JP7340356B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can play games such as a pachinko gaming machine.

In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, a technique has been proposed in which the number of times data to be backed up is divided is set and the backup processing is completed at a predetermined number of interruptions (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-23552 Publication

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, as the data capacity increases, the processing load becomes excessive, which may cause problems.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately store information.

(A) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention:
A gaming machine capable of playing games,
storage means writable by the control means;
temporary storage means capable of storing information to be written in the storage means in response to the occurrence of an event accompanying the progress of a game or performance;
Equipped with
The control means includes:
A specific write process for writing the memory contents of the temporary storage means into the storage means can be executed based on the establishment of a write condition,
As the specific write process,
In response to the occurrence of an event accompanying the progress of a game or performance, first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means, and first information stored in the storage means before the first writing condition is satisfied. 2 information, a temporary storage process of specifying the difference information and storing it in the temporary storage means;
a difference writing process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means into the storage means;
It is possible to perform processing including
The specific write process can be executed within a timer interrupt process that is performed every time a predetermined time elapses,
Within the timer interrupt process, after the control process related to the performance is performed, the specific write process can be executed as the last process,
When power supply is started, the information stored in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means for recovery;
The storage means can store the same information in a plurality of storage areas.
According to such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.
(1) In order to achieve the above object, the other gaming machine is a gaming machine that can play games (for example, Pachinko gaming machine 1, etc.), and has a control unit (for example, a CPU 19AK131 of a performance control microcomputer 19AK120). storage means (for example, the backup storage section 19AKA1 of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 210D) that can be written to (for example, the backup storage unit 19AKA1 of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 210D), and temporary storage means that can store information to be written to the storage means (for example, the backup data buffer of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133). 19AKB1, etc.), and the control means performs a specific write process (for example, a backup process during production control in step 19AKS79) for writing the storage contents of the temporary storage means into the storage means based on the establishment of a write condition. ), and as the specific write process, 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 the first write condition is satisfied. information, a temporary storage process (for example, a differential stack update process in step 19AKS103 and a write buffer update process in step 19AKS105, etc.) that specifies difference information and stores it in the temporary storage means, and It is possible to execute a process including a differential write process (for example, a backup data write process in step 19AKS108, etc.) of writing differential information to the storage means, and when power supply is started, the stored information in the storage means is can be read out into the temporary storage means and restored (for example, the stored contents of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be restored by the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23).
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, prohibited setting by step 19AKS106) while the difference writing process is being executed.
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above, the difference writing process is executed during a period in which the difference information stored in the temporary storage means is not updated (for example, after permission setting in step 19AKS112) , execute steps 19AKS102 to 19AKS105, etc.).
In such a configuration, information can be stored appropriately.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the temporary storage means is a first storage area (for example, a difference stack 20AKB11, etc.) capable of storing difference information that has not yet been written to the storage means. and a second storage area (for example, the write buffer 20AKB12) capable of storing the difference information written in the storage means.
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 is capable of storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas (for example, backup storage sections 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, etc.), and Updating of the difference information stored in the temporary storage unit may be prohibited until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by a write process.
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 etc. installed in the pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart showing an example of game control main processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol process processing. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display result determination table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of variable display start setting processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of stop symbol determination processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting regarding a setting suggestion production execution determination table. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a setting example regarding a setting suggestion pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production processing during variable display. It is a figure which shows the example of execution of a setting suggestion effect. It is a configuration diagram of a production control board, peripheral devices, etc. It is a configuration diagram showing various circuits etc. mounted on the production control board. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a backup memory board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing, and a figure which shows processing priority. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a CPU exception event occurs and an example of VDP error interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing for production control. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of a production control command. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of displaying a maintenance history screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of displaying a maintenance history screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example when a setting change/confirmation history selection operation is performed. It is an explanatory view of characteristic part 41AK. It is an explanatory view of characteristic part 42AK. It is an explanatory view of characteristic part 42AK. It is an explanatory view of characteristic part 43AK. It is an explanatory diagram of characteristic part 44AK. It is an explanatory view of characteristic part 45AK. It is a flowchart which shows an example of backup processing during production control. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure and function regarding characteristic parts 19AK and 20AK. FIG. 7 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 gaming machine 1 (also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be explained.

(Configuration of pachinko machine 1, etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1, showing the layout of the main components. A pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is roughly divided into a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a game board surface, and a game machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is fired from a predetermined ball launcher into this game area.

Note that "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, displaying a plurality of types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). The variations include updated display of a plurality of symbols, scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, enlargement/reduction of one or more symbols, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative patterns described below, a plurality of types of decorative patterns are scrolled or updated, or 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 the variable display of other symbols described later). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or fluctuation.

The special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as a “first special symbol”, and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as a “second special symbol”. Further, a special map game using the first special map is also referred to as a "first special map game", and a special map game using the second special map is also referred to as a "second special map game". Note that there may be only one type of special symbol display device that performs variable display of special symbols.

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), an organic EL (electro luminescence), or the like, and displays various effect images. The image display device 5 may include a projector and a screen. The image display device 5 displays various effect images.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special pattern game and the second special pattern game, decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) as multiple types of decorative identification information different from the special pattern are displayed. A variable display is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, decorative figures are displayed variably (for example, up and down direction (scroll display and update display). In addition, the variable display of the special figure game and the decorative pattern which are executed synchronously is collectively referred to as simply variable display.

A display area may be provided on the screen of the image display device 5 for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending, and an active display corresponding to a variable display currently being executed. The pending display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display compatible display corresponding to the variable display.

The number of pending variable displays is also called the number of pending memories. The number of pending memories corresponding to the first special figure game is also referred to as the first number of pending memories, and the number of pending memories corresponding to the second special figure game is also referred to as the second number of pending memories. The sum of the first number of pending memories and the second number of pending memories is also referred to as the total number of pending memories.

A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B each including a plurality of LEDs are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first hold display 25A displays the number of first hold memories based on the number of lit LEDs. The second hold display 25B displays the second hold storage number based on 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.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning hole that is always kept open to allow game balls to enter, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first starting winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls are paid out, and the first special symbol game can be started.

The variable prize winning ball device 6B (normal electric accessory) forms a second starting prize opening that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 3). The variable prize winning ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces, and when the solenoid 81 is in the OFF state, the movable wing pieces are in a vertical position, so that the tips of the movable wing pieces are comes close to the winning ball device 6A, and enters a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening (also referred to as the second starting winning opening enters a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the ON state, the movable wing pieces of the variable winning ball device 6B are in the tilted position, so that the variable winning ball device 6B enters an open state in which the game ball can enter the second starting winning hole (second starting winning ball). It is also said that the prize opening will be open.) When the game ball enters the second starting winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls are paid out, and the second special symbol game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that can change between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to one that includes an electric tulip type accessory.

At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four locations on the left and right lower sides of the game area), general winning holes 10 are provided which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when entering any of the general winning holes 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

A special variable winning ball device 7 having a big winning hole is provided below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 is equipped with a big winning hole door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 3), and has a big winning hole as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the big winning hole door. Form.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning hole door (special electric accessory) is in the OFF state, the big winning hole door closes the big winning hole, and the game ball is You will not be able to enter (pass through) the prize opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning hole door is in the on state, the big winning hole door opens the big winning hole so that the game ball can easily enter the big winning hole. Become.

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

Entering the game ball into each winning hole including the general winning hole 10 is also referred to as "winning". In particular, winning in the 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 on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the left side of the game area). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of a 7-segment LED, etc., and performs variable display of normal symbols as multiple types of normal identification information different from special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9" and lighting patterns such as "-". The normal pattern may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. This variable display of ordinary symbols is also called a ordinary symbol 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, a common figure game is executed.

A normal symbol holding display 25C is provided above the normal symbol display 20. The Fuzu-zu pending display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the Fuzu-zu pending storage number, which is the number of Fuzu games whose execution is pending, by the number of lit LEDs.

In addition to the above structure, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill that changes the downward direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the gaming area, there is provided an out opening into which game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings are taken in.

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

A movable body 32 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (not shown in FIG. 1), which operates according to the performance.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided which is operated by a player or the like in order to fire a game ball toward a gaming area using a ball-launching device.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, game balls paid out as prize balls and game balls lent out by a predetermined ball rental machine are held (stored) so that they can be supplied to the batted ball firing device. ) is provided with a batted ball supply tray (upper tray). A batted ball supply tray (lower tray) is provided below the upper tray from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray 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 gaming area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed down 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 gaming area, a push button 31B is provided that allows the player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by pressing the button or the like. An operation on push button 31B is detected by push sensor 35B (see FIG. 3).

In the pachinko game machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting a player's movement (operation, etc.), but detection means other than these may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A main board 11 housed in a board case 201 is mounted on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting changeover switch 52. 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 jackpot winning probability and ball payout rate in a setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11, for example, at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17.

A display monitor 29 is arranged at the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 30 is arranged at the side of the display monitor 29. 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 the back side of the game board 2 is viewed with the gaming machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive ratios, winning ratios, and bases. The consecutive ratio is the ratio of the number of prize balls that land in the first prize winning hole and the second prize winning hole (attacker) out of the total number of prize balls. The winning ratio is determined by the number of prize balls that land in the second starting prize opening (electronic chew) and the number of prize balls that land in the first and second prize openings (attacker) out of the total number of prize balls. It is a percentage. The base is the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the number of game balls launched. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The display monitor 29 only needs to be capable of displaying setting values to be changed or checked when the settings are changed or checked.

The setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the gaming machine frame 3 is in a closed state. The gaming machine frame 3 is rotatably provided with a glass door frame 3a having a glass window, and the gaming 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 rectangular frame. The security cover 500A covers the right side of the board case 201 including the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 from the back side when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. The security cover 500A is a substantially L-shaped member including a short piece 500Aa and a long piece 500Ab, and may be made of transparent synthetic resin.

(Summary of game progress)
When a player rotates a ball-hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko game machine 1, a game ball is launched toward a game area. When the game ball passes through the passage gate 41, the normal pattern display 20 starts the normal pattern game. In addition, if the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 during the period during which the previous Fuzu game was being executed (the game ball passed through the passage gate 41, but the Fuzu game based on the passage cannot be executed immediately), , the game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this general pattern game, if a specific normal pattern (a pattern per normal pattern) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal pattern becomes ``a common pattern hit''. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the regular symbol (ordinary symbol losing symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed ordinary symbol, the display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "ordinary symbol losing". When it becomes a "normal map hit", opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B open for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning opening is brought into the open state).

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

In addition, if the game ball enters the starting prize opening (wins) during the period when the special drawing game is being executed or during the period when it is controlled in the jackpot game state or small winning game state (described later) (the starting prize has occurred) If the special pattern game based on the starting prize cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special pattern game based on the entry is suspended until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the special pattern game, if a specific special pattern (a jackpot pattern, e.g. "7", the actual pattern differs depending on the jackpot type described later) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special pattern, it becomes a "jackpot" and the jackpot pattern If a predetermined special symbol (a small winning symbol, for example "2") different from the above is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "small winning". Further, if a special symbol (a losing symbol, for example "-") different from the jackpot symbol or the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "loser".

After the display result in the special figure game becomes a "jackpot", the game is controlled to be in a jackpot game state as an advantageous state for the player. After the display result in the special figure game becomes a "small win", the game is controlled to a 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 determined by the timing when a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) elapses, or the timing until the number of game balls that enter the grand prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls). This will continue until the earliest of the two. The predetermined period is the upper limit period during which the big prize opening can be opened in one round, and hereinafter also referred to as the upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the big prize opening is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until it reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times (15 or 2 times).

In the jackpot game state, the player can receive a prize ball by entering the game ball into the jackpot opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The greater the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state and the longer the open upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

In addition, the jackpot type is set in "Jackpot". For example, we prepare multiple types of opening modes for the jackpot (number of rounds and maximum opening period) and gaming states after the jackpot gaming state (normal state, time-saving state, variable probability state, etc.), and set the jackpot type accordingly. has been done. As the jackpot types, there may be provided a jackpot type in which many prize balls can be obtained, a jackpot type in which few prize balls can be obtained, or a jackpot type in 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 manner. For example, in the small winning gaming state, the opening mode is the same as the jackpot gaming state for some jackpot types (the number of openings of the big winning opening is the same as the number of rounds above, and the closing timing of the big winning opening is also the same). etc.), the big prize opening will be open. In addition, similar to the jackpot type, a small hit type may also be provided for "small hit".

After the jackpot gaming state ends, depending on the above-mentioned jackpot type, it may be controlled to a time saving state or a variable probability state.

In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol variation time (period for varying the special symbol) compared to the normal state. In the short time state, by shortening the average fluctuation time (period for changing the general pattern) than in the normal state, and by increasing the probability of hitting the normal pattern in the general drawing game compared to the normal state, etc. Control (high opening control, high base control) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting prize opening is also executed. The time saving state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbol) is improved, so it is an advantageous state for the player.

In the variable probability state (probability variable state), in addition to the time saving control, variable probability control is executed in which the probability that the displayed result is a "jackpot" is higher than in the normal state. The variable probability state is a state that is more advantageous to the player because it improves the efficiency of changing the special symbols and is also a state where it is easy to hit the jackpot.

The time saving state and the variable probability state continue until any one of the end conditions is met first, such as the execution of the special figure game a predetermined number of times and the start of the next jackpot game state. A condition where the termination condition is that the special figure game has been executed a predetermined number of times is also called number-cutting (number-cutting time reduction, number-cutting probability variable, etc.).

A normal state is a gaming 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, or a variable probability state, and the display result in the Fuzu game is "Fuzu hit". The pachinko game machine 1, such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special figure game will be a "jackpot", is set to the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed, a predetermined return after the power is turned on). This state is controlled in the same way as when no processing is executed).

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

After the small hit game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the display result of the special figure game continues to be controlled to the previous game state when it became a "small win" (However, if a "small win" occurs) If the special figure game of the hour is the special figure game of the predetermined number of times in the above-mentioned number cut, the game state is naturally changed). It should be noted that the display result of the special figure game does not need to be a "small win".

Note that the gaming state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the big winning opening) during the jackpot gaming state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the control may be changed to a variable probability state after the jackpot game state.

(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects for notifying the progress of the game or for enlivening the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The performance will be explained below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or in place of the display, audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 are performed. It may be performed as an effect using lighting or extinguishing of the lights, movement of the movable body 32, or any effect device including some or all of these.

As a performance executed according to the progress of the game, the "left", "middle", "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the image display device 5 display the first special pattern game or the first special pattern display area 5L, 5C, and 5R. 2. Corresponding to the start of the special figure game, variable display of decorative symbols is started. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as a fixed special pattern) is stopped and displayed in the first special pattern game or the second special pattern game, the fixed decorative pattern (a combination of three decorative patterns) that is the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern ) is also stopped and displayed (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols starts until it ends, the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode refers to the variable display of decorative symbols that are not yet displayed while the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 form part of a jackpot combination that will be described later. This refers to the manner in which the situation continues.

Furthermore, a ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned ready-to-win mode being set during the variable display of the decorative symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the percentage of display results (display results of special pattern games and display results of variable display of decorative symbols) becoming a "jackpot" (also referred to as jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation level) is determined depending on the performance mode. A plurality of different types of reach effects are executed. The reach performance includes, for example, normal reach and super reach, which has higher jackpot reliability than normal reach.

When the display result of the special figure game becomes a "jackpot", a fixed decorative pattern that becomes a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (decorative pattern). The display result of the variable display of symbols is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative symbols (for example, "7", etc.) are all stopped and displayed on predetermined valid lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. .

In the case of a "probable variable jackpot" that is controlled to a variable probability state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, odd-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "7", etc.) are stopped and displayed, and the variable probability state is changed after the jackpot gaming state ends. In the case of an uncontrolled "uncertain variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", even-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "6", etc.) may be stopped and displayed all together. In this case, the odd-numbered decorative patterns are also referred to as variable probability patterns, and the even-numbered decorative patterns are also referred to as non-probable variable patterns (normal patterns). After reaching the reach mode with non-probability variable symbols, a promotion performance that ultimately becomes a "probability variable jackpot" may be executed.

When the display result of the special figure game becomes a "small win", 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.) is derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a "small hit"). As an example, decorative symbols constituting a chance are displayed in a stopped state on predetermined active lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. In addition, when the display result of the special figure game becomes a "jackpot" for some jackpot types (jackpot type in a jackpot game state in the same manner as the small win game state) and when it becomes a "small win". , a common determined decorative pattern may be derived and displayed.

If the display result of the special pattern game is a "lose", the mode of variable display of the decorative pattern does not become the reach mode, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is the fixed decorative pattern of the non-reach combination (" ) may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols may be "non-reach loss"). In addition, if the display result is a "lose", after the variable display mode of the decorative design becomes the reach mode, a predetermined reach combination that is not a jackpot combination ("reach loss") is displayed as the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol. The fixed decorative pattern (also referred to as "decorative pattern") may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be "reach loss").

The performances that can be performed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 also include displaying the above-mentioned variable display compatible display (pending display and active display). In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that foretells the reliability of the jackpot is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbols. The preview performance includes a preview performance that foretells the reliability of a jackpot in a variable display that is currently being executed, and a preview performance that foretells the reliability of a jackpot in a variable display before execution (a variable display whose execution is pending). As the pre-read preview performance, a performance that changes the display mode of the variable display compatible display (suspended display or active display) to a different mode than usual may be performed.

In addition, in the image display device 5, by temporarily stopping the decorative pattern during the variable display of the decorative pattern and then restarting the variable display, one variable display can be made to appear pseudo as multiple variable displays. A pseudo-continuous performance may also be executed.

Even during the jackpot game state, a jackpot performance for notifying the jackpot game state is executed. As the jackpot performance, a performance that notifies the number of rounds or a promotion performance that indicates that the value of the jackpot game state is improved may be executed. Further, even during the small winning game state, a small winning performance for notifying the small winning gaming state is executed. In addition, the jackpot game during the small win game state and some jackpot types (jackpot type of the jackpot game state in the same manner as the small win game state, for example, the jackpot type that makes the subsequent gaming state a high probability state). By performing a common performance depending on the state, the player may not be able to tell whether the player is currently in a small win game state or a jackpot game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small win gaming state and after the end of the jackpot gaming state, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state. It's okay.

Further, for example, when a special figure game or the like is not being executed, a demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a 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, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, etc. as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a firing control board, etc. are arranged on the back of the pachinko game 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 with conductor patterns on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit boards that are configured to have electrical components mounted on them to achieve specific electrical functions. This concept includes electronic circuit mounting boards.

In the pachinko game machine 1, power from an AC power source such as AC 100V in an external power source such as a commercial power source can be supplied to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the performance control board 12 through the power board 17. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined direct current voltage into a specific direct current voltage (for example, 12 V direct current, 5 V direct current, etc.), etc. We are prepared.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and includes the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (execution of the special drawing game (including management of reservations), execution of the general drawing game (including management of reservations), jackpot, etc. It has a function to control the gaming state, small winning gaming state, gaming state, etc.). The main board 11 includes 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 performs processing for controlling the progress of the game (processing for realizing the functions of the main board 11) by executing a program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (variation patterns described later, production 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 serves as a backup RAM in which the stored contents are saved for a predetermined period even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be loaded into the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 updatesably counts numerical data indicating various random numbers (gaming random numbers) used when controlling the progress of the game. The gaming random number may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

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

The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals (when a game ball passes or A detection signal indicating that the switch has entered and the switch has been turned on) is taken in 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.

A reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 are taken into the switch circuit 110 and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for stopping the operation of a control circuit such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using either a power supply monitoring circuit, an IC with a built-in watchdog timer, or a system reset IC. Good to have. The power-off signal becomes an OFF state when a predetermined power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and becomes an ON state when a period in which the predetermined power supply voltage is below a predetermined value continues for a power-off reference time or longer. Become. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, a pressing operation on a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17.

The solenoid circuit 111 sends a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal to turn on the solenoid 81 and the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory and the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening 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 opening sensor 90 detects opening of the gaming machine frame 3 including the glass door frame 3a.

The main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) is a production control board that sends production control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) according to the progress of the game as part of the control of the progress of the game. Supply to 12. The production control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the production control board 12. The performance control command includes, for example, various decision results on the main board 11 (for example, display results of the special figure game (including jackpot type), fluctuation patterns used when executing the special figure game (details will be described later), etc. )), game status (for example, start and end of variable display, opening status of big prize opening, occurrence of winnings, number of pending memories, game status), occurrence of errors, etc. are included.

The production control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, and receives production control commands and performs production (various productions according to the progress of the game) based on the received production control commands. It has a function of executing various notifications (including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, notification of errors, notification of power outage recovery, 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 production control CPU 120 executes a program stored in the ROM 121 to perform processing together with the display control unit 123 to execute the production (processing for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the production control board 12; (including decisions, 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 the main memory.

The performance control CPU 120 displays execution of the performance based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (a signal that is output when an operation by a player is detected, and a signal that appropriately indicates the operation content). The control unit 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 a performance based on a performance execution instruction from the performance 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 a performance execution instruction from the performance control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal that designates the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound in synchronization with the display of the effect images and turn on/off the game effect lamps 9. or 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 drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the sound specified by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. let

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits that drive the game effect lamps 9, drives the game effect lamps 9 based on the lamp signals, and turns on/off the game effect lamps 9 in a manner specified by the lamp signals. do. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the audio output and the lighting/extinguishing of the lamp.

