normal reach and super reach may be common. In addition, it may be possible to execute arbitrary setting suggestion effects at different ratios according to the set values.

(Major operations of production control board 12)
Next, main operations in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated, and the effect control main processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed. When the production control main processing shown in FIG. Perform register setting of the mounted CTC (counter/timer circuit). Also, an initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial motion control process, control for initial motion of the movable body 32, such as control for driving the movable body 32 to return it to the initial position and control for confirming a predetermined motion, is executed.

After that, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to ON every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, a CTC register setting. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeated and waits.

Further, on the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated in addition to the timer interrupt that occurs each time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is an interrupt generated when, for example, the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets interrupt prohibition, but if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt prohibition state is used, the interrupt It is desirable to issue a prohibition order (DI order). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to the interruption caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, the effect control command is taken in from a predetermined input port for receiving the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among the input ports included in the I/O 125 . The effect control command taken in at this time is stored in the effect control command receiving buffer provided in the RAM 122, for example. After that, the effect control CPU 120 ends the command reception interrupt process after setting the interrupt permission.

If the timer interrupt flag is ON at step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to be turned off (step S74), and command analysis processing is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading various effect control commands that are transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, the read effect control command Corresponding settings and controls are performed. For example, the read production control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, or the read production control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 so that the content specified by the production control command can be confirmed by the production control process processing or the like. It turns on the provided reception flag. Further, when the effect control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background according to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the effect control process process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process processing, for example, the display operation of the effect image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light emitters such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED, the movable body 32 Control to operate various production devices such as driving operation of is performed. Further, determination, determination, setting, and the like are performed according to the effect control command and the like transmitted from the main substrate 11 regarding the control contents of the effect operation using various effect devices.

Random number update processing for production|presentation is performed following the production|presentation control process process of step S76 (step S77), and at least one part of the random number for production|presentation used by the production|presentation control board 12 side is updated by software. After that, the process returns to step S73. Other processing may be performed before returning to the processing of step S73.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 8 as the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 9, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a pre-reading notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, based on the effect control command at the time of start winning transmitted from the main substrate 11, determination, determination, setting, etc. for executing the pre-reading notice effect are performed. Also, a process for displaying a pending display is executed based on the number of pending memories specified from the effect control command.

After executing the process of step S161, the effect control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the following processes of steps S170 to S177 according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the RAM 122, for example.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process is a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative patterns on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command designating the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. and so on. When it is determined to start the variable display of the decoration pattern on the image display device 5, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process is terminated.

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the effect control command, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the form of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the ready-to-win effect, and various other Whether or not to execute various effects such as advance notice effects, its mode, execution start timing, etc. are determined. Then, an effect control pattern (collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the effect) reflecting the determination result or the like is set. After that, based on the set effect control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start execution of variable display of decorative symbols, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start variable display of the decorative design in response to an instruction to start execution of variable display of the decorative design.

The effect process during variable display in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "2". In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display the effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. , driving the movable body 32, outputting voices and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting commands (sound effect signals) to the voice control board 13, and outputting commands (illumination signals) to the lamp control board 14. Various effects are controlled during the variable display of decorative patterns, such as turning on/off/blinking the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs according to the output. After performing such effect control, for example, an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern is read from the effect control pattern, or a command designating to stop display of the fixed decorative pattern is received from the main board 11. Corresponding to the fact that the player has done so, the fixed decoration pattern which becomes the display result of the decoration pattern is stopped and displayed. When the fixed decoration pattern is stopped and displayed, the value of the production process flag is updated to "3", and the production processing during variable display ends.

The special figure per waiting process of step S173 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "3". In this special figure waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an effect control command designating the start of the big hit game state or the small hit game state is received from the main substrate 11 . Then, when receiving the production control command designating the start of the jackpot game state or the small hit game state, if the command designates the start of the jackpot game state, the value of the production process flag is set to "6". ”. On the other hand, if the command designates the start of the small-hit game state, the value of the production process flag is updated to "4", which is the value corresponding to the small-hit production process. Also, when the waiting time for receiving the command has passed without receiving a command designating the start of the big win game state or the small win game state, it is determined that the display result in the special figure game was "losing". Then, the value of the production process flag is updated to "0" which is the initial value. When the value of the production process flag is updated, the special figure per waiting process is terminated.

The production process during a small hit in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "4". In this small-hit middle production process, the production control CPU 120 sets, for example, production control patterns corresponding to the production contents in the small-hit game state, and executes various production controls in the small-hit game state based on the set contents. . Further, in the small-hit middle production process, for example, in response to receiving a command designating to end the small-hit game state from the main board 11, the value of the production process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small-hit end production. It is updated to a certain "5", and the effect processing during the small hit is ended.

The small hit end production process of step S175 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "5". In this small hit end effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the small win game state, etc., and various effect control at the end of the small win game state based on the setting content. to run. After that, the value of the production process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the small winning end production process is ended.

The effect process during the big hit in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "6". In this jackpot middle effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, effect control patterns corresponding to the effect contents in the big win game state, and executes various effect control in the big win game state based on the set contents. Further, in the big-hit production process, for example, in response to receiving a command designating to end the big-hit game state from the main board 11, the value of the production process flag is changed to "7", which is the value corresponding to the ending production process. ”, and ends the effect processing during the big hit.

The ending effect process of step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "7". In this ending effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the big win game state, etc., and controls various effects of the ending effect at the end of the big win game state based on the setting contents. Run. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value of "0", and the ending effect process is terminated.

(Modified example of basic explanation)
The present invention is not limited to the pachinko game machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The pachinko game machine 1 described in the basic description above is a payout type game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize based on the occurrence of a prize, but instead, the game media are enclosed and points are given based on the occurrence of a prize. It may be an enclosed game machine.

Only one type of pattern (for example, a symbol indicating "-") is displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be performed by repeating the display and extinguishing of the relevant pattern. Further, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, the symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol indicating "-" may not be displayed as a display result).

In the above basic explanation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shown as the gaming machine, but medals are inserted and a predetermined number of bets is set. A slot machine capable of executing a game (for example, a big bonus , regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, and CZ (hereinafter referred to as a slot machine equipped with one or more bonuses, etc.).

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to being distributed/provided on a detachable recording medium to the computer device or the like included in the pachinko game machine 1. It may be distributed by being installed in a storage device possessed by the software. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by being downloaded from another device on the network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. I don't mind.

In addition, the game can be executed not only by loading a detachable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing programs and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. Alternatively, it may be directly executed using hardware resources of other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In this specification, expressions for comparing various ratios such as the execution ratio of effects (expressions such as “high”, “low”, “different”) indicate that one is a ratio of “0%”. may contain. For example, it includes a ratio of "0%" for one and a ratio of "100%" or less than "100%" for the other.

(Description of characteristic part regarding setting suggestion effect)
Characteristic portions relating to setting suggestion effects in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described below. In this characteristic portion, it is possible to execute a setting suggesting effect suggesting a set value in the pachinko game machine 1 at a predetermined rate during execution of the variable display.

FIG. 10-1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S171 of the effect control process processing as the variable display start setting processing. In the variable display start setting process, a stop symbol determination process is executed (step S201). In the stop symbol determination process, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the variable display of the decorative symbols, such as the final stop symbol in the variable display of the decorative symbols, is determined. Following the stop symbol determination process, the advance notice effect determination process is executed (step S202). The advance notice effect determination processing makes it possible to decide the advance notice effect included in the advantageous suggesting effect.

After the announcement effect determination process is executed, the effect control pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S203). The production control pattern may include a special figure fluctuation time production control pattern, a notice production control pattern, and other control patterns for controlling various production executions. For example, corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern specification command, select one of the prepared special figure variation production control patterns and set it as a usage pattern. Further, one of a plurality of prepared notice effect control patterns may be selected and set as a use pattern in accordance with the determination result of the notice effect determination process in step S202. In addition, it is not limited to setting a separate production control pattern as the special figure fluctuation time production control pattern and the notice production control pattern, but one production control pattern corresponding to the combination of execution setting of each production is set. There may be.

When the production control pattern is determined by step S203, for example, corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command, the initialization of the production control process timer provided in a predetermined area (production control timer setting unit, etc.) of RAM122 A value is set (step S204). Also, the setting for starting the variation of the decoration pattern on the screen of the image display device 5 is performed (step S205). At this time, by transmitting the display control command specified by the display control data included in the production control pattern (special figure fluctuation production control pattern) determined in step S203 to the VDP of the display control unit 123, etc. The variation of the decorative design may be started in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative design display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided on the screen of the image display device 5.

Subsequently, a pending display update setting at the start of variable display is set (step S206). For example, in the pending display area provided on the screen of the image display device 5, the display portion (leftmost display portion) corresponding to the pending number “1” is erased (digested), and other pending numbers “2” to The pending display in the display portion corresponding to "4" or the like is moved (shifted) one by one to the left. As a result, the pending display is shifted. In the active display section provided on the screen of the image display device 5, active display corresponding to the erased (extinguished) pending display in the pending display area may be performed. In addition, when the number of pending memories is "0", if the variable display is started immediately based on the occurrence of the first start winning or the second starting winning, the active display area will be displayed without updating the pending display. A setting may be made to update the active display in the . After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2" corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S207), and then the variable display start setting process is terminated.

FIG. 10-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S201 of the variable display start setting process as the stop symbol determination process. In the stop symbol determination process, it is determined whether or not the ready-to-win effect of super ready-to-win is executed (step S221). Whether or not the ready-to-win effect of super reach is executed can be determined based on the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern specification command transmitted from the main substrate 11, for example.

When the ready-to-win effect of super ready-to-win is not executed (step S221; No), the final stop symbol for non-reach or normal reach is determined (step S222), and the stop symbol determination process is terminated. During non-reach, the variable display result is "losing". The normal reach includes a case where the variable display result is "big hit" and a case where the variable display result is "loss". In the non-ready-to-win state in which the variable display mode of the decoration design does not become the ready-to-win mode, the determined decoration design of the non-ready-to-win combination is stop-displayed as the final stop design. The final stop symbol at the time of non-reach is determined so that the "left" and "right" ornamental symbol display areas 5L and 5R are different (mismatched) ornamental symbols. At the time of normal reach when the variable display result is "losing", the determined decoration pattern of the reach-losing combination is stop-displayed as the final stop pattern at the time of reach-losing. The final stop pattern at the time of reach loss is determined so as to be the same (matching) decorative pattern in the "left" and "right" decorative design display areas 5L and 5R. At the time of normal reach when the variable display result is "big hit", the determined decoration pattern of the big win combination is stop-displayed as the final stop pattern at the time of the big win. The final stop symbols at the time of the big hit are determined to be the same (matching) decoration symbols in the "left", "middle" and "right" decoration symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R.

When the ready-to-win effect of super-ready-to-win is executed (step S221; Yes), the final stop symbol for super-to-win is determined (step S223). At the time of super reach, there are cases where the variable display result is "big hit" and cases where the variable display result is "loss". At the time of super reach when the variable display result is "losing", the determined decoration pattern of the reach losing combination is stop-displayed as the final stop pattern at the time of reaching losing. When the variable display result is "big win", the determined decoration pattern of the big win combination is stop-displayed as the final stop pattern at the time of the big win.

At the time of super reach, regardless of whether the variable display result is "big hit" or "losing", the same (matching) decorative pattern is displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R. It is stopped and displayed as a fixed decoration pattern. The left and right decorative symbols constituting such a reach-losing combination or a big-hit combination are also called reach symbols. Decorative patterns that can be determined as ready-to-win patterns may include a plurality of types of decorative patterns, such as seven types of decorative patterns corresponding to numbers 1 to 7, for example. The decoration pattern corresponding to the number may be only the effect image showing the number, or may be the effect image showing various characters in addition to the number. The ready-to-win pattern is determined as one of a plurality of decoration patterns by referring to a ready-to-win pattern determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 based on numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the ready-to-win pattern. You should do it like this. The numerical data indicating the random number for determining the ready-to-win pattern may be updated using one or both of the random counter provided in the RAM 122 and the random number circuit 124 .

In the ready-to-win pattern determination table, the number of determination values assigned to the decorative symbols to be ready-to-win symbols may differ depending on whether the variable display result is "losing" or "big win". For example, when the variable display result is "losing", the determination rate of the decoration pattern corresponding to the number 1 is the highest, the number 2, the number 3, the number 4, the number 5, and the number 6. As it becomes, the determination ratio of the decorative design becomes lower, and the determination ratio of the decorative design corresponding to the number 7 becomes the lowest. On the other hand, when the variable display result is a "big hit", the decision rate of the decoration pattern corresponding to the number 1 is the lowest, and the number 2, number 3, number 4, number 5, and number 6 are the lowest. As the number becomes , the ratio of determining the decorative pattern increases, and the determining ratio of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number of 7 becomes the highest. With such a determination ratio setting, when the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7 is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-win pattern, the variable display result is "big win" and the ratio of being controlled to the big win game state is the highest. , 5, 4, 3, and 2, the variable display result when stop-displayed as a ready-to-win pattern becomes "big win" and the ratio of control to the big win game state is low. Thus, when the decoration pattern corresponding to the number 1 is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-win pattern, the variable display result becomes "big win", and the ratio of control to the big win game state becomes the lowest. In the ready-to-win pattern determination table, regardless of whether the variable display result is "losing" or "big win", the same number of determination values may be assigned to decorative patterns to be ready-to-win symbols. The number of determination values assigned to each decorative design to be a ready-to-win pattern may be different, or the number of determination values to be assigned may be the same regardless of the decorative design to be a ready-to-win design. Depending on the type of jackpot, the determination ratio of decorative symbols to be ready-to-win symbols may differ.

After step S223, it is determined whether or not the determined ready-to-win pattern is a decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7 (step S224). At this time, if the reach symbol is a decoration symbol corresponding to a number other than 7 (step S224; No), the stop symbol determination process is terminated. When the ready-to-win pattern is a decoration pattern corresponding to the number 7 (step S224; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a setting suggestion effect according to whether or not the setting suggestion effect is to be executed (step S225). Whether or not the setting suggestion effect is to be executed is determined by referring to a setting suggestion effect execution decision table stored in advance in the ROM 121 based on numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the setting suggestion effect execution. You can do so. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the execution of the setting suggestion effect may be updated using one or both of the random counter provided in the RAM 122 and the random number circuit 124 . As the presence/absence of the setting suggesting effect, one of "no effect" in which the setting suggesting effect is not executed, or "with effect" in which the setting suggesting effect is executed is determined.

Based on the result of determination in step S225, it is determined whether or not it has been determined that "with effect" for executing the setting suggestion effect (step S226). If it is determined to be "no effect" that does not execute the setting suggestion effect (step S226; No), the stop symbol determination process is terminated. If it is determined that there is an effect (step S226; Yes), the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is specified (step S227). The effect control CPU 120 may receive a setting value notification command transmitted from the main substrate 11 side when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, and store the notified setting value in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 . Accordingly, in step S227, the setting values stored in the RAM 122 may be specified.

Following step S227, after determining the suggested setting pattern (step S228), the stop symbol determination process is terminated. The suggested setting pattern is determined by referring to a suggested setting pattern determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 based on numerical data indicating random values for determining the suggested setting pattern. It should be determined by The numerical data indicating the random number value for setting suggestion pattern determination may be updated using one or both of the random counter provided in the RAM 122 and the random number circuit 124 .

FIG. 10-3 shows a setting example regarding the setting suggestion effect execution determination table. For example, the ROM 121 pre-stores table data constituting a determination table TA01 shown in FIG. 10-3 as a setting suggestion effect execution determination table. In step S225 of the stop symbol determination process, the presence or absence of the setting suggestion effect is determined by referring to the determination table TA01 or the like. In the determination table TA01, the number of determination values assigned to the presence or absence of the setting suggestion effect differs depending on whether the variable display result is "losing" or "big win". For example, when the variable display result is "big hit", the determination ratio of "with effect" for executing the setting suggesting effect is higher than when the variable display result is "losing". In the setting of such a determination ratio, when the setting suggesting performance is executed, the variable display result becomes ``big hit'' and the ratio of being controlled to the big winning game state becomes higher than when the setting suggesting performance is not executed. In addition, in the setting suggestion effect execution determination table, the number of judgment values assigned to the presence or absence of setting suggestion effect may be the same regardless of whether the variable display result is "losing" or "big hit". .

FIG. 10-4(A) shows a configuration example of a setting suggestion pattern. In this embodiment, four patterns RE-0 to RE3 are provided as a plurality of setting suggestion patterns. These setting suggestion patterns have different suggested contents depending on whether or not the symbol display color is to be changed and the display color when it is to be changed. The symbol display color is a display color of a decoration symbol stopped and displayed as a ready-to-win symbol, and can be changed to suggestive display colors including copper color, silver color, and gold color in addition to the normal display color red. The pattern RE-0 does not change the symbol display color, suggesting that the player has a low expectation, which is an advantageous set value. Pattern RE-1 changes the symbol display color to copper, suggesting that the set value is 2 or more. Pattern RE-2 changes the symbol display color to silver, suggesting that the player has a high degree of expectation, which is a set value that is advantageous to the player. Pattern RE-3 changes the symbol display color to gold, suggesting confirmation of 6, which is the highest setting. In this way, in the setting suggestion performance using the ready-to-win pattern, it is possible to suggest the set value in the pachinko game machine 1 according to whether or not the pattern display color has changed and the pattern display color after the change.

FIG. 10-4(B) shows a setting example regarding the setting suggestion pattern determination table. For example, the ROM 121 pre-stores table data constituting a determination table TA11 shown in FIG. 10-4(B) as a suggested setting pattern determination table. In step S228 of the stop symbol determination process, the setting suggestion pattern is determined by referring to the determination table TA11. In the determination table TA11, the number of determination values assigned to the determination result of the setting suggestion pattern varies depending on the setting values set in the pachinko game machine 1. FIG.

When the setting suggestion performance using the ready-to-win pattern is executed, the ready-to-win pattern becomes a decoration pattern corresponding to the number 7, so that the ratio of control to the big win game state is high. When the setting suggesting effect is executed in pattern RE-0, the degree of expectation, which is a setting value advantageous to the player, is low, and when the setting suggesting effect is executed in pattern RE-1, the set value is 2 or more. Something is certain. In addition, when the setting suggesting performance is executed in the pattern RE-2, the degree of expectation, which is a setting value advantageous to the player, is high, and when the setting suggesting performance is executed in the pattern RE-3, the set value is the highest. 6 is determined. In this way, the ready-to-win symbols when the variable display of decorative symbols is the ready-to-win mode include a symbol display mode for suggesting control of the jackpot game state, such as a decorative symbol corresponding to a number other than 7, and a symbol display mode for 7. A symbol display mode for suggesting the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 while suggesting the control of the jackpot game state such as decoration symbols corresponding to the numbers is included. When the ready-to-win pattern is a decoration pattern corresponding to the number 7, the ready-to-win pattern is displayed in the normal display color to suggest control of the jackpot game state, and then the pattern display color is changed. Suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot game state are continuously made, and suggestions regarding the set values are made.