Note that the production control CPU 120 executes audio output, control of lamp lighting/extinguishing (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 can do it like this.

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

The I/O 125 mounted on the production control board 12 is an input port for receiving production control commands transmitted from the main board 11, for example, and for transmitting various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, lamp signal). It consists of an output port and an output port.

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

(motion)
Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained.

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

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 first sets interrupts to be prohibited (step S1). Next, necessary initial settings are performed (step S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output ports, etc.), settings to make the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether the recovery conditions are satisfied (step S3). The recovery condition can be satisfied when the clear signal is off, there is backup data, and the backup RAM is normal. If, for example, a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed when power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, an on-state clear signal 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 recovery condition is not satisfied. It is sufficient that the backup data can be stored in the RAM 102, which serves 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 the recovery conditions can be met.

If the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3; Yes), the setting confirmation process (step S5) is executed after executing the recovery process (step S4). Through the recovery process in step S4, a work area is set based on the contents stored in the RAM 102. By setting the work area using the backup data stored in the RAM 102, the gaming state can be restored to the state it was in when the power supply stopped. For example, if the special symbols are changing, the special symbol can be changed from the state before the stoppage. It is sufficient if the fluctuation of the symbols can be resumed.

If the recovery condition is not satisfied (step S3; No), initialization processing (step S6) is performed, and then setting change processing (step S7) is performed. The initialization process in step S6 includes a clear process 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 process.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether predetermined setting confirmation conditions are satisfied. The setting confirmation condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is turned on when power supply is started. The setting confirmation process in step S5 is executed when the recovery conditions including that the clear signal is in the OFF state are 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.

If the setting confirmation conditions are satisfied in the setting confirmation process in step S5, the setting confirmation state is reached in which the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed, and the settings are changed from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. A confirmation start command is sent. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set in the pachinko gaming 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 production control board 12.

When the pachinko game machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be in a game stop state in which the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped. When the game is in the stopped state, firing of game balls by operating the batting operation handle, detection of game balls by various switches, etc. are stopped, and the first special symbol display 4A, second special symbol display 4B, and normal symbols are stopped. The display 20 may be controlled to stop displaying losing symbols or the like, or to display a display corresponding to a game stop state different from losing symbols. When the setting confirmation state ends, the accompanying game stop state may also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, it is determined whether predetermined setting change conditions are satisfied. The setting change condition is satisfied, for example, when the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is turned on when power supply is started. The setting change condition may include that the clear signal is in the on state.

If the setting change conditions are satisfied in the setting change process in step S7, the setting change state is entered in which the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed, and the settings are changed from the main board 11 to the production control board 12. A start change command is sent. In the setting change state, the setting value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is sequentially updated and displayed every time an operation of the setting changeover switch 52 is detected. Thereafter, based on the setting key 51 being turned off by an operation by an attendant at the game parlor, etc., the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated storage) in the backup area of the RAM 102, and the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated storage). Turn off the light. When ending the setting change state, a setting change end command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the production control board 12.

When the pachinko game machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko game machine 1 may be placed in the game stop state, similar to when it is in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the accompanying game stop state may also end.

On the production control board 12 side, when receiving the setting confirmation start command or the setting change start command, control may be performed to notify that the setting is being confirmed 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 a game effect lamp 9 may be caused to emit light in a predetermined manner.

The clear signal is turned on, for example, by pressing down a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when the power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on, then if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 and step The setting change process in S7 is executed to enable control to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process in step S4 and the setting confirmation process in step S5 are executed to enable control to the setting confirmation state. When power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off or the setting key 51 is off, the initialization process of step S6 is executed if the clear switch is on. However, if the clear switch is off, the recovery process in step S4 is executed, but the setting confirmation state is not controlled.

After executing the setting confirmation process or the setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, the register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S9), and the interrupt is permitted (step S10). ). After that, loop processing begins. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined 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 the interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When starting the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. It is determined whether detection signals are received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 (step S21). Next, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is diagnosed for abnormality, and a warning can be issued if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). Thereafter, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpot occurrences, etc.) and starting information (starting Data such as information indicating the number of winnings, etc.) and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times the probability variable state has been reached, etc.) are output (step S23).

Following the information output process, a gaming random number updating process is executed to update at least a part of the gaming random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (step S25). The CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, thereby realizing management of execution and suspension of the special symbol game, control of jackpot gaming state, small winning gaming state, control of gaming state, etc.

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

After executing the normal symbol process processing, processing when a power outage occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, etc. may be performed as part of the game control timer interrupt processing. After that, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set the production control command to be transmitted in each of the above processes. In the command control process of step S27, a process is performed in which the effect control command set for transmission is transmitted to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. After executing the command control process, interrupts are permitted, and the game control timer interrupt process is ended.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 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, the CPU 103 first executes a starting winning determination process (step S101).

In the starting winning determination process, a process is executed to detect the occurrence of a starting winning, store pending information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and update the pending storage number. When a starting prize occurs, a random number value for determining the display result (including the type of jackpot) and fluctuation pattern is extracted and stored as pending information. Furthermore, processing for pre-reading and determining display results and fluctuation patterns may be performed based on the extracted random number values. After storing the pending information and the number of pending memories, transmission settings are made to the production control board 12 to send a production control command for specifying the occurrence of a starting prize, the number of pending memories, and judgment results such as pre-reading judgment. be exposed. The performance control command at the time of start winning that is set to be transmitted is transferred from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12 by, for example, executing the command control process in step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special symbol process process is completed. transmitted to.

After executing the starting winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes any of the processes in steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102. In addition, in each process (steps S110 to S120) of the special symbol process process, transmission settings are made to transmit the performance control command corresponding to each process to the performance control board 12.

The special symbol normal process in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, 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 reservation information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on the random value for determining the display result, it is determined whether the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is a "big hit" or "small win" and the type of jackpot when it is determined to be a "jackpot". is determined (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal processing, a confirmed special symbol (any of a jackpot symbol, a small prize symbol, or a losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set in accordance with the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal processing ends. Note that the special pattern game using the second special pattern may be executed with priority over the special pattern game using the first special pattern (also referred to as special pattern 2 priority consumption). Further, the winning order of the game balls in the first starting winning hole and the second starting winning hole may be stored, and the starting conditions for the special figure game may be established in the winning order (also referred to as winning order completion).

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

The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "1". In this fluctuation pattern setting process, based on the pre-determined result of whether the display result will be a "big hit" or "small hit", a random value for determining the fluctuation pattern is used to select one of multiple types of fluctuation patterns. It includes the process of determining the 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 includes the execution time of the special figure game (special figure variation time) (also the execution time of the variable display of decorative symbols), the variable display mode of the ornamental symbols (the presence or absence of reach, etc.), and the variable display period of the decorative symbols. It specifies the content of the performance (type of reach performance, etc.), and is also called a variable display pattern.

The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol variation process includes a process of making settings for varying the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and second special symbol display device 4B, and the elapsed time since the special symbol started to fluctuate. It includes processes such as measuring. It is also determined whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. Then, when the elapsed time after starting the variation of the special symbol reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3" and the special symbol variation process ends.

The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". In this special symbol stopping process, the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and the finalized special symbol that becomes the display result of the special symbol is stopped and displayed (derived). Contains processing to configure settings for Then, when the display result is a "jackpot", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is off and the display result is a "small hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "8". Moreover, when the display result is "lost", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "small hit" or "loss", the game state is also updated when the time-saving state or the variable probability state is controlled and when the end of the number cut is established. When the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop processing ends.

The jackpot opening preprocessing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "4". This jackpot opening pre-processing includes processing to start a round in the jackpot game state and set the jackpot opening state based on the display result being a "jackpot", etc. It is. When the big winning opening is opened, a process is executed to supply a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door. At this time, for example, depending on the jackpot type, the opening upper limit period for keeping the jackpot open and the upper limit number of rounds to be executed are set. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the jackpot release preprocessing is completed.

The jackpot opening process in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes a process of measuring the elapsed time since the jackpot opening is opened, and a process of measuring the elapsed time from when the jackpot opening is opened, and based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, the jackpot opening This includes processing for determining whether it is time to return the switch from an open state to a closed state. Then, when returning the big prize opening to the closed state, after executing a process such as stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", The jackpot opening process ends.

The jackpot opening process in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". This jackpot opening process includes a process to determine whether the number of rounds to open the jackpot has reached the set upper limit number of runs, and a process to enter the jackpot game state when the upper limit number of runs has been reached. This includes processing to make settings for terminating the process. When the number of executions of the round has not reached the upper limit number of executions, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of executions of the round has reached the upper limit number of executions, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5". 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 process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "7". This jackpot ending process includes a process of waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending performance is executed as a performance operation to notify the end of the jackpot gaming state, and a process of waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state has changed. It includes processing to perform various settings for starting control and time-saving control. When such settings are made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot ending process ends.

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

The small hit opening process in step S119 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "9". This small win opening process includes a process that measures the elapsed time since the big winning opening was opened, and a timing to return the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. This includes processing to determine whether or not the When the big prize 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 opening process ends.

The small hit end process of step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "10". This small win ending process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which a performance operation to notify the end of the small win game state has elapsed. Here, when the small winning gaming state ends, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 before entering the small winning gaming state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small winning game state has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the small winning ending process ends.

The pachinko game machine 1 is configured such that the jackpot winning probability and ball payout rate change depending on the set value. For example, in the special symbol normal processing of the special symbol process processing, by using a display result determination table (winning probability) according to the set value, the jackpot winning probability and ball payout rate are changed. For example, the set value has six levels from 1 to 6, where 6 has the highest probability of winning the jackpot, and as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the probability of winning the jackpot decreases. In this example, when 6 is set as the setting value, it is the highest advantage for the player, and as the value decreases in the order of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the advantage gradually decreases. . If the probability of winning the jackpot changes according to the set value, the ball payout rate may also change according to the set value. While the probability of winning a jackpot is constant regardless of the set value, the number of rounds in the jackpot game state may vary depending on the set value. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to be able to set any one of a plurality of setting values that have different degrees of advantage for the player. The setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are notified by transmitting a setting value designation command from the main board 11 side to the performance control board 12 side.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the display result determination table. FIG. 7(A) shows a configuration example of the display result determination table for the first special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, and FIG. 7(B) shows a configuration example of the display result determination table for the first special symbol used when the variable special symbol is the second A configuration example of a second special figure display result determination table used in the case of a figure is shown. The 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 value MR1 is assigned to the special symbol display result, which is a variable display result of the special symbol, according to the set value. The random number value MR1 is a random number value for determining the display result, and the value is randomly updated in the range of 0 to 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 judgment table, when the gaming state is in a variable probability state (high probability state), more judgment values are displayed as special symbols for "jackpot" than when the gaming state is in the normal state or time saving state (low probability state). assigned to the result. As a result, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a high probability state such as a variable probability state in which probability variable control is performed, the probability that the jackpot gaming state will be determined is higher than when it is in a low probability state such as a normal state or a time saving state. It gets expensive.

In the first special figure display result determination table, the probability that the special figure display result will be determined as a "small hit" and controlled to a small win gaming state is determined to be the same value, regardless of the gaming state or setting value. A value has been assigned. In the second special figure display result determination table, the first special figure display result is the probability that the special figure display result will be determined as a "small hit" and will be controlled in a small win game state, regardless of the gaming state or setting value. Judgment values are assigned so that they are the same value but different from those in the judgment table. In addition, the probability that the special figure display result is determined to be a "small win" and controlled to a small win gaming state may be varied depending on the set value. Regardless of the variable special figure, the probability of determining that the special figure display result will be a "small win" and control to a small win game state may be set to 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 gaming state is the normal state or the time saving state, the range from 1020 to 1237 of the hit judgment values is determined regardless of the set value. It is set to a common numerical range of jackpot determination values for determining jackpots. When the setting value is 1, 1020 to 1237 are assigned to "jackpot", and only the common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for determining jackpots is set, while setting value 2 to setting value 6 is assigned to "jackpot". In this case, the numerical range corresponding to each set value from 1238 is set as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot 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 gaming state is in a variable probability state, the range from 1020 to 1346 among the hit determination values indicates that the jackpot will be won regardless of the set value. It is set to a common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for judgment. When the setting value is 1, by assigning 1020 to 1346 to "jackpot", only the common numerical range of jackpot judgment values for determining jackpots is set, and on the other hand, setting value 2 to setting value In the case of 6, the numerical range corresponding to each set value from 1346 is set as the non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value so as to be continuous from the common numerical range of the jackpot determination value.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure, 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 the small value for determining a small hit regardless of the setting value. It is set to a common numerical range of hit judgment values. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value, regardless of the set value from 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit determination value from overlapping the range of the jackpot determination value, which changes according to each set value.

In the display result determination table for the first special figure, when the gaming state is in the variable probability state, the range from 32767 to 33094 of the hit judgment values is set to It is set to a common numerical range of the small hit determination value for determining a small hit regardless of the number of small hits. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value, regardless of the set value from 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit determination value from overlapping the range of the jackpot determination value, which changes according to each set value.

In the display result determination table for the second special figure, 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 the small value for determining a small hit regardless of the set value. It is set to a common numerical range of hit judgment values. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value, regardless of the set value from 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit determination value from overlapping the range of the jackpot determination value, which changes according to each set value.

In the display result determination table for the second special figure, when the gaming state is in the variable probability state, the range from 32767 to 33421 of the hit judgment values is the set value, just as when the gaming state is in the normal state or time saving state. It is set to a common numerical range of the small hit determination value for determining a small hit regardless of the number of small hits. The small hit determination value is set to a numerical range different from the common numerical range and non-common numerical range of the jackpot determination value, regardless of the set value from 1 to 6. This prevents the numerical range of the small hit determination value from overlapping the range of the jackpot determination value, which changes according to each set value.

The number of setting values that can be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be five or less or seven or more. The smaller the set value set in the pachinko game machine 1, the more advantageous it may be to the player. The gameplay may be changed depending on the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, if the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/320, and the gameplay is such that the probability of winning in the variable state is looped at a rate of 65% (so-called variable loop type), When the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/200, and during the jackpot game, the game ball is While the game state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to be a variable state based on passing through the switch, the gaming state (so-called V If the setting value set in pachinko machine 1 is 3, the jackpot probability is 1/320, the small win probability is 1/50, and the game is played during a high base (during time saving control). The game may be controlled to a jackpot game state based on the ball passing through a predetermined switch provided inside the special variable winning ball device 7 (so-called 1 type, 2 type mixed type). If the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is any one of 1 to 3, the gameplay is the same, but the jackpot probability and small hit are higher than when these setting values are 1 to 3. A setting may be provided in which the probability is high but the number of prize balls that can be obtained during a jackpot game is small (for example, when the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is one of 4 to 6). When changing the gameplay depending on the set value, a common switch may be used for different purposes. Specifically, when the set value is 1 to 3, a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 is used as a production switch (to execute a predetermined production every time a game ball passes a predetermined area). switch), and when the setting value is 4 to 6, the specified switch is used as a gaming switch (for controlling the gaming state to a variable probability state or a jackpot gaming state based on the game ball passing through the specified switch). It may also be used as a switch.

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

(Main operations of the production control board 12)
Next, the main operations in the production control board 12 will be explained. When the effect control board 12 receives power supply voltage from a power source board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated and executes effect control main processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the production control main process shown in FIG. Performs register settings for the installed CTC (counter/timer circuit). In addition, initial operation control processing is executed (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control is executed to perform the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as driving the movable body 32 to return it to the initial position and checking a predetermined operation.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to an on state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses, based on the register setting of the CTC, for example. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the process waits.

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

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

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the production 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, and the movable body 32. Control is performed to operate various presentation devices, such as driving operations. Further, regarding the content of control of performance operations using various performance devices, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. are performed in accordance with performance control commands transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the performance control process processing in step S76, a performance random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 are updated by software. Thereafter, the process returns to step S73. Other processes may be executed before returning to the process of step S73.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 8 as the production control process process. In the performance control process shown in FIG. 9, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a pre-read notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-read preview setting process, for example, based on the performance control command at the time of start-up winning that is transmitted from the main board 11, determination, determination, setting, etc. for executing the pre-read preview performance are performed. Further, processing for displaying a pending display is executed based on the number of pending memories specified from the production control command.

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

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process that is executed when the value of the production 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 specifying the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. Contains such as. When it is determined to start variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5, the value of the production process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process is ended.

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process that is executed when the value of the production process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and fluctuation pattern specified by the production control command, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the mode of variable display of the decorative pattern, the reach effect, etc. It determines whether or not various performances such as preview performances are to be executed, their mode, execution start timing, and the like. Then, a performance control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the performance) that reflects the determination result etc. is set. Thereafter, based on the set performance control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start executing the variable display of decorative symbols, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is ended. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start variable display of decorative symbols in response to an instruction to start variable display of decorative symbols.

The variable display effect processing in step S172 is a process that is executed when the value of the effect process flag is "2". In this variable display performance process, the performance control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. , driving the movable body 32 , outputting audio and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the audio control board 13 , and outputting a command (illumination signal) to the lamp control board 14 . Various performance controls are executed during variable display of decorative patterns, such as turning on/off/flashing the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs by outputting the output. After performing such performance control, for example, a termination code indicating the end of the variable display of decorative patterns has been read from the performance control pattern, or a command has been received from the main board 11 specifying that fixed decorative patterns should be stopped and displayed. In response to what has been done, etc., the determined decorative pattern that becomes the display result of the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed. When the fixed decorative pattern is stopped and displayed, the value of the production process flag is updated to "3", and the variable display production process is completed.

The special figure hit waiting process in step S173 is a process that is executed when the value of the production process flag is "3". In this special figure winning waiting process, the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not a performance control command has been received from the main board 11 that designates starting a jackpot game state or a small win game state. Then, when receiving a production control command that specifies the start of a jackpot game state or a small win game state, if the command specifies the start of a jackpot game state, the value of the production process flag is set to "6". ”. On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of a small win game state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "4", which is a value corresponding to the small win performance process. In addition, if the waiting time for receiving the command elapses without receiving a command specifying the start of the jackpot game state or the small win game state, it is determined that the display result in the special drawing game is a "lose". Then, the value of the production process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the production process flag is updated, the waiting process for each special figure ends.

The small hit performance process in step S174 is a process that is executed when the value of the performance process flag is "4". In this small win performance processing, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the small win game state, and executes various performance controls in the small win game state based on the set content. . In addition, in the small hit production process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify ending the small win game state, the value of the production process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small win ending production. It is updated to a certain "5" and the small hit performance process is ended.

The small hit end production process in step S175 is a process that is executed when the value of the production process flag is "5". In this small hit end performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets a performance control pattern corresponding to the end of the small win game state, for example, and performs various performance controls at the end of the small win game state based on the setting contents. Execute. Thereafter, the value of the performance process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the small hit end performance process is ended.

The jackpot performance process in step S176 is a process that is executed when the value of the performance process flag is "6". In this jackpot performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the jackpot game state, and executes various performance controls in the jackpot game state based on the set content. In addition, in the jackpot production process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify ending the jackpot game state, the value of the production process flag is set to "7", which is a value corresponding to the ending production process. ” and ends the jackpot performance process.

The ending effect processing in step S177 is a process that is executed when the value of the effect process flag is "7". In this ending performance processing, the performance control CPU 120 sets a performance control pattern corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, for example, and performs various performance controls of the ending performance at the end of the jackpot game state based on the setting contents. Execute. Thereafter, the value of the production process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending production process is ended.

(Variation example of basic explanation)
This invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 explained in the basic explanation above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, but the game media is enclosed and points are awarded based on the occurrence of winnings. It may also be an enclosed game machine.

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

In the above basic explanation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as a gaming machine, but medals are inserted and a predetermined number of bets are set, and multiple types of symbols are rotated according to the operation of the operating lever by the player. A slot machine that can execute a game in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player when the combination of stopped symbols becomes a specific combination of symbols when the symbols are stopped in response to the operation of the stop button (for example, a big bonus , regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, and CZ (hereinafter referred to as bonus, etc.).

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form in which they are distributed and provided to a computer device included in the pachinko game machine 1 using a removable recording medium, but are provided in advance in a form such as a computer device, etc. The software may also be distributed by being installed on a storage device owned by the software. Furthermore, by providing a communication processing unit, the program and data for realizing the present invention can be distributed by being downloaded from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like. I don't mind.

The game can be executed not only by attaching a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing the program and data downloaded via a communication line in internal memory, etc. It may also be executed directly 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 other computer devices via a network.

In addition, in this specification, expressions that compare various proportions such as the execution rate of production (expressions such as "higher", "lower", "different", etc.) do not mean that one is a proportion of "0%". May include. For example, one of the ratios is "0%" and the other is "100%" or a ratio of less than "100%".

(Explanation of features related to setting suggestion effects)
Hereinafter, the characteristic parts regarding the setting suggestion performance in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained. In this feature part, it is possible to execute a setting suggestion performance that suggests setting values in the pachinko gaming machine 1 at a predetermined rate while the variable display is being executed.

FIG. 10-1 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S171 of the production control process process as the variable display start setting process. 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 decorative symbols, such as the final stop symbol in the variable display of decorative symbols, is determined. Following the stop symbol determination process, a preview performance determination process is executed (step S202). The preview performance determination process enables determining the preview performance included in the advantageous suggestion performance.