The setting-suggestion effect can be executed in different effect modes according to the set values set in the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加For example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the pattern display color is not changed to copper because the pattern RE-1 is not determined as the suggested setting pattern. Thus, depending on whether or not the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is other than 1, as a pattern display mode when the ready-to-win pattern is a decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7, the pattern display color is changed to copper color or not. When the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is other than 6, the pattern display color is not changed to gold because the pattern RE-3 is not determined as the suggested setting pattern. Thus, depending on whether the set value set in the pachinko game machine is 6 or not, the symbol display color is changed to gold as the symbol display mode when the ready-to-win symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7. It depends on whether or not it is changed to

The setting suggesting effect is to change the symbol display color, which is the display color of the decoration symbol stopped and displayed as the ready-to-win symbol, instead of changing the symbol display color, or in addition to changing the symbol display color. Any aspect of the reach aspect, such as the shape and pattern of the decoration pattern, may be changed. Alternatively, the display of a background image, an outer frame image, and other arbitrary effect images, the output of sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting of decorative light emitters such as the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs, the operation of the movable members for effects, and the like. It may be a combination of some or all of which may change the rendering mode of any rendering device. Setting suggestion effects and other arbitrary effects in the pachinko game machine 1 are arbitrary data related to the effect control, arbitrary data not related to the effect control, or data combining these are predetermined for effect execution. It suffices if it can be executed when one or more conditional expressions are satisfied. The effect of changing the symbol display color is also called a change effect.

The plurality of setting suggestion patterns may include a pattern that can be determined only when the game is controlled to the big win game state, and a pattern that can be determined even when the game is not controlled to the big win game state. For example, pattern RE-0 and pattern RE-1 can be determined at a predetermined ratio even when the variable display result is "loss", whereas pattern RE-2 and pattern RE-3 are variable display. It may be possible to make the decision possible only when the result is a "big hit" and to make the decision impossible when the variable display result is a "loss". In this case, the pattern RE-2 is determined at a common ratio regardless of the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, whereas the pattern RE-3 is set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. It may be determined in different proportions depending on the current setting.

FIG. 10-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S172 of the effect control process process as the effect process during variable display. In the variable display production process, for example, based on the timer value of the production control process timer, it is determined whether or not the special figure fluctuation time, which is the variable display time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern, has elapsed (step S241). When it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S241; No), control is performed to execute various effects as the variable display progresses. The effect control CPU 120 creates various commands based on the control data read from the effect control pattern determined in step 66AKS013 of the variable display start setting process. This command is transmitted to the display control unit 123, the audio control board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. As a result, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, a predetermined effect sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED are turned on, off, or blinked. It is sufficient that various effects can be executed by a predetermined effect device by operating a movable member for effect such as the movable body 32, or by combining some or all of them.

In the effect processing during variable display, it is determined whether or not it is the advance notice effect period (step S242). When it is the notice effect period (step S242; Yes), control to execute the notice effect is performed (step S243). If it is not the notice effect period (step S242; No), or after performing the control of step S243, it is determined whether or not it is the ready-to-win effect period (step S244). When it is the ready-to-win effect period (step S244; Yes), control to execute the ready-to-win effect is performed (step S245). By the control of step S245, when the ready-to-win performance after changing the symbol display color is executed after the decoration pattern to be the ready-to-win pattern is stop-displayed, suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot game state are made, and the pachinko game machine 1 is operated. Suggestions regarding settings can be made.

When it is not the ready-to-win effect period (step S244; No), or after performing the control of step S245, it is determined whether or not it is the change effect period (step S246). The change effect period may be determined in advance as an effect execution period for changing the symbol display color when the setting suggestion effect using the ready-to-win pattern is executed. When it is the change effect period (step S246; Yes), control to execute the change effect is performed (step S247). If it is not a change effect period (step S246; No), after performing the control of step S247, for example, based on the setting in the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the variation pattern, other variations of the decorative pattern After performing control for executing an effect during the variable display including the display operation (step S248), the effect processing during the variable display is terminated.

The change effect period may be set to different time lengths according to the effect mode of the change effect. For example, in the case of pattern RE-0, the change effect period is set to the shortest first period, and in the case of pattern RE-1, the change effect period is set to the second period longer than the first period, and the pattern RE- In the case of pattern 2, the change effect period may be set to the third period longer than the second period, and in the case of pattern RE-3, the change effect period may be set to the longest fourth period. In general, when an effect (advantageous effect) is executed, the player shoots an image or video of the effect with a portable terminal owned by the player, and sends it to SNS (Social There is a tendency to post on membership registration websites such as Networking Service and Internet video supply sites. However, if the execution period of such an advantageous effect is short, there arises a problem that an appropriate photographing time cannot be secured. On the other hand, the effect (unfavorable effect) that is often performed even in a disadvantageous situation does not arouse the desire to shoot, so if the execution period of the disadvantageous effect is long, the player will rather feel uncomfortable. There is a problem. Therefore, the execution period of advantageous effects is lengthened to secure the photographing time, and the execution period of disadvantageous effects is made shorter than that of advantageous effects to reduce discomfort. As a result, when an effect advantageous to the player is executed, the player can be prevented from overlooking it, and the photographing time can be secured. In addition, since the photographing time can be secured, the photographed images and moving images are made public by the players on the Internet, and public interest in the pachinko game machine 1 can be heightened. In addition, in many cases, since the images including which pachinko game machine 1 in which game hall were photographed are disclosed, from the game hall side, the game hall is advertised by the player. become. In this way, by securing the photographing time when the setting value of the pachinko game machine 1 is suggested, a synergistic effect is brought about not only to the player but also to the game arcade side.

When the variable display time has elapsed (step S241; Yes), it is determined whether or not a design confirmation command transmitted from the main substrate 11 has been received (step S249). If no pattern confirmation command is received (step S249; No), the effect process during variable display is terminated and the game waits. After the variable display time elapses, if a predetermined time elapses without receiving the pattern confirmation command, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the fact that the pattern confirmation command could not be received normally. You may do so. When the design confirmation command is received (step S249; Yes), control is performed to derive and display the final stop design (determined decoration design) which is the display result in the variable display of the decoration design (step S250). Subsequently, a certain time is set in advance as a wait time for receiving a jackpot start designation command (step S251). Also, after updating the value of the effect process flag to "3" corresponding to the special figure per waiting process (step S252), the effect process during variable display is terminated.

FIG. 10-6 shows an execution example of the setting suggestion effect. FIG. 10-6(A) shows an effect execution example HD101 in which the form of variable display of decorative symbols is the ready-to-win mode and the ready-to-win is established. When the decoration pattern corresponding to the number 7 is stopped and displayed in the "left" and "right" decoration pattern display areas 5L and 5R, the ready-to-win is established and the ready-to-win performance of the normal ready-to-win is executed. FIG. 10-6(B) shows an effect execution example HD102 in which the ready-to-win effect of normal reach is advanced to the ready-to-win effect of super ready-to-win. On the display screen of the image display device 5, the decoration pattern is displayed in a reduced size, and the effect image in the ready-to-win effect of super ready-to-win is displayed. FIG. 10-6(C) shows an effect execution example HD103 in which a change effect as a setting suggestion effect is executed. An effect display corresponding to the change effect is displayed superimposed on the stop-displayed ready-to-win pattern. In addition, by displaying an effect image announcing a message such as "Change the symbol display color!", a suggestion to change the symbol display color is made.

FIG. 10-6 (D1) shows an effect execution example HD111 in which the pattern display color does not change due to the pattern RE-0. FIG. 10-6 (D2) shows an effect execution example HD112 in which the pattern display color changes to copper by the pattern RE-1. FIG. 10-6 (D3) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the pattern display color changes to silver by the pattern RE-2. FIG. 10-6 (D4) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the pattern display color changes to gold according to the pattern RE-3. In the effect execution example HD111, the display color of the ready-to-win pattern does not change due to the pattern RE-0, and remains red, which is the normal display color. In this way, a failure effect (fake effect) in which the symbol display color is not changed is executed, suggesting that the player's expectation, which is a set value advantageous to the player, is low. In effect execution example HD112, pattern RE-1 changes the display color of the ready-to-win pattern to copper, suggesting that the set value is 2 or more. In effect execution example HD113, pattern RE-2 changes the display color of the ready-to-win pattern to silver, suggesting that the player has a high expectation, which is a set value that is advantageous to the player. In effect execution example HD114, pattern RE-3 changes the display color of the ready-to-win symbol to gold, suggesting that 6, which is the highest set value, is fixed.

The setting suggesting effect suggests the degree of expectation for a big hit by any desired effect such as a pseudo continuous effect or a pre-reading notice effect, in addition to a change effect in which the display color of the ready-to-win pattern can be changed, and the set value of the pachinko game machine 1. You may enable it to make a suggestion about. It may be an effect in which the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be suggested after the suggestion about the control of the jackpot game state is made during the execution of the variable display. In the case of executing an arbitrary performance, the suggestion about the control of the jackpot game state is made and then the suggestion about the control of the jackpot game state is continued, and the suggestion about the control of the jackpot game state is continued and the pachinko game is performed. It may also include a case of suggesting a setting value of the gaming machine 1 . In the case of executing an arbitrary performance, after making a suggestion about the control of the big win game state, when the suggestion ends, and when the suggestion about the control of the big win game state is continued and the setting value of the pachinko game machine 1 is made. It may include a case of making a suggestion.

The suggestion about the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to suggesting the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and may be, for example, suggesting whether or not the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been changed. . For example, the plurality of setting suggestion patterns may include patterns with different decision ratios depending on whether or not the setting values in the pachinko gaming machine 1 have been changed. When the setting value in the pachinko game machine 1 is changed, the effect is made so that the player can recognize that the setting value has been changed by suggesting the effect mode of the pattern determined at a high rate. can be diversified to improve amusement.

During execution of the variable display, suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot game state may be made, while suggestions regarding the set values of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not be made. After that, when the display result of the variable display is "big hit", the pachinko machine executes a big hit start effect (fanfare effect) and a big hit effect (such as a effect corresponding to the first and second rounds). A setting value of 1 may be suggested. There may be a case where the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is suggested without suggesting the control of the jackpot game state.

In place of part or all of the suggestion about the control of the big win game state, or together with part or all of the suggestion about the control of the big win game state, a suggestion about control of a state advantageous to the player different from the big win game state is provided. can be anything. For example, it may suggest a variable probability state to be controlled after the end of the jackpot gaming state. In addition, as the advantageous state, a suggestion may be made according to whether or not control is to be performed regarding a state in which an arbitrary game value that is advantageous to the player is awarded.

(Description of matters common to the characteristic parts)
FIG. 11-1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the performance control board 12, peripheral boards and other peripheral devices. A lamp output board 19AK13, a backup memory board 19AK14, an effect data memory board 19AK16, and an effect control relay board 19AK17 are connected to the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 11-1. A voice output board 19AK18 and a driver board 19AK19 are connected to the effect control relay board 19AK17. The production control board 12 controls the electric parts for production to perform predetermined production operations, including the driving operation of the production motor 19AK60 that moves the production movable members such as the lighting of the light emitting members that constitute the production LED 19AK61 and the movable body 32. It is possible to determine the content of control to be executed. The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 11-1 is equipped with electronic components such as a effect control microcomputer 19AK120, an external ROM 19AK121, and an external RAM 19AK121.

The lamp output board 19AK13 is equipped with a driver IC or the like that supplies a driving current to the game effect lamp 9 or the like according to the illumination signal from the performance control board 12. The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be able to execute write processing and read processing of backup data in accordance with the backup control signal from the effect control board 12 . The backup data write process writes and stores the backup data in the backup data memory. In the backup data reading process, the backup data stored in the backup data memory is read and transmitted to the effect control board 12 or the like. The effect data memory board 19AK16 is configured to be able to read effect data according to the effect data control signal from the effect control board 12. FIG. The performance data reading process reads the performance data stored in the performance data memory and transmits it to the performance control board 12 or the like. The performance data memory board 19AK16 is equipped with a performance data memory capable of storing performance data. The performance data memory includes a storage area for storing various image data representing images displayed on the image display device 5, a storage area for storing various sound data representing sounds output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a performance motor 19AK60. A storage area for storing various motor data indicating the details of drive control, a storage area for storing various light emission data indicating the details of lighting control for the game effect lamp 9 and the performance LED 19AK61, etc. may be provided in advance. The effect data memory may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as flash memory such as NAND-ROM, or a non-volatile recording medium such as magnetic memory or optical memory. Any one of the above may be used.

The effect control relay board 19AK17 is installed in a back pack attached to the back surface of the game board 2, and relays various signals transmitted from the effect control board 12 toward the audio output board 19AK18 and the driver board 19AK19. The back pack is attached to the central portion of the back side of the game board 2, and an opening facing the image display device 5 is formed in the center. The back pack may be provided so as to cover part or all of the main board 11, the lamp output board 19AK13, the audio output board 19AK18, and the driver board 19AK19 from behind. An effect control board box in which part or all of the effect control board 12, the backup memory board 19AK14, and the effect data memory board 19AK16 are housed may be attached to the rear side of the back pack. The audio output board 19AK18 is equipped with various circuits for outputting audio from the speakers 8L and 8R serving as sound output devices in accordance with audio signals from the effect control board 12. FIG. The driver board 19AK19, based on the information signal from the effect control board 12, a driver IC and the like that supplies a drive signal for the motor 19AK60 for effect and a lighting signal for the LED19AK61 for effect is mounted.

FIG. 11-2 shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the effect control board 12. As shown in FIG. Some or all of the electronic components such as the production control microcomputer 19AK120, the external ROM 19AK121, and the external RAM 19AK122 mounted on the production control board 12 are detachable by inserting and removing connector pins from the connector socket. may be attached, and other components may be mountably attached by soldering or the like. Connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 are mounted on the effect control board 12 together with these electronic components. The production control microcomputer 19AK120 includes a CPU 19AK131, an internal ROM 19AK132, an internal RAM 19AK133, a watchdog timer 19AK134, a timer circuit 19AK135, an interrupt controller 19AK136, a serial communication circuit 19AK137, a clock circuit 19AK138, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 19AK140, and an audio processing circuit. 19AK141, a lamp control circuit 19AK142, and a motor control circuit 19AK143. The production control microcomputer 19AK120 may be a production control microprocessor that integrates these electronic components.

CPU19AK131 is constituted similarly to CPU120 for production|presentation control, and performs control processing according to the computer program for production|presentation control. The internal ROM 19AK132 fixedly stores a basic program of control processing executed by the CPU 19AK131 such as firmware, system setting data specific to the production control microcomputer 19AK120, and the like. The internal RAM 19AK133 provides a work area for the CPU 19AK131. The watchdog timer 19AK134 has a counter circuit that counts up or down based on the setting of an internal register, and when the measurement time passes the monitoring time (timeout time) and a timeout occurs, it becomes a time elapse signal. generate a signal. The CPU 19AK131 periodically clears and restarts the watchdog timer 19AK134. When the processing of the CPU 19AK131 is delayed due to some failure or the like and the watchdog timer 19AK134 cannot be cleared and the measurement time elapses, a timeout signal is generated and the processing by the CPU 19AK131 is reset.

The timer circuit 19AK135 is configured by incorporating, for example, four channels (CH0 to CH3) of an 8-bit programmable counter, and is a circuit capable of generating real-time interrupts and measuring time. The timer circuit 19AK135 starts counting down at a predetermined cycle from an initial count value preset for each channel, and when there is a channel whose count value becomes "00", the interrupt flag corresponding to that channel is set to ON state. do. At this time, if the interrupt is enabled, the timer circuit 19AK135 causes the interrupt controller 19AK136 to generate an interrupt request to the CPU 19AK131. The timer circuit 19AK135 may have a function as an RTC (Real Time Clock). The RTC can measure the current date and time and output date and time information including date information and time information.

The interrupt controller 19AK136 is a circuit capable of controlling various interrupt requests generated by the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. The interrupt controller 19AK136 has an interrupt control register for setting the permission/prohibition of interrupt and the priority of interrupt for each type of interrupt. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving communication data by a serial communication method to various boards and various circuits other than the effect control board 12. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 may be capable of transmitting and receiving communication data compatible with multiple types of serial communication standards such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The clock circuit 19AK138 is a circuit that generates a clock signal to be supplied to each circuit of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, such as the CPU19AK131 and the VDP19AK140.

The VDP 19AK 140 determines the content of image display control in the image display device 5 based on display control commands from the CPU 19AK 131, register settings, and the like. The VDP19AK140 is an image processor having image data processing functions such as a high-speed drawing function, moving image data separation function, and video decoding function. The VDP19AK140 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or an image processing microprocessor generally called a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The audio processing circuit 19AK141 can generate audio signals used for audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and register settings from the CPU 19AK131 and VDP 19AK140. The lamp control circuit 19AK142 can generate an illumination signal according to the lighting mode (light emission mode) such as lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of light emitting members such as the game effect lamp 9 and the performance LED 19AK61. The motor control circuit 19AK143 can generate a drive control signal used to drive the performance motor 19AK60.

External ROM19AK121, as the specific content of the effect control by the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, the instruction code, management data, table data, etc. that constitute the system program and user program executed by the CPU19AK131, various data that constitutes the effect control pattern, etc. is permanently stored. The external RAM 19AK122 serves as an auxiliary area for the internal RAM 19AK133 and temporarily stores various data.

The connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 are configured using receptacles, for example, and have a configuration of a wiring connection device capable of detachably connecting various signal wirings. Connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 make it possible to output various signals through different paths such as mutually different wiring patterns in the effect control board 12. The connector 19AK150 is a connector port for main board wiring to which the main board wiring electrically connected to the main board 11 can be connected. The connector 19AK151 is a connector port for power supply wiring to which a power supply wiring electrically connected to a power supply unit such as the power supply board 17 can be connected. The connector 19AK152 is a connector port for effect relay wiring that can connect the effect relay wire electrically connected to the effect relay unit such as the effect control relay board 19AK17. The connector 19AK153 is a connector port for frame lamp wiring that can connect the frame lamp wiring electrically connected between the lamp output board 19AK13 and the frame lamp portion in which part or all of the game effect lamp 9 is provided. be. The connector 19AK154 is a connector port for backup wiring to which a backup wiring that is electrically connected to a backup unit such as the backup memory board 19AK14 can be connected. The connector 19AK155 is a connector port for effect data wiring that can connect the effect data wiring electrically connected to the effect data section such as the effect data memory board 19AK16. The connector 19AK156 is an inspection wiring connector port capable of connecting an inspection wiring that is electrically connected to an information processing apparatus (such as a personal computer) for inspection, testing, or development. The inspection information processing device may function as an inspection device for the pachinko game machine 1 by executing a specific software program, for example. Thus, the connector 19AK156 becomes an electronic component used as a connection member to which the inspection device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is connected.

The connector 19AK156 can be connected to an inspection wiring at, for example, the trial production stage, the development stage, or the manufacturing stage of the pachinko game machine 1, and the production control microcomputer 19AK120 is shipped in response to a test command different from the production control command. A previous inspection process may be made executable. Connector 19AK156, for example, in the recovery stage of the pachinko game machine 1, it is possible to connect the inspection wiring, according to the test command different from the effect control command, it may be possible to execute the reading process of the backup data. The connector 19AK156 may be removed at the shipping stage of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The connector 19AK156 is installed only in a predetermined model of the pachinko game machine 1 other than the model installed in the game hall, such as for demonstration or test purposes, and is not installed in the model (mass production machine) that is mass-produced and installed in the game hall. can be anything. On the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 12, a land capable of mounting the connector 19AK156 may be formed. When the connector 19AK156 is removed or not mounted, the copper foil pattern of the land where the connector 19AK156 is no longer mounted may be soldered. Soldering the unmounted lands, such as the connector 19AK156, on which electronic components are not mounted prevents oxidation of the copper foil pattern, prevents problems such as disconnection due to corrosion of the wiring pattern, and appropriately maintains the quality of the board. be able to.