After the preview performance determination process is executed, the performance control pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S203). The performance control pattern may include a special symbol variation performance control pattern, a preview performance control pattern, and other control patterns for controlling various performance executions. For example, in response to a variation pattern indicated by a variation pattern designation command, one of a plurality of prepared special symbol variation performance control patterns is selected and set as the pattern to be used. Further, one of the plurality of prepared preview performance control patterns may be selected and set as the pattern to be used in accordance with the determination result of the preview performance determination process in step S202. In addition, the performance control pattern at the time of special figure change and the advance notice performance control pattern are not limited to those that set separate performance control patterns, but one performance control pattern that corresponds to the combination of execution settings of each performance. There may be.

When the production control pattern is determined in step S203, for example, the initial stage of the production control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (production control timer setting section, etc.) corresponds to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command. A value is set (step S204). Further, settings are made to start changing decorative patterns and the like on the screen of the image display device 5 (step S205). At this time, by transmitting a display control command specified by the display control data included in the production control pattern (special figure variation production control pattern) determined in step S203 to the VDP of the display control unit 123, It is sufficient to start the variation of the decorative symbols in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the screen of the image display device 5.

Subsequently, the pending display update setting at the time of starting the variable display is performed (step S206). For example, in the hold display area provided on the screen of the image display device 5, the display area corresponding to the hold number "1" (leftmost display area) is erased (disappeared), and other hold numbers "2" to The pending display in the display area corresponding to "4" etc. is moved (shifted) one by one to the left. As a result, the pending display is shifted. The active display section provided on the screen of the image display device 5 may display an active display corresponding to the pending display that has been erased (expired) in the pending display area. In addition, if the number of pending memories is "0" and the variable display starts immediately based on the occurrence of the first starting prize or the second starting winning, the active display area will not be updated without updating the pending display. Settings may be made to update the active display in . Thereafter, the value of the production process flag is updated to "2", which is a value corresponding to the production process during variable display (step S207), and the variable display start setting process is ended.

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 a super reach effect is to be executed (step S221). Whether or not the super reach effect is executed can be determined based on the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11, for example.

If the super reach effect is not executed (step S221; No), the final stop symbol at the time of non-reach or normal reach is determined (step S222), and the stop symbol determination process is ended. When there is no reach, the variable display result will be "losing". At the time of normal reach, there are cases where the variable display result is a "jackpot" and cases where the variable display result is a "loss". When the variable display mode of the decorative symbols is not a ready-to-reach mode, a fixed decorative symbol of a non-reachable combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol. The final stop symbol at the time of non-reach is determined so that the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R have different (inconsistent) decorative symbols. At the time of a normal reach where the variable display result is "lose", the determined decorative symbol of the reach loss combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of reach loss. The final stop symbol at the time of reach loss is determined so that the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R have the same (matching) decorative symbol. At the time of normal reach when the variable display result is a "jackpot", the determined decorative symbol of the jackpot combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of the jackpot. The final stopped symbol at the time of a jackpot is determined so that the same (matching) decorative symbol is displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

When the reach effect of super reach is executed (step S221; Yes), the final stop symbol at the time of super reach is determined (step S223). At the time of super reach, there are cases where the variable display result becomes a "jackpot" and cases where the variable display result becomes a "loss". At the time of super reach where the variable display result is "lose", the determined decorative symbol of the reach loss combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of reach loss. At the time of a jackpot where the variable display result is a "jackpot", the final decorative symbol of the jackpot combination is stopped and displayed as the final stop symbol at the time of the jackpot.

At the time of super reach, regardless of whether the variable display result is a "jackpot" or a "loss", the same (matching) decorative pattern will be displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L and 5R. It will be stopped and displayed as a fixed decorative pattern. The left and right decorative symbols that constitute such reach-loss combinations and jackpot combinations are also referred to as reach-to-reach symbols. Decorative patterns that can be determined as ready-to-reach symbols 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 decorative pattern corresponding to the number may be only a presentation image showing the number, or may be a presentation image showing various characters in addition to the number. The ready-to-win symbol is determined to be one of a plurality of decorative symbols by referring to a ready-to-reach symbol determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared based on numerical data indicating a random number for determining a ready-to-win symbol. Just do it like this. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the reach symbol may be updated as long as it can be updated using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122.

In the ready-to-win symbol determination table, the number of determination values assigned to decorative symbols that are ready-to-win symbols may vary depending on whether the variable display result is a "loss" or a "jackpot." For example, when the variable display result is a "lose", the determination rate of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 1 is highest, the number 2, the number 3, the number 4, the number 5, and the number 6. As it becomes, the determination rate of the decorative pattern becomes lower, and the determination rate of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7 becomes the lowest. On the other hand, when the variable display result is a "jackpot", the determination ratio of the decorative patterns corresponding to the number 1 is the lowest, the number 2, the number 3, the number 4, the number 5, and the number 6. As the number increases, the determination rate of the decorative pattern increases, and the determination rate of the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 7 becomes the highest. With such a determination ratio setting, when the decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 is stopped and displayed as a reach symbol, the variable display result becomes a "jackpot" and the percentage of being controlled to the jackpot gaming state becomes the highest, and 6 , 5, 4, 3, and 2, the variable display result becomes a "jackpot" when it is stopped and displayed as a reach symbol, and the percentage of being controlled to a jackpot gaming state is low. Therefore, the variable display result when the decorative pattern corresponding to the number 1 is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-win pattern becomes a "jackpot", and the ratio of being controlled to a jackpot game state becomes the lowest. In addition, in the ready-to-win symbol determination table, the number of determination values assigned to the decorative symbols that are ready-to-win symbols may be the same regardless of whether the variable display result is a "lose" or "jackpot". The number of judgment values assigned may be different for each decorative pattern that becomes a ready-to-win pattern, or the number of judgment values allocated may be the same regardless of the decorative pattern that becomes a ready-to-win pattern. Depending on the jackpot type, the determination ratio of decorative symbols that become reach symbols may differ.

Following step S223, it is determined whether the determined ready-to-reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 (step S224). At this time, if the ready-to-reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to a number other than 7 (step S224; No), the stop symbol determination process is ended. If the ready-to-reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7 (step S224; Yes), the presence or absence of a setting suggestion performance is determined depending on whether or not the setting suggestion performance is to be executed (step S225). Whether or not to perform the setting suggestion effect is determined by referring to a setting suggestion effect execution determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared based on numerical data indicating a random value for determining the execution of the setting suggestion effect. All you have to do is make it so. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the execution of the setting suggestion effect may be updated as long as it can be updated using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122. The presence or absence of the setting suggestion performance is determined to be either "no performance", which does not execute the setting suggestion performance, or "with performance", which executes the setting suggestion performance.

Based on the determination result in step S225, it is determined whether or not it has been determined that the setting suggestion effect is to be performed (with effect) (step S226). If it is determined that the setting suggestion performance is not executed (step S226; No), the stop symbol determination process is ended. If it is determined that "with effect" (step S226; Yes), the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is specified (step S227). The performance control CPU 120 receives the setting value notification command sent from the main board 11 when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, and stores the notified setting value in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. Thereby, in step S227, the setting value stored in the RAM 122 may be specified.

Following step S227, a setting suggestion pattern is determined (step S228), and then the stop symbol determination process is ended. The setting suggestion pattern is selected from among a plurality of setting suggestion patterns by referring to a setting suggestion pattern determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared based on numerical data indicating random values for setting suggestion pattern determination. It would be better if it were decided accordingly. The numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the setting suggestion pattern may be updated as long as it can be updated using one or both of the random counter and the random number circuit 124 provided in the RAM 122.

FIG. 10-3 shows a setting example regarding the setting suggestion effect execution determination table. For example, the ROM 121 stores in advance table data constituting the 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 setting suggestion performance is determined by referring to the determination table TA01. In the decision table TA01, the number of determination values assigned to the presence or absence of the setting suggestion performance differs depending on whether the variable display result is a "loss" or a "jackpot". For example, when the variable display result is a "jackpot", the determination ratio of "with effect" for performing the setting suggestion effect is higher than when the variable display result is a "loss". With such setting of the determination ratio, when the setting suggestion performance is executed, the rate at which the variable display result becomes a "jackpot" and the jackpot game state is controlled becomes higher than when the setting suggestion performance is not executed. In addition, in the setting suggestion performance execution determination table, the number of judgment values assigned to the presence or absence of the setting suggestion performance may be the same regardless of whether the variable display result is a "loss" or a "jackpot". .

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 the plurality of setting suggestion patterns. These setting suggestion patterns have different suggestion contents depending on whether or not to change the symbol display color and the display color when changing. The symbol display color is the display color of the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-reach symbol, and can be changed to a suggested display color including copper, silver, and gold in addition to red, which is the normal display color. Pattern RE-0 does not change the symbol display color and suggests that the level of expectation, which is a set value advantageous to the player, is low. Pattern RE-1 changes the symbol display color to copper, indicating that the set value is 2 or more. Pattern RE-2 changes the symbol display color to silver, suggesting that the level of expectation is high, which is an advantageous setting value for the player. Pattern RE-3 changes the symbol display color to gold, indicating that 6 is the highest set value. In this manner, in the setting suggestion performance using the ready-to-reach symbols, it is possible to make suggestions regarding the setting values in the pachinko gaming machine 1, depending on whether the symbol display color has changed or not, and the symbol 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 stores in advance table data constituting the determination table TA11 shown in FIG. 10-4(B) as a setting suggestion pattern determination table. In step S228 of the stop symbol determination process, a setting suggestion pattern is determined by referring to the determination table TA11. In the determination table TA11, there are parts where the number of determination values assigned to the determination result of the setting suggestion pattern differs depending on the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

When a setting suggestion performance using a ready-to-win symbol is executed, since the ready-to-win symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7, the probability of being controlled to a jackpot game state is high. When the setting suggestion performance is executed in pattern RE-0, the expectation level, which is an advantageous setting value for the player, is low, and when the setting suggestion performance is executed in pattern RE-1, the setting value is 2 or more. One thing is certain. Furthermore, when the setting suggestion performance is executed in pattern RE-2, the expectation level is high, which is an advantageous setting value for the player, and when the setting suggestion performance is executed in pattern RE-3, the setting value is the highest. It is confirmed that it is 6. In this way, when the variable display mode of decorative symbols becomes the reach mode, the reach mode includes a symbol display mode that gives a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot game state, such as a decorative symbol corresponding to a number other than 7, and a 7. It includes a pattern display mode that provides suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot game state, such as decorative patterns corresponding to numbers, and also provides suggestions regarding the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. If the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7, the symbol display color is changed after the reach symbol is displayed in the normal display color to give a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot game state. Suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state will continue to be made, as well as suggestions regarding the set values.

The setting suggestion performance can be executed in different manners depending on the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, if the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is 1, the setting suggestion pattern is not determined to be pattern RE-1, so the symbol display color is not changed to copper color. In this way, depending on whether the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is other than 1, the symbol display color is changed as the symbol display mode when the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7. The difference is whether or not it is changed to copper color. If the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 1 is other than 6, the setting suggestion pattern is not determined to be pattern RE-3, so the symbol display color is not changed to gold. In this way, depending on whether the setting value set in the pachinko game machine is 6 or not, the symbol display color is gold as the symbol display mode when the reach symbol is a decorative symbol corresponding to the number 7. The difference is whether or not it is changed.

The setting suggestion effect is instead of changing the display color of a decorative pattern that is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-reach symbol, or in addition to changing the display color of a decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed as a ready-to-reach symbol. Any aspect of the reach aspect, such as the shape or pattern of the decorative pattern, may be changed. Alternatively, the display of background images, outer frame images, and other arbitrary performance images, the output of audio 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 movable performance members, and the like, It may be possible to change the performance mode by an arbitrary performance device, such as a combination of some or all of them. Setting suggestion effects and other arbitrary effects in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be performed using arbitrary data related to effect control, arbitrary data not related to effect control, or data that is a combination of these, predetermined for execution of the effect. It only needs to be executable when one or more conditional expressions are satisfied. The effect of changing the symbol display color is also referred to as a change effect.

The plurality of setting suggestion patterns may include patterns that can be determined only when controlled to a jackpot gaming state and patterns that can be determined even when not controlled to a jackpot gaming state. For example, patterns RE-0 and RE-1 can be determined at a predetermined rate even if the variable display result is a "loss", whereas patterns RE-2 and RE-3 can be determined with a variable display result. It may be possible to make a determination at a predetermined rate only when the result is a "jackpot", and to make it impossible to determine when the variable display result is a "loss". In this case, pattern RE-2 is determined at a common rate regardless of the setting value set in pachinko gaming machine 1, whereas pattern RE-3 is determined at a common ratio regardless of the setting value set in pachinko gaming machine 1. It may be determined at different rates depending on the set value.

FIG. 10-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S172 of the performance control process process as the variable display process. In the variable display production process, it is determined whether or not a special figure variation time, which is a variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern, has elapsed, based on the timer value of the production control process timer, for example (step S241). If 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 performance control CPU 120 creates various commands based on the control data read from the performance 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, etc. Thereby, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED are turned on, turned off, or blinked. It is only necessary that a predetermined performance device can perform various performances by operating a movable member for performance such as the movable body 32, or by combining some or all of these.

In the variable display performance process, it is determined whether or not it is a preview performance period (step S242). If it is the preview performance period (step S242; Yes), control is performed to execute the preview performance (step S243). If it is not the preview performance period (step S242; No), or after performing the control in step S243, it is determined whether it is the ready-to-reach performance period (step S244). If it is the ready-to-win effect period (step S244; Yes), control is performed to execute the ready-to-win effect (step S245). By the control in step S245, when executing the ready-to-win effect after changing the symbol display color after the decorative symbols that become ready-to-win symbols are stopped and displayed, suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state are made, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 Suggestions regarding setting values can be made.

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

The change performance period may be set to different lengths of time depending on the performance mode of the change performance. 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, which is longer than the first period, and pattern RE- In the case of pattern 2, the change effect period may be set to a third period which is longer than the second period, and in the case of pattern RE-3, the change effect period may be set to the longest period, the fourth period. Generally, when a performance that informs an advantageous situation (advantageous performance) is executed, a player takes an image or video of that performance with a mobile terminal owned by the player, and posts it on SNS (Social Media). They tend to post on membership-based websites such as Networking Service) and Internet video supply sites. However, if the execution period of such an advantageous effect is short, a problem arises in that an appropriate photographing time cannot be secured. On the other hand, effects that are often performed even in unfavorable situations (unfavorable effects) do not stimulate the desire to take pictures, so if the unfavorable effects are carried out for a long time, they may end up making players feel uncomfortable. There is a problem. Therefore, the execution period of advantageous effects is lengthened to secure the shooting time, and the execution period of disadvantageous effects is made shorter than that of advantageous effects to reduce discomfort. Thereby, when a performance advantageous to the player is executed, it is possible to prevent the player from missing it, and it is also possible to secure time for taking pictures. Further, by securing the shooting time, the captured images and videos can be made public by the players on the Internet, and the public's interest in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be increased. In addition, in many cases, the photos taken at which pachinko machine 1 in which gaming parlor are made public, and from the perspective of the gaming parlor, the player is advertising the gaming parlor. become. In this way, by securing the photographing time when a suggestion regarding the setting values of the pachinko game machine 1 is made, a synergistic effect is brought about not only to the players but also to the game parlor side.

If the variable display time has elapsed (step S241; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S249). If the symbol confirmation command is not received (step S249; No), the variable display performance process is ended and the process waits. In addition, after the variable display time has elapsed, if a predetermined time elapses without receiving a symbol confirmation command, a predetermined error process will be executed in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. You may also do so. When the symbol confirmation command is received (step S249; Yes), control is performed to derive and display the final stop symbol (confirmed ornamental symbol) that will be the display result in the variable display of decorative symbols (step S250). Subsequently, a predetermined fixed time is set as a waiting time for receiving the jackpot start designation command (step S251). Further, after updating the value of the production process flag to "3", which is a value corresponding to the special figure hit waiting process (step S252), the variable display production process is ended.

FIG. 10-6 shows an example of execution of setting suggestion effect. FIG. 10-6(A) shows an example of performance execution HD101 in which the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is in a ready-to-win mode and a ready-to-win is achieved. Decorative symbols corresponding to the number 7 are stopped and displayed in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R, whereby a reach is established and a reach effect of normal reach is executed. FIG. 10-6(B) shows a performance execution example HD102 in which the reach performance of normal reach becomes a reach development that transitions to the reach performance of super reach. On the display screen of the image display device 5, the decorative pattern is displayed in a reduced size, and the effect image in the reach effect of super reach is displayed. FIG. 10-6(C) shows a performance execution example HD 103 in which a change performance that is a setting suggestion performance is executed. A production display corresponding to the change production is displayed superimposed on the reach-to-reach symbol that is being stopped and displayed. Furthermore, a suggestion to change the symbol display color is made by displaying an effect image that notifies the user of a message such as "Change symbol display color!!".

FIG. 10-6 (D1) shows a performance execution example HD111 in which the symbol display color does not change due to pattern RE-0. FIG. 10-6 (D2) shows an effect execution example HD112 in which the symbol display color changes to copper color by pattern RE-1. FIG. 10-6 (D3) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the symbol display color changes to silver according to pattern RE-2. FIG. 10-6 (D4) shows an effect execution example HD113 in which the symbol display color changes to gold according to pattern RE-3. In the performance execution example HD111, the display color of the ready-to-win symbol does not change due to the pattern RE-0, and remains unchanged at the normal display color of red. In this way, a failed performance (falsified performance) in which the symbol display color is not changed is executed, suggesting that the level of expectation, which is a set value advantageous to the player, is low. In the effect execution example HD112, the display color of the ready-to-reach symbol is changed to copper color by pattern RE-1, thereby indicating that the set value is 2 or more. In the performance execution example HD113, the display color of the ready-to-win symbol is changed to silver by pattern RE-2, which suggests that the level of expectation is high, which is an advantageous setting value for the player. In the effect execution example HD114, the display color of the ready-to-reach symbol is changed to gold by pattern RE-3, thereby suggesting that 6, which is the highest set value, is confirmed.

Setting suggestion effects include not only changing effects that can change the display color of the reach symbols, but also suggesting the expected level of jackpot through arbitrary effects such as pseudo-continuous effects and look-ahead preview effects, as well as setting values of the pachinko gaming machine 1. It may also be possible to make suggestions regarding. During execution of the variable display, a suggestion regarding the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be made after making a suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot game state. When executing any performance, there are two cases in which suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state are continuously made after making suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state, and cases in which suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state are continuously made and the pachinko player It may also include a case where suggestions regarding setting values of the gaming machine 1 are made. When executing an arbitrary performance, there are two cases in which the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state is made and then the suggestion ends, and another case in which the suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state is continued and the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is concerned. It may also include a case where a suggestion is made.

The suggestion regarding 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 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 determination ratios depending on whether or not setting values in the pachinko gaming machine 1 have been changed. When the setting value in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed, the effect is made so that the player can recognize that the setting value has been changed by giving a suggestion based on the effect mode of the pattern that is determined at a high rate. It is possible to diversify the game and improve the interest in the game.

While the variable display is being executed, suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state may be made, but 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 becomes "Jackpot", the pachinko game machine A suggestion regarding the setting value of 1 may be made. There may be cases where a suggestion regarding the setting values of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is made without making any suggestion regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state.

Instead of part or all of the suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state, or together with some or all of the suggestions regarding the control of the jackpot gaming state, suggestions are made regarding the control of a state that is advantageous to the player and is different from the jackpot gaming state. It may be something. For example, it may provide a suggestion regarding a variable probability state that is controlled after the end of the jackpot gaming state. In addition, as an advantageous state, a suggestion may be made depending on whether or not to be controlled regarding a state in which an arbitrary game value advantageous to the player is awarded.

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

The lamp output board 19AK13 is equipped with a driver IC and the like that supplies drive current to the game effect lamp 9 and the like in accordance with the illumination signal from the effect control board 12. The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be able to write and read backup data in accordance with a backup control signal from the production control board 12. The backup data writing process writes and stores backup data in the backup data memory. In the backup data reading process, the backup data stored in the backup data memory is read out and transmitted to the performance control board 12 or the like. The performance data memory board 19AK16 is configured to be able to read performance data according to a performance data control signal from the performance control board 12. 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 audio data representing sounds output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a performance motor 19AK60. A storage area for storing various types of motor data indicating drive control details, a storage area for storing various types of light emission data indicating lighting control details for the game effect lamp 9 and performance LED 19AK61, etc. may be provided in advance. The performance data memory may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory such as NAND-ROM, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. It may be configured using any of the following.

The performance control relay board 19AK17 is installed in a back pack attached to the back of the game board 2, and relays various signals transmitted from the performance control board 12 to the audio output board 19AK18 and the driver board 19AK19. The back pack may be attached to the center portion of the back side of the game board 2, and an opening through which the image display device 5 faces may be 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 the rear. An effect control board box containing part or all of the effect control board 12, backup memory board 19AK14, and effect data memory board 19AK16 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, which serve as sound output devices, in accordance with audio signals from the production control board 12. The driver board 19AK19 is equipped with a driver IC that supplies a drive signal for the performance motor 19AK60 and a lighting signal for the performance LED 19AK61 based on the information signal from the performance control board 12.