FIG. 11-3(A) shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup memory board 19AK14 is provided with a memory controller 19AK200, an RTC 19AK201, a serial communication circuit 19AK202, an inspection connecting section 19AK203, backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, and a connector 19AK220. Thus, the backup memory board 19AK14 is provided with backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D as a plurality of backup data storage units.

The memory controller 19AK200 can perform write processing and read processing of backup data in accordance with the backup control signal from the effect control board 12 . The RTC 19AK201 can measure the current date and time and supply date and time information including date information and time information to the memory controller 19AK200. The serial communication circuit 19AK202 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving communication data to and from the effect control board 12 by a serial communication method. The serial communication circuit 19AK202 may be capable of transmitting/receiving communication data conforming to a specific serial communication standard such as SPI. The inspection connecting portion 19AK203 may be formed as a specific conductor portion including a terminal capable of inputting/outputting an inspection signal, such as a test point. When the test connection portion 19AK203 is a test point, the test probe is brought into contact with the test connection portion 19AK203, and between the test device and the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12, the input/output of the test signal. or read backup data. The inspection connection unit 19AK203 does not pass through the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 of the performance control board 12, and the inspection signal is input between the inspection device and the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 or the backup data memory 19AK210A to 19AK210D. It may also be possible to perform output, readout of backup data, and the like. In this way, the inspection connection section 19AK203 can provide an interface for performing data communication with an inspection device, which is an external device, in the backup memory board 19AK14.

The backup data memories 19AK210A-19AK210D may be configured partially or entirely using non-volatile ferroelectric memory such as FRAM (registered trademark) (Ferroelectric RAM), and partially or entirely using battery-equipped SRAM (Static RAM). may be configured using The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be partially or wholly configured using flash memory such as NAND-ROM, EEPROM, or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory has memory cells using a ferroelectric film as a capacitor insulating film, and stored data written in the memory cells is not lost even when the operating power supply is turned off. A configuration using a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory does not require a battery backup for data retention, and achieves high-speed writing, high number of rewrites, and low power consumption compared to nonvolatile memories such as flash memory, EEPROM, and HDD. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in installation area, simplify the device configuration, improve operational efficiency, and appropriately store and save backup data. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to dispose of the battery, prevent loss of memory contents due to replacement of the battery, and appropriately store and preserve backup data. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be backed up by a backup power supply mounted on the power supply board. In this way, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D can retain the stored contents even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be capable of holding stored contents without using a backup power supply, for example, when part or all of them are configured using nonvolatile ferroelectric memory. Alternatively, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be able to hold the stored contents using a backup power supply, for example, when part or all of them are configured using SRAMs with batteries.

The backup memory board 19AK14 uses the date and time information output by the RTC 19AK201 to store and store various types of log information in the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. Memory controller 19AK200, in accordance with the instructions and instructions sent from the production control microcomputer 19AK120 of the production control board 12, it is possible to execute the write processing and read processing of the storage data to the backup data memory 19AK210A ~ 19AK210D. In this case, by executing the write process and read process of the stored data indicating the log information including the date and time information, the operation history, setting history, It suffices if the error history and the like can be stored so as to be verifiable after the fact.

FIG. 11-3(B) shows a configuration example for connecting the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14. The effect control board 12 is provided with a connector 19AK154 that can be detached from the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup memory board 19AK14 has a connector 19AK220 that can be attached to and detached from the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 . By connecting the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220, the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 can be physically and electrically connected. A connector 19AK154 provided on the effect control board 12 has terminals TM01 to TM06. A connector 19AK220 provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 has terminals TM11 to TM16. When the connectors 19AK154 and 19AK220 are coupled, the terminals TM01 to TM06 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 to TM16 of the connector 19AK220 are physically and electrically connected to the corresponding terminals (for example, the terminals TM01 and TM11). It is sufficient if the relationship is connected to

A terminal TM01 provided in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 can provide a specific voltage such as VD1. The terminal TM02 provided in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 can receive the specific voltage VD1 used for confirming the connection with the backup memory board 19AK14. For example, the specific voltage VD1 output from the terminal TM01 provided in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 is supplied to the terminal TM11 provided in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14. The terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220 may be short-circuited on the substrate of the backup memory substrate 19AK14. Therefore, when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are coupled, the voltage corresponding to VD1 is supplied from the terminal TM12 of the connector 19AK220 on the backup board 19AK14 to the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 on the effect control board 12. be. On the other hand, when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are not connected, the voltage is not supplied to the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 in the effect control board 12 .

In the effect control board 12, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 determines the voltage value at the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 in order to confirm the connection state with the backup memory board 19AK14. In this case, if the voltage value of the terminal TM02 is a high voltage value corresponding to VD1, it can be determined that the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are connected (connected state). On the other hand, if the voltage value of the terminal TM02 is a low voltage value corresponding to voltage non-supply, it can be determined that the performance control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are not connected (unconnected state). Thus, based on the voltage at the terminal TM02, which is a member for connection confirmation, the connection state between the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 may be confirmed. It should be noted that it is not limited to confirming the connection state based on the terminal voltage, and for example, the connection state may be confirmed based on the input state of a specific signal. Alternatively, the connection state may be confirmed using a switch or sensor as a connection confirmation member.

The terminals TM03 to TM06 provided in the connector 19AK154 of the effect control board 12 are wire-connected to the serial communication circuit 19AK137 provided in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The terminals TM13 and TM14 of the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wired to the serial communication circuit 19AK202. Therefore, the wires connected to the terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220 are connected to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board through the serial communication circuit 19AK137 and the serial communication circuit 19AK202. Electrical connections are provided so that stored data can be transferred to and from backup data memories 19AK210A-19AK210D of 19AK14. The terminals TM15 and TM16 of the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wire-connected to the test connecting portion 19AK203. As a result, the wires connected to the terminals TM05 and TM06 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM15 and TM16 of the connector 19AK220 are connected via the serial communication circuit 19AK137 to the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board 19AK14. An electrical connection is provided between the connecting portion 19AK203 so as to enable transmission and reception of inspection signals and transfer of stored data.

The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be detachable from the effect control board 12. - 特許庁As a result, for example, in the case of the pachinko game machine 1 that does not use the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, the backup memory board 19AK14 can be removed, thereby increasing the flexibility of the device configuration and increasing the manufacturing cost. can be prevented. In addition, since the backup memory board 19AK14 can be detached to read and analyze the stored data, the workload of checking the stored data can be reduced. The RTC provided in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 provided in the performance control board 12 may provide the current time for timing adjustment for executing performances in which, for example, a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 are interlocked. There is a need for relatively high accuracy. On the other hand, the RTC 19AK201 of the backup memory board 19AK14 only needs to be able to identify the context of the memory processing executed for the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, so a relatively low-precision RTC 19AK201 can sufficiently satisfy the application. can be done. As described above, the RTC 19AK 201 of the backup memory board 19AK 14 only needs to be of relatively low accuracy, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented. In addition, the structure and function with which backup memory board|substrate 19AK14 is provided may be comprised so that the production|presentation control board 12 may be provided. For example, the configuration and functions of backup data memories 19AK210A-19AK210D may be realized by external RAM 19AK122. Even in this case, for example, the wiring pattern in the effect control board 12, or a switch or a sensor may be used as a connection confirmation member to confirm the connection state.

FIG. 11-4(A) is a flow chart showing an example of the production control main processing executed by the CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 mounted on the production control board 12. FIG. In the effect control main process, an initialization process is executed (step 19AKS21). In the initialization process of step 19AKS21, one or both of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133 are cleared, various initial values are set, and register settings of the timer circuit 19AK135 are initialized. Following the initialization process, an initial operation control process is executed (step 19AKS22). In the initial operation control process of step 19AKS22, the performance motor 19AK60 is driven to return the presentation movable member including the movable body 32 to the initial position, and the initial state of the presentation movable member, such as the control for confirming the operation, is performed. A control that performs an action is executed. After the initial operation control process, power-on information processing is executed (step 19AKS23). In the power-on information processing of step 19 AKS 23 , log information storage processing including the power-on date and time may be executed. Data indicating log information is written and stored as backup data in log areas provided in backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. CPU19AK131 of microcomputer 19AK120 for production|presentation control transmits the control signal corresponding to the backup command for the time of power-on with respect to backup memory board|substrate 19AK14 via serial communication circuit 19AK137. In the backup memory board 19AK14, in response to the backup command indicated by the control signal received by the memory controller 19AK200 via the serial communication circuit 19AK202, log information including the power-on date and time is written using the date and time information obtained from the RTC 19AK201. Processing should be executed. In the power-on information processing of step 19 AKS 23, backup restoration processing may be executed to restore settings, controls, and other records based on the log information stored in the log area.

After the power-on information processing, an interrupt initialization process is executed (step 19AKS24). In the interrupt initial setting process of step 19AKS24, it is sufficient if the priority of interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136 can be initialized. The priority of interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136 may be set based on the interrupt priority data stored in advance in a program management area provided in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132. For example, the serial reception interrupt has a higher priority than the effect control timer interrupt, and the effect control timer interrupt has a higher priority than the V sync interrupt. should be set. Then, after setting the interrupt permission (step 19AKS25), the loop processing is entered.

FIG. 11-4(B) shows a setting example of processing priority in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. The processing priority in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may be determined in advance based on the specifications of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 together with the interrupt priority controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. As an example, the CPU exception event occurrence processing has the highest priority, followed by VDP error interrupt processing, followed by processing according to the interrupt priority controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. It suffices if the processing priority is set in advance so that the priority of . The VDP error interrupt process may be executed based on the occurrence of an interrupt factor controllable by the interrupt controller 19AK136. In this case, for example, the interrupt initialization process of step 19 AKS24 may be performed to set the interrupt priority so that the VDP error interrupt has the highest priority. The CPU exception event occurrence process is a process that is executed when an exception event due to an internal state abnormality or the like occurs in the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. A CPU19AK131 exception event may occur when decoding an undefined instruction that is not defined in the instruction set. Exceptions for the CPU 19AK 131 may occur when performing invalid operations such as division by zero or overflow. The CPU 19AK 131 exception event may occur when a storage protection violation occurs in virtual memory. The exception event of the CPU 19AK 131 may occur in the case of a TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer) miss that causes an error in translation from a virtual address to a physical address. The VDP error interrupt process is a process executed when an error interrupt request occurs due to an abnormality in the internal state of the VDP 19AK140 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. An error interrupt request of VDP19AK140 may be generated in response to an exception event of VDP19AK140 as in the case of CPU19AK131. In addition, the error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140 may be generated when the setting of the clock signal (dot clock) used for display control of the image display device 5 is abnormal. An error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140 may occur when there is an abnormality in decoding moving image data. An error interrupt request for the VDP 19AK 140 may occur when there is an audio data decoding error. The VDP19AK140 error interrupt request may occur in response to a system reset in the VDP19AK140. Thus, the CPU exception event processing is executed when an exception event of the CPU 19AK 131 occurs. The VDP error interrupt processing is executed when an error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 is generated. Therefore, when an event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the CPU 19AK 131 is satisfied, the CPU exception event occurrence process is executed. VDP error interrupt processing is executed when an event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the VDP 19AK 140 is established. The CPU exception event occurrence processing and the VDP error interrupt processing can be executed when an event occurrence condition that can be established according to the internal state of the control device or processing device such as the CPU 19AK 131 or the VDP 19AK 140 is established.

FIG. 11-5A is a flow chart showing an example of processing when a CPU exception event occurs. In the CPU exception event occurrence processing, first, exception preprocessing is executed (step 19AKS41). In the pre-exception processing of step 19AKS41, control information for instruction code execution is saved in a predetermined area (such as a stack area) of the internal RAM 19AK133, for example. The control information for instruction code execution may include a stored value of a program counter (PC) and a value of a program status word (PSW). Following the exceptional preprocessing, exceptional backup processing is executed (step 19AKS42). In the exceptional backup process of step 19 AKS 42, a process of storing log information including exceptional event information is executed. In this case, a control signal corresponding to the backup command for exception event occurrence is sent to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup instruction for when an exceptional event occurs may include exceptional event information that identifiably indicates an exceptional event that has occurred in the CPU 19AK131. The exception event information may identifiably indicate the type of exception event. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup command for exception event occurrence, the date and time information obtained from the RTC 19AK201 may be used to write the log information including the exception event information.

After the exceptional backup process, other exceptional processes are executed (step 19AKS43). At step 19AKS43, for example, the vector table may be accessed and an exception handling routine may be started by jumping to the acquired exception handler address. At this time, the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register, etc.) of the CPU 19AK 131 may be saved. If the exception event could be resolved by the exception handling routine, or if the exception event could not be resolved and a reset occurred, backup processing similar to that of step 19 AKS42 is executed, and if the exception event could be resolved or could not be resolved. It may be possible to store the log information when there is no log. When the exception processing is completed, the exception post-processing is executed (step 19AKS44), and the CPU exception event occurrence processing is terminated. In the post-exception processing of step 19AKS44, the values stored in the internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 are restored, and the control information for executing the instruction code is restored. Just do it.

FIG. 11-5B is a flowchart showing an example of VDP error interrupt processing. In the VDP error interrupt processing, first, error interrupt preprocessing is executed (step 19AKS51). In the error interrupt preprocessing of step 19AKS51, control information for instruction code execution is saved in a predetermined area (such as a stack area) of the internal RAM 19AK133, for example. Following the error interrupt preprocessing, error interrupt backup processing is executed (step 19AKS52). In the error interrupt backup process of step 19 AKS 52, a process of storing log information including VDP error information is executed. In this case, a control signal corresponding to the backup command for when a VDP error occurs is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup command for when a VDP error occurs may include VDP error information that identifiably indicates an error that has occurred in the VDP19AK140. The VDP error information may identifiably indicate the type of VDP error. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives a backup command for when a VDP error occurs, the date and time information obtained from the RTC 19AK201 may be used to write log information including VDP error information.

After the error interrupt backup process, another error interrupt process is executed (step 19AKS53). In step 19 AKS53, it is possible to branch to the interrupt processing routine by jumping to the obtained interrupt handler address according to the interrupt factor corresponding to the VDP error, for example. At this time, the stored value of the internal register (general-purpose register, etc.) of the CPU 19AK 131 may be saved. If the VDP 19AK 140 can autonomously execute recovery processing from an internal error, it may wait until it receives a notification of recovery completion or a notification of the occurrence of a reset due to inability to recover. When these notifications are received, backup processing similar to that of step 19AKS52 may be executed to store log information when the VDP 19AK 140 recovers from the error state or cannot recover. When the error interrupt processing ends, the error interrupt post-processing is executed (step 19AKS54), and the VDP error interrupt processing ends. In the error interrupt post-processing of step S54, the values stored in the internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK 131 are restored, and the control information for executing the instruction code is restored, so that the processing before the VDP error occurred can be restored. And it is sufficient.

The CPU exception event occurrence processing includes exception backup processing in step 19AKS42. The VDP error interrupt processing includes error interrupt backup processing in step 19AKS52. In the exception backup process of step 19AKS42, data including exception event information about the CPU 19AK131 among the plurality of electronic components is stored as backup data indicating log information in the logs provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. A write operation is performed to write to the area. In the error interrupt backup process of step 19AKS52, data including VDP error information regarding VDP19AK140 among a plurality of electronic components is stored in backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of backup memory board 19AK14 as backup data indicating log information. A write process is executed to write to the log area. The CPU exception event occurrence process is executed when an exception event occurs in the CPU 19AK 131 assuming that an event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the CPU 19AK 131 is satisfied. The VDP error interrupt process is executed when an error interrupt request for the VDP19AK140 is generated, assuming that an event generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the VDP19AK140 is satisfied. In this way, when an event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the control device or processing device, such as the CPU 19AK 131 or the VDP 19AK 140, is established, information about a plurality of electronic components is written to a storage area such as a log area. A write process can be performed for storage.

After setting the interrupt permission by step 19AKS25 of the effect control main processing, a timeout occurs in a predetermined channel of the timer circuit 19AK135 every predetermined time (such as 2 milliseconds), so that the interrupt controller 19AK136 to the CPU19AK131 Then, an interrupt request signal corresponding to the timer interrupt for effect control is output. CPU19AK131 which received this interruption request signal and accepted an interruption request starts execution of timer interruption processing for production control.

FIG. 11-6 is a flow chart showing an example of effect control timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 19AK131. In the effect control timer interrupt process, the effect control process process (step 19AKS72) is executed following the command analysis process (step 19AKS71). Also, random number update processing for effect is executed (step 19AKS73). Furthermore, an effect mode change process is executed (step 19AKS74). For example, the pachinko game machine 1 can be controlled in three types of effect modes, effect mode A to effect mode C, and depending on which effect mode is being controlled, for example, the background screen of the image display device 5 It is only necessary that the types of characters appearing in the advance notice effect and the ready-to-win effect are different. The control to change from the current production mode to a different production mode may be performed when the production mode change condition is satisfied. For example, based on the date and time information acquired from the RTC provided in the timer circuit 19AK135, when a specific date or time comes, the effect mode change condition may be established and the effect mode may be changed. Alternatively, the lottery process using the random number for production may be executed, and the production mode may be changed when the production mode change condition is satisfied according to the determination result.

Following the effect mode change process, an error notification process is executed (step 19AKS75). In the error notification process of step 19 AKS75, control for notifying various errors that have occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed. Notification of various errors may include left-hand driving notification and full-tank notification. The left-handed notification is a notification that prompts the player to perform a left-handed operation based on, for example, the total number of times the game ball has passed through a passage gate provided in the right area of the game area. The left-handed notification is, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "Aim left!" It may also include occasional notifications, or a combination of some or all of these. The full tank notification is a notification that, when the full tank state of the surplus ball storage tray (lower tray) is detected, urges the player to eliminate the full tank state based on the elapsed time that the full tank state has continued. . The full tank notification is, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "The lower tray is full!" or a combination of some or all of these may be included. In addition, the error notification process, in response to the occurrence of an error specified by the game control error specification command transmitted from the main board 11, by display, lighting or light emission, sound output, or a combination of some or all of these , and includes control for notifying various errors that have occurred. Alternatively, regardless of the game control error designation command, according to the processing result of the CPU19AK131, when it is determined that an error related to electronic parts including the effect device has occurred, display, lighting or light emission, sound output, or By combining some or all of these, control may be performed to notify various errors that have occurred.

After the error notification process, the maintenance mode process is executed (step 19AKS76). In the maintenance mode process of step 19 AKS76, control is performed to enable display of the maintenance history screen and setting change/confirmation history screen. On the maintenance history screen, for example, when a setting confirmation display corresponding to the setting confirmation state or a maintenance mode menu screen is being displayed, detection of an operation that is an operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B by the staff of the game hall is performed. Based on the result, it becomes possible to display when it is determined that the maintenance history selection operation has been performed. When displaying the maintenance history screen, all log information is read from the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The image display device 5 displays a maintenance history screen including the read log information as history information. The setting change/confirmation history screen can be displayed when it is determined that a setting change/confirmation history selection operation has been performed based on the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B, which is the operation by the game hall attendant. Become. When the setting change/confirmation history screen is displayed, all setting change and setting confirmation log information is read from the log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. On the image display device 5, a setting change/confirmation history screen including the log information of the read setting change and setting confirmation as history information is displayed. Note that the maintenance history screen and the setting change/confirmation history screen can be displayed based on the detection result of the operation performed by the person in charge of the pachinko game machine 1 manufacturer, unlike the person in charge of the game hall. good. The maintenance history screen and the setting change/confirmation history screen are screens that the player of the pachinko machine 1 cannot see while playing the game. Just do it.