FIG. 11-2 shows an example of the configuration of various circuits mounted on the production control board 12. Some or all of the electronic components such as the production control microcomputer 19AK120, external ROM 19AK121, and external RAM 19AK122 mounted on the production control board 12 can be attached or detached by inserting or removing a connector pin into a connector socket. Other components may be mountably attached, such as by soldering. In addition to these electronic components, connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 are mounted on the performance control board 12. 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, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 19AK14. 0. Audio processing circuit 19AK141, a lamp control circuit 19AK142, and a motor control circuit 19AK143. The production control microcomputer 19AK120 may be any production control microprocessor that integrates these electronic components.

The CPU 19AK131 is configured in the same manner as the production control CPU 120, and executes control processing according to a computer program for production control. The internal ROM 19AK132 permanently stores basic programs for control processing executed by the CPU 19AK131, such as firmware, and system setting data specific to the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. Internal RAM 19AK133 provides a work area for CPU 19AK131. The watchdog timer 19AK134 has a counter circuit that counts up or down based on the settings of a built-in register, and when the measured time passes the monitoring time (timeout time) and a timeout occurs, a timeout signal is generated as a time elapsed signal. generate a signal. The CPU 19AK131 periodically clears and restarts the watchdog timer 19AK134. If the processing of the CPU 19AK131 is delayed due to some kind of failure or the like and the watchdog timer 19AK134 cannot be cleared and the measurement time elapses over the monitoring time, a timeout signal is generated and the processing by the CPU 19AK131 is reset.

The timer circuit 19AK135 includes, 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 period from an initial count value set in advance for each channel, and when there is a channel whose count value becomes "00", it sets the interrupt flag corresponding to that channel to the on state. do. At this time, if the interrupt is enabled, the timer circuit 19AK135 causes the interrupt controller 19AK136 to issue 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 and time information.

The interrupt controller 19AK136 is a circuit that can control various interrupt requests generated by the production control microcomputer 19AK120. The interrupt controller 19AK136 includes an interrupt control register for setting whether or not to allow an interrupt and the priority of the interrupt for each type of interrupt. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 is a circuit that can send and receive communication data to and from various boards and various circuits other than the production control board 12 using a serial communication method. The serial communication circuit 19AK137 only needs to 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 performance control microcomputer 19AK120, such as the CPU19AK131 and the VDP19AK140.

The VDP 19AK140 determines the content of control of image display in the image display device 5 based on display control commands and register settings from the CPU 19AK131. The VDP19AK140 is an image processor having image data processing functions such as a high-speed drawing function, a moving image data separation function, and a video decoding function. The VDP19AK140 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or an image processing microprocessor more generally referred to as 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 the 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 the 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.

The external ROM 19AK121 stores various data such as instruction codes, management data, table data, and performance control patterns that constitute system programs and user programs executed by the CPU 19AK131 as specific contents of performance control by the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. is permanently memorized. The external RAM 19AK122 temporarily stores various data as an auxiliary area of the internal RAM 19AK133.

The connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 are configured using receptacles, for example, and have the configuration of a wiring connection device to which various signal wirings can be connected detachably. The connectors 19AK150 to 19AK156 enable various signals to be outputted via different routes such as mutually different wiring patterns on the production control board 12. The connector 19AK150 is a main board wiring connector port to which main board wiring electrically connected to the main board 11 can be connected. The connector 19AK151 is a connector port for power wiring to which a power wiring electrically connected to a power supply section such as the power supply board 17 can be connected. The connector 19AK152 is a connector port for the effect relay wiring to which the effect relay wiring electrically connected to the effect relay part such as the effect control relay board 19AK17 can be connected. The connector 19AK153 is a connector port for frame lamp wiring that can connect frame lamp wiring that is electrically connected to the lamp output board 19AK13 or the frame lamp part in which a part or all of the game effect lamp 9 is provided. be. The connector 19AK154 is a connector port for backup wiring to which backup wiring electrically connected to a backup unit such as the backup memory board 19AK14 can be connected. The connector 19AK155 is a connector port for performance data wiring to which performance data wiring electrically connected to the performance data section such as the performance data memory board 19AK16 can be connected. The connector 19AK156 is a connector port for test wiring to which test wiring electrically connected to an information processing device (such as a personal computer) for inspection, testing, or development can be connected. The information processing device for inspection may be any device as long as it functions as an inspection device for the pachinko gaming machine 1 by executing a specific software program, for example. In this way, the connector 19AK156 becomes an electronic component used as a connection member to which the inspection device of the pachinko game machine 1 is connected.

The connector 19AK156 makes it possible to connect inspection wiring at the prototyping stage, development stage, or manufacturing stage of the pachinko game machine 1, for example, and the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 is shipped in response to a test command different from the performance control command. The previous inspection process may be made executable. For example, the connector 19AK156 may be connected to test wiring at the stage of collecting the pachinko game machine 1, and may be configured to be able to execute backup data read processing in response to a test command different from the production control command. The connector 19AK156 may be removed, for example, when the pachinko game machine 1 is shipped. The connector 19AK156 is installed only in predetermined models such as demo and test machines other than the models in which the pachinko game machine 1 is installed in game halls, and is not installed in models that are mass-produced and installed in game halls (mass-produced machines). It may be something. It is only necessary that a land on which the connector 19AK156 can be mounted is formed on the surface of the production control board 12. When the connector 19AK156 is removed or not mounted, a soldering process may be performed on the copper foil pattern of the land where the connector 19AK156 is no longer mounted. By performing soldering on unmounted lands where electronic components are not mounted, such as Connector 19AK156, it prevents oxidation of the copper foil pattern, prevents defects such as disconnection due to corrosion of the wiring pattern, and maintains the quality of the board appropriately. 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, a test connection section 19AK203, backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, and a connector 19AK220. In this way, 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 execute write processing and read processing of backup data according to a backup control signal from the production 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 that can transmit and receive communication data to and from the production control board 12 using a serial communication method. The serial communication circuit 19AK202 only needs to be capable of transmitting and receiving communication data compatible with a specific serial communication standard, such as SPI. The test connection part 19AK203 may be formed as a specific conductor part, such as a test point, that includes a terminal capable of inputting and outputting a test signal. When the inspection connection part 19AK203 is a test point, a test probe is brought into contact with the inspection connection part 19AK203, and an inspection signal is input/output between the inspection device and the production control microcomputer 19AK120 of the production control board 12. It is only necessary to be able to read backup data, etc. The inspection connection section 19AK203 allows input of inspection signals between the inspection device and the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 or the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D without going through the production control microcomputer 19AK120 of the production control board 12. It may also be possible to perform output, read backup data, etc. In this way, the inspection connection unit 19AK203 can provide an interface for data communication with an inspection device serving as an external device in the backup memory board 19AK14.

The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be partially or entirely configured using a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory such as FRAM (registered trademark) (Ferroelectric RAM), or may be partially or entirely configured using a battery-equipped SRAM (Static RAM). It may be configured using The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be partially or entirely configured using a flash memory such as a NAND-ROM, an EEPROM, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory has a memory cell using a ferroelectric film as a capacitor insulating film, and the stored data written in the memory cell is not lost even when the operating power is turned off. A configuration using non-volatile ferroelectric memory does not require battery backup to retain data, resulting in high-speed writing, high rewriting frequency, and low power consumption compared to non-volatile memories such as flash memory, EEPROM, and HDD. This prevents an increase in the installation area, simplifies the device configuration, increases operational efficiency, and allows backup data to be appropriately stored and saved. Furthermore, it becomes unnecessary to dispose of batteries, the storage contents are prevented from disappearing due to battery replacement, and backup data can be appropriately stored and preserved. Note that the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be backed up by a backup power supply mounted on a power supply board. In this way, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D can retain their 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 retaining stored contents without using a backup power source, for example, when part or all of them are configured using nonvolatile ferroelectric memory. Alternatively, the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be capable of retaining the stored contents using a backup power source, for example, when part or all of them are configured using an SRAM with a battery.

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 log areas provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The memory controller 19AK200 is capable of writing and reading data stored in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D in accordance with commands and instructions sent from the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 of the performance control board 12. In this case, by executing write processing and read processing of storage data indicating log information including date and time information, the operation history and setting history regarding the plurality of electronic components used for games and performances in the pachinko gaming machine 1, It is sufficient if error history and the like can be stored in a way that can be verified later.

FIG. 11-3(B) shows a configuration example for connecting the production control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14. The production control board 12 includes a connector 19AK154 that can be attached to and detached from the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup memory board 19AK14 includes a connector 19AK220 that is detachable from the connector 19AK154 of the production control board 12. By coupling the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220, the production control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 can be physically and electrically connected. The connector 19AK154 provided on the production control board 12 includes terminals TM01 to TM06. The connector 19AK220 provided on the backup memory board 19AK14 includes terminals TM11 to TM16. The terminals TM01 to TM06 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 to TM16 of the connector 19AK220 are such that when the connector 19AK154 and the connector 19AK220 are connected, the corresponding terminals (for example, the terminal TM01 and the terminal TM11) are connected physically and electrically. It suffices if the relationship is connected to .

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

In the production control board 12, the CPU 19AK131 of the production 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 in a connected state (connected state). On the other hand, if the voltage value of the terminal TM02 is a low voltage value corresponding to non-supply of voltage, it can be determined that the effect control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 are not connected (unconnected state). In this way, the connection state between the production control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 may be confirmed based on the voltage at the terminal TM02, which is a connection confirmation member. Note that the method is not limited to checking the connection state based on the terminal voltage, and may be, for example, checking the connection state based on the input state of a specific signal. Alternatively, a switch or a sensor may be used as a connection confirmation member to confirm the connection state.

Terminals TM03 to TM06 included in the connector 19AK154 of the production control board 12 are wire-connected to a serial communication circuit 19AK137 included in the production control microcomputer 19AK120. Terminals TM13 and TM14 included in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wire-connected to the serial communication circuit 19AK202. Therefore, the wiring connected to the terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220 connects to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board via the serial communication circuit 19AK137 and the serial communication circuit 19AK202. An electrical connection is provided between the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the 19AK14 so that stored data can be transferred. Terminals TM15 and TM16 included in the connector 19AK220 of the backup memory board 19AK14 are wire-connected to the test connection part 19AK203. As a result, the wiring connected to the terminals TM05 and TM06 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM15 and TM16 of the connector 19AK220 are connected to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 and the backup memory board 19AK14 for inspection via the serial communication circuit 19AK137. An electrical connection is provided to the connection unit 19AK203 so that test signals can be transmitted and received and stored data can be transferred.

The backup memory board 19AK14 is configured to be detachable from the production control board 12. As a result, for example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that does not use the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, the backup memory board 19AK14 can be removed, which increases the flexibility of the device configuration and reduces manufacturing costs. can be prevented. Further, since the backup memory board 19AK14 can be removed to read and analyze the stored data, the workload of inspecting the stored data can be reduced. The RTC provided in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 provided on the performance control board 12 may provide the current time for timing adjustment for executing a performance in which a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 are linked, for example. Yes, relatively high precision is required. On the other hand, the RTC19AK201 of the backup memory board 19AK14 only needs to be able to identify the context of the storage processing performed on the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, so a relatively low precision one is enough to satisfy the purpose. I can do it. In this way, since the RTC 19AK201 of the backup memory board 19AK14 only needs to be of relatively low precision, an increase in manufacturing costs can be prevented. In addition, the structure and function with which the backup memory board 19AK14 is provided may be comprised so that the production control board 12 may be provided. For example, the configuration and functions of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D may be realized by the external RAM 19AK122. Even in this case, for example, the wiring pattern on the effect control board 12, or a switch or sensor may be used as a connection confirmation member to confirm the connection state.

FIG. 11-4(A) is a flowchart showing an example of the production control main process executed by the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 mounted on the production control board 12. In the production control main process, initialization process is executed (step 19AKS21). In the initialization process at step 19AKS21, one or both of the external RAM 19AK122 and the internal RAM 19AK133 are cleared, various initial values are set, and the 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 in step 19AKS22, the performance motor 19AK60 is driven to return the performance movable member including the movable body 32 to the initial position, and the operation is confirmed. Control for performing an action is executed. After the initial operation control process, a power-on information process is executed (step 19AKS23). In the power-on information process in step 19AKS23, a process for storing log information including the power-on date and time may be executed. Data indicating log information is written and stored as backup data in the log area provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a control signal corresponding to the backup command for power-on to the backup memory board 19AK14 via the serial communication circuit 19AK137. In the backup memory board 19AK14, in response to a backup command indicated by a 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 acquired from the RTC 19AK201. All you have to do is execute the process. In the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23, 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, interrupt initialization processing is executed (step 19AKS24). In the interrupt initial setting process of step 19AKS24, it is only necessary to be able to initialize the priority order of the interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. The priority of the interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136 may be set based on 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 priority of the interrupts is set so that the serial reception interrupt has a higher priority than the production control timer interrupt, and the production control timer interrupt has a higher priority than the V sync interrupt. All you have to do is set . Then, after setting interrupt permission (step 19AKS25), loop processing is started.

FIG. 11-4(B) shows an example of setting the processing priority in the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. The processing priority in the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 may be determined in advance based on the specifications of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 as well as the priority of the interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. As an example, processing when a CPU exception event occurs has the highest priority, then VDP error interrupt processing has the highest priority, and then processing according to the priority order of interrupts controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. It is sufficient that the processing priority is set in advance so that the priority is as follows. Note that the VDP error interrupt process may be executed based on the occurrence of an interrupt factor that can be controlled by the interrupt controller 19AK136. In this case, for example, the priority order of the interrupt may be set by the interrupt initial setting process in step 19AKS24 so that the priority of the VDP error interrupt is the highest. The CPU exceptional event occurrence process is a process executed when an exceptional event occurs due to an abnormality in the internal state in the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120. An exception event of the CPU 19AK131 may occur when an undefined instruction not defined in the instruction set is decoded. An exception event of the CPU 19AK131 may occur when an invalid operation such as division by zero or overflow is executed. The exception event of the CPU 19AK131 may occur when a storage protection violation occurs in the virtual memory. An exception event of the CPU 19AK131 may occur in the case of a TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer) miss in which translation from a virtual address to a physical address becomes abnormal. The VDP error interrupt process is a process that is executed when an error interrupt request occurs due to an abnormality in the internal state in the VDP19AK140 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120. The error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 may be generated in response to an exceptional event of the VDP19AK140, as in the case of the CPU19AK131. In addition, the error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140 may occur when the setting of a clock signal (dot clock) used for display control of the image display device 5 is abnormal. The error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 may occur when there is an abnormality in the decoding of moving image data. The error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 may occur when there is an abnormality in the decoding of audio data. The VDP19AK140 error interrupt request may occur in response to a system reset in the VDP19AK140. In this manner, the CPU exception event processing is executed when an exception event of the CPU 19AK131 occurs. The VDP error interrupt process is executed when an error interrupt request of the VDP19AK140 occurs. Therefore, when the event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the CPU 19AK131 is satisfied, the CPU exception event occurrence process is executed. When the event generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the VDP 19AK 140 is satisfied, VDP error interrupt processing is executed. The CPU exception event occurrence process and the VDP error interrupt process can be executed when an event occurrence condition that can be established depending on the internal state of the control device or the processing device, such as the CPU 19AK131 or the VDP 19AK140, is satisfied.

FIG. 11-5(A) is a flowchart showing an example of processing when a CPU exception event occurs. In the CPU exception event processing, first, exception preprocessing is executed (step 19AKS41). In the exception preprocessing at step 19AKS41, control information for executing the instruction code is saved, for example, in a predetermined area (stack area, etc.) of the internal RAM 19AK133. The control information for executing the instruction code may include the stored value of a program counter (PC) and the value of a program status word (PSW). Following the exception preprocessing, the exception backup process is executed (step 19 AKS42). In the exceptional backup process at step 19AKS42, storage processing of log information including exceptional event information is executed. In this case, a control signal corresponding to a backup command for when an exceptional event occurs is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup instruction for when an exceptional event occurs may include exceptional event information that specifiably indicates the exceptional event that occurred in the CPU 19AK131. The exceptional event information may identifiably indicate the type of exceptional event. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives the backup command for when an exceptional event occurs, it may use the date and time information acquired from the RTC 19AK201 to execute the process of writing log information including the exceptional event information.

After the exception backup process, other exception processes are executed (step 19AKS43). In step 19AKS43, the exception handling routine may be started by, for example, accessing the vector table and jumping to the obtained exception handler address. At this time, the values stored in internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 may be saved. If the exception event can be resolved by the exception handling routine, or if the exception event cannot be resolved and a reset occurs, backup processing similar to step 19AKS42 is executed, and if the exception event can be resolved or cannot be resolved. It may be possible to store log information in case there is no log information. When the exception processing is completed, the exception post-processing is executed (step 19 AKS44), and the CPU exception event processing is ended. In the exception post-processing at step 19AKS44, it is possible to return to the processing before the exception event by restoring the stored values of the internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 and restoring the control information for executing the instruction code. Bye.

FIG. 11-5(B) 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 at step 19AKS51, control information for executing the instruction code is saved, for example, in a predetermined area (stack area, etc.) of the internal RAM 19AK133. Following the error interrupt preprocessing, error interrupt backup processing is executed (step 19AKS52). In the error interrupt backup processing at step 19AKS52, storage processing of log information including VDP error information is executed. In this case, a control signal corresponding to a 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 specifiably indicates an error that has occurred in the VDP 19AK140. 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 when a VDP error occurs, it may execute a process of writing log information including VDP error information using the date and time information acquired from the RTC 19AK201.

After the error interrupt backup process, other error interrupt processes are executed (step 19AKS53). In step 19AKS53, depending on the interrupt factor corresponding to, for example, a VDP error, the process may branch to the interrupt processing routine by jumping to the obtained interrupt handler address. At this time, the values stored in internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 may be saved. Note that if the VDP 19AK 140 is able to autonomously execute recovery processing from an internal error, it may wait until it receives notification of completion of recovery or notification of occurrence of reset due to inability to recover. When receiving these notifications, a backup process similar to step 19AKS52 may be executed to enable storage of log information when the VDP 19AK140 recovers from the error state or fails to recover. When the error interrupt process is completed, error interrupt post-processing is executed (step 19 AKS54), and the VDP error interrupt process is ended. In the error interrupt post-processing in step S54, it is possible to return to the processing before the VDP error occurred by restoring the stored values in the internal registers (general-purpose registers, etc.) of the CPU 19AK131 and restoring the control information for executing the instruction code. And it is sufficient.

The CPU exception event occurrence process includes the exception backup process of step 19AKS42. The VDP error interrupt process includes a backup process at the time of error interrupt in step 19AKS52. In the exceptional backup process of step 19AKS42, data including exceptional event information regarding the CPU 19AK131 among a 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. Write processing to write to the area is executed. In the error interrupt backup processing in step 19AKS52, data including VDP error information regarding VDP19AK140 among a plurality of electronic components is provided in backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of backup memory board 19AK14 as backup data indicating log information. The write process to write to the log area is executed. The CPU exception event processing is executed when an exception event of the CPU 19AK131 occurs, which is a case where the event occurrence condition according to the internal state of the CPU 19AK131 is satisfied. The VDP error interrupt process is executed when an error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140 occurs, which is a case where an event occurrence condition corresponding to the internal state of the VDP 19AK 140 is satisfied. In this way, when the conditions for the occurrence of an event according to the internal state of the control device or processing device such as the CPU 19AK 131 or VDP 19 AK 140 are satisfied, information regarding multiple electronic components is written to the storage area such as the log area. A write process for storage can be executed.

After interrupt permission is set in step 19AKS25 of the production control main process, a timeout occurs in a predetermined channel of the timer circuit 19AK135 at predetermined intervals (such as 2 milliseconds), so that the interrupt controller 19AK136 issues a request to the CPU 19AK131. Then, an interrupt request signal corresponding to a timer interrupt for performance control is output. The CPU 19AK131, which has received this interrupt request signal and accepted the interrupt request, starts execution of the production control timer interrupt process.

FIG. 11-6 is a flowchart showing an example of the production control timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 19AK131. In the performance control timer interrupt process, the command analysis process (step 19AKS71) is followed by the performance control process process (step 19AKS72). Further, a random number update process for effect is executed (step 19AKS73). Furthermore, production mode change processing is executed (step 19AKS74). For example, the pachinko game machine 1 can be controlled to three types of performance modes, performance mode A to performance mode C, and depending on which performance mode is controlled, for example, the background screen of the image display device 5 can be changed. However, it is sufficient that the types of characters that appear in the preview performance and reach performance are different. Control to change from the current presentation mode to a different presentation mode may be performed when presentation mode change conditions are satisfied. For example, based on the date and time information acquired from the RTC included in the timer circuit 19AK135, when a specific date or time comes, the effect mode change condition may be satisfied and the effect mode may be changed. Alternatively, the production mode may be changed when a lottery process using random numbers for production is executed and production mode change conditions are satisfied according to the determination result.