After the maintenance mode process, the current time setting process is executed (step 19AKS77). In the current time setting process of step 19 AKS77, control for setting the current date and current time is performed. In this case, it is possible to input the setting information of the current date and current time based on the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B by the game hall attendant. For example, an hour signal indicating the hour, a minute signal indicating the minute, a second signal indicating the second, a year signal indicating the year, a month signal indicating the month, a day signal indicating the date, and a day of the week signal indicating the day of the week are set and inputted. The CPU 19AK 131 sequentially receives. By updating the information stored in the RTC in the timer circuit 19AK135 according to these received signals, it is sufficient to change the setting of the current date and current time measured by the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135. By updating the information stored in the RTC 19AK 201 provided on the backup memory board 19AK 14 according to the input setting information, the setting of the current date and current items measured by the RTC 19AK 201 may be changed. When the current time setting process ends, the date and time information storage process is executed (step 19AKS78). In the date/time information storage process of step 19AKS78, control is performed to store date/time information in a temporary area of the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM 19AK133 at a predetermined cycle (every 100 milliseconds, etc.). The date and time information stored in the temporary area may be stored as log information indicating the date and time of power failure when receiving a RAM clear notification command or power failure restoration designation command from the main substrate 11 . Then, after executing the effect control backup process (step 19AKS79), the effect control timer interrupt process is terminated. In the backup process during the effect control of step 19AKS79, when the preset backup condition is established, the backup data indicating various log information is stored in the log area provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. A storage process is performed to store and store. In this case, the log information to be stored may be information including some or all of the operation history, setting history, error history, etc. regarding a plurality of electronic components used for games and effects in the pachinko gaming machine 1 . Also, the log information may include date and time information indicating the date and time when it was stored.

FIG. 11-7 shows an example of the content of the effect control command transmitted for the game from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 to the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12. FIG. In the following, the subscript H indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command that can be received by the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 has a 2-byte structure, the first byte being MODE data representing the command classification, and the second byte being EXT data representing the command type. The leading bit (bit 7) of the effect control command upper data (MODE data) is always set to "1", and the leading bit (bit 7) of the effect control command lower data (EXT data) is always set to "0". be done. It should be noted that the effect control command is not limited to a 2-byte configuration, and a control command configured with, for example, 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used. The performance control command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 as the game progresses. The effect control microcomputer 19AK120 receives one of the effect control commands as the game progresses. Thus, the effect control command is a game effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 to the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 of the effect control board 12 in accordance with the control relating to the progress of the game. is.

The variation start command 80XXH designates the start of variation for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which are a plurality of special symbols. XXH, which is lower data (EXT data) of the variation start command, may be 01H at the start of variation of the first special symbol and 02H at the start of variation of the second special symbol, for example. The variation pattern designation command 81XXH designates a variation pattern of decorative symbols to be variably displayed on the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbols. XXH, which is lower data (EXT data) of the variation pattern designation command, indicates a value corresponding to the variation pattern. The display result designation command 8CXXH designates the display result of variable display. XXH, which is lower data (EXT data) of the display result designation command, indicates a value corresponding to the display result of the variable display. The symbol confirmation command 8F00H designates to end the variation of symbols. The RAM clear notification command 9000H notifies that the memory contents of the RAM 102 are cleared due to the initialization in the game control microcomputer 100 when the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on and the power supply is started. The setting change start command 9100H designates the start of a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed when power supply is started by power-on of the pachinko gaming machine 1 . The power failure recovery specification command 9200H specifies execution of power failure recovery processing corresponding to power failure recovery. The setting change end command 93XXH designates the end of the setting change state. In the setting change end command, for example, EXT data corresponding to the setting value newly set by the change may be set. For example, command 9300H specifies that the setting value is set to "1", command 9301H specifies that the setting value is set to "2", and command 9302H specifies that the setting value is set to "3". Specifies that it is set. Alternatively, only the command 9300H with EXT data of 00H may be prepared as the setting change end command, and the command 9300H may specify the end of the setting change state regardless of the setting value newly set by the change. Alternatively, a setting value designation command for designating a setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 may be prepared as an effect control command different from the setting change end command. In addition to the case where the setting value designation command is transmitted along with the transmission of the setting change end command, for example, along with the transmission of the first fluctuation start command and the second fluctuation start command, the fluctuation start and correspondence in each round of the special game may be sent as Further, the set value designation command may be transmitted along with execution of a predetermined number of times of variable display, such as every 10 times of variable start in a special game. Instead of or in addition to these, a set value designation command may be transmitted along with the transmission of the winning start designation command or the winning end designation command. A set value designation command may be transmitted along with the transmission of the customer waiting demonstration designation command.

The setting confirmation start command 9400H designates the start of the setting confirmation state in which the setting value can be confirmed when the power supply is started by turning on the power in the pachinko gaming machine 1 . The setting confirmation end command 9401H designates the end of the setting confirmation state. The game state designation command 95XXH designates the current game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 . For example, the command 9500H is the first game state designation command corresponding to the game state (low base state, normal state) in which the time saving control is not performed, and the command 9501H is the game state in which the time saving control is performed (high base state, time saving state) The second game state designation command corresponding to . The game control error specification command 96XXH specifies the occurrence of an error (abnormality) related to game control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the type of the error (abnormality) that has occurred. In the game control error designation command, by setting the EXT data corresponding to each error (abnormality), it is possible to specify which error (abnormality) occurrence has been determined on the effect control board 12 side. , the occurrence of the specified error (abnormality) may be notified by error notification processing. The customer waiting demonstration designation command 9F00H designates the display of a customer waiting demonstration screen (demonstration screen display) by displaying an effect image corresponding to the stoppage of the progress of the game in the customer waiting state.

The hit start specifying command A0XXH specifies display of an effect image indicating the start of the big win game state or the small win game state. The large winning opening open specifying command A1XXH specifies that the big winning opening is in the open state in the big winning game state or the small winning game state. The post-opening of the big winning opening designation command A2XXH designates a period in which the big winning opening changes from the open state to the closed state in the big winning game state or the small winning game state. The hit end designation command A3XXH designates the display of an effect image at the end of the big win game state or the small win game state. The background designation command B0XXH designates the display state of the background screen according to the game state or the like. The first reserved memory number designation command C1XXH designates the first reserved memory number. The first reserved memory number is the reserved number of variable display corresponding to the first special symbol display device 4A among the reserved memory numbers, and has a value of, for example, "0" to "4". The second reserved memory number designation command C2XXH designates the second reserved memory number. The second reserved memory number is a variable display reserved number corresponding to the second special symbol display device 4B among the reserved memory numbers, and is, for example, any value of "0" to "4". Winning determination result specifying command C3XXH specifies the winning determination result. The winning determination result is when the first starting opening switch 22A detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening, or when the second starting opening switch 22B has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening. When a ball is detected, numerical data indicating a game random number extracted from, for example, a random number circuit 104 or a game random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is used to determine whether or not a variable display result is a "jackpot". and the results of determining the fluctuation pattern. That is, before determining whether or not to control to an advantageous state such as a jackpot gaming state, the winning determination result is the result of determining whether or not to be controlled to an advantageous state, or whether it becomes a specific variation pattern. The result of determining whether or not is shown.

In the effect control timer interrupt process, for example, in the effect control backup process of step 19 AKS79, when a preset backup condition is established, the backup target data corresponding to the established backup condition is stored and stored. will be backed up. As for the backup condition, it is sufficient if a plurality of different conditions can be set according to the occurrence of events including various changes and settings in the pachinko gaming machine 1 . A backup control table indicating a plurality of backup conditions may be stored in advance in a predetermined area (such as a program management area) provided in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and internal ROM 19AK132, for example. The data to be backed up may include different data depending on the backup conditions. Alternatively, the backup target data may include data common to multiple backup conditions. Data to be backed up indicating log information including date and time information may be stored when any of the backup conditions are met.

The backup control table may be configured so as to include setting information indicating the backup condition, the number of storage area bits, the multiplicity, and the verification method according to the data to be backed up indicating the content of the log information. The number of storage area bits is a processing unit of stored data in a log area, which is a storage area for storing log information, in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14. ” or “3” indicating 3 bits can be specified. The degree of multiplicity is the degree of mirroring in which data to be backed up that indicates the same log information is stored in a plurality of different log areas in an overlapping and distributed manner. You can specify the number of times. For example, when the multiplicity is "1", the data to be backed up indicating the same log information is stored only once and backed up without performing mirroring. When the multiplicity is "2", mirroring is performed with the number of times of storage being two, and backup target data indicating the same log information is stored twice in different storage areas and backed up. When the multiplicity is "3", mirroring is performed with a storage count of 3, and the backup target data indicating the same log information is stored 3 times in different storage areas and backed up. By increasing the degree of multiplicity, redundancy (availability) can be improved and the reliability of stored data can be enhanced.

The verification method that can be set for each backup target data is a method to verify whether or not the backup processing, which is the storage processing of the backup target data, was performed correctly. It is possible. If the verification method is error detection, when the data to be backed up is read from the log area, arbitrary error detection processing using parity, checksum, hash value, etc. is executed to verify the correctness of the stored data. I wish I could. If the verification method is error detection and majority vote, along with error detection processing using parity, checksum, hash value, etc., in multiple log areas where backup target data that is multiplexed by mirroring and shows the same log information is stored Compare stored data. As a result of this comparison, if the stored contents match in a predetermined number of log areas among the plurality of log areas, it is determined that the backup processing has been correctly performed, and the validity of the stored data can be verified. For example, if parity, checksum, or hash values calculated from stored data in a plurality of log areas match, it can be determined that backup processing has been correctly performed for each log area. If the parity, checksum or hash value calculated from the stored data in multiple log areas do not match, if the number of log areas for which the same parity, checksum or hash value is calculated is more than half, It is sufficient to judge that the backup process has been correctly performed for the log area (judgment by majority vote). The "predetermined number of log areas", which is the condition for determining that the backup process has been performed correctly, is not limited to the majority of the log areas, and is a fixed value (for example, "2") set in advance regardless of multiplicity. Alternatively, it may be a variable value determined according to the degree of multiplicity. Instead of making a decision based on a majority vote, it may be determined that the backup process has been correctly performed when the execution result of the error detection process becomes normal for the first time.

Data to be backed up includes system data, effect control error data, player history data, received command data, set value change time data, power saving setting data, current time change data, power off time data, store name setting data, effect output amount. data, including production history data. It should be noted that the data to be backed up may include some of these. System data should just contain the data for production|presentation control memorize|stored in the predetermined area|region (data holding area for production|presentation control etc.) provided in external RAM19AK122 or internal RAM19AK133. Production control error data is data indicating an error that occurred during execution of production control. The player history data is data relating to the player acquired by the pachinko gaming machine 1 . The received command data is data indicating the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 . The set value change time data is data indicating the date and time when the set value was changed. The setting value change time data may include data indicating the date and time when the setting value was confirmed, or the setting value confirmation time data may be generated separately from the setting value change time data. The power saving setting data is data related to power saving control that can be set by the staff of the game arcade. The setting of the power saving control can be performed, for example, by rotating the knob of the output amount changeover switch provided on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1, and when the power saving function setting screen is displayed on the image display device 5, the power saving is performed. It is sufficient if the presence/absence and type (power saving mode) of the function can be changed. Alternatively, when a test command for power saving setting is input, a power saving function setting screen may be displayed on the image display device 5 so that the presence or absence of the power saving function and the function (power saving mode) can be changed. The current time change data is data indicating that the setting of the current date and time measured by the RTC has been changed. The setting of the current date and time measured by the RTC is the setting of the RTC provided in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, and the setting of the RTC19AK201 provided in the backup memory board 19AK14. Just do it. The power-off time data is data indicating the date and time when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 was stopped. The shop name setting data is data indicating the setting of a shop name that can be set by a game hall staff member or the like. The performance output amount data is data indicating the setting of the output amount such as the sound volume and the light emission amount that can be set by the player or the like. The effect history data is data indicating the history of effects executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 . In addition, the number of rotations indicating the number of times the variable display is executed counted from a specific timing, the number of types of jackpots indicating the number of jackpots counted for each type of jackpot, the number of consecutive wins indicating the number of jackpots that occurred without being controlled in the normal state, the player Arbitrary information according to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 and the progress of control, such as the character selection content of the effect image set by , effect customization indicating the effect theme, and mission achievement status indicating the achievement status of the predetermined mission It suffices if the data indicating is capable of being stored as backup target data.

The backup conditions that can be set for each data to be backed up may be conditions for events such as setting, control, determination, and detection in the pachinko gaming machine 1 that can occur as a game or performance progresses. In the production control backup process executed in step 19AKS79 of the production control timer interrupt process, for example, CPU19AK131 and VDP19AK140 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, according to the processing results by the control device and the processing device, preset It suffices to determine whether any of the backup conditions are met. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11, or by determining various detection results, the production device If an error related to the included electronic components occurs, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the effect control backup process, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is established, and effect control error data is created. In this way, when it is determined that the backup condition is met in the backup process during effect control, a control signal corresponding to the backup command for backup during effect control is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup command for backup during effect control should just contain backup object data. Memory controller 19AK200 of backup memory board 19AK14, when receiving a backup command for backup during effect control, using the date and time information obtained from RTC19AK201, it is sufficient to execute the writing process of the log information including the data to be backed up. By storing error information related to electronic components including the effect device, it becomes easier to identify defects and improve performance.

The effect control backup process is executed at step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process based on the occurrence of the effect control timer interrupt. Then, as a case where an event occurrence condition corresponding to a processing result by a control device or a processing device such as the CPU 19AK 131 or VDP 19AK 140 is satisfied, a case where a backup condition set for each backup target data related to a plurality of electronic components including an effect device is satisfied. , a backup process for storing the data to be backed up is executed. In this way, as a case where an event occurrence condition regarding a plurality of electronic components is satisfied, when an event occurrence condition corresponding to the processing result of a control device or a processing device such as the CPU 19AK 131 or VDP 19AK 140 is satisfied, a storage such as a log area A write process for writing and storing information about a plurality of electronic components can be performed on the area.

The backup conditions that can be set for each data to be backed up may include write conditions that differ from event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components. For example, for player history data, a backup condition is established when data relating to a player is updated, regardless of whether or not events corresponding to a plurality of electronic components have occurred. As for the received command data, a backup condition may be satisfied when the performance control command transmitted from the main substrate 11 is received even when an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components does not occur. The store name setting data satisfies a backup condition at the time of setting the name of the store corresponding to the amusement arcade regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. The system data is stored regardless of whether or not the backup condition is met when the data is updated due to the occurrence of events related to multiple electronic components, and whether or not events related to multiple electronic components have occurred. In some cases, the backup condition is satisfied at the time of data update. In this way, backup processing for storing data to be backed up is executed even when a backup condition is satisfied as a write condition that is different from the occurrence condition of an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components. When a write condition different from such an occurrence condition is met, a write process for writing and storing game-related information different from information on a plurality of electronic components in a storage area such as a log area. can be executed. In the event that an event occurs due to the malfunction of the electronic parts, the backup data including the game-related information is stored, so that it is possible to easily identify the relationship between the progress of the game or performance and the malfunction of the electronic parts. Therefore, the situation of the pachinko game machine 1 can be easily grasped.

When the data to be backed up is the performance control error data, the backup condition is not limited to the backup condition only when the error occurs, and the backup condition including the error recovery may be set. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11, or by determining various detection results, the production device If an error related to the included electronic components occurs, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the effect control backup process, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is established, and effect control error data is created. After that, when the error is no longer detected for the electronic component that is the target of the error notification, it is determined that the error has been recovered. At the time of error recovery by such determination, it may be determined that the backup condition is established in the backup process during effect control, and effect control error recovery data may be created. The performance control error recovery data created in this manner is included in the backup command for backup during performance control and transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14 in the same manner as the performance control error data. Memory controller 19AK200 of backup memory board 19AK14, when receiving a backup command for backup during effect control, using the date and time information obtained from RTC19AK201, it is sufficient to execute the writing process of the log information including the data to be backed up. In addition to performance control error data, performance control error recovery data can also be stored as backup data, thereby storing the history of error occurrence and recovery related to performance control to enable post facto verification, and the pachinko game machine 1. status can be easily grasped.

In the effect control backup process, it may be determined whether the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12 or not. In this case, the voltage value at the terminal TM02 of the connector 19AK154 should be determined. Depending on the determination result of the connection state, whether or not to execute the storage process may be changed, and the storage process with different contents may be executed. For example, when the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12, the storage process of storing the log information in the log area is not executed. In this manner, a limitation may be provided as a limit that the memory processing is not executed in a range where the preset limitation condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12 is established. On the other hand, as long as the memory processing can be executed in the range where the restriction condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12 is not established. When the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12, a predetermined area of the external RAM 19AK122 may be used as a log area to store and store backup data indicating various types of log information. . In this case, compared with the case where the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the effect control board 12, the data capacity to be stored as the backup target data may be reduced. For example, performance control error data and received command data are data to be backed up, and when a backup condition is met, a storage process is executed to store log information. On the other hand, system data and player history data are not data to be backed up. Instead, the storage process for storing the log information may not be executed even if the backup condition is met. In this way, in the range where the preset limit condition is satisfied that the backup memory board 19AK14 is not connected to the effect control board 12, a limit is provided as a limit to reduce the data capacity to be stored by the storage process. may On the other hand, in the range where the limiting condition that the backup memory board 19AK14 is connected to the performance control board 12 is not established, the data capacity to be stored by the storage processing is not reduced, and the backup corresponding to all the backup conditions is performed. It is sufficient to store and store the target data. Not limited to memory processing, any processing or control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be limited as a limit that a specific processing or control is not executed within a range where a preset limit condition is established. Alternatively, a limit may be provided as a limit such that the amount of processing or the amount of control is reduced compared to a range in which the limit condition is not satisfied.

In the effect control main process, for example, in the power-on information processing of step 19AKS23, a backup restoration process for restoring settings, controls, and other records based on the log information stored in the log area may be executed. In the backup recovery process, verification may be performed using a verification method according to the data to be backed up, and it may be determined whether or not the stored data is normal. For example, if the verification method is error detection and majority vote, if the execution result of error detection processing is normal in a predetermined number of log areas among a plurality of log areas in which data to be backed up showing the same log information is stored, It is determined that the stored data is normal. Thus, if the stored data is normal, data recovery processing is performed using the stored data in the log area. On the other hand, if the stored data is not normal, initial value setting may be performed using initial data different from the stored data in the log area. The initial data is stored in one or both of the external ROM 19AK 121 and the internal ROM 19AK 132, for example, and may be data used when the initialization process is executed in step 19AKS 21 of the game control main process. As a result, even if the data to be backed up cannot be stored correctly, the initial value setting using the initial data can be performed in response to the recovery from the power failure. In place of the initial data, special data corresponding to the case where the stored data is not normal may be used. Different from the initial data, the special data may be any data suitable for restoring settings and control. Whether to use the initial data or the special data may be differentiated according to the data to be backed up whose stored data is determined to be abnormal. For example, if the data to be backed up is system data, data recovery using special data is performed when it is determined that the stored data is not normal. On the other hand, if the data to be backed up is the effect output amount data, the data recovery is performed using the initial data when it is determined that the stored data is not normal. The setting of whether to use the initial data or the special data is made in advance based on the update frequency of the backup target data, the update data amount, the importance of the data, the target parts, the target control, a combination of some or all of these, etc. It should be decided. It should be noted that the backup recovery process may be made executable when the preset data recovery condition is satisfied in the backup process during effect control. The data recovery condition may be satisfied, for example, when a power failure recovery designation command transmitted from the main substrate 11 is received.