Following the performance mode change process, an error notification process is executed (step 19AKS75). In the error notification process of step 19AKS75, control is performed to notify various errors that have occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Various error notifications may include left-handed notification and full tank notification. The left-handed hitting notification is a notification that prompts the player to perform a left-handed hitting operation based on, for example, the total number of times the game ball has been detected to pass through a passage gate provided in the right area of the gaming area. The left-handed hitting notification is, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "Aim to the left!" on the image display device 5, a notification by lighting up all of the game effect lamps 9, and a notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. It may also include a combination of some or all of these. Full notification is a notification that prompts the player to eliminate the full state based on the elapsed time that the full state continues when the surplus ball storage tray (lower tray) is detected to be full. . The full tank notification includes, for example, a notification by displaying characters such as "The lower tray is full!" on the image display device 5, a notification by lighting up all of the game effect lamps 9, and a notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. It may also include notification by outputting , or a combination of some or all of these. In addition, error notification processing may be performed by displaying, lighting, emitting light, outputting sound, or a combination of some or all of these in response to the occurrence of an error specified by the gaming control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11. , it suffices if it includes a control for notifying various errors that have occurred. Alternatively, regardless of the game control error specification command, if it is determined that an error has occurred regarding electronic components including the production device, depending on the processing results of the CPU 19AK131, the display, lighting, light emission, sound output, or A combination of some or all of these may be used to control the notification of various errors that have occurred.

After the error notification process, a maintenance mode process is executed (step 19AKS76). In the maintenance mode processing at step 19AKS76, control is performed to enable display of the maintenance history screen and the setting change/confirmation history screen. The maintenance history screen detects an operation of the stick controller 31A or push button 31B by a staff member of the game center when, for example, a setting confirmation display corresponding to a setting confirmation state or a maintenance mode menu screen is displayed. Based on the results, it can be displayed if it is determined that a 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 that includes 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 an operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B by an attendant of the game hall. Become. When displaying the setting change/confirmation history screen, all setting change and setting confirmation log information is read from the log area provided in the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D of the backup memory board 19AK14. The image display device 5 displays a setting change/confirmation history screen that includes the read log information of setting changes and setting confirmations as history information. Note that the maintenance history screen and setting change/confirmation history screen may be displayed based on the detection results of operations that are performed by a person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 1, unlike an attendant at the game parlor. good. The maintenance history screen and the setting change/confirmation history screen are screens that cannot be viewed by the player of the pachinko gaming machine 1 while playing, and are screens that can be checked by an attendant at the gaming hall or a person in charge at the manufacturer. Bye.

After the maintenance mode process, current time setting process is executed (step 19AKS77). In the current time setting process of step 19AKS77, control is performed to set the current date and time. In this case, setting information such as the current date and time can be input based on the detection result of the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B by an attendant of the game hall. For example, an hour signal indicating the time, 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 day, and a day signal indicating the day of the week. The CPU 19AK131 sequentially receives the information. It is only necessary that the settings of the current date and current time measured by the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135 can be changed by updating the stored information of the RTC in the timer circuit 19AK135 in accordance with these received signals. Note that the settings of the current date and current items measured by the RTC 19AK201 may be changed by updating the stored information of the RTC 19AK201 provided in the backup memory board 19AK14 according to the input setting information. When the current time setting process is completed, date and time information storage process is executed (step 19AKS78). In the date and time information storage process of step 19AKS78, control is performed to store and store date and time information in a temporary area of the external RAM 19AK122 or internal RAM 19AK133 at a predetermined period (eg, every 100 milliseconds). The date and time information stored in the temporary area only needs to be able to be stored as log information indicating the power outage date and time when a RAM clear notification command or a power outage recovery designation command is received from the main board 11. Then, after executing the backup process during production control (step 19AKS79), the production control timer interrupt process is ended. In the backup processing during performance control in step 19AKS79, when preset backup conditions are met, 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 for storing and memorizing is performed. The log information to be stored in this case may be information that includes some or all of the operation history, setting history, error history, etc. regarding the plurality of electronic components used for games and performances in the pachinko game machine 1. Further, the log information only needs to include date and time information indicating the date and time at which the log information was stored.

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

The variation start command 80XXH specifies that a variation is to be started for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which is a plurality of special symbols. XXH, which is the lower data (EXT data) of the fluctuation start command, may become 01H when the first special symbol starts to fluctuate, and 02H when the second special symbol begins to fluctuate, for example. The variation pattern designation command 81XXH specifies the variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of special symbols. XXH, which is the 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 the 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 specifies that symbol variation is to be ended. The RAM clear notification command 9000H notifies that the storage contents of the RAM 102 have been cleared due to initialization in the game control microcomputer 100 when power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started. The setting change start command 9100H specifies the start of a setting change state that allows setting values to be changed when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started by turning on the power. The power outage recovery designation command 9200H specifies execution of power outage recovery processing corresponding to power outage recovery. The setting change end command 93XXH specifies the end of the setting change state. In the setting change end command, for example, EXT data corresponding to a 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." Specify that it is set. Alternatively, only the command 9300H whose EXT data is 00H is 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 specifying a setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be prepared as an effect control command different from the setting change end command. In addition to being sent in conjunction with the sending of the setting change end command, the setting value designation command may also be sent in response to the start of fluctuation in each round of the special figure game, for example, in conjunction with the transmission of the first fluctuation start command or the second fluctuation start command. It may also be sent as Further, the setting value designation command may be transmitted when the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times, such as every 10 times the variable starts in a special figure game. Instead of these, or in addition to these, a setting value designation command may be transmitted in conjunction with the transmission of the winning start designation command and the winning end designation command. Along with the transmission of the customer waiting demonstration designation command, a setting value designation command may be transmitted.

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

The winning start designation command A0XXH designates the display of an effect image indicating the start of the jackpot gaming state or the small winning gaming state. The big prize opening during open designation command A1XXH specifies that the big winning opening is in an open state during a period in the jackpot game state or the small win game state. The big winning opening after opening designation command A2XXH specifies that it is the period during which the big winning opening changes from the open state to the closed state in the jackpot gaming state or the small winning gaming state. The winning end designation command A3XXH designates the display of the performance image at the end of the jackpot gaming state or the small winning gaming state. The background designation command B0XXH designates the display state of the background screen according to the gaming state and the like. The first pending storage number specification command C1XXH specifies the first pending storage number. The first pending memory number is the variable display pending number corresponding to the first special symbol display device 4A among the pending memory numbers, and has a value of, for example, one of "0" to "4". The second pending storage number specification command C2XXH specifies the second pending storage number. The second pending memory number is a variable display pending number corresponding to the second special symbol display device 4B among the pending memory numbers, and has a value of, for example, one of "0" to "4". The winning determination result designation command C3XXH specifies the winning determination result. The winning determination result is determined 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 detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening. When a ball is detected, for example, using numerical data indicating a random number for gaming extracted from a random number counter for gaming provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 104 or RAM 102, the variable display result is determined to be a "jackpot" or not. It shows the results of determining the fluctuation pattern and the results of determining the fluctuation pattern. In other words, the winning determination result may be the result of determining whether or not the control will be controlled to an advantageous state, such as a jackpot gaming state, or a specific fluctuation pattern, before determining whether or not to control the control to an advantageous state such as a jackpot gaming state. It shows the result of determining whether or not.

In the effect control timer interrupt process, for example, in the effect control backup process in step 19AKS79, when a preset backup condition is satisfied, the data to be backed up according to the established backup condition is stored and stored. backup processing is executed. The backup conditions may be set as a plurality of different conditions in accordance with the occurrence of events including various changes and settings in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The backup control table indicating a plurality of backup conditions may be stored in advance in a predetermined area (program management area, etc.) provided in one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, for example. The backup target data may include different data depending on backup conditions. Alternatively, the backup target data may include data common to multiple backup conditions. No matter which backup conditions are met, backup target data indicating log information including date and time information may be stored.

The backup control table may be configured to include setting information indicating backup conditions, storage area bit count, multiplicity, and verification method in accordance with backup target data indicating the contents of log information. The storage area bit number is a processing unit of storage 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, and for example, "8 bits" indicates 8 bits. ” or “3” indicating 3 bits can be specified. Multiplicity is the degree of mirroring in which backup target data indicating the same log information is duplicated and distributed in multiple different log areas and is stored. The number of times can be specified. For example, when the multiplicity is "1", mirroring is not performed and backup target data indicating the same log information is stored and backed up only once. When the multiplicity is "2", mirroring is performed with a storage count of 2, 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 three times, and backup target data indicating the same log information is stored and backed up three times in different storage areas. By increasing the degree of multiplicity, redundancy (availability) can be improved and reliability of stored data can be increased.

The verification method that can be set for each backup target data is a method to verify whether the backup process, which is the storage process of the backup target data, was performed correctly.In addition to error detection, it also specifies whether or not to perform a decision based on majority vote. It is possible. If the verification method is error detection, when the data to be backed up is read from the log area, any error detection processing using parity, checksum, or hash value is executed to verify the validity of the stored data. I wish I could. If the verification method is error detection and majority voting, in addition to error detection processing using parity, checksum, or hash value, verification is performed on multiple log areas where backup target data indicating the same log information is stored and multiplexed by mirroring. 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 process has been performed correctly, and the validity of the stored data can be verified. For example, if parity, checksum, or hash values calculated from data stored 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 values calculated from data stored in multiple log areas do not match, if the number of log areas for which the same parity, checksum, or hash value was calculated is more than It is only necessary to determine that the backup process has been correctly performed on the log area (judgment based on majority vote). The "predetermined number of log areas" that is the condition for determining that backup processing has been performed correctly is not limited to the majority of the log areas, but may be a fixed value set in advance (for example, "2") regardless of the multiplicity. Alternatively, it may be a variable value determined according to the degree of multiplicity. Instead of determining by majority vote, it may be determined that the backup process has been performed correctly when the execution result of the error detection process becomes normal for the first time.

Data to be backed up includes system data, performance control error data, player history data, received command data, setting value change time data, power saving setting data, current time change data, power off time data, store name setting data, and performance output amount. Contains data and production history data. Note that the data to be backed up may include some of these data. The system data may include performance control data stored in a predetermined area (performance control data holding area, etc.) provided in the external RAM 19AK122 or the internal RAM 19AK133. The production control error data is data indicating an error that occurred during execution of production control. The player history data is data related to players acquired by the pachinko gaming machine 1. The received command data is data indicating an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. The setting value change time data is data indicating the date and time when the setting value was changed. Note that 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 an attendant at the game hall. The power saving control is set, for example, when the power saving function setting screen is displayed on the image display device 5 by rotating the knob of the output amount changeover switch provided on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1. It is only necessary that the presence or absence of the function and the type (power saving mode) can be changed. Alternatively, when a test command for power saving settings is input, a power saving function setting screen may be displayed on the image display device 5, and the presence or absence of the power saving function and the function (power saving mode) may 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 may be one or both of the settings of the RTC provided in the timer circuit 19AK135 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 and the settings of the RTC19AK201 provided in the backup memory board 19AK14. Bye. 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 store name setting data is data indicating the setting of a store name that can be set by an attendant at a game hall or the like. The performance output amount data is data indicating output amount settings such as volume and light emission amount that can be set by a player or the like. The performance history data is data indicating the history of performances executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, the number of rotations that indicates the number of executions of the variable display counted from a specific timing, the number of jackpots by type that indicates the number of jackpots counted for each jackpot type, the number of consecutive chances that indicates the number of jackpots that occur without being controlled by the normal state, and the player. arbitrary information according to the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the progress of control, such as the character selection content of the performance image set by the user, the performance customization that shows the performance theme, the mission achievement status that shows the achievement status of a predetermined mission, etc. It is only necessary to be able to store data indicating this as data to be backed up.

The backup conditions that can be set for each backup target data may be conditions for occurrence of an event that can occur as the game or performance progresses, such as setting, control, determination, detection, etc. in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the performance control backup process executed in step 19AKS79 of the performance control timer interrupt process, preset data is set in advance according to the processing result of the control device or processing device, such as the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 or the VDP19AK140. It is only necessary to determine whether any of the backup conditions is satisfied. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, the performance device is activated by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or by determining various detection results. When an error related to the included electronic components occurs, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the production control backup process, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is satisfied, and production control error data is created. In this way, when it is determined that the backup condition is satisfied in the backup process during performance control, a control signal corresponding to a backup command for backup during performance control is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. The backup command for backup during production control only needs to include the data to be backed up. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives a backup command for backup during production control, it may execute a write process of log information including backup target data using the date and time information acquired from the RTC 19AK201. By storing error information regarding electronic components including presentation devices, it becomes easier to identify defects and improve performance.

The performance control backup process is executed in step 19AKS79 of the performance control timer interrupt process based on the generation of the performance control timer interrupt. Then, as a case where the conditions for the occurrence of an event according to the processing results by the control device or processing device such as the CPU19AK131 or VDP19AK140 are satisfied, the backup condition set for each backup target data regarding multiple electronic components including the production device is satisfied. In this step, a backup process is executed to store the data to be backed up. In this way, when the conditions for the occurrence of an event related to multiple electronic components are satisfied, and the conditions for the occurrence of an event corresponding to the processing results of the control device or processing device such as the CPU 19AK131 or the VDP 19AK140 are satisfied, the storage in the log area etc. A write process for writing and storing information regarding a plurality of electronic components in the area can be executed.

The backup conditions that can be set for each data to be backed up may include write conditions that are different from the event occurrence conditions corresponding to a plurality of electronic components. For example, with respect to player history data, the backup condition is satisfied when data regarding the player is updated, regardless of whether an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. In the received command data, even if an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components does not occur, a backup condition may be satisfied at the time of receiving the production control command transmitted from the main board 11. Regarding the store name setting data, the backup condition is satisfied when setting the name of the store corresponding to the gaming hall, regardless of whether an event corresponding to a plurality of electronic components has occurred. Regarding system data, the backup condition is met when the data is updated due to the occurrence of an event corresponding to multiple electronic components, and the system data is stored regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred. Backup conditions may be met when updating data. In this way, even when the backup condition as a write condition different from the event occurrence condition corresponding to a plurality of electronic components is satisfied, the backup process for storing backup target data is executed. If a write condition different from such a generation condition is established, a write process is performed to write and store game-related information different from information regarding multiple electronic components in a storage area such as a log area. can be executed. In the event that an event occurs due to a malfunction of an electronic component, backup data including game-related information is stored, making it easy to identify the relationship between the progress of the game or performance and the malfunction of the electronic component. Therefore, the status of the pachinko game machine 1 can be easily grasped.

When the data to be backed up is performance control error data, the backup condition is not limited to only when an error occurs, but may also include the backup condition when recovering from an error. For example, in the error notification process executed in step 19AKS75, the performance device is activated by determining the reception result of the game control error designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or by determining various detection results. When an error related to the included electronic components occurs, control is performed to notify the error. In this case, in the production control backup process, it is determined that the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is satisfied, and production control error data is created. After that, when no error is detected in the electronic component that was the target of the error notification, it is determined that the electronic component has recovered from the error. Even at the time of error recovery based on such a determination, it may be determined that the backup condition is satisfied in the backup process during production control, and production control error recovery data may be created. The production control error recovery data created in this way, like the production control error data, is included in a backup command for backup during production control and is transmitted to the backup memory board 19AK14. When the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14 receives a backup command for backup during production control, it may execute a write process of log information including backup target data using the date and time information acquired from the RTC 19AK201. In addition to performance control error data, performance control error recovery data can also be stored as backup data, thereby making it possible to store the history of error occurrence and recovery related to performance control and to enable subsequent verification. The situation can be easily grasped.

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

In the production control main process, for example, in the power-on information process in step 19AKS23, a backup recovery process may be executed to restore settings, controls, and other records based on log information stored in the log area. In the backup restoration process, it is sufficient to perform verification using a verification method according to the data to be backed up, and determine whether or not the stored data is normal. For example, if the verification method is error detection and majority voting, if the execution results of error detection processing are normal in a predetermined number of log areas among multiple log areas in which backup target data indicating the same log information is stored, It is determined that the stored data is normal. In this way, 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 values may be set using initial data different from the stored data in the log area. The initial data may be data stored in, for example, one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, and used when the initialization process is executed in step 19AKS21 of the game control main process. As a result, even if the data to be backed up cannot be stored correctly, initial values can be set using initial data in response to recovery from a power outage. Instead of the initial data, special data corresponding to the case where the stored data is not normal may be used. Unlike the initial data, the special data may be any data that is suitable for restoring settings and control. Whether the initial data or special data is used may be changed depending on the backup target data 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 performance output amount data, data recovery using initial data is performed when it is determined that the stored data is not normal. The setting of whether to use initial data or special data is determined in advance based on the update frequency and amount of updated data of the data to be backed up, the importance of the data, the target parts, target controls, and a combination of some or all of these. It's fine if it's decided. Note that the backup recovery process may be executable when a data recovery condition preset in the backup process during production control is satisfied. The data recovery condition may be satisfied, for example, when a power failure recovery designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received.

FIGS. 11-8 and 11-9 show specific examples of displaying the maintenance history screen. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, a setting confirmation process is executed in step S5 of the game control main process, and if the setting confirmation conditions are met, the settings are set from the main board 11 to 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, for example, when the maintenance mode process is executed in step 19AKS78 of the production control timer interrupt process, the process shown in FIG. 11-8 (A) is executed. Displays the setting confirmation message as shown below. For example, the image display device 5 displays characters such as "Settings are being checked" to indicate that the settings are being checked. The setting confirmation display includes a text display such as "Press the push button to enter maintenance mode" on the image display device 5. In this way, during the setting confirmation display, a display prompting for an operation to shift to maintenance mode is performed. At this time, if an operation is detected in which an operator at the game center or a person in charge at the manufacturer presses the push button 31B, the image display device 5 displays a maintenance mode menu screen as shown in FIG. 11-8(B). and enters maintenance mode. The maintenance mode menu screen displays the options of "maintenance history," "setting change/confirmation history," and "current time setting," and also displays the current time.

When the "maintenance history" option 012IW106 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, dates and times and log contents are displayed in association with each other, and the log information is displayed in order with the latest log information at the top. Examples include a VDP error indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the internal state of the VDP19AK140, an unauthorized winning error indicating that an unauthorized winning to a winning opening such as the 1st grand prize opening or 2nd grand winning opening has been detected, and a count switch. 23, etc., a switch abnormality error indicating that an abnormality of various switches such as Log information is displayed indicating that it has been detected. If the maintenance history screen has multiple pages, when the next page is selected, the screen moves 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 about the start of a setting change, the end of a setting change, the date and time of a power outage, the date and time of a power-on, and furthermore, the log information of a left-hand drive notification and a full tank notification. If there is a next page, when the next page is selected, the screen moves to the third page of the maintenance history screen as shown in FIG. 11-9(E). This maintenance history screen provides log information about the start of setting confirmation and the end of setting confirmation, log information indicating that the current time was set during maintenance mode during setting confirmation, and information about RAM clearing due to initialization processing. It is possible to display log information etc. 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). This maintenance history screen displays log information of RWM abnormality error indicating that some kind of RAM abnormality occurred when the power was turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, as well as log information of power-off date and time and power-on date and time corresponding to later dates and times. Can be displayed. Based on these log information, an RWM abnormal error occurred, so the staff at the gaming parlor first stopped the power supply to the pachinko machine 1, then turned on the power again while turning on the clear switch, and restarted it by the initialization process. It is possible to confirm after the fact that the RAM has been cleared. Further, log information of a CPU exception event indicating that an exception event has occurred in the CPU 19AK131, and log information of a power-off date and time and a power-on date and time corresponding to later dates and times are displayed. Based on this log information, a CPU exception event occurred, so the gaming hall attendant stopped the power supply to Pachinko machine 1, but when the power was turned on the next day, the CPU exception event no longer occurred. This can be confirmed after the fact.

On the maintenance history screen shown in Figure 11-9(E), log information indicating that the current time setting has been performed is displayed that indicates an earlier time than the log information indicating that setting confirmation has started. There is. For example, the setting confirmation started at 09:36:28 on 2018/03/21 (Wed), but the current time was set at 09:36 on 2018/03/21 (Wed). It is said to be 16. The reason why the date and time inconsistency occurs before and after the current time is set is that when the current time is set, the date and time information after the setting is read out and log information is recorded. In this example, log information is recorded in the log area in the order in which it occurs, and even if the dates and times become inconsistent before and after the current time setting, the log information is displayed in the order in which it occurs.

In addition to or in place 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, the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the image display device 5 is photographed using a photographing device connected to the inspection device. By photographing such a two-dimensional barcode, log information can be provided to the inspection device. In addition, the 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, may be made 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. Good to have.

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 a 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 occurrence conditions of an event that can be established depending on the internal state of the control device, such as an exceptional event of the CPU 19AK131. Further, the maintenance history screen can display log information corresponding to occurrence conditions of events that can be established depending on the internal state of the processing device, such as an error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK 140. 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 by the CPU19AK131, such as when an error occurs in the backup process during production control, when the time is changed, and when the power is turned on again. It 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 updating player history data in backup processing during performance control, when setting power saving, and when setting names. do not. In this way, the 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 a normal maintenance history screen but can be displayed on a special maintenance history screen may be provided. The special maintenance screen may be displayed in accordance with any detection result, such as a detection result of a predetermined operation on the stick controller 31A or push button 31B. In this case, the operating procedures for the stick controller 31A and the push buttons 31B are not notified to the staff of the game parlor, but may be those that can be recognized by the person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1. The present invention is not limited to the detection results, and any special maintenance history screen may be displayed as long as it can be displayed in response to arbitrary control or processing. In this way, 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. As far as log information other than specific types is concerned, it is sufficient as long as it can be displayed on the maintenance history screen. Alternatively, a limit may be set such that a specific type of log information among multiple types of log information can be displayed only on a special maintenance history screen and is not displayed on a normal maintenance history screen.

FIG. 11-10 shows a specific example when a setting change/confirmation history selection operation is performed during maintenance mode. When the setting confirmation display as shown in FIG. 11-10(A) is being displayed, in response to the detection of an action of pressing the push button 31B by an attendant at the game parlor or a person in charge of the manufacturer, A maintenance mode menu screen as shown in 10(B) is displayed. Then, 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 the setting was changed or confirmed, and the setting value after the change or the setting value that was confirmed are displayed in association with each other, and the latest log information is displayed at the top. displayed in order. Note that if the "current time setting" option is selected while the maintenance mode menu screen is being displayed, the image display device 5 switches to displaying the current time setting screen. On the current time setting screen, the year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute, or second is selected by tilting the stick controller 31A left or right, and the number for each item is selected by tilting the stick controller 31A forward or backward. be done. After the current time setting screen is displayed, when an attendant at the game parlor or a person in charge at the manufacturer presses the push button 31B, the current date and time are set to the currently displayed date and time.

(Explanation regarding characteristic part 41AK)
FIG. 11-11 shows an example of execution of backup processing regarding the feature section 41AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 executes the program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, thereby controlling the memory writing processing section 41AKM10 and the occurrence event information creation processing sections 41AKM21 to 41AKM23. Equipped with functions. Further, a writing flag 41AKF1 and a backup data buffer 41AKB1 are provided in a predetermined area of the external RAM 122 or the internal RAM 133. The backup data buffer 41AKB1 includes 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 includes 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 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33 as log areas.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM21 creates backup data indicating the occurrence 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, and if it is data indicating log information including exceptional event information, good. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM22 creates backup data indicating the occurrence 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 the error interrupt backup process in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt process, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Bye. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 41AKM23 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the error determination 41AKC3 during production control. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the production control backup process in step 19AKS79 of the production control timer interrupt process, and is data indicating log information including production control error data. That's fine. The backup data created by the occurrence 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 in the buffer area 41AKB13. and stored.

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 area of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this execution example, corresponding to the multiplicity of "3", the same backup data is stored in the three backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 in a distributed and overlapping manner. For example, the backup data read and acquired 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. It is memorized by copying and writing it. At the start of writing backup data to the log areas of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, the writing flag 41AKF1 is set to the 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 writing flag 41AKF1 is on, writing of new backup data is prohibited and reading of backup data temporarily stored in the backup data buffer 41AKB1 is not performed.

For example, when writing the backup data acquired by reading from the buffer area 41AKB11 of the backup data buffer 41AKB1 to the log area is completed and the writing flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB12 is can be read. The backup data read and acquired at this time is copied and written to 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. be remembered. When writing to the log area is thus completed and the writing flag 41AKF1 is turned off, the backup data temporarily stored in the next buffer area 41AKB13 becomes readable. The backup data read and acquired in this case is copied and written to 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 memorized.

The backup storage unit 41AKA1 is provided as one continuous storage area by, for example, assigning consecutive addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA11 to 41AKA13. The backup storage unit 41AKA2 is provided as one continuous storage area by, for example, assigning consecutive addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA21 to 41AKA23. The backup storage unit 41AKA3 is provided as one continuous storage area by assigning consecutive addresses to the backup storage areas 41AKA31 to 41AKA33, for example. If the writing 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 occurrence conditions of an event according to multiple electronic components, if the backup data write process corresponding to one of the conditions is being executed, , the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition is not executed.

For example, if the conditions for generating CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are met, and the writing process of backup data corresponding to CPU internal error 41AKC1 is being executed, the writing flag 41AKF1 must be on. In response to this, the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is not executed. Alternatively, if the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 and VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied, and the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 is being executed, the writing flag 41AKF1 is on. In response to this, the backup data write process corresponding to the CPU internal error 41AKC1 is not executed. Which write process is executed first may be determined according to the order in which the backup data is created. The writing process is executed in the same way when the conditions for occurrence of VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 and error judgment during production control 41AKC3 are satisfied, or when the conditions for occurrence of error judgment during production control 41AKC3 and CPU internal error 41AKC1 are satisfied. Just control it. In this way, when multiple occurrence conditions are met, there is a limit that to the extent that the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is being executed, the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition will not be executed. There are restrictions as follows. As long as the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is not currently being executed, it is only necessary to be able to execute the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition.

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

The conditions for the occurrence of the CPU internal error 41AKC1 can be established depending on the internal state of the control device, such as an exception event of the CPU 19AK131. The conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 can be established depending on the internal state of the processing device, such as the error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK140. The occurrence condition of error determination 41AKC3 during performance control can be established according to the processing result by CPU19AK131, such as determination when an error occurs in backup processing during performance control. Therefore, if the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 or the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied, the backup data writing process can be executed with priority over when the conditions for generating the error determination during production control 41AKC3 are satisfied. become.

For example, if the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 41AKC1 are satisfied multiple times, backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and write processing can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. If the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 41AKC2 are satisfied multiple times, backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and write processing can be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. When the generation condition of error determination 41AKC3 during production control is satisfied multiple times, backup data creation is executed in the order in which the generation conditions are satisfied, and writing processing can be executed in the backup data creation order. In these cases, writing is prohibited when the writing 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 will be disabled. Do not perform import processing. In this way, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times among the occurrence conditions of an event corresponding to multiple electronic components, the range in which the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed is determined. In this case, a limit is set in which the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, it is sufficient if the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition can be executed.

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

When a plurality of backup conditions are satisfied as the plurality of occurrence conditions, the creation order of backup data and whether or not to execute a write process may be determined according to the contents of the data to be backed up. For example, if the backup condition at the time of error occurrence where the backup target data is production control error data and the backup condition at the time of command reception where the backup target data is received command data are satisfied at the same time, the backup condition at the time of error occurrence is satisfied. 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, a write process corresponding to the backup condition when an error occurs may be executed, and a write process corresponding to the backup condition when a command is received may not be executed. In this case, since information regarding malfunctions of electronic components including the performance device is stored with priority, the possibility that malfunctions of electronic components can be appropriately dealt with is increased. Alternatively, the write process corresponding to the backup conditions at the time of command reception may be executed first, and the write process corresponding to the backup conditions at the time of error occurrence may be executed later. Alternatively, the write process corresponding to the backup condition when a command is received may be executed, and the write process corresponding to the backup condition when an error occurs may not be executed. In this case, information regarding the reception status of the production control command transmitted from the main board 11 is stored with priority, so that it is possible to appropriately deal with a malfunction in the control regarding the game.

(Explanation regarding characteristic part 42AK)
FIG. 11-12 shows an example of execution of backup processing regarding the feature section 42AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 executes a program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, thereby controlling the memory writing processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 and the occurrence event information creation processing units 42AKM21 to Equipped with the functions 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 includes a plurality of backup storage areas including backup storage areas 42AKA111 to 42AKA113 as log areas. The backup storage units 42AKA12, 42AKA13, 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, and 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 are similarly provided with a plurality of backup storage areas as log areas.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data indicating the occurrence 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, and if it is data indicating log information including exceptional event information, good. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM22 creates backup data indicating the occurrence 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 the error interrupt backup process in step 19AKS52 of the VDP error interrupt process, and may be data indicating log information including VDP error information. Bye. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM23 creates backup data indicating the occurrence event information corresponding to the occurrence of the error determination 42AKC3 during production control. The backup data created at this time is, for example, data created by executing the production control backup process in step 19AKS79 of the production control timer interrupt process, and is data indicating log information including production control error data. That's fine. The backup data created by the occurrence 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 area 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 area 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 area of the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3.

This execution example also corresponds to a multiplicity of "3". In the three backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, the same backup data created by the event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 is 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 is 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 is stored in a distributed manner while overlapping. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence 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 occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 is 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 occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 is 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. It is memorized by copying and writing it.

In the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13 and the backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA111 to 42AKA113 and the backup storage areas 42AKA211 to 42AKA213, and the backup storage areas 42AKA121 to 42AKA123 and the backup Different addresses are assigned to storage areas 42AKA221 to 42AKA223, and different addresses are assigned to backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133 and backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233, so that they are provided as different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA21 to 42AKA23 and the backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA211 to 42AKA213 and the backup storage areas 42AKA311 to 42AKA313, and the backup storage areas 42AKA221 to 42AKA223 and the backup Different addresses are assigned to storage areas 42AKA321 to 42AKA323, and different addresses are assigned to backup storage areas 42AKA231 to 42AKA233 and backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333, so that they are provided as different storage areas. In the backup storage units 42AKA31 to 42AKA33 and the backup storage units 42AKA11 to 42AKA13, for example, different addresses are assigned between the backup storage areas 42AKA311 to 42AKA313 and the backup storage areas 42AKA111 to 42AKA113, and the backup storage areas 42AKA321 to 42AKA323 and the backup Different addresses are assigned to storage areas 42AKA121 to 42AKA123, and different addresses are assigned to backup storage areas 42AKA331 to 42AKA333 and backup storage areas 42AKA131 to 42AKA133, so that they are provided as 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 execute backup data write processing in parallel with each other. As a result, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are satisfied among the occurrence conditions of events corresponding to multiple electronic components, even if the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is being executed, the other It is possible to execute backup data write processing that corresponds to the conditions.

For example, when the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 and the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are satisfied, even if the memory write processing unit 42AKM11 is executing the backup data write process corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC1, the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 can execute the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2. When the conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the performance control error determination 42AKC3 are satisfied, even if the memory write processing unit 42AKM12 is executing the backup data write process corresponding to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2, the memory write process is not executed. The unit 42AKM13 can execute the backup data writing process corresponding to the performance control error determination 42AKC3. When the conditions for occurrence of error determination 42AKC3 during production control and CPU internal error 42AKC1 are satisfied, even if the memory write processing unit 42AKM13 is executing the write process of backup data corresponding to error determination 42AKC3 during production control, the memory write process is not performed. The unit 42AKM11 can execute backup data write processing corresponding to the CPU internal error 42AKC. In this way, when multiple occurrence conditions are met, even if the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is currently being executed, the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition cannot be executed. I wish I could. Of course, as long as the backup data write process corresponding to one condition is not being executed, it is only necessary to be able to execute the backup data write process corresponding to the other condition.

Note that the conditions for the occurrence of the CPU internal error 42AKC1 can be established depending on the internal state of the control device, such as an exceptional event of the CPU 19AK131. The conditions for generating the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 can be established depending on the internal state of the processing device, such as the error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK140. The conditions for the occurrence of error determination 42AKC3 during performance control can be established according to the processing result by the CPU 19AK131, such as determination when an error occurs in backup processing during performance control. Therefore, if the conditions for generating the CPU internal error 42AKC1 or VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 are satisfied, the backup data writing process can be executed with priority over the case when the conditions for generating the error determination during production control 42AKC3 are satisfied. It may become. For example, when creating backup data, the creation order is determined according to the processing priority in the production control microcomputer 19AK120, so that the backup data writing processing by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 is also performed in the creation order. It may be executed with the priority according to the priority.

FIG. 11-13 shows an execution example different from that shown in FIG. 11-12 regarding the backup process regarding the feature section 42AK. In this execution example, when the conditions for generating CPU internal error 42AKC1 are met multiple times, backup data is created in the order in which those conditions are met, and write processing can be executed in the order in which the backup data is 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 includes a plurality of buffer areas including buffer areas 42AKB11 to 42AKB13. The occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 creates backup data in the order in which the CPU internal error 42AKC1 occurs. For example, when the occurrence conditions of CPU internal errors X1 to Xn corresponding to n times are satisfied as the plurality of CPU internal errors 42AKC1, the occurrence event information creation processing unit 42AKM21 generates backup data Y1 corresponding to the occurrence conditions of each time. ~Yn is created 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 in the buffer area 42AKB13. and stored. 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 into the log area, the writing flag 42AKF1 is set to the on state. At the end of writing the backup data, the writing 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 writing flag 42AKF1 is on, 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 satisfied multiple times, the backup data may be created in the order in which those conditions are satisfied, and the write process may be executed in the order in which the backup data is created. Even if the generation condition of error determination 42 AKC3 during production control is satisfied multiple times, the creation of backup data is executed in the order in which those generation conditions are satisfied, and the writing process can be executed in the order of backup data creation. . In these cases, writing is prohibited when the writing flag provided in response to the VDP error interrupt 42AKC2 and the performance control error determination 42AKC3 is on, thereby responding to the previous occurrence condition. If the write process is being executed, the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition will not be executed. In this way, when the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times among the occurrence conditions of an event corresponding to multiple electronic components, the range in which the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is being executed is determined. In this case, a limit is set in which the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition is not executed. As long as the write process corresponding to the previous occurrence condition is not being executed, it is sufficient if the write process corresponding to the next occurrence condition can be executed.

Note that when a plurality of occurrence conditions are met, whether or not to execute any one of the write processes may be determined according to the order in which the occurrence conditions are met. For example, if another occurrence condition is satisfied during execution of the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that was met first, the write process corresponding to the occurrence condition that was satisfied later may not be executed. Alternatively, when a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute any one of the write processes may be determined according to the process priority. For example, among the exceptional events of the CPU 19AK131, an exceptional event with a high processing priority and an exceptional event with a low processing priority may be set in advance. If the CPU internal error 42AKC1 occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times at the same time, the write process corresponding to the exception event with a high processing priority is executed, and the write process corresponding to the exception event with a low processing priority is executed. You can also prevent it from being executed. Furthermore, if a plurality of occurrence conditions are satisfied, overwriting processing may be performed according to the processing priority. For example, if the CPU internal error 42AKC1 occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times at the same time, a write process corresponding to an exception event with a high processing priority will write data stored by a write process corresponding to an exception event with a low processing priority. It may also be executed as overwriting processing.

(Explanation regarding characteristic part 43AK)
FIG. 11-14 shows an example of execution of backup processing regarding the feature section 43AK. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 executes the program read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132, thereby controlling the functions of the memory writing processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12 and the occurrence event information creation process. The functions of the sections 43AKM21 and 43AKM22 are provided. The backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210C of the backup memory board 19AK14 are provided with a backup storage unit 43AKA21 along with the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13. 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 writing and reading of storage data can be executed in units of 8 bits. The 3-bit storage area is a storage area in which write processing and read processing of storage data can be executed in units of 3 bits.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 creates backup data corresponding to the case where the backup conditions of the storage area bit number of "8" and the multiplicity of "3" are 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 area 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 event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is stored in a distributed manner while overlapping. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence 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 occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is 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 occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is stored in 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. It is memorized by copying and writing it.

The occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 creates backup data corresponding to the case where the backup conditions of the storage area bit number of "3" and the multiplicity of "1" are 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. For the backup storage unit 43AKA21, which is a 3-bit storage area, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 has a smaller storage area than the storage area of the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21. stored in the area. Specifically, a 3-bit storage area is used that corresponds to the storage area bit number of "3" and stores data in 3-bit units, which is smaller than the 8-bit unit of the 8-bit storage area. Furthermore, corresponding to the multiplicity of "1", mirroring is not performed and single backup data is stored without being distributed. For example, the backup data first acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored by writing it into the backup storage area 43AKA211 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying it. The backup data acquired next from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM22 is stored by writing it into the backup storage area 43AKA212 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying it. The next backup data acquired from the occurrence event information creation processing unit 22 is stored by writing it into the backup storage area 43AKA213 of the backup storage unit 43AKA21 without copying it.

In the backup control table, if the data to be backed up is system data, production control error data, player history data, received command data, or setting value change time data, the number of storage bits is "8" and the multiplicity is is designated as "3". On the other hand, if the data is power saving setting data, current time change data, power off time data, store name setting data, or effect output amount data, the storage area bit number is "3" and the multiplicity is "1". is set to For example, when a backup condition in which the data to be backed up corresponds to system data is satisfied, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 is stored in multiple memory locations 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 in which the data to be backed up corresponds to the power saving setting data is satisfied, the backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing section 43AKM22 is stored in the backup storage section 43AKA21 by the memory writing processing section 43AKM12. It is written and stored in the log area. In this manner, 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 smaller log area in the backup storage unit 43AKA21.

For example, the occurrence condition at the time of power saving change where the backup target data is a backup condition corresponding to power saving setting data is satisfied less frequently than the occurrence condition at the time of data update where the backup target data is a backup condition corresponding to system data. In this way, the second occurrence condition only needs to be satisfied less frequently than the first occurrence condition. Events that correspond to occurrence conditions that occur frequently will affect the storage of log information related to other events if log information cannot be stored properly, such as when noise occurs during write processing. is 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 regarding other events than an event corresponding to an occurrence condition that is often met. Therefore, when writing log information corresponding to occurrence conditions that are met frequently, by storing the same backup data in multiple log areas, it is possible to prevent problems caused by abnormalities in stored data from spreading. On the other hand, in the case of writing log information corresponding to an occurrence condition that is rarely satisfied, 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 at a gaming parlor, for example. In this way, it is sufficient that the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The data that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko game machine 1 can be reset by the administrator even if a problem occurs with the settings, and there is no possibility of putting the players of the pachinko game machine 1 at a disadvantage. low. On the other hand, for example, data corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events that occur as the game or performance progresses is impossible or difficult to reset, and this is a problem that is likely to cause disadvantage or distrust to players. Shows information about. Therefore, when writing log information corresponding to occurrence conditions that cannot be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1, storing the same backup data in multiple log areas allows accurate verification in the event of an abnormality. 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 game machine 1, an increase in the storage data capacity can be prevented 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 shown in the power saving setting data, but also the RTC information shown in the current time change data, the store name information shown in the store name setting data, It may be information on the volume and light amount shown in the performance output amount data, or a combination of some or all of these. In addition, when a projector is used as a production 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. Note that information on display settings by the projector can be set by a person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1, unlike an attendant at a game parlor. In this way, the administrator of the pachinko game machine 1 may include an attendant at the game parlor, or may include a person in charge at the manufacturer of the pachinko game machine 1. Information on settings regarding the frequency of performance using a specific performance device, not limited to a projector, may be included in the information that can be set by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

In the backup storage units 43AKA11 to 43AKA13, which are 8-bit storage areas, different backup storage areas may be provided depending on the type of log information indicated in the backup data. For example, the backup storage area when the backup target data is received command data may be provided as a different storage area from the backup storage area when the backup target data is production control error data. A backup storage area corresponding to the occurrence of an exception event of the CPU 19AK131 or an error interrupt request of the VDP 19AK140 may be provided inside or outside the backup storage area corresponding to the performance control error data. In this way, when a backup storage area is provided in the 8-bit storage area according to the type of log information, the memory write processing unit 43AKM11 stores the backup storage area determined according to the established backup condition. The backup data created by the occurrence event information creation processing unit 43AKM21 may be written and stored.

(Explanation regarding characteristic part 44AK)
FIGS. 11-15 show a configuration example regarding the feature section 44AK. In this configuration example, a first effect control board 44AK12A and a second effect control board 44AK12B are provided. The first production control board 44AK12A and the second production control board 44AK12B may have the configuration and functions of the production control board 12 and backup memory board 19AK14 in the above embodiment. The first production control board 44AK12A is equipped with a first control section 44AK10A, a first backup storage section 44AK11A, and a connector 44AK13A. The second performance control board 44AK12B is equipped with a second control section 44AK10B, a second backup storage section 44AK11B, and a connector 44AK13B. The connector 44AK13A of the first production control board 44AK12A is connected to the connector 44AK13B of the second production control board 44AK12B. The connector 44AK13B of the second production control board 44AK12B is connected to the connector 44AK11B of the first production control board 44AK12A. The first control section 44AK10A and the second control section 44AK10B may each have a part or all of the configuration and functions of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 in the above embodiment. For example, the first control unit 44AK10A has the configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, and the second control unit 44AK10B has the configuration and functions related to the VDP 19AK140 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120. The first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B may each have some 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 functions.

In the first production control board 44AK12A, the first control unit 44AK10A includes, for example, the serial communication circuit 19AK137 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120, the production data memory board 19AK16, and the like. Execute processing for controlling the first electronic component, such as a data memory. In this case, the first backup storage unit 44AK11A stores backup data indicating log information regarding the first control unit 44AK10A. In the second production control board 44AK12B, the second control unit 44AK10B includes, for example, the audio 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 other second electronic components are executed. In this case, the second backup storage section 44AK11B stores backup data indicating log information regarding the second control section 44AK10B. In this way, the first backup storage section 44AK11A can store information regarding the first control section 44AK10A, and the second backup storage section 44AK11B can store information regarding the second control section 44AK10B.

When the first control unit 44AK10A has the configuration and functions related to the CPU 19AK131, the log information including the exceptional event information of the CPU 19AK131 is 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 generated 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 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 log information is stored in the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B, VDP error Backup processing may be performed at the time of error interruption in the processing. In addition, different arbitrary storage processes are performed 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. You can.

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, the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B stores log information including VDP error information of the VDP 19AK140 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 regarding errors that occur in the stick controller 31A or the push buttons 31B, for example. On the other hand, the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B stores log information regarding, for example, errors that occur in the image display device 5. 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 log information regarding arbitrary electronic components that are different from each other.