11-8 and 11-9 show specific examples of displaying the maintenance history screen. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the setting confirmation process is executed in step S5 of the game control main process, and when the setting confirmation condition is satisfied, the main board 11 sets the performance control board 12. A confirmation start command is sent. When this setting confirmation start command is received, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 is, for example, when maintenance mode processing is executed in step 19AKS78 of the production control timer interrupt processing, to FIG. 11-8 (A) The display during setting confirmation is performed as shown. The setting confirmation display is, for example, a character display such as "setting confirmation in progress" on the image display device 5 . The setting-confirming display includes a character display such as "Press the push button to shift to maintenance mode" on the image display device 5. FIG. In this manner, in the setting confirmation display, a display prompting an operation for shifting to the maintenance mode is performed. At this time, when an operation of pressing the push button 31B by a staff member of the game arcade or a person in charge of the manufacturer is detected, the maintenance mode menu screen as shown in FIG. 11-8(B) is displayed on the image display device 5. and enter maintenance mode. The maintenance mode menu screen displays options of "maintenance history", "setting change/confirmation history", and "current time setting", as well as the current time.

When the option 012IW106 of "maintenance history" is selected on the maintenance mode menu screen, the image display device 5 switches to display a maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-8(C). On the maintenance history screen, date and time and log contents are displayed in association with each other, and the latest log information is displayed in order from the top. Examples include a VDP error indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the internal state of the VDP19AK140, an illegal winning error indicating that an illegal winning of a winning opening such as the first or second large winning opening has been detected, and a count switch. Each log information of switch abnormality error indicating that abnormality of various switches such as 23 was detected, prize ball abnormality error indicating that prize ball abnormality was detected, magnet error indicating that abnormal magnetism was detected, furthermore, probability not established Log information is displayed indicating that the If the maintenance history screen has a plurality of pages, performing the selection operation for the next page will shift to the second page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-8(D). On this maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information on the start of setting change and end of setting change, log information on the date and time of power failure and power on, and further log information on left-hand drive notification and full-tank notification. Further, if there is a next page, performing a selection operation for the next page moves to the third page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-9(E). On this maintenance history screen, log information of the start and end of setting confirmation, log information that the current time was set during maintenance mode during setting confirmation, and RAM clearing by initialization processing It is possible to display log information indicating Further, when the next page selection operation is performed, the screen moves to the fourth page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-9(F). On this maintenance history screen, the log information of the RWM abnormality error indicating that some kind of RAM abnormality occurred when the pachinko game machine 1 was turned on, the log information of the date and time of power failure corresponding to the later date and time, and the date and time of turning on the power. Displayable. Based on these log information, an RWM abnormal error has occurred, so the staff of the game hall temporarily stops the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 and then turns on the power again while turning on the clear switch. It is possible to confirm after the fact that the RAM has been cleared. Further, log information of the CPU exception event indicating that the exception event has occurred in the CPU 19AK 131, and log information of the date and time of power failure and the date and time of power-on corresponding to the later date and time are displayed. Since a CPU exception event occurred according to these log information, the game hall staff stopped the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1, but when the power was turned on the next day, the CPU exception event did not occur anymore. This can be confirmed after the fact.

On the maintenance history screen shown in FIG. 11-9(E), as the log information indicating that the current time has been set, log information indicating a time earlier than the log information indicating that the setting confirmation has started is displayed. there is For example, the setting check was started at 09:36:28 on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, and the current time was set at 09:36 on Wednesday, March 21, 2018: 16. The reason why the date and time are inconsistent before and after setting the current time is that when the current time is set, the date and time information after setting is read and the log information is recorded. In this example, the log information is recorded in the log area in the order in which the log information was generated, and the log information is displayed in the order in which the log information was generated even if the date and time do not match before and after setting the current time.

In addition to displaying the maintenance history screen, or instead of displaying the maintenance history screen, a two-dimensional barcode may be displayed on the image display device 5 to enable acquisition of log information. For example, a photographing device connected to the inspection device is used to photograph the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the image display device 5 . By photographing such a two-dimensional barcode, log information can be provided to the inspection apparatus. In addition, log information may be output using any output method, such as display output, wireless output, infrared output, audio output, ultrasonic output, or a combination of some or all of these. Any information output, not limited to log information, can be output using any output method such as display output, wireless output, infrared output, audio output, ultrasonic output, or a combination of some or all of these. I wish I had.

The log information that can be displayed on the maintenance history screen may be all of the log information shown in the backup data, or may be part of the log information shown in the backup data. For example, on the maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information corresponding to conditions for occurrence of events that can be established according to the internal state of the control device, such as exceptional events of the CPU 19AK131. In addition, on the maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information corresponding to occurrence conditions of events that can be established according to the internal state of the processing device, such as an error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140. FIG. On the maintenance history screen, it is possible to display log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions of specific events that can be established according to the processing results of the CPU 19AK 131, such as when an error occurs in the backup process during control of the effect, when the time is changed, and when the power is turned on again. is. On the other hand, the maintenance history screen displays log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events other than specific events, such as when player history data is updated during backup processing during performance control, when power saving is set, and when judgments are made when setting names. do not do. In this way, log information stored as backup data may include log information that is not displayed on the maintenance history screen. Alternatively, log information that is not displayed on the normal maintenance history screen but can be displayed on the special maintenance history screen may be provided. The special maintenance screen may be displayed according to an arbitrary detection result, such as a detection result of an action that becomes a predetermined operation on the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B. In this case, the operation procedures for the stick controller 31A and the push buttons 31B are not notified to the staff of the game hall, and may be recognized by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1. FIG. A special maintenance history screen may be displayed according to arbitrary control and processing without being limited to the detection result. In this manner, a limit may be set such that a specific type of log information among multiple types of log information is not displayed on the maintenance history screen. In the range of log information other than specific types, it is sufficient if it can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. Alternatively, in the range of specific types of log information out of multiple types of log information, a limit may be set such that it can be displayed only on a special maintenance history screen and not displayed on a normal maintenance history screen.

FIGS. 11-10 show a specific example when the setting change/confirmation history selection operation is performed during the maintenance mode. When the setting confirmation display as shown in FIG. A maintenance mode menu screen as shown in 10(B) is displayed. Then, the option 012IW107 of "setting change/confirmation history" is selected. In this case, the image display device 5 switches to display a setting change/confirmation history screen as shown in FIG. 11-10(C). On the setting change/confirmation history screen, the date and time, whether it is a setting change or a setting confirmation, and the setting value after change or the setting value that has been confirmed are displayed in association with each other, and the latest log information is displayed at the top. displayed in order. It should be noted that when the option of "current time setting" is selected while the maintenance mode menu screen is being displayed, the image display device 5 switches to display the current time setting screen. On the current time setting screen, tilting the stick controller 31A left or right selects items such as year, month, date, day of the week, hour, minute, or second, and tilting the stick controller 31A forward or backward selects a number for each item. be done. After the current time setting screen is displayed, the current date and time is set to the date and time currently being displayed when the staff of the game arcade or the person in charge of the manufacturer presses the push button 31B.

(Description of Characteristic Portion 41AK)
FIG. 11-11 shows an execution example of backup processing for the characteristic portion 41AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK 131 of the production control microcomputer 19 AK 120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19 AK 121 and the internal ROM 19 AK 132, so that the memory write processing unit 41 AKM 10 and the event information creation processing units 41 AKM 21 to 41 AKM 23 It has functions. A predetermined area of the external RAM 122 or the internal RAM 133 is provided with a writing flag 41AKF1 and a backup data buffer 41AKB1. The backup data buffer 41AKB1 has a plurality of buffer areas including buffer areas 41AKB11 to 41AKB13. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The backup storage unit 41AKA1 has a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13 as log areas. The backup storage unit 41AKA2 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 41AKA21 to 41AKA23 as log areas. The backup storage unit 41AKA3 has a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33 as log areas.

The event information creation processing unit 41AKM21 creates backup data indicating event information corresponding to the occurrence of the CPU internal error 41AKC1. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the exception backup process in step 19AKS42 of the CPU exception event occurrence process. good. The event information creation processing unit 41AKM22 creates backup data indicating event information corresponding to the occurrence of the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing error interrupt backup processing in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt processing, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Just do it. Occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM23 creates backup data indicating occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the effect control error determination 41AKC3. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the effect control backup process in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, and data indicating log information including effect control error data. If it is The backup data created by the event information creation processing units 41AKM21 to 41AKM23 are temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 in the order of creation. For example, the first created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 41AKB11, the next created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 41AKB12, and the subsequently created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 41AKB13. stored as

If there is backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1, the memory write processing unit 41AKM10 reads and acquires it. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this execution example, corresponding to multiplicity "3", the same backup data are redundantly and distributedly stored in the three backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. For example, the backup data read from the buffer area 41AKB11 of the backup data buffer 41AKB1 is stored in the backup storage area 41AKA11 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA21 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA31 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. is stored by copying and writing to . At the start of writing the backup data to the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, the writing flag 41AKF1 is set to ON state. At the end of writing the backup data, the writing flag 41AKF1 is cleared and turned off. When the writing flag 41AKF1 is off, the memory write processing unit 41AKM10 is permitted to write new backup data, and reads the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1. On the other hand, when the write flag 41AKF1 is ON, the writing of new backup data is prohibited, and the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 is not read.

For example, when the backup data read from the buffer area 41AKB11 of the backup data buffer 41AKB1 is written to the log area and the write flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB12 can be read. The backup data read and acquired at this time is copied and written in the backup storage area 41AKA12 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA22 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA32 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. remembered. When the writing to the log area is thus completed and the write flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB13 can be read. In this case, the backup data read out and acquired is copied and written in the backup storage area 41AKA13 of the backup storage unit 41AKA1, the backup storage area 41AKA23 of the backup storage unit 41AKA2, and the backup storage area 41AKA33 of the backup storage unit 41AKA3. is stored in

The backup storage unit 41AKA1 is provided as one continuous storage area by assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13, for example. The backup storage unit 41AKA2 is provided as one continuous storage area by assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA21 to 41AKA23, for example. The backup storage unit 41AKA3 is provided as one continuous storage area by assigning continuous addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33, for example. When the write-in-progress flag 41AKF1 is ON, writing of new backup data is prohibited. As a result, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are satisfied among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to the plurality of electronic components, if the backup data write process corresponding to one of the conditions is being executed, , the write process of the backup data corresponding to the other condition is not executed.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are met, if the backup data write processing corresponding to the CPU internal error 41AKC1 is being executed, the write flag 41AKF1 must be on. , the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is not executed. Alternatively, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are met, if the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is being executed, the write flag 41AKF1 is turned on. In response to this, the write processing of the backup data corresponding to the CPU internal error 41AKC1 is not executed. Which write process should be executed first may be determined according to the order of creation of the backup data. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 and the effect control error determination 41AKC3 are met, and when the conditions for the effect control error determination 41AKC3 and the CPU internal error 41AKC1 are met, the writing process is similarly executed. You can control it. In this way, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, there is a limit that backup data write processing corresponding to one condition is not executed while backup data write processing corresponding to one condition is being executed. As a limit is set. As long as the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is not being executed, it is sufficient that the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition can be executed.

In addition, the order of creation when creating backup data may be determined according to the processing priority in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are met, the CPU exception event processing has a higher priority than the VDP error interrupt processing. The creation of backup data by 41AKM21 may be executed prior to the creation of backup data by the event information creation processing unit 41AKM22. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 and the effect control error determination 41AKC3 are met, the priority of the VDP error interrupt process is higher than the priority of the timer interrupt process for effect control, so occurrence event information is created. The creation of backup data by the processing unit 41AKM22 may be executed prior to the creation of the backup data by the event information creation processing unit 41AKM23.

The condition for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 can be established according to the internal state of the control device, such as an exception event of the CPU 19AK131. The condition for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 can be established according to the internal state of the processor, such as the error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK140. The occurrence condition of the effect control error determination 41AKC3 can be established according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as the determination when an error occurs in the effect control backup process. Therefore, when the CPU internal error 41AKC1 or VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 occurrence conditions are satisfied, the backup data writing process can be executed with priority over the case where the effect control error determination 41AKC3 occurrence conditions are satisfied. become.

For example, if the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 are satisfied multiple times, the backup data is created in the order in which the conditions are met, and the write process can be executed in the order in which the backup data are created. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are met multiple times, backup data is created in the order in which the conditions are met, and write processing can be executed in the order in which the backup data are created. When the occurrence conditions of the effect control error determination 41AKC3 are satisfied a plurality of times, the backup data are created in the order in which the occurrence conditions are met, and the writing process can be executed in the order of the backup data creation. In these cases, writing is prohibited when the write flag 41AKF1 is ON, so that if the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed, the writing corresponding to the next occurrence condition is prohibited. Do not perform load processing. In this way, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components is met a plurality of times, the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed. Then, a limitation is provided as a limit that write processing corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, the writing process corresponding to the next occurrence condition may be executed.

It should be noted that, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any write process may be determined according to the order in which the occurrence conditions are satisfied. For example, if another occurrence condition is met during the execution of the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is met earlier, the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is met later may not be executed. Alternatively, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any write process may be determined according to the process priority. For example, if the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 generation conditions are satisfied at the same time, the processing priority of the CPU exception event processing is higher than the processing priority of the VDP error interrupt processing. The write process corresponding to the error 41AKC1 may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 may not be executed. Further, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are met, overwrite processing may be executed according to the processing priority. For example, if the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 generation conditions are satisfied at the same time, the processing priority of the CPU exception event processing is higher than the processing priority of the VDP error interrupt processing. The write process corresponding to the error 41AKC1 may be executed as an overwrite process for overwriting the stored data by the write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2.

When a plurality of backup conditions are met as a plurality of occurrence conditions, the order of creating backup data and whether or not to execute write processing may be determined according to the contents of the data to be backed up. For example, if the backup condition for when an error occurs that the data to be backed up is effect control error data and the backup condition for when a command is received that the data to be backed up is received command data are satisfied at the same time, the backup condition for when an error occurs The write process corresponding to the command may be executed first, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of command reception may be executed later. Alternatively, the write process corresponding to the backup condition when an error occurs may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition when the command is received may not be executed. In this case, since the information regarding the failure of the electronic parts including the effect device is preferentially stored, the possibility that the failure of the electronic parts can be dealt with appropriately is increased. Alternatively, the writing process corresponding to the backup conditions when the command is received may be executed first, and the writing process corresponding to the backup conditions when the error occurs may be executed later. Alternatively, the writing process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of command reception may be executed, and the writing process corresponding to the backup condition at the time of error occurrence may not be executed. In this case, since the information regarding the reception status of the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is preferentially stored, the possibility of being able to appropriately deal with the control problems related to the game is increased.

(Description of Characteristic Portion 42AK)
FIGS. 11-12 show an execution example of backup processing for the characteristic portion 42AK. In this case, the CPU19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132, memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13, occurrence event information creation processing units 42AKM21 to It has the function of 42AKM23. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, and backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33. The backup storage unit 42AKA11 has a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 42AKA111 to 42AKA113 as log areas. Backup storage units 42AKA12, 42AKA13, 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, and 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 also have a plurality of backup storage areas as log areas.

The event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data indicating event information corresponding to the occurrence of the CPU internal error 42AKC1. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the exception backup process in step 19AKS42 of the CPU exception event occurrence process. good. The event information creation processing unit 42AKM22 creates backup data indicating event information corresponding to the occurrence of the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing error interrupt backup processing in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt processing, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Just do it. Occurrence event information creation processing section 42AKM23 creates backup data indicating occurrence event information corresponding to occurrence of error determination 42AKC3 during effect control. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the effect control backup process in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, and data indicating log information including effect control error data. If it is The backup data created by the event information creation processing units 42AKM21 to 42AKM23 can be stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 in parallel with each other.

The memory write processing unit 42AKM11 acquires the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 42AKM21. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The memory write processing unit 42AKM12 acquires the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 42AKM22. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. The memory write processing unit 42AKM13 acquires the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 42AKM23. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3.

This execution example also corresponds to the multiplicity of "3". In the three backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, the same backup data created by the incident information creation processing unit 42AKM21 are stored in a distributed manner while overlapping. In the three backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, the same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM22 are stored in a distributed manner while overlapping. In the three backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33, the same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKA23 are stored in an overlapping and distributed manner. For example, the backup data first acquired from the event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 is stored in the backup storage area 42AKA111 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA121 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA131 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. , is stored by copying and writing. The backup data acquired next from the event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 are stored in the backup storage area 42AKA112 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA122 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA132 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing. The backup data acquired next from the event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 are stored in the backup storage area 42AKA113 of the backup storage unit 42AKA11, the backup storage area 42AKA123 of the backup storage unit 42AKA12, and the backup storage area 42AKA133 of the backup storage unit 42AKA13. is stored by copying and writing to .

In the backup storage units 42AKA11-42AKA13 and the backup storage units 42AKA21-42AKA23, for example, different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA111-42AKA113 and the backup storage areas 42AKA211-42AKA213. Different addresses are assigned to the storage areas 42AKA221 to 42AKA223, and different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133 and the backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233, thereby providing different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA21-42AKA23 and the backup storage units 42AKA31-42AKA33, for example, different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA211-42AKA213 and the backup storage areas 42AKA311-42AKA313. Different addresses are assigned to the storage areas 42AKA321 to 42AKA323, and different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233 and the backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333, thereby providing different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA31-42AKA33 and the backup storage units 42AKA11-42AKA13, for example, different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA311-42AKA313 and the backup storage areas 42AKA111-42AKA113. Different addresses are assigned to the storage areas 42AKA121 to 42AKA123, and different addresses are assigned to the backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333 and the backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133, thereby providing different storage areas. Note that different storage areas may be provided by using physically different storage devices. The memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 can perform write processing of backup data in parallel with each other. Accordingly, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are satisfied among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components, even while the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is being executed, the other event occurrence condition It is possible to execute write processing of backup data corresponding to the conditions.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are met, even if the memory write processing unit 42AKM11 is executing the backup data write processing corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC1, the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 can execute backup data write processing corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the effect control error determination 42AKC3 are met, the memory write processing is performed even while the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 is executing the backup data write processing corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. The part 42AKM13 can execute the writing process of the backup data corresponding to the effect control error determination 42AKC3. When the condition for occurrence of the effect control error determination 42AKC3 and the CPU internal error 42AKC1 is met, the memory write process is performed even while the memory write processing unit 42AKM13 is executing the write process of the backup data corresponding to the effect control error determination 42AKC3. The unit 42AKM11 can perform write processing of backup data corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC. As described above, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, even if the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is being executed, the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition can be executed. I wish I could. As long as the write process of the backup data corresponding to one condition is not being executed, the write process of the backup data corresponding to the other condition may of course be executed.

The condition for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 can be established according to the internal state of the control device, such as an exception event of the CPU 19AK131. Conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 can be established according to the internal state of the processor, such as an error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK140. The occurrence condition of the effect control error determination 42AKC3 can be established according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as the determination when an error occurs in the effect control backup process. Therefore, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are established, the writing process of the backup data can be executed with priority over the case where the conditions for generating the effect control error determination 42AKC3 are established. can be For example, when the backup data is created, the order of creation is determined according to the processing priority in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120, so that the write processing of the backup data by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 is also performed in the order of creation. It may be executed with priority accordingly.