Note that the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A may store log information corresponding to the occurrence conditions of events related to the first control unit 44AK10A, and in addition to or in place of this, Log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of an event 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 occurrence conditions of events related to the second control unit 44AK10B. Log information corresponding to the occurrence condition of an event related to the unit 44AK10A may be stored. If both log information is stored in both log areas, even if a storage error occurs in one log area, analysis or other tests can be performed using the log information stored in the other log area. This increases the reliability of stored data. The configuration and functions related to the CPU19AK131 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 being divided into the first control unit 44AK10A and the second control unit 44AK10B, For example, the configuration and functions regarding the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 may be divided into a first control section 44AK10A and a second control section 44AK10B. Alternatively, a first control section 44AK10A and a second control section 44AK10B may be provided corresponding to a plurality of CPUs. The first control section 44AK10A may include a configuration and functions related to a CPU, and the second control section 44AK10B may include a configuration and functions related to light emission control.

The first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B are different boards from the first production control board 44AK12A on which the first control section 44AK10A is mounted and the second production control board 44AK12B on which the second control section 44AK10B is mounted. For example, it may be mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14. In this case, log information regarding an electronic component called the first control section 44AK10A mounted on the first production control board 44AK12A, and log information regarding an electronic component called the second control section 44AK10B mounted on the second production control board 44AK12B. can be stored in the log area of the first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B mounted on the common backup memory board 19AK14. In this way, backup data indicating log information regarding 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 section 44AK11A is mounted and the second backup memory board on which the second backup storage section 44AK11B is mounted, the first production control board 44AK12A or the second production control board 44AK12B. It may be provided as a different substrate.

For example, the storage data capacity of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is 1 MB (megabyte). 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 capacities are 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 an SRAM with a battery 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 section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B may use different transmission methods for stored data. For example, data stored in the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is transmitted using a serial communication method, and data stored in the second backup storage unit 44AK11B is transmitted using a parallel communication method. The combination of the first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B, and the serial communication method and parallel communication method can be changed arbitrarily. In this case, the serial communication method may be one that can send and receive communication data compatible with a serial communication standard that has a faster communication speed than the parallel communication method, or a serial communication standard that has a slower communication speed than the parallel communication method. It may also be possible to send and receive corresponding communication data. Regardless of the serial communication standard, the transmission speed of stored data may vary depending on the configuration of the data line (whether it is shared or not), the hardware configuration of the communication circuit, or a combination thereof. As described above, the first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B differ in the way the backup function is realized, in that the materials used to form the memory cells are different, in the method of erasing stored data, and in the difference in the method of erasing stored data. Both storage units may be configured as different storage devices in that the transmission methods or storage data transmission speeds are 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 section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B have different storage data capacity, a method for realizing the backup function, a material for forming memory cells, a method for erasing stored data, and other arbitrary device configurations and storage functions. Some or all of them may be configured as a common storage device. The first backup storage section 44AK11A and the second backup storage section 44AK11B can have any combination of configurations and functions.

The first backup storage unit 44AK11A can hold stored contents without using a backup power source, for example, when it is configured using a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory. In this case, the second backup storage section 44AK11B can hold the stored contents using a backup power source, for example, when it is 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 some log information is stored, the target log information is determined based on update frequency, amount of updated data, importance of data, target parts, target controls, and combinations of some or all of these. , may be determined in advance. In a storage device that can retain stored data using a backup power source, the stored data will be erased when the backup power source disappears. Therefore, by storing data stored in a storage device that can retain its memory contents using a backup power source in a storage device that can retain its contents without using a backup power source, it is possible to ensure that the stored data does not disappear. It can be prevented.

Whether or not to display it on the maintenance history screen depends on whether the log information is stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the log area of the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. The settings 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. You can also set it so that it is not 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, virtually all the 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 displaying the maintenance history screen, and the log information stored in the log area of the first backup storage unit 44AK11A is The handling is different from that. When performing any output, not limited to displaying the maintenance history screen, the settings for whether or not log information should be read are different between the first backup storage unit 44AK11A and the second backup storage unit 44AK11B. Good too. In this way, there is a limit that the range of log information stored in the log area of either the first backup storage unit 44AK11A or the second backup storage unit 44AK11B cannot be read when outputting. Limits may be set. On the other hand, the range of log information stored in the other log area only needs to be read when outputting.

The configuration and functions of the production control board 12 and the backup memory board 19AK14 include the first production control board 44AK12A provided with the first control unit 44AK10A and the first backup storage unit 44AK11A, and the second production control board 44AK10B and the second backup storage. This is realized by a configuration divided into a second performance control board 44AK12B provided with a section 44AK11B. In this case, the development of the configuration and functions of the first production control board 44AK12A and the development of the configuration and functions of the second production control board 44AK12B are, for example, divided into separate developers and carried out in parallel. be able to. This reduces the burden of development work and prevents increases in manufacturing costs.

(Explanation regarding characteristic part 45AK)
FIG. 11-16 shows a setting example of the inspection designation command regarding the feature section 45AK. The test designation command is included in a plurality of test commands received when executing backup test processing, for example. FIG. 11-16(A) shows a setting example 45AK01 of a test designation command that can specify a test output unit and a communication method. The test output section may be one that can select and specify a connector to be used as a test signal output section, for example, from connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. The test output section may be capable of inputting/outputting a test signal or outputting a read signal corresponding to backup data. The communication method may be parallel or serial, and in the case of serial, any serial communication standard such as UART, SPI, or I2C can be selected and specified. As the test designation command in the setting example 45AK01, a plurality of test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 are prepared in advance. The plurality of test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 only need to have different designations of test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 and communication methods.

The connector 19AK152 is wire-connected to the production 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 production motor 19AK60, and a production LED 19AK61. The connector 19AK153 is wire-connected to the lamp output board 19AK13, and can output a control signal to an electronic component 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, serial communication circuit 19AK202, and backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D mounted on the backup memory board 19AK14. The connector 19AK155 is wire-connected to the performance data memory board 19AK16, and can output control signals to a plurality of electronic components, such as a plurality of performance data memories mounted on the performance data memory board 19AK16. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components. On the other hand, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 are designated as one of the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, so that the backup data readout signal indicating the log information read from the log area is output. It is possible to output a read signal according to the stored information. Since the connector 19AK156 is wire-connected to the inspection device of the pachinko game machine 1, no control signal is output to the electronic components. 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 test output units 45AKC to 45AKC4 by the test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, and thereby becomes an output terminal for a read signal according to log information.

The test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 that can be specified by the test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 may include a part of the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156, or may include all of the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. Furthermore, the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 may include a common connector, or may include a different connector from other test output units. For example, the connector 19AK152 for production relay wiring can input and output multiple types of control signals and detection signals according to the specifications of various circuits installed on the production control relay board 19AK17, the audio output board 19AK18, and the driver board 19AK19. It only needs to be configured and included in the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4. On the other hand, for example, the connector 19AK153 for frame lamp wiring is configured to be able to input and output parallel signals, and is included in the test output section 45AKC1 of the test designation command 45AKA1 in which parallel is specified as the communication method. On the other hand, the connector 19AK153 is not included in the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the test designation commands 45AKA2 to 45AKA4 in which any of the serial communication standards is specified as the communication method. In addition, for example, the backup wiring connector 19AK154 is configured to be able to input and output signals conforming to the SPI serial communication standard, and the test output section 45AKC3 of the test designation command 45AKA3 in which the SPI serial communication standard is specified as the communication method. include. On the other hand, the connector 19AK154 is not included in the test output units 45AKC1, 45AKC2, 45AKC4 of the test designation commands 45AKA1, 45AKA2, 45AKA4 in which parallel or UART or I2C serial signal standards are specified as the communication method. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for multiple electronic components include the connector 152 that can output signals using multiple signal systems, and the connectors 19AK153 and 19AK154 that can output signals using a specific signal system. May contain. In addition, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156 that can be specified as the inspection output parts 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 of the inspection specification commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 are the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for multiple electronic components, and the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 that can output control signals for electronic components. It may also include a connector 19AK156 that is not provided. By specifying the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 using test specification commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4, a signal output unit corresponding to multiple types of received information can be selected from a plurality of mutually different signal output units, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. As a result, test information corresponding to the test signal, such as a backup data readout signal, can be output.

The CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 is capable of executing various lottery processes related to the presence or absence of production and the mode of production, such as lottery processing for preview production, for example. Based on the lottery results of such lottery processing, control signals corresponding to various types of control information are output. For example, if it is determined that a specific preview performance will be executed as a lottery result for a preview performance, a control signal for reading pattern data of a preview performance control pattern corresponding to the preview performance is sent to the performance data wiring connector. 19AK155 and transmitted to the performance data memory board 19AK16 via the performance data wiring. In this case, a control signal (audio signal) for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R and a control signal for controlling the driving state of the performance motor 19AK60 is generated according to the pattern data of the read notice performance control pattern. (Drive control signal) etc. are output from the effect relay wiring connector 19AK152 and transmitted to the effect control relay board 19AK17 via the effect relay wiring. Further, a control signal (illumination 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 connector 19AK154 for backup wiring can output a control signal for electronic components such as the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D provided on the backup memory board 19AK14, but this control signal is based on the result of a lottery process. It is not output based on In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components include connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals based on lottery results, and a connector 19AK154 different from these connectors. There is.

The connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 need only be capable of outputting a control signal based on the lottery result and outputting a control signal not based on the lottery result. 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 performance without executing the lottery process is output from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155, etc. Ru. Among these, the connector 19AK152 for the production relay wiring is used as 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 drive state of the production motor 19AK60. It is possible to output control signals according to the control information of the speakers 8L, 8R, the performance motor 19AK60, and the performance LED 19AK61 as performance devices. The frame lamp wiring connector 19AK153 is capable of outputting a control signal according to control information of the game effect lamp 9 as a performance device, such as a control signal (illumination signal) for controlling the lighting mode of the game effect lamp 9. be. On the other hand, the performance data wiring connector 19AK155 can output a control signal according to control information of an electronic component different from the performance device, such as a control signal for controlling the readout process of the performance data memory. In addition, the connector 19AK154 for backup wiring 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 writing processing of the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. It is. In this way, the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155 capable of outputting control signals for a plurality of electronic components are connected to the connectors 19AK152 and 19AK153 capable of outputting control signals according to control information of the presentation device, and control signals for electronic components other than the presentation device. It includes connectors 19AK154 and 19AK155 that can output.

FIG. 11-16(B) shows a setting example 45AK02 of a test designation command that can specify test output data. The inspection output data can be specified by selecting part 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 as backup data indicating log information. That's fine. The test output data is output from the connector designated as one of the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4 by the test designation commands 45AKA1 to 45AKA4 among the connectors 19AK152 to 19AK156. As the test designation command in the setting example 45AK02, a plurality of test designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 are prepared in advance. The plurality of test designation commands 45AKB1 to 45AKB12 have different test output data.

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

Backup data that can be output by specifying it as output data for inspection may indicate information regarding a plurality of electronic components, or may indicate game-related information regarding a game. For example, if performance control error data is specified as output data for inspection using the inspection specification command 45AKB2, backup data including the performance control error data can be output, making it possible to identify errors that occur in electronic components including performance devices. Backup data will be output.

On the other hand, when player history data is specified as output data for inspection using the inspection designation command 45AKB3, backup data including player history data can be output, and events corresponding to multiple electronic components can be detected. Regardless of whether or not the data regarding the player is updated, backup data at the time of data update is output. When the received command data is designated as inspection output data using the inspection designation command 45AKB4, backup data including the received command data can be output, regardless of whether an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred. Backup data at the time of receiving the production control command transmitted from the main board 11 is output. When store name setting data is specified as inspection output data using the inspection designation command 45AKB9, backup data including the store name setting data can be output, regardless of whether an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred. First, backup data at the time of setting the name of the store corresponding to the gaming hall is output. When system data is specified as test output data by the test designation command 45AKB1, backup data including the system data can be output. Backup data including system data is stored regardless of whether or not an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred, including backup data at the time of data update due to the occurrence of an event corresponding to multiple electronic components. This includes backup data at the time of data update. Regarding system data, by outputting backup data at the time of data update, backup data in the event of an event corresponding to multiple electronic components, and whether or not an event corresponding to multiple electronic components has occurred. Backup data at the time of data update is output. In this way, depending on the content of the inspection output data specified by the inspection specification command, information about electronic components, game-related information about games, or general information unrelated to electronic components or games can be output. . It should be noted that information regarding electronic components and the like are not limited to the contents specified in the test output data by the test designation command, but may be based on any detection result, such as a detection result of a predetermined operation on the stick controller 31A or push button 31B. , game-related information regarding games, or general information unrelated to electronic components or games, the output information may be switchable. Not limited to detection results, output information can be switched depending on arbitrary control or processing, such as information about electronic parts, game-related information about games, or general information unrelated to electronic parts or games. Good to have.

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 41AK)
In a gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, which is capable of playing games, power supply to the gaming machine and the control means, such as the performance control microcomputer 19AK120, which is capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, are stopped. The control means is equipped with storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which are capable of retaining memory contents even when the electronic components are stored, and are capable of storing information regarding a plurality of electronic components. When the occurrence condition is satisfied, as a write process for writing information to the storage means, 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 such as the backup storage unit 41AKA1 in which the first information corresponding to the first occurrence condition is written and a storage area in which the second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition is written are provided as one continuous area, For example, when the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition are met, such as write prohibition when the writing flag 41AKF1 is on, while the process of writing information corresponding to one condition is executed, the other Do not execute the process to write information corresponding to the condition. In this way, 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 is not executed, so conflicts between the processes of writing information are avoided. Ru. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The occurrence condition may be established depending on the internal state of the control means, such as a CPU internal error 41AKC1 or a VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, a write process is executed to write information about the electronic component into the storage means, and information about the electronic component including the control means is stored. be able to. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The first occurrence condition can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as CPU internal error 41AKC1, VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, etc., and the second occurrence condition can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as error determination 41AKC3 during production control. This can be satisfied depending on the processing result, and for example, as shown in Figure 11-4 (B), when the first occurrence condition is satisfied, the write processing is given priority over when the second occurrence condition is satisfied. may be executable. In this way, when the first generation condition that can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means is satisfied, writing is given priority over the case where the second generation condition that can be satisfied according to the processing result by the control means is satisfied. When the write process is executed, the priority order of the write process is set while avoiding conflicts in the write process of information regarding electronic components. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times, the next condition is set according to execution information indicating that the process of writing information corresponding to the previous condition is being executed, such as the writing flag 41AKF1. The process of writing the corresponding information may be restricted. If the processing for writing information is restricted according to such execution information, processing conflicts can be easily avoided. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

In the write process, the same information may be stored in a plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this way, by storing the same information in multiple storage areas, the reliability of the information is increased. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The control means performs a process of writing game-related information different from information regarding the plurality of electronic components into the storage means when a write condition different from the generation condition is established, such as a backup process according to the settings 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 writing condition different from the occurrence condition, a variety of information can be stored and managed. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

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

A first output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, which can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components; and a connector 19AK156, which, unlike the first output means, can output a read signal according to information stored in the storage means. The second output means may also be provided. In this way, if the first output means is capable of outputting a control signal and the second output means is capable of outputting a read signal, confusion of output signals can be prevented. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

(Explanation regarding problem-solving means and effects of characteristic part 42AK)
In a gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, which is capable of playing games, power supply to the gaming machine and the control means, such as the performance control microcomputer 19AK120, which is capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, are stopped. The control means is equipped with storage means such as backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which are capable of retaining memory contents even when the electronic components are stored, and are capable of storing information regarding a plurality of electronic components. When the occurrence condition is satisfied, as a write process for writing information into the storage means, for example, a write process by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13 can be executed, and the storage means is, for example, a backup storage area 42AKA111 to 42AKA113. , a backup storage section 42AKA21 including backup storage areas 42AKA211 to 42AKA213, and a backup storage section 42AKA31 to include backup storage areas 42AKA311 to 42AKA313, storage areas in which the first information corresponding to the first occurrence condition is written. , a storage area in which second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition is written is provided as a different area, and the first occurrence condition and the second occurrence condition, such as memory write processing by the memory write processing units 42AKM11 to 42AKM13, are provided as different areas. If the above conditions hold true, it is possible to execute the process of writing information corresponding to the other condition even while the process of writing information corresponding to one condition is being executed. In this way, even 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 can be executed, so the efficiency of the process of writing information is increased. . This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The occurrence condition may be established depending on the internal state of the control means, such as a CPU internal error 41AKC1 or a VDP error interrupt 41AKC2. In this way, when the generation condition corresponding to the internal state of the control means is satisfied, a write process is executed to write information about the electronic component into the storage means, and information about the electronic component including the control means is stored. be able to. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The first occurrence condition can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as CPU internal error 41AKC1, VDP error interrupt 41AKC2, etc., and the second occurrence condition can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means, such as error determination 41AKC3 during production control. This can be satisfied depending on the processing result, and for example, as shown in Figure 11-4 (B), when the first occurrence condition is satisfied, the write processing is given priority over when the second occurrence condition is satisfied. may be executable. In this way, when the first generation condition that can be satisfied depending on the internal state of the control means is satisfied, writing is given priority over the case where the second generation condition that can be satisfied according to the processing result by the control means is satisfied. When the write process is executed, the priority order of the write process is set while avoiding conflicts in the write process of information regarding electronic components. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

When the first occurrence condition or the second occurrence condition is satisfied multiple times, the next condition is set according to execution information indicating that the process of writing information corresponding to the previous condition is being executed, such as the writing flag 41AKF1. The process of writing the corresponding information may be restricted. If the processing for writing information is restricted according to such execution information, processing conflicts can be easily avoided. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

In the write process, the same information may be stored in a plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In this way, by storing the same information in multiple storage areas, the reliability of the information is increased. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The control means performs a process of writing game-related information different from information regarding the plurality of electronic components into the storage means when a write condition different from the generation condition is established, such as a backup process according to the settings 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 writing condition different from the occurrence condition, a variety of information can be stored and managed. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

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

A first output means, such as connectors 19AK152 to 19AK155, which can output control signals for a plurality of electronic components; and a connector 19AK156, which, unlike the first output means, can output a read signal according to information stored in the storage means. The second output means may also be provided. In this way, if the first output means is capable of outputting a control signal and the second output means is capable of outputting a read signal, confusion of output signals can be prevented. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 43AK)
In a gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, which is capable of playing games, power supply to the gaming machine and the control means, such as the performance control microcomputer 19AK120, which is capable of controlling a plurality of electronic components, are stopped. The control means is provided with a storage means such as backup data memory 19AK210A to 19AK210D, which is capable of retaining stored contents even when the writing condition is met, and which is capable of storing information regarding a plurality of electronic components. As a write process for writing information to the storage means, for example, a write process by the memory write processing units 43AKM11 and 43AKM12 can be executed, and when writing the first information corresponding to the first occurrence condition, for example, the backup storage unit When storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas such as 43AKA11 to 43AKA13 and writing second information corresponding to the second occurrence condition, the information is stored in a storage area smaller than the plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage unit 43AKA21. to remember. In this way, by setting up cases where the same information is stored in multiple storage areas and cases where information is stored in a storage area smaller than the multiple storage areas, it is possible to store a variety of information according to information regarding multiple electronic components. Memory takes place. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

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

When the stored information corresponding to the second information is determined to be abnormal, it may be possible to perform initial processing for setting initial information, such as initial value setting by power-on information processing, for example. In this way, since the initial processing for setting the initial information is executed, problems that may occur when it is determined that there is an abnormality are prevented. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The second occurrence condition may be satisfied less frequently than the first occurrence condition, such as a backup condition when setting power saving, for example. In this way, by providing the second occurrence condition that is met less frequently, various types of storage are performed. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The second information may be setting information that can be set by the administrator of the gaming machine, such as power saving setting data, for example. In this way, various types of storage are performed by storing setting information that can be set by the administrator of the gaming machine. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

Connection wiring that connects the control means and the storage means, such as wiring connected to terminals TM03 and TM04 of connector 19AK154 and terminals TM13 and TM14 of connector 19AK220, and terminals TM01 and TM02 of connector 19AK154 and terminal TM11 of connector 19AK220, for example. , TM12, or the like, may be provided with connection confirmation wiring that can confirm the connection state between the control means and the storage means. In this way, by providing the connection confirmation wiring that allows the connection state to be confirmed, the reliability of storage is increased. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

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

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

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 44AK)
A gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, in which a game can be played, includes a first control means capable of controlling a first electronic component, such as a first control unit 44AK10A, and a second control unit 44AK10B, for example. , a second control means capable of controlling a second electronic component, and a second control means capable of retaining memory contents even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and capable of storing information regarding 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 regarding the first control means. A first storage means, such as the first backup storage section 44AK11A, which is possible, and a second storage means, such as the second backup storage section 44AK11B, which is different from the first storage means and is capable of storing information regarding the second control means. including. In this way, unlike the first storage means that can store information regarding the first control means, the second storage means that can store information regarding the second control means is provided, so that various types of storage according to the control means can be provided. will be held. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

When writing information regarding the first control means, it may be possible to execute processing different from that when writing information regarding the second control means, such as processing when a CPU exception event occurs or VDP error interrupt processing. In this way, by executing different processes, various types of storage are performed depending on the control means. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The first storage means is capable of storing information regarding events that occur depending on the first electronic component, such as log information including exceptional event information of the CPU 19AK131, and the second storage means is capable of storing, for example, VDP error interrupt information of the VDP 19AK140. It may be possible to store information regarding events that occur depending on the second electronic component, such as log information. In this way, by storing information regarding events that occur depending on different electronic components, various types of storage are performed depending on the electronic components. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The first control means can be installed on the first performance control board 44AK12A, for example, as a board different from the first storage means, and the second control means can be installed, for example, on the second performance control board 44AK12A, as a board different from the second storage means. It may be possible to install it on the control board 44AK12B or the like. In this way, by installing the control means and the storage means on different boards, maintenance work becomes easy and a flexible device configuration becomes possible. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The first storage means is capable of retaining stored contents using a backup power source, such as when using an SRAM with a battery, and the second storage means is capable of retaining stored contents using a backup power source, such as when using a non-volatile ferroelectric memory. The second storage means may be able to store some of the storage contents in the first storage means. In this way, some of the storage contents in the first storage means are also stored in the second storage means, thereby increasing the reliability of storage. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

For example, the connection wiring connecting the first control means and the second control means and the storage means, such as the wiring connected to the terminals TM03 and TM04 of the connector 19AK154 and the terminals TM13 and TM14 of the connector 19AK220, and the terminal TM01 of the connector 19AK154, for example, It may also include connection confirmation wiring that can confirm the connection state between the first control means and the second control means and the storage means, such as wiring connected to TM02 and the terminals TM11 and TM12 of the connector 19AK220. In this way, by providing the connection confirmation wiring that allows the connection state to be confirmed, the reliability of storage is increased. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

For example, a display means such as an image display device 5 may be provided, and the stored information in the second storage means may be output by display on the display means, for example, when displaying a maintenance history screen. In this way, by outputting the stored information in the form of a display, it becomes easy to confirm the stored contents. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

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

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 45AK)
A gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, that can play games, and includes a control means that can control electronic components, such as a production control microcomputer 19AK120, and a connector that can output control signals, for example. 19AK152 to 19AK155, etc., and the output means is a first connector such as connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, 19AK155, etc., which can output a control signal corresponding to at least a part of the control information based on the lottery result by the control means. The second output means, which is different from the first output means, includes, for example, a connector 19AK154. In this way, by providing the second output means different from the first output means capable of outputting a control signal based on the lottery result, various signals are outputted. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The second output means outputs a control signal within the same board as the first output means through a different route than the first output means, for example when a connector 19AK154 different from the connectors 19AK152, 19AK153, and 19AK155 is installed. It may be possible. In this way, since the control signals are output through different paths, the reliability of outputting various signals is increased. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal according to the control information of the production device, for example, when the connector 19AK152 is designated as one of the test output units 45AKC1 to 45AKC4. In this way, various signals are output by outputting a control signal according to the control information of the presentation device. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The second output means may be capable of outputting a control signal using a different signal method than the first output means, such as a communication method according to output section setting example 45AK01. In this way, various signals are output by outputting control signals of different signal systems. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

A mounting member such as a connector 19AK156, which can mount a connecting means to which a gaming machine inspection device is connected, is provided, and the mounting member may be soldered when the connecting means is not mounted. Such soldering prevents wire breakage due to oxidation or corrosion when not mounted. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The control means is capable of executing, for example, a backup inspection process as an inspection process that outputs inspection information regarding electronic components based on the received information. The test information may be outputtable by different output means. In this way, the test information is output by the output means according to the received information, thereby increasing the flexibility of information output. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

The output means may be capable of outputting information regarding electronic components, such as performance control error data, and game-related information regarding games, such as system data and received command data. In this way, by outputting information regarding electronic components and game-related information regarding games, a variety of information is output. This makes it possible to manage information appropriately.

(Explanation regarding characteristic parts 19AK and 20AK)
FIGS. 11-17 is a flowchart showing an example of backup processing during production control regarding the characteristic parts 19AK and 20AK. FIGS. 11-18 show an example of the configuration and functions regarding the feature parts 19AK and 20AK. In the configuration and functions shown in FIG. 11-18, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, hardware resources including various control boards and software that performs predetermined processing including backup processing during performance control cooperate. It is acceptable if it is possible to do so.

The characteristic sections 19AK and 20AK are provided with a backup storage section 19AKA1 and a backup data buffer 19AKB1. The backup storage unit 19AKA1 can store the entire backup data including various types of log information in response 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 the backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D. The backup data buffer 19AKB1 is provided, for example, in the external RAM 19AK122. Part or all of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be provided in the internal RAM 19AK133.

A target data storage section 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 executing backup restoration processing, etc., and is updated according to the progress of games and performances. Possibly memorized. In this way, when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, it is only necessary 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 includes system data, performance control error data, player history data, received command data, setting value change time data, power saving setting data, and current time change. It is only necessary to include some or all of data, power-off time data, store name setting data, performance output amount data, and performance history data. The backup target data may be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 or the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with, for example, date and time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135. The performance history data may include setting suggestion ratio history information indicating a history of changes in the ratio of setting suggestion performances. The execution rate of the setting suggestion effect can be changed depending on whether the setting value has been changed, the current setting value, the history of previously changed setting values, or a combination of some or all of these. There may be.

The storage contents of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 are written into the backup storage unit 19AKA1 based on the establishment of predetermined write conditions. The backup data buffer 19AKB1 stores specific information based on the log information included in the target range to be stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 and the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before the write condition 1 is satisfied. The difference information is stored. The difference information thus stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 in accordance with the establishment of the write condition.

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

The CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 only needs to be able to realize the various functions provided in the characteristic parts 19AK and 20AK by executing various processes based on programs read from one or both of the external ROM 19AK121 and the internal ROM 19AK132. . For example, by executing power-on information processing in step 19AKS23 of the production control main process, the function of the power-on information processing section 19AKC1 can be realized. For example, by executing the backup process during production control in step 19AKS79 of the production control timer interrupt process, each of the differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2, write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3, and backup data write processing unit 19AKC4 It is possible to realize the function. The functions of the power-on information processing section 19AKC1 and the backup data writing processing section 19AKC4 may be realized by the CPU 19AK131 cooperating with the memory controller 19AK200 of the backup memory board 19AK14.

When the performance control backup process is executed in step 19AKS79 of the performance control timer interrupt process, first, it is determined whether the writing start condition is satisfied (step 19AKS101 in FIGS. 11-17). The write start condition may be determined in advance as a start condition for the process of writing backup data into the backup storage unit 19AKA1. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether a write start condition is satisfied according to the updated 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 satisfied 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 transfer of the difference information from the difference stack 20AKB11 to the write buffer 20AKB12 is completed. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the write start condition is satisfied when a predetermined period of 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 the differential update condition is satisfied (Step 19AKS102). The difference update condition may be determined in advance as an execution condition for the process of updating the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not a differential update condition is satisfied, depending on the update state of the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the differential update condition is satisfied every time the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is updated. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the differential update condition is satisfied when the amount of data to be updated among the stored data in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 reaches a specific amount of data. Alternatively, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the differential update condition is satisfied every time a predetermined time elapses, regardless of the storage content of the target data storage unit 19AKM1. In addition, the differential update condition may be set so that it can be established at a predetermined timing in accordance with 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 differential update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS102; Yes), differential stack update processing is executed (step 19AKS103). The CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 executes the differential stack update process to enable the differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2 to update the storage contents of the differential stack 20AKB11. The differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2 identifies log information newly written to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 as differential information as the games and effects progress in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores it in the differential stack 20AKB11. Just remember it. 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 becomes differential information that is different from the log information stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 before the first write condition was satisfied. Note that if the backup data in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 stored at power-on is controlled so as not to be updated after power-on, the newly generated log information is directly stored as difference information in the difference stack 20AKB11. It may be memorized.

If the differential update condition is not satisfied (step 19AKS102; No), or after the differential stack update process in step 19AKS103 is executed, it is determined whether the buffer update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS104). The buffer update condition may be determined in advance as an execution condition for the process of updating the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine whether or not a buffer update condition is satisfied, depending on the update state of the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. In this case, the CPU 19AK131 may determine that the buffer update condition is satisfied 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 is satisfied when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the difference information was stored in the difference stack 20AKB11.

If the buffer update condition is not satisfied (step 19 AKS104; No), the backup process during production control is ended. If the buffer update condition is satisfied (step 19AKS104; Yes), write buffer update processing is executed (step 19AKS105), and then the backup processing during production control is ended. By executing the write buffer update process, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 transfers the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 to the write buffer 20AKB12 by the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 and temporarily stores it. Make me remember. The write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 replaces the difference stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12, thereby causing the difference stack 20AKB11 before replacement to function as the post-replacement write buffer 20AKB12, and replaces the write buffer 20AKB12 before replacement. It may function as the later differential stack 20AKB11.

When the backup process is executed during production control, if the write start condition is satisfied (step 19AKS101; No), a buffer write prohibition setting is performed (step 19AKS106). The buffer write prohibition setting is a setting for prohibiting writing of data to the differential stack 20AKB11 and write buffer 20AKB12 provided in the backup data buffer 19AKB1. By setting the buffer write prohibition in step 19AKS106, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the write buffer 20AKB12 is Updating of stored difference information is prohibited. In addition, during a period in which the differential information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is not updated, the process of writing the differential information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is performed. becomes executable. In this manner, by prohibiting updates 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, backup data write start setting is performed (step 19AKS107). For example, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 transmits a backup command for backup during production control to the backup memory board 19AK14. In the backup memory board 19AK14, the memory controller 19AK200 responds to a backup command for backup during production control and permits writing of data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

Following the writing start setting in step 19AKS107, backup data writing processing is executed (step 19AKS108). By executing the backup data writing process, the CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 causes the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 to transfer 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 data indicating the difference information transferred from the production 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 the backup data writing process is executed in step 19AKS108, it is determined whether the writing is complete (step 19AKS109). The CPU 19AK131 of the production control microcomputer 19AK120 may determine that writing is complete each time one block of data is transferred and written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. If writing is not completed (step 19AKS109; No), the backup data writing process in step 19AKS108 may be repeatedly executed.

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

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

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

FIG. 11-19 shows an example of state transition regarding writing of backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. The characteristic parts 19AK and 20AK can transition to a plurality of states related to writing backup data, such as a writing completion state 19AKD1, a writing start state 19AKD2, and a writing in progress state 19AKD3. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the pachinko game machine 1 is in a state 19AKD1 in which writing of backup data to the backup storage unit 19AKA1 is completed.

If the writing start condition is satisfied in step 19AKS101 of the backup process during production control when the writing is in the writing completion state 19AKD1, the writing is in the writing start state 19AKD2. In the write start state 19AKD2, the buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106, so that writing of data to the backup data buffer 19AKB1 including the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 is prohibited. Thereafter, in step 19AKS107, the backup data write start setting is performed, resulting in an unconditional transition to a writing state 19AKD3.

In the writing state 19AKD3, the backup data writing process of step 19AKS108 is executed in the backup process during production control, so that the backup data writing processing unit 19AKC4 writes the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12. Write to the backup storage unit 19AKA1. When the writing is completed in step 19AKS109, if it is not the final block in step 19AKS110, the state returns to the writing start state 19AKD2 as a transition before the final block due to the completion of writing. In this case, the backup data write start setting is performed again in step 19AKS107, resulting in a writing state 19AKD3.

If writing is completed in step 19AKS109 of the backup process during production control when the writing is in progress 19AKD3, if it is the final block in step 19AKS110, the backup data is stored in step 19AKS111. By setting the write end and setting buffer write permission in step 19AKS112, the state 19AKD1 of write completion is entered as a transition at the time of the final block due to the completion of writing.

When the writing is completed in the state 19AKD1, for example, if the differential update condition in step 19AKS102 is satisfied in the backup process during production control, the differential stack update process in step 19AKS103 is executed, so that the differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2 executes the differential stack update process in step 19AKS103. , the storage of difference information in the difference stack 20AKB11 is updated. In addition, when the write is completed in the state 19AKD1, if the buffer update condition in step 19AKS104 is satisfied, the write buffer update process in step 19AKS105 is executed, so that the write buffer update processing unit 19AKC3 processes the differential stack. The difference information stored in 20AKB11 is stored in write buffer 20AKB12. Thereafter, by passing through the writing start state 19AKD2 and then entering the writing state 19AKD3, the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 can be written to the backup storage unit 19AKA1.

In the characteristic sections 19AK and 20AK, based on the fact that the write start condition is satisfied once, the data written to the backup storage section 19AKA1 is not all the data to be backed up, but is the data that is not yet stored in the backup storage section 19AKA1. The data will show differential information that does not exist. After reading the backup data from the backup storage unit 19AKA1 to the target data storage unit 19AKM1 and restoring upon the start of power supply, if all data is to be written and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 as log information etc. is updated, The processing load for writing data becomes excessive, and for example, data writing may not be completed during performance control backup processing in response to one timer interruption. In this case, if data is written over multiple timer interrupts, new log information etc. may be updated before the data writing is completed, or the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 may be stopped. There is a possibility that inconsistency in stored contents may occur due to occurrence of power outage. Furthermore, due to the excessive processing load of writing data, there is a risk that delays or defects may occur in processing related to control of effects. Therefore, by writing 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 performance.

When the backup target data includes received command data, the storage data in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is updated every time a production control command is received from the main board 11. The received command data may be stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in combination with, for example, date and time information acquired from the RTC of the timer circuit 19AK135. In this way, the process of writing and storing all of the stored data in the target data storage section 19AKM1 in the backup storage section 19AKA1, which is updated every time an effect control command is received, may be executed. In this case, when the pachinko game machine 1 has been in operation for a long time beyond the range that can be verified at the test stage before shipping, the capacity of the data to be backed up including the received command data increases. Therefore, the processing load for writing and storing the stored data in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 in the backup storage unit 19AKA1 becomes excessive, and problems such as processing failure are likely to occur. On the other hand, in the characteristic units 19AK and 20AK, the difference information specified using the stored data of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 of the backup data buffer 19AKB1 and the write buffer 20AKB12. The difference information stored in is written to and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1. As a result, even after a long operating period, information can be stored appropriately by reducing the processing load for storing backup target data, preventing problems such as processing failures.

For example, the differential stack update processing unit 19AKC2 executes a process of specifying differential information to be stored in the differential stack 20AKB11. The processing speed of the process of identifying the difference information may decrease, for example, when the usage rate of the CPU 19AK131 in the production control microcomputer 19AK120 increases. On the other hand, in the full backup process in which all of the data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1 is written and stored in the backup storage unit 19AKA1, the rate at which the processing time is insufficient increases as the amount of stored data increases. Therefore, the occurrence rate of a problem in which the processing speed for specifying difference information is reduced can be lower than that of a problem in which the processing time for full backup processing 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 becomes excessive in full backup processing, and a shortage of processing time frequently occurs. On the other hand, since the process of identifying the difference information only needs to be executed in accordance with the update of the backup data stored in the target data storage unit 19AKM1, the processing speed is unlikely to decrease even if the amount of data increases. In this way, by executing the process of specifying 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, problems such as processing failures can be avoided by reducing the processing load. This allows information to be stored appropriately.

The backup storage section 19AKA1 and the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be configured to be able to be combined with some or all of the feature sections 41AK to 45AK. For example, the backup storage section 19AKA1 may be configured as a plurality of backup storage sections 41AKA1 to 41AKA3 regarding the characteristic section 41AK. Further, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 may be configured as a backup data buffer 41AKB1 regarding the feature section 41AK. In this case, the difference information stored in the write buffer 20AKB12 may be stored by being copied and written to a plurality of backup storage areas in the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3. In the backup process during production control, it is sufficient if the same difference information can be written and stored in a plurality of backup storage areas by the backup data write processing unit 19AKC4 by executing the backup data write process in step 19AKS108.

Even in such a configuration, the backup data write process in step 19AKS108 can be executed after the buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106. Then, in response to the fact that it is the final block in step 19AKS110, buffer write permission setting is performed in step 19AKS112. In this way, by being able to execute the backup data writing process after the buffer write prohibition setting is performed, the data including the differential stack 20AKB11 and the write buffer 20AKB12 can be stored until writing to multiple backup storage areas is completed. Updating of differential information stored in the backup data buffer 19AKB1 is prohibited. Even when writing to and storing in multiple backup storage areas, processing to identify differential information is executed and data indicating less differential information than the entire data to be backed up is written, reducing processing time. By enabling writing to a plurality of backup storage areas in response to one timer interrupt, the accuracy of stored contents is increased and information can be stored appropriately.

When the buffer write prohibition setting is performed in step 19AKS106 of the backup process during production control, the backup data buffer 19AKB1 prohibits writing of data to the write buffer 20AKB12, while writing data to the difference buffer 20AKB11. may be set so as not to be 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 for identifying the difference information is executed, and the difference information stored in the difference stack 20AKB11 is stored in the difference stack 20AKB11. Can be updated. In this way, by making it possible to write data to the difference stack 20AKB11, the difference information is less likely to increase, so that problems such as processing failures are prevented by reducing the processing load for specifying the difference information, and the data indicating the difference information is The reliability of information is increased and information can be stored appropriately.

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 19AK)
A gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1 that can play games, for example, backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D that can be written to by a control means such as the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. 19AKA1, and a temporary storage means such as a backup data buffer 19AKB1 of an external RAM 19AK122 or an internal RAM 19AK133, which can store information to be written in the storage means, and the control means, for example, during production control in step 19AKS79. Based on the establishment of write conditions such as backup processing, it is possible to execute a specific write process of writing the memory contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means, and as the specific write process, for example, the differential stack update process of step 19AKS103 and step 19AKS105 write buffer update processing, etc., the difference information is created 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 the first write condition is satisfied. Execute a process including a temporary storage process of specifying and storing it in the temporary storage means, and a difference write process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means to the storage means, such as the backup data write process of step 19AKS108. It is possible. In this way, by temporarily storing the identified difference information and then writing it to the storage means, the processing time for storing the information can be shortened and the accuracy of the stored information can be increased. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

During the execution of the difference writing 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 write process, stored information is protected and accuracy is increased. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

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

For example, the storage contents of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be restored by the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23, and the storage information in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and restored when power supply is started. You can. In this way, by being able to recover at the start of power supply, it becomes easier to effectively utilize stored information and manage history. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

The storage means is capable of storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, and stores the difference information in the temporary storage means until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by the difference writing process. Update of information may be prohibited. In this way, by being able to store the same information in multiple storage areas, it increases the accuracy of verification in the event of an error and prohibits updating of differential information until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. This protects the information stored and increases its accuracy. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

(Explanation regarding problem solving means and effects of characteristic part 20AK)
A gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1 that can play games, for example, backup data memories 19AK210A to 19AK210D that can be written to by a control means such as the CPU 19AK131 of the performance control microcomputer 19AK120. 19AKA1, and a temporary storage means such as a backup data buffer 19AKB1 of an external RAM 19AK122 or an internal RAM 19AK133, which can store information to be written in the storage means, and the control means, for example, during production control in step 19AKS79. Based on the establishment of write conditions such as backup processing, it is possible to execute a specific write process of writing the memory contents of the temporary storage means to the storage means, and as the specific write process, for example, the differential stack update process of step 19AKS103 and step 19AKS105 write buffer update processing, etc., the difference information is created 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 the first write condition is satisfied. Execute a process including a temporary storage process of specifying and storing it in the temporary storage means, and a difference write process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means to the storage means, such as the backup data write process of step 19AKS108. The temporary storage means includes a first storage area, such as a difference stack 20AKB11, which can store difference information that has not yet been written to the storage means, and a first storage area, such as a write buffer 20AKB12, that can store difference information that is to be written to the storage means. a memorizable second storage area. In this way, by storing the identified difference information in the temporary storage means and then writing it to the storage means, the processing time for storing the information is shortened and the accuracy of the stored information is increased. By including the area and the second storage area, the reliability of the difference information is increased. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

During the execution of the difference writing 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 write process, stored information is protected and accuracy is increased. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

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

For example, the storage contents of the target data storage unit 19AKM1 can be restored by the power-on information processing in step 19AKS23, and the storage information in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means and restored when power supply is started. You can. In this way, by being able to recover at the start of power supply, it becomes easier to effectively utilize stored information and manage history. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

The storage means is capable of storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas, such as the backup storage units 41AKA1 to 41AKA3, and stores the difference information in the temporary storage means until writing to the plurality of storage areas is completed by the difference writing process. Update of information may be prohibited. In this way, by being able to store the same information in multiple storage areas, it increases the accuracy of verification in the event of an error and prohibits updating of differential information until writing to multiple storage areas is completed. This protects the information stored and increases its accuracy. Therefore, information can be stored appropriately.

1... Pachinko gaming 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,
storage means writable by the control means;
temporary storage means capable of storing information to be written in the storage means in response to the occurrence of an event accompanying the progress of a game or performance ;
Equipped with
The control means includes:
A specific write process for writing the memory contents of the temporary storage means into the storage means can be executed based on the establishment of a write condition,
As the specific write process,
In response to the occurrence of an event accompanying the progress of a game or performance, first information included in the target range to be stored in the storage means, and first information stored in the storage means before the first writing condition is satisfied. 2 information, a temporary storage process of specifying the difference information and storing it in the temporary storage means;
a difference writing process of writing the difference information stored in the temporary storage means into the storage means;
It is possible to perform processing including
The specific write process can be executed within a timer interrupt process that is performed every time a predetermined time elapses,
Within the timer interrupt process, after the control process related to the performance is performed, the specific write process can be executed as the last process,
When power supply is started, the information stored in the storage means can be read out to the temporary storage means for recovery;
The storage means is capable of storing the same information in a plurality of storage areas,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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