FIGS. 11-13 show an execution example different from the case of FIGS. 11-12 for the backup processing relating to the characteristic portion 42AK. In this execution example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 are met multiple times, the backup data is created in the order in which the conditions are met, and the write process can be executed in the order in which the backup data were created. . In this case, a writing flag 42AKF1 and a backup data buffer 42AKB1 are provided in a predetermined area of the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM 19AK133. The backup data buffer 42AKB1 has a plurality of buffer areas including buffer areas 42AKB11 to 42AKB13. The event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data in the order in which the CPU internal errors 42AKC1 have occurred. For example, when the occurrence conditions for the CPU internal errors X1 to Xn corresponding to n times are met as the CPU internal error 42AKC1 multiple times, the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 generates the backup data Y1 corresponding to the occurrence conditions for each time. ˜Yn and temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1. For example, the first created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 42AKB11, the next created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 42AKB12, and the subsequently created backup data is written and stored in the buffer area 42AKB13. stored as If there is backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1, the memory write processing unit 42AKM11 reads and acquires it. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13. At the start of writing backup data to the log area, the writing flag 42AKF1 is set to ON. At the end of writing the backup data, the write-in-progress flag 42AKF1 is cleared and turned off. When the writing flag 42AKF1 is off, the memory write processing unit 42AKM11 is permitted to write new backup data, and reads the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1. On the other hand, when the write flag 42AKF1 is ON, the writing of new backup data is prohibited, and the backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 42AKB1 is not read.

Even if the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are met multiple times, the backup data is created in the order in which the conditions are met, and the write process can be executed in the order in which the backup data are created. Even when the generation conditions of the effect control error determination 42AKC3 are met a plurality of times, the creation of the backup data is executed in the order in which the occurrence conditions are met, and the writing process can be executed in the order of the creation of the backup data. . In these cases, writing is prohibited when the writing flag provided corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the effect control error determination 42AKC3 is ON, so that the previous occurrence condition is met. If the write process is being executed, the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. In this way, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition among the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components is met a plurality of times, the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed. Then, a limitation is provided as a limit that write processing corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the writing process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, the writing process corresponding to the next occurrence condition may be executed.

It should be noted that, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any write process may be determined according to the order in which the occurrence conditions are satisfied. For example, if another occurrence condition is met during the execution of the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is met earlier, the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that is met later may not be executed. Alternatively, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any write process may be determined according to the process priority. For example, among the exceptional events of the CPU 19AK 131, an exceptional event with a high processing priority and an exceptional event with a low processing priority may be set in advance. When the condition for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 is met multiple times at the same time, the write processing corresponding to the exception event with high processing priority is executed, and the write processing corresponding to the exception event with low processing priority is executed. It may not be executed. Further, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are met, overwrite processing may be executed according to the processing priority. For example, when the condition for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 is satisfied multiple times at the same time, the write processing corresponding to the exception event with high processing priority will replace the stored data by the write processing corresponding to the exception event with low processing priority. It may be executed as an overwriting process for overwriting.

(Description of Characteristic Portion 43AK)
FIGS. 11-14 show an execution example of backup processing relating to the characteristic portion 43AK. In this case, the CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132, the functions of the memory write processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12, and the occurrence event information creation process. and the functions of parts 43AKM21 and 43AKM22. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13 and the backup storage unit 43AKA21. The backup storage unit 43AKA11 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA111 to 43AKA113 as log areas. The backup storage unit 43AKA12 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA121 to 43AKA123 as log areas. The backup storage unit 43AKA13 is an 8-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA131 to 43AKA133 as log areas. On the other hand, the backup storage unit 43AKA21 is a 3-bit storage area, and includes backup storage areas 43AKA211 to 43AKA213 as log areas. The 8-bit storage area is a storage area in which storage data can be written and read in units of 8 bits. The 3-bit storage area is a storage area in which storage data can be written and read in 3-bit units.

Occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 creates backup data corresponding to a case where a backup condition of a storage area bit number of "8" and a multiplicity of "3" is satisfied. The memory write processing unit 43AKM11 acquires the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log areas of the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. In the three backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, which are 8-bit storage areas, the same backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 are redundantly and distributedly stored. For example, the backup data first acquired from the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is stored in the backup storage area 43AKA111 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA121 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA131 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. , is stored by copying and writing. The backup data acquired next from the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 are stored in the backup storage area 43AKA112 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA122 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA132 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. It is memorized by copying and writing. The backup data acquired next from the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 are the backup storage area 43AKA113 of the backup storage unit 43AKA11, the backup storage area 43AKA123 of the backup storage unit 43AKA12, and the backup storage area 43AKA133 of the backup storage unit 43AKA13. is stored by copying and writing to .

Occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 creates backup data corresponding to the case where the backup condition of the number of storage area bits being "3" and the multiplicity being "1" is satisfied. The memory write processing unit 43AKM12 acquires the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM22. The backup data acquired at this time is transferred to the backup memory board 19AK14 and stored in the log area of the backup storage unit 43AKA21. In the backup storage unit 43AKA21, which is a 3-bit storage area, the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored in a smaller storage area than the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21. stored in the area. Specifically, corresponding to the number of bits of the storage area of "3", a 3-bit storage area is used which is storage data in units of 3 bits, which is smaller than the 8-bit unit of the 8-bit storage area. Also, when the multiplicity is "1", mirroring is not performed and single backup data is stored without distribution. For example, the backup data first obtained from the event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored by writing it to the backup storage area 43AKA211 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying. The backup data acquired next from the event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored by writing it to the backup storage area 43AKA212 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying. The next backup data obtained from the event information creation processing unit 22 is stored by writing it to the backup storage area 43AKA213 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying.

In the backup control table, when the data to be backed up is system data, performance control error data, player history data, received command data, or setting value change time data, the number of storage area bits is "8" and the multiplicity is is designated as "3". On the other hand, in the case of any one of power saving setting data, current time change data, power cut time data, store name setting data, effect output amount data, the number of storage area bits is "3" and the multiplicity is "1". is set to For example, when the backup condition corresponding to the system data is satisfied, the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is stored in the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13 by the memory write processing unit 43AKM11. It is written and stored in the log area. On the other hand, when the backup condition corresponding to the power saving setting data is satisfied, the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored in the backup storage unit 43AKA21 by the memory writing processing unit 43AKM12. It is written and stored in the log area. In this way, when writing the first information corresponding to the first occurrence condition, the same backup data is stored in a plurality of log areas in the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. On the other hand, when writing the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition, the backup data is stored in a small log area in the backup storage unit 43AKA21.

For example, the occurrence condition at power saving change where backup target data is a backup condition corresponding to power saving setting data is met less frequently than the occurrence condition at data update where backup target data is a backup condition corresponding to system data. In this way, the second occurrence condition may be any condition as long as it is met less frequently than the first occurrence condition. An event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is frequently established affects the storage of log information related to other events when log information cannot be stored properly, such as when noise occurs during writing processing. likely to give An event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is met less frequently is less likely to affect the storage of log information related to other events than an event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is met more frequently. Therefore, when writing log information corresponding to an occurrence condition that is frequently established, by storing the same backup data in a plurality of log areas, it is possible to prevent problems caused by abnormalities in stored data from spreading. On the other hand, when writing log information corresponding to an occurrence condition with a low frequency of occurrence, an increase in the storage data capacity can be prevented by storing backup data in a small log area.

The power-saving setting data can be set by an administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as an attendant of a game arcade, for example. Thus, the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition may be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 . Data that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko game machine 1 can be set again by the administrator even if a problem occurs in the setting contents, and there is no possibility that the player of the pachinko game machine 1 will be disadvantaged. low. On the other hand, for example, it is impossible or difficult to reset data corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events that occur according to the progress of a game or performance, and there is a high possibility that the player will be disadvantaged or distrusted. It shows information about Therefore, when writing log information corresponding to occurrence conditions that cannot be set by the administrator of the pachinko game machine 1, by storing the same backup data in a plurality of log areas, it is possible to accurately verify when an abnormality occurs. sexuality is enhanced. On the other hand, when writing log information corresponding to occurrence conditions that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the storage data capacity can be prevented from increasing by storing backup data in a small log area. The information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to the information indicated by the power saving setting data, but is RTC information indicated by the current time change data, store name information indicated by the store name setting data, It may be information on the sound volume or the amount of light indicated by the effect output amount data, or a combination of some or all of these. In addition, when a projector is used as the rendering device, information on display settings by the projector may be included in the information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 . It should be noted that the information of the display setting by the projector can be set by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1, unlike the person in charge of the game hall. In this way, the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may include the staff of the game hall, or may include the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 1 . The information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may include setting information related to the frequency of performance using a specific performance device, not limited to the projector.

In the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, which are 8-bit storage areas, different backup storage areas may be provided according to the types of log information indicated in the backup data. For example, the backup storage area when the data to be backed up is received command data may be provided as a storage area different from the backup storage area when the data to be backed up is effect control error data. Inside or outside the backup storage area corresponding to the effect control error data, a backup storage area corresponding to the occurrence of an exception event of the CPU19AK131 or an error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 may be provided. In this way, when a backup storage area corresponding to the type of log information is provided in the 8-bit storage area, the memory write processing unit 43AKM11 stores the backup storage area determined according to the established backup condition. , the backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 may be written and stored.

(Description of Characteristic Portion 44AK)
11-15 show configuration examples for feature 44AK. In this configuration example, a first effect control board 44AK12A and a second effect control board 44AK12B are provided. 1st production|presentation control board 44AK12A and 2nd production|presentation control board 44AK12B should just be provided with the structure and function which the production|presentation control board 12 and backup memory board|substrate 19AK14 in the said Example have. 1st control part 44AK10A, 1st backup storage part 44AK11A, and connector 44AK13A are mounted in 1st production|presentation control board 44AK12A. A second control unit 44AK10B, a second backup storage unit 44AK11B, and a connector 44AK13B are mounted on the second effect control board 44AK12B. The connector 44AK13A of the first effect control board 44AK12A is connected to the connector 44AK13B of the second effect control board 44AK12B. The connector 44AK13B of the second effect control board 44AK12B is connected to the connector 44AK11B of the first effect control board 44AK12A. The 1st control part 44AK10A and the 2nd control part 44AK10B should just each have a part or all of the structure and function with which microcomputer 19AK120 for production control in the said Example is provided. For example, the first control unit 44AK10A has the configuration and functions related to the CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, and the second control unit 44AK10B has the configuration and functions related to the VDP19AK140 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120. The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may each have a part or all of the configuration and functions of the backup memory board 19AK14 in the above embodiment. For example, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A has the configuration and functions related to the backup data memories 19AK210A and 19AK210B of the backup memory board 19AK14, and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B has the configuration and functions related to the backup data memories 19AK210C and 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. It has functionality.

In the first effect control board 44AK12A, the first control unit 44AK10A, in the case of having the configuration and functions related to the CPU19AK131 in the above embodiment, for example, the serial communication circuit 19AK137 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 and the effect of the effect data memory board 19AK16 A process for controlling the first electronic component, such as a data memory, is executed. In this case, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A stores backup data indicating log information related to the first control unit 44AK10A. In the second production control board 44AK12B, the second control unit 44AK10B, in the case of having the configuration and functions related to the VDP19AK140 in the above embodiment, for example, the sound processing circuit 19AK141 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, the lamp control circuit 19AK142, the motor control circuit 19AK143, the image display device 5, and the like, the processing for controlling the second electronic component is executed. In this case, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B stores backup data indicating log information regarding the second control unit 44AK10B. Thus, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A can store information about the first control unit 44AK10A, and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can store information about the second control unit 44AK10B.

When the first control unit 44AK10A has the configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131, the log information including the exception event information of the CPU 19AK131 is obtained by executing the exception backup process of step 19AKS42 in the CPU exception event occurrence process. It is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. When the second control unit 44AK10B has the configuration and functions related to the VDP19AK140, the log information including the VDP error information of the VDP19AK140 is executed by executing the error interrupt backup process of step 19AKS52 in the VDP error interrupt process. is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. In this way, when the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, the exception backup process in the CPU exception event occurrence process is executed. On the other hand, when the log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, VDP error allocation is performed as a different process from the case where the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. A backup process may be executed when an error interrupt occurs in the load process. In addition, when log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and when log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, arbitrary storage processing different from each other is performed. may

Log information including exceptional event information of the CPU 19AK131 is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. On the other hand, in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, log information including VDP error information of the VDP19AK140 is stored as information different from the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. Alternatively, the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A stores log information related to errors occurring in the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B, for example. On the other hand, the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B stores, for example, log information related to errors that have occurred in the image display device 5. FIG. In addition, the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may store different log information related to arbitrary electronic components.

Note that the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A may store log information corresponding to the event occurrence conditions related to the first control unit 44AK10A. Log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events related to the second control unit 44AK10B may be stored. The log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may store log information corresponding to the event occurrence conditions related to the second control unit 44AK10B. Log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of the event related to the part 44AK10A may be stored. If log information is stored in both log areas, even if a storage error occurs in one log area, inspection such as analysis can be performed using the log information stored in the other log area. It becomes possible, and the reliability of the stored data is improved. The configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 and the configuration and functions related to the VDP19AK140 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 are not limited to dividing into the first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B, For example, the configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 may be divided into the first control section 44AK10A and the second control section 44AK10B. Alternatively, the first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B may be provided corresponding to a plurality of CPUs. The first control unit 44AK10A may have a configuration and functions related to a CPU, and the second control unit 44AK10B may have a configuration and functions related to light emission control.

The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B are substrates different from the first production control board 44AK12A on which the first control unit 44AK10A is mounted and the second production control board 44AK12B on which the second control unit 44AK10B is mounted. , may be mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14, for example. In this case, the log information on the electronic component called the first control unit 44AK10A mounted on the first effect control board 44AK12A, and the log information on the electronic component called the second control unit 44AK10B mounted on the second effect control board 44AK12B can be stored in the log areas of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B mounted on the common backup memory board 19AK14. In this way, backup data indicating log information about a plurality of electronic components provided on a plurality of control boards may be stored in a log area of a storage device provided on a common backup memory board. Alternatively, the first backup memory board on which the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is mounted and the second backup memory board on which the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is mounted are combined into the first performance control board 44AK12A and the second performance control board 44AK12B. may be provided as a substrate different from the

For example, the storage data capacity of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is 1 MB (megabytes). On the other hand, the storage data capacity of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is 512 KB (kilobytes). In this way, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be configured as different storage devices in that the storage data capacity is different. Alternatively, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is configured using, for example, a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory. On the other hand, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is configured using, for example, an SRAM with a battery. When a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory is used, stored data can be erased by inputting a specific signal such as a clear signal. When a battery-equipped SRAM is used, stored data can be erased by, for example, removing the battery in addition to inputting a specific signal. Alternatively, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may use different transmission methods for stored data. For example, data stored in the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is transmitted by serial communication, and data stored in the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is transmitted by parallel communication. Combinations of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, and the serial communication method and the parallel communication method can be arbitrarily changed. In this case, as the serial communication method, it is possible to send and receive communication data corresponding to the serial communication standard whose communication speed is faster than that of the parallel communication method. Corresponding communication data may be transmitted and received. Regardless of the serial communication standard, the transmission speed of stored data may vary depending on the configuration of the data line (whether shared or not), the hardware configuration of the communication circuit, or a combination thereof. As described above, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B differ in the method of realizing the backup function, the difference in the materials used to form the memory cells, the method of erasing the stored data, and the erasure of the stored data. Both storage units may be configured as storage devices that are different from each other in that the transmission method or the transmission speed of stored data is different. In addition, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be configured as different storage devices due to arbitrary differences. Note that the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may be configured to store data capacity, backup function implementation method, memory cell forming material, storage data erasing method, and other arbitrary device configurations and storage functions. A part or all of them may be configured as a common storage device. The first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can be arbitrarily combined in configuration and function.

The first backup storage unit 44AK11A can hold stored contents without using a backup power source, such as when configured using a non-volatile ferroelectric memory, for example. In this case, the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can hold the stored content using a backup power supply, such as when configured using an SRAM with a battery. In such a configuration, part or all of the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B may also be stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A. When part of the log information is stored, the target log information is based on update frequency, update data amount, data importance, target parts, target control, combination of some or all of these, etc. , should be determined in advance. In a storage device capable of retaining stored content using a backup power supply, stored data is erased when the backup power supply is lost. Therefore, by storing data stored in a storage device capable of retaining memory contents using a backup power supply in a storage device capable of retaining memory contents without using a backup power supply, loss of memory data can be reliably prevented. can be prevented.

Whether or not to display on the maintenance history screen depending on whether the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B setting may be different. For example, log information stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A can be displayed on the maintenance history screen, while log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. may be set not to be displayed. Even in this case, if the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is also stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, substantially all log information can be stored. It can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. However, the log information stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is not read when the maintenance history screen is displayed. are handled differently. When any output is performed without being limited to the display of the maintenance history screen, the setting of whether or not log information is to be read is different between the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. good too. As described above, the log information stored in the log area of either the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is limited to not being read out when outputting. may be restricted. On the other hand, the range of log information stored in the other log area may be read when outputting.

The configuration and functions provided by the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 include a first effect control board 44AK12A provided with a first control unit 44AK10A and a first backup storage unit 44AK11A, a second control unit 44AK10B and a second backup storage. It is realized by a configuration divided into a second effect control board 44AK12B provided with a part 44AK11B. In this case, the development of the configuration and functions provided by the first effect control board 44AK12A and the development of the configuration and functions provided by the second effect control board 44AK12B, for example, are shared by separate developers and advanced in parallel. be able to. As a result, the burden of development work can be reduced, and an increase in manufacturing costs can be prevented.

(Description of Characteristic Portion 45AK)
FIGS. 11-16 show setting examples of inspection designation commands relating to the characteristic portion 45AK. The inspection designation command is included in a plurality of test commands received, for example, when executing backup inspection processing. FIG. 11-16A shows a setting example 45AK01 of an inspection designation command capable of designating an inspection output section and a communication method. The output unit for inspection should be able to select and designate a connector to be used as a signal output unit for inspection from, for example, connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. The output unit for inspection should be capable of inputting/outputting an inspection signal and outputting a read signal corresponding to backup data. The communication method may be parallel or serial, and in the case of serial, serial communication standards such as UART, SPI, and I2C can be selected and specified. A plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 are prepared in advance as inspection designation commands in the setting example 45AK01. A plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 may be different in inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 and communication method designation contents.

The connector 19AK152 is wire-connected to the effect control relay board 19AK17, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as a driver circuit mounted on the driver board 19AK19, a motor 19AK60 for effect, and an LED 19AK61 for effect. The connector 19AK153 is wire-connected to the lamp output board 19AK13, and is capable of outputting control signals for electronic components such as a driver circuit mounted on the lamp output board 19AK13. The connector 19AK154 is wire-connected to the backup memory board 19AK14, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as the RTC 19AK201 mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14, the serial communication circuit 19AK202, and the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The connector 19AK155 is wire-connected to the effect data memory board 19AK16, and can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components such as a plurality of effect data memories mounted on the effect data memory board 19AK16. Thus, the connectors 19AK152-19AK155 can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components. On the other hand, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 are designated as any one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, whereby the readout signals of the backup data indicating the log information read out from the log area are supplied. It is possible to output a read signal corresponding to the stored information. Since the connector 19AK156 is wire-connected to the inspection device of the pachinko game machine 1, no control signal for electronic components is output. On the other hand, the connector 19AK156 can output a read signal corresponding to stored information, such as a backup data read signal indicating log information read from the log area. For example, the connector 19AK156 is designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, and serves as an output terminal for a read signal corresponding to the log information.

The inspection output units 45AKC1-45AKC4 that can be designated by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1-45AKA4 may include some of the connectors 19AK152-19AK156, or may include all of the connectors 19AK152-19AK156. Further, the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 may include a connector common to each other, or may include a connector different from that of the other inspection output units. For example, the effect relay wiring connector 19AK152 can input and output multiple types of control signals and detection signals according to the specifications of various circuits mounted on the effect control relay board 19AK17, the audio output board 19AK18, and the driver board 19AK19. configured and included in the inspection output sections 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4. On the other hand, for example, the frame lamp wiring connector 19AK153 is configured to be capable of inputting and outputting parallel signals, and is included in the inspection output section 45AKC1 of the inspection designation command 45AKA1 that designates parallel as the communication method. On the other hand, the connector 19AK153 is not included in the inspection output sections 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA2 to 45AKA4 specifying any of the serial communication standards as the communication method. Further, for example, the connector 19AK154 for backup wiring is configured to be capable of inputting/outputting a signal conforming to the SPI serial communication standard, and the inspection output section 45AKC3 of the inspection designation command 45AKA3 that designates the SPI serial communication standard as the communication method. include. On the other hand, the connector 19AK154 is not included in the inspection output units 45AKC1, 45AKC2, 45AKC4 of the inspection designation commands 45AKA1, 45AKA2, 45AKA4 that specify the parallel, UART, or I2C serial signal standard as the communication method. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components consist of the connector 152 capable of outputting signals according to a plurality of signaling methods and the connectors 19AK153 and 19AK154 capable of outputting signals according to a specific signaling method. may contain In addition, connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156 that can be specified as inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 are connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for electronic components. It may also include connectors 19AK156 that are not connected. By designating the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 with the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, a signal output unit corresponding to multiple types of received information is selected from a plurality of mutually different signal output units such as the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. Then, inspection information corresponding to the inspection signal, such as a backup data readout signal, can be output.

The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 can execute various lottery processes related to the presence or absence of effects and effects modes, such as lottery processes for advance notice effects. Based on the lottery result of such lottery processing, control signals corresponding to various control information are output. For example, when it is decided to execute a specific advance notice effect as a lottery result of the notice effect, a control signal for reading out the pattern data of the notice effect control pattern corresponding to the notice effect is sent to the effect data wiring connector. It is output from 19AK155 and transmitted to the effect data memory board 19AK16 via the effect data wiring. In this case, according to the read pattern data of the notice effect control pattern, a control signal (audio signal) for controlling the sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R and a control signal for controlling the drive state of the effect motor 19AK60. (Drive control signal) and the like are output from the connector 19AK152 for effect relay wiring, and are transmitted to the effect control relay board 19AK17 via the effect relay wire. A control signal (electrical signal) for controlling the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9 is output from the frame lamp wiring connector 19AK153 and transmitted to the lamp output board via the frame lamp wiring. On the other hand, the backup wiring connector 19AK154 can output control signals for electronic components such as the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14. It is not output based on Thus, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components include connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals based on the lottery results, and a connector 19AK154 different from these. there is

Connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 need only be capable of outputting control signals based on the lottery results and outputting control signals independent of the lottery results. As an example, when a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, a control signal for controlling the demonstration effect without executing the lottery process is output from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155 and the like. be. Of these, the connector 19AK152 for effect relay wiring is a control signal (audio signal) for controlling the sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R and a control signal (drive control signal) for controlling the driving state of the effect motor 19AK60. It is possible to output a control signal according to the control information of the speakers 8L and 8R as a production device, the production motor 19AK60, and the production LED 19AK61. The frame lamp wiring connector 19AK153 can output a control signal corresponding to the control information of the game effect lamp 9 as a production device, such as a control signal (electrical decoration signal) for controlling the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9. be. On the other hand, the effect data wiring connector 19AK155 can output a control signal corresponding to control information of an electronic component different from the effect device, such as a control signal for controlling the reading process of the effect data memory. In addition, the backup wiring connector 19AK154 can output control signals according to control information of electronic components different from the production device, such as control signals for controlling read processing and write processing of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. is. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components are the connectors 19AK152 and 19AK153 capable of outputting control signals corresponding to the control information of the production device, and the control signals for electronic components other than the production device. and connectors 19AK154 and 19AK155 capable of outputting .

FIG. 11-16B shows a setting example 45AK02 of an inspection designation command capable of designating inspection output data. Some or all of the data stored in the log areas of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 can be selected and designated as the inspection output data as backup data indicating log information. If it is The inspection output data is output from one of the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156 designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the inspection designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4. A plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 are prepared in advance as inspection designation commands in the setting example 45AK02. The plurality of inspection designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 differ in inspection output data.

The inspection designation command 45AKB1 designates system data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB2 designates the performance control error data as the inspection output data. The inspection designation 45 command AKB3 designates player history data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB4 designates received command data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB5 designates setting change time data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB6 designates power saving setting data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB7 designates the current time setting data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB8 designates power-off time data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB9 designates store name setting data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB10 designates effect output amount data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB11 designates performance history data as inspection output data. The inspection designation command 45AKB12 designates all stored data as inspection output data.

Backup data that can be output by specifying it as inspection output data may indicate information about a plurality of electronic components or may indicate game-related information about a game. For example, when the production control error data is designated as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB2, it becomes possible to output the backup data including the production control error data, and it is possible to specify the error that occurred regarding the electronic parts including the production device. backup data is output.

On the other hand, if the player history data is designated as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB3, it becomes possible to output the backup data including the player history data, and whether an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic parts has occurred. Regardless of whether or not the data regarding the player is updated, the backup data at the time of data update is output. When the received command data is designated as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB4, it is possible to output the backup data including the received command data. Backup data at the time of reception of the effect control command transmitted from the main substrate 11 is output. When the store name setting data is designated as the inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB9, backup data including the store name setting data can be output, regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. First, the backup data at the time of setting the name of the store corresponding to the game arcade is output. When system data is designated as inspection output data by the inspection designation command 45AKB1, backup data including system data can be output. Backup data including system data is stored regardless of whether or not events corresponding to multiple electronic components have occurred, and backup data when updating data due to the occurrence of events corresponding to multiple electronic components. backup data at the time of data update. By outputting backup data at the time of data update for system data, backup data in the event that an event occurs for multiple electronic components, regardless of whether an event occurs for multiple electronic components Backup data at the time of data update is output. In this way, information on electronic parts, game-related information on games, or general information unrelated to electronic parts or games can be output according to the contents of the inspection output data specified by the inspection specifying command. . In addition, it is not limited to the specified contents of the inspection output data by the inspection specifying command, and information about the electronic parts and the , game-related information about a game, or general information unrelated to electronic parts or games, and output information may be switchable. It is not limited to the detection result, and can switch output information such as information about electronic parts, game related information about games, or general information unrelated to electronic parts or games according to arbitrary control and processing. I wish I had.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 41AK)
A gaming machine capable of playing a game, such as a pachinko gaming machine 1, and a control means capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the gaming machine are stopped. and storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D capable of storing information on a plurality of electronic components, and the control means controls events corresponding to the plurality of electronic components. As a write process for writing information to the storage means when the occurrence condition is established, for example, a write process by the memory write processing unit 41AKM10 can be executed, and the storage means includes, for example, backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13. A storage area in which first information corresponding to a first occurrence condition is written, such as a backup storage unit 41AKA1, and a storage area in which second information corresponding to a second occurrence condition is written are provided as one continuous area, For example, when a first occurrence condition and a second occurrence condition are met, such as write prohibition when the writing flag 41AKF1 is ON, during the execution of the process of writing information corresponding to one of the conditions, the other Do not execute the process of writing the information corresponding to the condition. In this manner, while the process of writing information corresponding to one of the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition is being executed, the process of writing information corresponding to the other condition is not executed, thereby avoiding conflict between the processes of writing information. be. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The occurrence condition may be satisfied according to the internal state of the control means, such as the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is established, the writing process is executed to write the information on the electronic parts into the storage means, and the information on the electronic parts including the control means is stored. be able to. This enables appropriate management of information.

The first occurrence condition, for example, CPU internal error 41AKC1, VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, etc., can be established according to the internal state of the control means, the second occurrence condition, for example, such as production control error determination 41AKC3, by the control means It can be established depending on the processing result. For example, as shown in FIG. may be executable. In this way, when the first occurrence condition that can be established according to the internal state of the control means is established, writing is given priority over the case where the second occurrence condition that can be established according to the processing result of the control means is established. If the write process is executed, the priority of the write process is set while avoiding the competition of the write processes of the information on the electronic components. This enables appropriate management of information.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the next condition is set according to the execution information indicating that the process of writing the information corresponding to the previous condition, such as the writing flag 41AKF1, is being executed. You may restrict|limit the process which writes corresponding information. If the information writing process is restricted according to such execution information, the process conflict can be easily avoided. This enables appropriate management of information.

The write process may store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. By storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas in this manner, the reliability of the information is enhanced. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

When a write condition different from the generation condition is established, the control means writes game-related information different from the information on the plurality of electronic components into the storage means, for example, backup processing according to the setting of the backup control table. may be executable. In this way, if it becomes possible to execute the process of writing game-related information in response to a write condition different from the generation condition, various information can be stored and managed. This enables appropriate management of information.

For example, output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components and capable of outputting read signals corresponding to information stored in the storage means may be provided. Since such output means can output the control signal and the readout signal, complication of the device configuration and increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented. This enables appropriate management of information.

First output means such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and connector 19AK156 capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to information stored in the storage means unlike the first output means. and a second output means such as. In this manner, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals can be prevented. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 42AK)
A gaming machine capable of playing a game, such as a pachinko gaming machine 1, and a control means capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the gaming machine are stopped. and storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D capable of storing information on a plurality of electronic components, and the control means controls events corresponding to the plurality of electronic components. As write processing for writing information to the storage means when the generation condition is satisfied, for example, write processing by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 can be executed. a backup storage unit 42AKA11 including backup storage areas 42AKA211 to 42AKA213; a backup storage unit 42AKA31 including backup storage areas 42AKA311 to 42AKA313; , and a storage area in which the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition is written is provided as a different area. is established, it is possible to execute the process of writing the information corresponding to the other condition even while the process of writing the information corresponding to one condition is being executed. In this manner, even during the execution of the process of writing information corresponding to one of the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition, the process of writing information corresponding to the other can be executed, so the efficiency of the information writing process can be improved. . This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The occurrence condition may be established according to the internal state of the control means, such as the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is established, the writing process is executed to write the information on the electronic parts into the storage means, and the information on the electronic parts including the control means is stored. be able to. This enables appropriate management of information.

The first occurrence condition, for example, CPU internal error 41AKC1, VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, etc., can be established according to the internal state of the control means, the second occurrence condition, for example, such as effect control error determination 41AKC3, depending on the control means It can be established depending on the processing result. For example, as shown in FIG. may be executable. In this way, when the first occurrence condition that can be established according to the internal state of the control means is established, writing is given priority over the case where the second occurrence condition that can be established according to the processing result of the control means is established. If the write process is executed, the priority of the write process is set while avoiding the competition of the write processes of the information on the electronic components. This enables appropriate management of information.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the next condition is set according to the execution information indicating that the process of writing the information corresponding to the previous condition, such as the writing flag 41AKF1, is being executed. You may restrict|limit the process which writes corresponding information. If the information writing process is restricted according to such execution information, the process conflict can be easily avoided. This enables appropriate management of information.

The write process may store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. By storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas in this manner, the reliability of the information is enhanced. This enables appropriate management of information.

When a write condition different from the generation condition is established, the control means writes game-related information different from the information on the plurality of electronic components into the storage means, for example, backup processing according to the setting of the backup control table. may be executable. In this way, if it becomes possible to execute the process of writing game-related information in response to a write condition different from the generation condition, various information can be stored and managed. This enables appropriate management of information.

For example, output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components and capable of outputting read signals corresponding to information stored in the storage means may be provided. Since such output means can output the control signal and the readout signal, complication of the device configuration and increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

First output means such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and connector 19AK156 capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to information stored in the storage means unlike the first output means. and a second output means such as. In this manner, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals can be prevented. This enables appropriate management of information.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 43AK)
A gaming machine capable of playing a game, such as a pachinko gaming machine 1, and a control means capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and power supply to the gaming machine are stopped. and storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D capable of storing information on a plurality of electronic components, and the control means, when the write condition is satisfied, As write processing for writing information to the storage means, for example, write processing by the memory write processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12 can be executed. When the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas such as 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, and the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition is written, the information is stored in a storage area smaller than the plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage unit 43AKA21. memorize. In this way, by providing a case where the same information is stored in a plurality of storage areas and a case where information is stored in a smaller number of storage areas than the plurality of storage areas, a variety of electronic components can be obtained according to the information on the plurality of electronic components. memory is made. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

When the stored information is determined to be normal in a predetermined number of storage areas among a plurality of storage areas that store the same information as the first information, restoration is performed based on the stored information, such as restoration by information processing at power-on. It may be able to perform processing. In this way, since the restoration process is executed when the stored information is determined to be normal in a predetermined number of storage areas, the reliability of the restoration based on the stored information is enhanced. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

When it is determined that the stored information corresponding to the second information is abnormal, it may be possible to execute initial processing for setting initial information, such as initial value setting by power-on information processing. Since the initial processing for setting the initial information is executed in this way, problems caused when it is determined to be abnormal can be prevented. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The second occurrence condition may be met less frequently than the first occurrence condition, such as a backup condition when power saving is set, for example. In this way, various types of storage are performed by providing the second generation condition that is less frequently satisfied. This enables appropriate management of information.

The second information may be setting information that can be set by the administrator of the gaming machine, such as power saving setting data. By storing the setting information that can be set by the administrator of the gaming machine in this manner, various types of storage are performed. This enables appropriate management of information.

For example, connecting wires connecting the control means and the storage means, such as wires connected to terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and terminals TM13 and TM14 of the connector 19AK220, and terminals TM01 and TM02 of the connector 19AK154 and terminal TM11 of the connector 19AK220, for example. , TM 12, or the like, for confirming the connection state between the control means and the storage means. By providing the connection confirmation wiring for confirming the connection state in this way, the certainty of memory is enhanced. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

For example, output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components and capable of outputting read signals corresponding to information stored in the storage means may be provided. Since such output means can output the control signal and the readout signal, complication of the device configuration and increase in manufacturing cost can be prevented. This enables appropriate management of information.

First output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components, and connector 19AK156, for example, unlike the first output means, capable of outputting a read signal corresponding to information stored in the storage means. and a second output means. In this manner, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals can be prevented. This enables appropriate management of information.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 44AK)
A game machine, such as a pachinko game machine 1, capable of playing a game, comprising first control means such as a first control unit 44AK10A capable of controlling first electronic components, and second control unit 44AK10B, etc. , a second control means capable of controlling the second electronic component, and a memory content that can be retained even if the power supply to the game machine is stopped, and that can store information about the first control means and the second control means, for example A storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D is provided, and when a write condition is satisfied, a write process of writing information to the storage means can be executed, and the storage means stores information related to the first control means. A first storage means, such as a first backup storage unit 44AK11A, and a second storage means, such as a second backup storage unit 44AK11B, which, unlike the first storage means, can store information about the second control means. including. In this way, unlike the first storage means that can store information about the first control means, the provision of the second storage means that can store information about the second control means makes it possible to store various types of storage according to the control means. is done. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

When writing information about the first control means, processing different from writing information about the second control means may be, for example, CPU exception event occurrence processing or VDP error interrupt processing. By executing different processes in this manner, various types of storage are performed in accordance with the control means. This enables appropriate management of information.

The first storage means can store, for example, log information including exceptional event information of the CPU 19AK 131, information related to the occurrence event corresponding to the first electronic component, and the second storage means can store, for example, VDP error interrupt information of the VDP 19AK 140. It may also be possible to store information relating to events that occur in response to the second electronic component, such as log information including. In this way, by storing the information about the occurrence event corresponding to different electronic components, various types of storage corresponding to the electronic components are performed. This enables appropriate management of information.

The first control means can be installed on, for example, the first effect control board 44AK12A as a board different from the first storage means, and the second control means can be installed on a board different from the second storage means, for example, the second effect It may be installed on the control board 44AK12B or the like. By installing the control means and the storage means on different substrates in this way, maintenance work becomes easier and a flexible apparatus configuration becomes possible. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The first storage means can retain the stored contents using a backup power supply, for example, when using an SRAM with a battery. and the second storage means may be capable of storing part of the storage contents of the first storage means. In this way, a part of the contents stored in the first storage means is also stored in the second storage means, so that the certainty of storage is enhanced. This enables appropriate management of information.

For example, connection wires connecting the first control means and second control means to the memory means, such as wires connected to terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and terminals TM13 and TM14 of the connector 19AK220, and terminals TM01 and TM01 of the connector 19AK154, for example. A connection confirmation wiring, such as a wiring connected to TM02 and terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220, capable of confirming the connection state between the first control means and the second control means and the storage means may be provided. By providing the connection confirmation wiring for confirming the connection state in this way, the certainty of memory is enhanced. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

For example, display means such as the image display device 5 may be provided so that the information stored in the second storage means can be output by displaying the display means, for example, when displaying a maintenance history screen. In this way, by outputting the stored information as a display, it becomes easy to confirm the stored contents. This enables appropriate management of information.

First output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, capable of outputting control signals for the first electronic component and the second electronic component; and second output means capable of outputting a signal. In this manner, if the first output means can output the control signal and the second output means can output the read signal, confusion of the output signals can be prevented. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 45AK)
A game machine capable of playing a game, such as a pachinko game machine 1, which is capable of controlling electronic components, for example, a control means such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and a connector capable of outputting a control signal, for example. Output means such as 19AK152 to 19AK155 are provided, and the output means is capable of outputting a control signal corresponding to at least part of the control information based on the lottery result by the control means. For example, a connector 19AK154 or the like is included as output means and second output means different from the first output means. Thus, various signals are output by providing the second output means different from the first output means capable of outputting the control signal based on the lottery result. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The second output means outputs the control signal via a path different from that of the first output means within the same board as the first output means, such as when the connector 19AK154 different from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 is installed. It may be possible. In this way, the control signals are output through different paths, so the reliability of various signal outputs is enhanced. This enables appropriate management of information.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal according to the control information of the rendering device, for example, when the connector 19AK152 is designated as one of the inspection output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4. By outputting the control signal according to the control information of the effect device in this way, various signals are output. This enables appropriate management of information.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal of a signaling method different from that of the first output means, such as a communication method according to the output unit setting example 45AK01. In this way, various signals are output by outputting control signals of different signaling systems. This enables appropriate management of information.

A mounting member such as a connector 19AK156, for example, capable of mounting connection means to which the inspection device of the game machine is connected, may be provided, and the mounting member may be soldered when the connection means is not mounted. Such soldering prevents disconnection due to oxidation or corrosion when not mounted. This makes it possible to appropriately manage information.

The control means can execute, for example, a backup inspection process as an inspection process for outputting inspection information related to electronic components based on the received information. Different output means may be capable of outputting examination information. In this way, the test information is output by the output means according to the received information, thereby enhancing the flexibility of information output. This enables appropriate management of information.

The output means may be capable of outputting information relating to electronic components such as performance control error data, and game-related information relating to games such as system data and received command data. By outputting the information about the electronic parts and the game-related information about the game in this way, a variety of information is output. This enables appropriate management of information.

(Description of Characteristic Portions 19AK and 20AK)
FIG. 11-17 is a flow chart showing an example of backup processing during effect control regarding the characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK. Figures 11-18 show an example of the configuration and function of features 19AK, 20AK. 11 to 18, in the pachinko game machine 1, hardware resources including various control boards and software performing predetermined processing including backup processing during effect control cooperate. It is sufficient if it can be realized by

In the characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK, a backup storage portion 19AKA1 and a backup data buffer 19AKB1 are provided. The backup storage unit 19AKA1 can store the entire backup data including various types of log information according to a backup command. The backup data buffer 19AKB1 can store backup data including log information to be written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. The backup storage unit 19AKA1 is provided, for example, in backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The backup data buffer 19AKB1 is provided in the external RAM 19AK122, for example. A part or all of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be provided in the internal RAM 19AK133.

A target data storage unit 19AKM1 is provided in one or both of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133. Backup data including log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is read out to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 by performing backup restoration processing, etc., and is updated according to the progress of the game or performance. stored as possible. In this way, when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, it is sufficient that the information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 can be read out to the external RAM 19AK122 and restored. The data stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the target data storage unit 19AKM1 include, as backup target data, system data, effect control error data, player history data, received command data, setting value change time data, power saving setting data, and current time change data. data, power-off time data, store name setting data, effect output amount data, and effect history data, part or all of the data may be included. The data to be backed up may be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 or the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with the date/time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135, for example. The effect history data may include setting suggestion ratio history information indicating a history of changes in setting suggestion effect ratios. The execution ratio of the setting suggesting effect can be changed depending on whether or not the setting value has been changed, the current setting value, the history of setting values that have been changed up to the last time, or a combination of some or all of these. There may be.

The storage contents of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 are written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 based on the establishment of a predetermined write condition. In the backup data buffer 19AKB1, a specific The difference information obtained is stored. The difference information thus stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 when the write condition is satisfied.

The backup data buffer 19AKB1 includes a difference stack 20AKB11 and a write buffer 20AKB12. The differential stack 20AKB11 provides a first storage area capable of storing differential information that has not yet been written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. The write buffer 20AKB12 provides a second storage area capable of storing difference information to be written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, based on the program read from one or both of the external ROM19AK121 and the internal ROM19AK132, by executing various processing, characteristic portions 19AK, 20AK as long as it is possible to realize the various functions provided . For example, by executing power-on information processing in step 19AKS23 of the effect control main process, the function of the power-on information processing section 19AKC1 can be realized. Also, for example, by executing the backup process during effect control in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, each of the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2, the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3, and the backup data write processing unit 19AKC4 function is feasible. The functions of the power-on information processing section 19AKC1 and the backup data write processing section 19AKC4 may be realized by the CPU 19AK131 cooperating with the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14.

When the backup process during effect control is executed in step 19AKS79 of the effect control timer interrupt process, it is first determined whether or not the write start condition is established (step 19AKS101 in FIGS. 11-17). The write start condition may be determined in advance as a start condition for writing backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not the write start condition is satisfied according to the update state of the difference information in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is met when the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 reaches a predetermined amount of information. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is satisfied when the difference information transfer from the difference stack 20AKB11 to the write buffer 20AKB12 is completed. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 was updated.

If the write start condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS101; Yes), it is determined whether or not the difference update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS102). The difference update condition may be determined in advance as an execution condition for updating the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. For example, CPU19AK131 of microcomputer 19AK120 for production|presentation control may determine whether the difference update conditions were satisfied according to the update state of the backup data memorize|stored in object data storage part 19AKM1. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition is satisfied each time the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is updated. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition is satisfied when the amount of data to be updated among the data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 reaches a specific data amount. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the difference update condition has been satisfied each time a predetermined period of time has elapsed, regardless of the content stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1. In addition, the difference update condition may be set to be established at a predetermined timing according to the progress of the game or performance in the pachinko gaming machine 1, or regardless of the progress of the game or performance in the pachinko gaming machine 1. .

If the difference update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS102; Yes), the difference stack update process is executed (step 19AKS103). The CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 executes differential stack update processing, thereby making it possible to update the storage contents of the differential stack 20AKB11 by the differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2. The difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 identifies, as difference information, log information newly written to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 as the game or performance progresses in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores it in the difference stack 20AKB11. It should be memorized. The backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 indicates log information included in the target range to be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1. Therefore, the log information newly written to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is difference information different from the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before the write condition 1 is satisfied. Note that if the backup data of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 that is stored when the power is turned on is controlled so as not to be updated after the power is turned on, the newly generated log information is directly stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 as the difference information. may be stored.

If the difference update condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS102; No), or after executing the difference stack update process of step 19AKS103, it is determined whether or not the buffer update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS104). The buffer update condition may be determined in advance as an execution condition for updating the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. For example, CPU19AK131 of microcomputer 19AK120 for production|presentation control may determine whether buffer update conditions were satisfied according to the update state of the difference information memorize|stored in difference stack 20AKB11. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the buffer update condition is met when the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 reaches a predetermined amount of information. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the buffer update condition has been met when a predetermined time has elapsed after the difference information was stored in the difference stack 20AKB11.

When the buffer update condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS104; No), the backup process during effect control is terminated. When the buffer update condition is established (step 19AKS104; Yes), after executing the write buffer update process (step 19AKS105), the backup process during effect control is terminated. CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, by executing the write buffer update processing, by the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3, the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11, transferred to the write buffer 20AKB12 temporarily Memorize. The write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 replaces the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 so that the differential stack 20AKB11 before replacement functions as the write buffer 20AKB12 after replacement, and replaces the write buffer 20AKB12 before replacement. It may function as a later difference stack 20AKB11.

When the effect control backup process is executed, if the write start condition is satisfied (step 19AKS101; No), buffer write prohibition setting is performed (step 19AKS106). The buffer write prohibition setting is a setting for prohibiting writing of data to the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 provided in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. By setting the buffer write prohibition in step 19AKS106, during execution of the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the write buffer 20AKB12 Updating of stored difference information is prohibited. Further, during a period in which the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is not updated, the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is performed. become executable. In this way, by prohibiting the updating of the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1, the difference information written in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is protected and accuracy is improved.

After the buffer write prohibition setting in step 19AKS106, the backup data write start setting is performed (step 19AKS107). For example, CPU19AK131 of microcomputer 19AK120 for production|presentation control transmits the backup command for backup during production|presentation control with respect to backup memory board|substrate 19AK14. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to the backup command for backup during effect control, and permits writing of data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

Following the write start setting in step 19AKS107, backup data write processing is executed (step 19AKS108). CPU19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, by executing the backup data writing process, by the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4, the data indicating the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12, to the backup memory board 19AK14 transfer to. The memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 may write and store the data indicating the difference information transferred from the effect control microcomputer 19AK120. Data transfer from the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be performed in units of predetermined blocks.

When backup data write processing is executed in step 19AKS108, it is determined whether or not writing is completed (step 19AKS109). CPU19AK131 of microcomputer 19AK120 for production|presentation control should just determine with it being the completion of writing, whenever the data for 1 block are transferred and written in backup memory|storage part 19AKA1. If writing is not completed (step 19AKS109; No), the backup data writing process in step 19AKS108 should be repeated.

When writing is completed (Step 19AKS109; Yes), it is determined whether or not the data for which writing has been completed corresponds to the last block (Step 19AKS110). If it is not the final block (step 19AKS110; No), the process returns to step 19AKS107 to execute backup data write processing for the next block.

If it is the last block (step 19AKS110; Yes), write end setting of the backup data is performed (step 19AKS111). For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a backup end command for backup during effect control to the backup memory board 19AK14. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to the backup end command for backup during effect control, and prohibits writing of data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

Following the write end setting by step 19AKS111, buffer write permission setting is performed (step 19AKS112), and then the backup processing during effect control is ended. The buffer write permission setting is a setting for permitting data writing to the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 provided in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. By performing the buffer write permission setting in step 19AKS112, during the period in which the process of writing the differential information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is not executed, backup including the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is performed. The difference information stored in the data buffer 19AKB1 is updated. Further, when the difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is updated, the process of writing the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is not executed. .

FIGS. 11-19 show an example of state transition regarding writing of backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. In the characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK, it is possible to transition to a plurality of states related to the writing of backup data, such as a write completion state 19AKD1, a write start state 19AKD2, and a write in progress state 19AKD3. When the power supply is started in the pachinko game machine 1 and the power is turned on, the state 19AKD1 in which the writing of the backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is completed is reached.

When the writing completion state 19AKD1, if the writing start condition is met in step 19AKS101 of the backup process during effect control, the writing start state 19AKD2 is reached. In the write start state 19AKD2, buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106, thereby prohibiting data from being written to the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12. After that, the writing start setting of the backup data is performed in step 19AKS107, so that the writing state 19AKD3 is entered as an unconditional transition.

In the writing state 19AKD3, the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108 is executed in the backup process during effect control, and the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 is written by the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4. Write to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. If the writing is completed in step 19AKS109 and the block is not the final block in step 19AKS110, the state 19AKD2 of writing start is returned as a transition before the final block due to the completion of writing. In this case, the writing start setting of the backup data is performed again in step 19AKS107, and the writing state 19AKD3 is entered.

When it is in the state 19AKD3 during writing, in the case where the writing is completed in step 19AKS109 of the backup process during effect control, if it is the final block in step 19AKS110, the backup data is stored in step 19AKS111. When the write end setting is made and the buffer write permission setting is made in step 19AKS112, the writing completion state 19AKD1 is entered as a transition at the time of the final block following the writing completion.

In the write completion state 19AKD1, for example, when the difference update condition of step 19AKS102 is satisfied in the backup process during effect control, the difference stack update process of step 19AKS103 is executed, so that the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 , the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 is updated. Further, in the write completion state 19AKD1, when the buffer update condition of step 19AKS104 is satisfied, the write buffer update process of step 19AKS105 is executed, whereby the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 updates the differential stack The difference information stored in 20AKB11 is stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. Thereafter, the write start state 19AKD2 and the write in progress state 19AKD3 are entered, whereby the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 can be written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

In the characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK, the data to be written to the backup storage portion 19AKA1 based on the fact that the write start condition is satisfied once is not all the data to be backed up, but is still stored in the backup storage portion 19AKA1. It becomes data indicating non-existent difference information. After the backup data is read from the backup storage unit 19AKA1 to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 and restored with the start of power supply, all the data is written and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 with the update of log information, etc. The processing load for writing data becomes excessive, and the writing of data may not be completed, for example, during the execution of the backup processing during control of the effect in response to one timer interrupt. In this case, if data is written over a plurality of timer interrupts, new log information or the like is updated, or power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped before data writing is completed. A power failure or the like may cause inconsistency in the stored contents. Also, the processing load for writing data becomes excessive, which may cause a delay or loss in the processing related to the control of the presentation. Therefore, by writing the data indicating the difference information, it is possible to reduce the processing load, improve the accuracy of the stored contents, and prevent delays and defects in the control of the presentation.

When the data to be backed up includes the received command data, each time the performance control command from the main substrate 11 is received, the data stored in the target data storage section 19AKM1 is updated. The received command data may be stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with date and time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135, for example. In this way, the processing of writing and storing all of the data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1, which is updated each time the effect control command is received, into the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be executed. In this case, when a long operating period passes beyond the range that can be verified in the test stage before shipment of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the volume of the data to be backed up including the received command data increases. As a result, the processing load for writing and storing the data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 becomes excessive, and problems such as processing errors are likely to occur. On the other hand, in the characteristic portions 19AK and 20AK, the difference information specified using the storage data of the target data storage portion 19AKM1 is stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 of the backup data buffer 19AKB1, and the write buffer 20AKB12 is stored. The difference information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is written and stored. As a result, even when a long operating period has elapsed, the processing load for storing backup target data can be reduced, thereby preventing problems such as processing failures and enabling appropriate storage of information.

For example, the difference stack update processing unit 19AKC2 executes a process of specifying difference information to be stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. The process of identifying the difference information, for example, when the usage rate of the CPU19AK131 in the effect control microcomputer 19AK120 increases, the processing speed may decrease. On the other hand, in the full backup process of writing and storing all of the data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the rate of insufficient processing time increases as the amount of stored data increases. Therefore, the rate of occurrence of the problem that the processing speed for identifying the difference information is reduced can be made lower than that of the problem that the processing time of the full backup process is insufficient. In particular, in the pachinko game machine 1, when a long operating period has elapsed, the amount of data to be backed up in the full backup process becomes excessive, and the processing time is frequently short. On the other hand, since the process of identifying the difference information can be executed in accordance with the update of the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1, the processing speed does not easily decrease even if the amount of data increases. In this way, by executing the process of identifying the difference information and writing the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the processing load is reduced, thereby preventing problems such as processing failures. This prevents the information from being stored properly.

The backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be configured to be combinable with some or all of the characteristic portions 41AK to 45AK. For example, the backup storage unit 19AKA1 may be configured as a plurality of backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 related to the characteristic portion 41AK. Also, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be configured as a backup data buffer 41AKB1 relating to the characteristic portion 41AK. In this case, the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 may be stored by being copied and written in a plurality of backup storage areas in the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In the effect control backup process, by executing the backup data write process of step 19AKS108, the same differential information can be written and stored in a plurality of backup storage areas by the backup data write processor 19AKC4.

Even in such a configuration, the backup data write process in step 19AKS108 becomes executable after the buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106. Then, in step 19AKS110, depending on the fact that it is the final block, buffer write permission setting is performed in step 19AKS112. In this way, the backup data write process can be executed after the buffer write prohibition setting is performed, so that the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 are kept until the writing to the plurality of backup storage areas is completed. Updating of difference information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is prohibited. Even in the case of writing and storing in a plurality of backup storage areas, the process of specifying the difference information is executed and data indicating less difference information than the entire data to be backed up is written. By enabling writing to a plurality of backup storage areas in response to a single timer interrupt, the accuracy of storage contents is enhanced, and information can be stored appropriately.

When the buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106 of the backup process during effect control, in the backup data buffer 19AKB1, data write to the write buffer 20AKB12 is prohibited, while data write to the difference buffer 20AKB11. may be set so that it is not prohibited. According to such a setting, even during the period when the data stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 is written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the process of identifying the difference information is executed to obtain the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. can be updated. By enabling writing of data to the difference stack 20AKB11 in this way, the amount of difference information is less likely to increase. reliability is enhanced, and information can be stored appropriately.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 19AK)
A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 that can play a game, for example, backup storage of backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D that can be written by control means such as the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. Storage means such as part 19AKA1, and temporary storage means such as backup data buffer 19AKB1 of external RAM 19AK122 and internal RAM 19AK133, which can store information to be written in the storage means. It is possible to execute a specific write process, such as a backup process, in which the storage contents of the temporary storage means are written to the storage means based on the establishment of the write condition. Difference information is calculated between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means, such as the write buffer update process of 19AKS 105, and the second information stored in the storage means before the write condition 1 is satisfied. Execute processing including temporary storage processing for specifying and storing in temporary storage means, and differential write processing for writing difference information stored in temporary storage means to storage means, such as backup data write processing in step 19 AKS 108, for example. It is possible. In this way, by storing the specified difference information in the temporary storage means and then writing it in the storage means, the processing time for storing the information can be shortened and the accuracy of the stored information can be improved. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

During the execution of the difference write process, updating of the difference information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited, for example, by prohibition setting in step 19AKS106. In this way, by prohibiting updating of the temporary storage means during execution of the differential writing process, the stored information is protected and accuracy is enhanced. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

For example, after the permission setting in step 19AKS112, step 19AKS102 to 19AKS105 are executed, and the difference writing process may be executed during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated. In this way, by executing the difference write process during the period in which the difference information is not updated, the reliability of the information storage process can be enhanced. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

For example, when the power supply is started, the information stored in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and recovered, for example, the information stored in the target data storage section 19AKM1 can be restored by the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23. may In this way, since the power supply can be restored at the start of power supply, the stored information can be effectively used to facilitate history management and the like. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

The storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. Information update may be prohibited. Since the same information can be stored in multiple storage areas in this way, the accuracy of verification can be improved in the event of an abnormality, and updating of differential information is prohibited until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. This protects the stored information and increases its accuracy. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

(Description of Problem Solving Means and Effect of Characteristic Portion 20AK)
A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 that can play a game, for example, backup storage of backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D that can be written by control means such as the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. Storage means such as part 19AKA1, and temporary storage means such as backup data buffer 19AKB1 of external RAM 19AK122 and internal RAM 19AK133, which can store information to be written in the storage means. It is possible to execute a specific write process, such as a backup process, in which the storage contents of the temporary storage means are written to the storage means based on the establishment of the write condition. Difference information is calculated between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means, such as the write buffer update process of 19AKS 105, and the second information stored in the storage means before the write condition 1 is satisfied. Execute processing including temporary storage processing for specifying and storing in temporary storage means, and differential write processing for writing difference information stored in temporary storage means to storage means, such as backup data write processing in step 19 AKS 108, for example. The temporary storage means includes a first storage area, such as a differential stack 20AKB11, which can store differential information not yet written to the storage means, and a write buffer 20AKB12, for example, which stores differential information to be written to the storage means. a storable second storage area. Thus, by storing the specified difference information in the temporary storage means and then writing it in the storage means, the processing time for storing the information is shortened and the accuracy of the stored information is improved. By including the area and the second storage area, the reliability of the difference information is enhanced. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

During the execution of the differential write process, updating of the differential information stored in the temporary storage means may be prohibited, for example, by prohibition setting in step 19 AKS106. In this way, by prohibiting the update of the temporary storage means during execution of the differential writing process, the stored information can be protected and the accuracy can be improved. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

For example, after the permission setting in step 19AKS112, step 19AKS102 to 19AKS105 are executed, and the difference writing process may be executed during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated. In this way, by executing the difference write process during the period in which the difference information is not updated, the reliability of the information storage process can be enhanced. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

For example, when the power supply is started, the information stored in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and recovered, for example, the information stored in the target data storage section 19AKM1 can be restored by the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23. may In this way, since the power supply can be restored at the start of the power supply, the stored information can be effectively utilized to facilitate history management and the like. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

The storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. Information update may be prohibited. Since the same information can be stored in multiple storage areas in this way, the accuracy of verification can be improved in the event of an abnormality, and updating of differential information is prohibited until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. This protects the stored information and increases its accuracy. Therefore, information can be properly stored.

1 Pachinko game machine 11 Main board 12 Production control board 19AK14 Backup memory board 19AK120 Production control microcomputer 19AK121 External ROM
19AK122 … External RAM
19AK131 ... CPU
19AK132 … Internal ROM
19AK133 … Internal RAM
19AK210A to 19AK210D ... backup data memory 19AKA1 ... backup storage section 19AKB1 ... backup data buffer 19AKM1 ... target data storage section 20AKB11 ... difference stack 20AKB12 ... write buffer

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
a storage means writable by the control means;
a temporary storage means capable of storing information to be written to the storage means;
with
The control means is
based on the establishment of a write condition, it is possible to execute a specific write process of writing the contents stored in the temporary storage means into the storage means;
As the specific write process,
The temporary storage means by specifying difference information between the first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means and the second information stored in the storage means before one write condition is satisfied. Temporary memory processing to store in
a difference writing process for writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means into the storage means;
It is possible to execute processing including
The temporary storage means is
a first storage area capable of storing the difference information specified by the temporary storage process ;
a second storage area capable of storing the difference information stored in the first storage area as the difference information to be written to the storage means by the difference writing process ;
including,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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